Fashion Means Business

Spitalfields Market

Services:

Exhibition Design
Production
Creative direction

This project was a dynamic collaboration between London College of Fashion and Old Spitalfields Market as part of Fashion Means Business 19. The three-day public programme brought together industry, education, and innovation - exploring the evolving landscape of fashion through a series of interactive workshops, talks, and digital experiences.

We were commissioned to design and deliver the full spatial and technical concept for the event, transforming the historic market into an engaging, multi-functional environment.

At the heart of the scheme was a striking central stage structure - conceived as a vertical “tower” that remained visible from both market entrances. This acted as a focal point for the event, hosting talks, panel discussions, and live workshops, while also drawing visitors through the space.

Our approach to space planning reimagined the existing layout of Spitalfields Market. Working with the iconic timber stalls originally designed by Foster + Partners, we developed a strategy of adaptive reuse - repositioning them into a series of clustered “islands” that defined distinct zones for workshops, exhibitions, and interaction. This not only maximised functionality but also maintained a strong connection to the market’s architectural identity.

These reconfigured stalls were further enhanced with integrated digital elements, including interactive screens that supported the programme’s educational and immersive aims. In collaboration with Studio LP, we designed a system of bespoke banners that seamlessly fitted within the existing stall structures, adding a cohesive visual language across the event.

In addition to the spatial design, we delivered the full technical infrastructure for the event, including temporary internet installation and the commissioning of a large-scale projection mapping feature. This digital layer activated the space, creating moments of spectacle and reinforcing the forward-thinking nature of the programme.