Lulu Kennedy, the influential founder and director of the talent incubator Fashion East, captivated attendees at the GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 with a masterclass titled “Incubating Talent: Supporting The Next Generation.” Known for her transformative impact on British fashion, Kennedy has launched the careers of over 200 designers, including industry heavyweights like Kim Jones, Simone Rocha, and JW Anderson, while shaping the cultural and creative landscape of London.

Since establishing Fashion East in 2000, Kennedy has become a prominent figure for discovering and supporting young creatives, earning recognition as an MBE in 2012 for her dedication to the fashion industry. Beyond its role as an incubator, Fashion East also operates as a creative agency, partnering on innovative projects that span fashion, art, and culture, helping young designers showcase their work in retail spaces, fashion weeks, and standalone events.

With experience as a former Editor at Large for Love magazine, Kennedy is celebrated for her bold, unconventional approach and for being a regular on industry power lists. In her GTCO Fashion Weekend session, she offered insights on nurturing emerging talent and the importance of building communities that allow creativity to flourish. She emphasized the power of mentorship, saying, “The next generation is filled with ideas that can redefine the industry—our role is to support them and create platforms for their voices to be heard.”

The masterclass resonated with fashion enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering inspiration and practical advice on building sustainable careers in the fashion industry. Kennedy’s commitment to cultivating talent has made her a beacon for the next wave of designers, as she continues to open doors for creative voices in the industry.