On-demand tailoring business, The Seam, has been awarded the grand prize by the Circular Fashion Innovator’s Fund (CFIF) for its outstanding innovation and commitment to sustainability. The CFIF, supported by eBay UK and the British Fashion Council (BFC), has granted The Seam £10,000 to help accelerate its growth.
Founder and CEO of The Seam, Layla Sargent, expressed gratitude for the funding and outlined their plans to enhance the company’s data and insight capabilities. The goal is to promote behavioral change within the industry by informing consumers about the carbon savings and increased resale value associated with repairing pre-loved garments. Additionally, insights will be used to educate brands about the lifecycle of their products, encouraging greater circularity.
The CFIF initiative aims to support small businesses that offer sustainable fashion solutions and help them expand their operations. By introducing new technologies and services to the market, the objective is to encourage consumers to think and shop differently. Since its launch in December, the CFIF has already granted £100,000 of funding to six businesses, including the social fashion rental app By Rotation and the Circular Textiles Foundation. These recipients have also received mentorship from industry leaders.
The unique aspect of The Seam is its on-demand tailoring service, which provides easy access to clothing alterations and repairs through technology. With over 10,000 repairs already completed, the company also offers white-labelled care and repair services to fashion retailers.
Lucy Peacock, Head of Pre-loved at eBay UK, praised The Seam as pioneers of circular fashion and a source of inspiration for the industry. Peacock emphasized the importance of supporting The Seam’s growth and highlighted eBay UK’s commitment to using their industry expertise and connections to assist more businesses in the circular economy. eBay UK has already observed a 24% increase in new circular fashion businesses listing on their platform.
The recognition and grant from the CFIF are a testament to The Seam’s dedication to sustainable practices and its innovative approach to transforming the fashion industry. With this support, The Seam is positioned to solidify its position as a leader in circular fashion, making significant contributions to a more environmentally-conscious and responsible future.
Useful links:
1. The Seam website
2. Circular Fashion Innovator’s Fund website
