FMR Foundations Programme
The FMR Foundations programme is an in-person 6 week curriculum for young people aged 16-25 years old who have an interest in levelling up their understanding of the fashion industry, but also for those with a passion or interest in the field who don’t quite know where to begin their journey.
Delivered by the Fashion Minority Report CIC with the support of our partner, the ASOS Foundation, attendees will learn about the fashion industry through a series of informative industry led talks, hands on research based activities and field trips to the studios of our industry partners over six consecutive weeks.
Aimed at emerging talent from underrepresented communities, we understand the need for resources that expand access and opportunity, which allow you to develop industry-ready skills, and fosters community and collaboration.
Read on to find out more about the curriculum and how you can join one of three cohorts across the country!
Our Curriculum
Across five practical workshops, you’ll explore how a collection moves from initial inspiration to the customer. You’ll develop your ideas, explore their commercial potential, create marketing content and consider how the collection comes to life in a retail environment.
You’ll finish by presenting your collection launch proposal, showing how your ideas have developed from initial inspiration through to the shop floor.
Sessions are taught by an experienced tutor, who will guide your process alongside industry professionals from within the FMR network.
Product Design & development
Create a collection mood board and develop a product range.
Buying & Merchandising
Explore trends, your target customer and the commercial thinking behind the collection.
Marketing & Storytelling
Develop a campaign concept and create social media content to bring your collection to life.
Retail & Customer Experience
Consider how your collection will be presented to customers and brought to life in a retail environment.
Programme Locations and Dates
Cohort two of FMR Foundations will be hosted in London, Manchester and Nottingham, starting on January 16th 2027 in each location. Please read on to find out the dates for the curriculum.
Cohort 2 Dates
- Applications Open: November 2nd
- Applications Close: December 9th
- Session One: January 16th
- Session Two: January 23rd
- Session Three: January 30th
- Session Four: February 6th
- Session Five: February 13th
- Session Six: February 20th
Weekly Timings: Sessions take place between 10am-2pm each week (including a 30 minute lunch break)
How to Secure Your Space?
Please read on to understand our student requirements before you complete the application form below.
Student Entry Requirements
As with all of our programmes, FMR Foundations is aimed at a diverse pool of talent, in particular, those who come from underrepresented communities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Identify as being from a lower socio economic background OR
- Have received free school meals OR
- Identify as being from a marginalised community i.e. ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, have a disability etc
Please note that this programme is intended for people aged 16-25 years old, and you will be required to provide proof of age if you are accepted onto the programme.
Application Guidance
- Consider what drives your passion to work in the fashion industry and illustrate that throughout the form. Go bigger than “I want to work in fashion because I like clothes…” and think about the why, how and what, that inspires you to pursue a career in fashion.
- Keep your answers concise, but consider how you can inject some of your personality into it. It’s a great opportunity for us to get a sense of who you are, and what you bring to the table.
- Explain why participating in this programme in particular will help you on your journey to being in the fashion industry.
Please download the application questions here to hep you prepare your answers.