PROJECTS & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
At S.H.A.C.E., we are committed to empowering underrepresented and disadvantaged creatives by opening doors to mainstream and commercial opportunities. Through our tailored training programs, one-on-one mentorship, and direct industry connections, we equip participants with the practical skills and professional confidence they need to pitch, produce, and profit from their work. From community workshops that build foundational expertise to commissioned projects with commercial partners, we create pathways for emerging talents to move seamlessly from the studio into the wider fashion, costume, and creative markets.
THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
We are currently partnering with the Natural History Museum to deliver a series of “Redefining Fashion: Future Threads” workshops, designed especially for young people in the local community.
In collaboration with NHM scientist Krisztina Lohonya, Melissa Simon-Hartman leads hands-on sessions that teach inventive upcycling and textile-manipulation techniques using recycled Levi’s jeans rescued from landfill.
Drawing inspiration from natural NHM specimens, like moss, shells, and butterflies, participants learn to translate these organic forms into fabric textures and embellishments. Their creations will then contribute to a culminating fashion editorial piece that celebrates sustainable design and scientific discovery.
We are excited to partner with an established carnival band for Miami Carnival 2025, creating a bespoke costume section that spotlights UK talent on an international stage.
Under Melissa Simon-Hartman’s creative direction and design, a select group of emerging costume makers from S.H.A.C.E. will collaborate directly on production, learning professional standards, managing timelines, and executing high-impact designs.
Each participant will receive a commission for their contributions, gaining invaluable commercial experience and showcasing their workmanship alongside seasoned carnival artisans. This initiative not only expands our students’ portfolios but also cements S.H.A.C.E.’s reputation for nurturing global creative excellence.
MIAMI CARNIVAL 2025
SOMALI VOICES ENABLED
In partnership with Somali Voices Enabled, a charity providing a safe space for Somali women and young ladies who have endured trauma from war, displacement, prejudice, and domestic abuse, S.H.A.C.E. delivered bespoke sewing workshops.
Sponsored by the UKCCA, which generously donated dead-stock fabric for the project, the sessions were led by mentor Remeaise Irish-Downes, teaching beginner sewing skills, alongside visiting tutorials by Melissa Simon-Hartman on intermediate sewing techniques.
Together, the group upcycled and transformed a donated dress which was worn by a flag bearer at the Commonwealth anniversary ceremony in London, March 2025. Through this collaboration, participants gained practical garment-making abilities and newfound confidence in their creative skills.