Trinity Leeds launches innovative sustainable retail concept ‘Re:Pair Lab’

An innovative new sustainable fashion concept from Trinity Leeds will see up-and-coming designers showcased alongside local fashion brands and second-hand sellers this summer.

Re:Pair Lab is a new initiative from Trinity Leeds owner Landsec, partnering with Leeds Beckett University and Wayne Hemingway – co-founder of HemingwayDesign, who have been at the forefront of bringing sustainable retail concepts into the mainstream, such as the Charity Super.Mkt initiative.

Launching on Thursday June 13th, Re:Pair Lab is an initiative promoting sustainability, creativity, and community. Over the 12-week pop up, it will feature rotating residencies from Leeds fashion students, local designers and fashion businesses, who will collaborate with charity retailer Emmaus to repair and transform clothing that would otherwise end up in landfill, into new garments and collections.

The in-house designers will also sell their own creations, alongside curated rails from second-hand and sustainable sellers from Leeds who will have the chance to build upon their online success on websites such as DePop and Vinted with a physical presence. Second-hand online sellers can apply now for the chance to have their own space at Re:Pair Lab by contacting events@hemingwaydesign.co.uk before 28th June.

Re:Pair LAB has been designed to support Leeds-based creatives and small businesses by providing a platform to test out ideas without the stresses of significant financial investment. Re:Pair LAB is a physical space for up-and-coming designers and sustainable businesses to innovate, collaborate, and thrive.

Hands-on creative workshops will also be held to educate and empower guests to learn DIY techniques for altering and upcycling clothing for themselves.

The first rotation will run from June 13th to July 4th and will include local talent Wanner Label, Alice D Designs, Tomo and Trad Collective, plus a curated selection of clothing from charity partner Emmaus.

The exciting new concept follows research from Landsec which found that guests are actively looking to engage with more about sustainable retail concepts and are prioritising local brands.*

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We are always listening and adapting to what guests want to see here at Trinity Leeds, and our research proves there is a clear demand for a service like this with sustainability at its heart, which also gives us the opportunity to collaborate with local creatives and shine a light on the talent we have right here in Leeds.”

Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director of Fashion at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Leeds Beckett Fashion is delighted to support the Re:Pair Lab initiative as an educational partner. As the most connected and dynamic fashion course in the city, we bring our creative energy to this project through involvement from our students, emerging and established designers with a sustainable ethos, and businesses such as vintage resellers, launched by our Professor of Fashion, Matty Bovan.

“Re:Pair Lab aligns with our commitment to celebrate and retain fashion talent in Leeds and its region. The initiative also furthers our allegiance to sustainable fashion design education. Re:Pair Lab is a pivotal opportunity for our students to test-bed the marketability of their collections and host workshops to demonstrate simple repair and upcycling methods that can be done at home, sharing skills and amplifying the slow fashion message. It’s a joy to bring together this Leeds-centric melting pot of creative fashion talent!”

Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of Hemingway Design, said: “Re:Pair Lab gives designer makers and second-hand sellers a place to ‘have a go’ in a collaborative space in a high footfall, popular city centre location, whilst pairing designer-makers with brilliant local charities to repair and remake second-hand items, and creating a vibrant community hub through free workshops and events. This is purposeful, modern city centre retail at its most meaningful.”

The launch of Re:Pair Lab will be held on Thursday, June 13th from 5pm to 8pm, and is open to the public. A free t-shirt upcycling workshop will be held where guests can learn upcycling techniques, whilst getting a sneak peek of the collections presented by the first round of resident designers and sustainable sellers.

Re:Pair Lab will be located at Trinity Leeds from June 13th until September 8th, on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 7pm, and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.