About the Programme
This intensive programme is designed to develop the next generation of bespoke fashion makers, as they create a luxury capsule collection, combining world-class artisanal expertise, sustainable design, and a commitment to responsible craftsmanship.
Open to graduates in fashion and textiles, the eight-month residential fellowship will be based at an immersive studio environment at Dumfries House. Fellows will be immersed in the complete creative journey—designing, handcrafting, and marketing their work – culminating in the creation of a luxury capsule collection.
At the heart of this new programme lies a dedication to the sustainable evolution of luxury. Fellows will explore the creative interface between skills, materials, making, and design, developing expertise in areas including handcrafting, sewing, pattern drafting, and quality control.
The fellowship will be delivered by expert artisans and tutors at The King’s Foundation, with mentorship and guidance from CHANEL and le19M. This new programme follows the successful launch of the inaugural Metiers d’Art Embroidery Fellowship in January 2023 and the recent extension to a Métiers d’Art Millinery Fellowship, both based at The King’s Foundation Highgrove training facility in Gloucestershire.
This programme is fully funded, and students will also receive a bursary to support their cost of living during the training period.
Programme Aim
To foster traditional craftsmanship for the modern world nurturing responsible makers equipped for the future of luxury production.
Programme Structure
Commencing in January 2026, the programme is divided into three stages, combining technical training, collaborative production, and independent professional practice.
- Stage 1: Design and Technical Development (12 weeks)
- Stage 2: Collection Production (12 weeks)
- Stage 3: Exploration & Consolidation (11 weeks)
Design Brief
Students will be working to an existing design brief and the over-arching focus of the course will be on luxury production skills. The brief will draw inspiration from heritage handcraft skills, historic and contemporary sources, and the relationship between luxury and the natural world.
Fellowship Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will:
- Master advanced technical skills in luxury production
- Gain experience in team-based small production runs for the luxury fashion sector
- Receive international industry exposure through collaboration with world-leading luxury partners
- Produce both a capsule collection as a team and an individual showcase garment at luxury standard
- Build a professional portfolio and profile ready to launch into the luxury fashion industry
Location
The Fellowship will take place at The King’s Foundation headquarters at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, Scotland. Students are required to relocate to Scotland for the duration of the programme. There will be some overnight travel required as part of the programme.
Dumfries House is approximately a 30-minute drive from Ayr or Kilmarnock, with bus routes available to the estate’s outskirts. Please note that travelling by public transport will also require a short walk of around 20 minutes to reach the Textile Centre location.
Nearby towns such as Cumnock, Auchinleck, New Cumnock, or Ochiltree may also provide accommodation options. Access to a car may be beneficial for those living in more remote locations.
Glasgow is another option, located around one hour by car. Trains and buses are available, but services may be limited. The nearest train station is Auchinleck.
Students are expected to arrange their own accommodation for the programme, although The King’s Foundation will endeavour to support and guide students in their search.
How to apply
Who can apply?
This programme is open to recent graduates (within the last 3 years) from Degree level courses in the following areas:
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Technology
- Tailoring / Pattern Cutting
Selection criteria for interview
We are looking for motivated individuals with excellent technical sewing skills, a clear understanding of translation of 2D design to 3D pattern, creative application of design to finished garment, attention to detail and fine finishing and the ambition to develop a career in luxury garment making to support the growth of the UK fashion industry.
How to apply
Applicants are required to complete:
- Digital application form
- 2-minute video introduction
- Short written submission
- Digital portfolio
Video submission
Applicants should submit a short video (maximum 2 minutes) introducing themselves, their practice, and their personality. The video should summarise your application and explain why you are motivated to undertake an intensive training programme in luxury garment manufacturing.
Please talk through a key piece from your portfolio, reflecting on technical process, design development, and creative influences. We would also like you to outline areas of technical skill and design that you would like to develop, and how you feel this programme could support your career development.
Tips for recording:
– Record on a phone or laptop in a well-lit, quiet environment
– Face the camera directly
– Use notes only as prompts, not a script
– Relax and let your personality come through
Videos should be submitted as an MPEG 4 file via WeTransfer using this link (or by sending to future.textiles@kings-foundation.org)
Please ensure your name is in the title of the video and mark your email ‘Atelier Fellowship’.
Written submission
Please include a short-written piece that shares with us your perspective on luxury craftsmanship. This could reference a designer, collection, or garment that inspires you. Please explain:
- Why you have chosen this example
- How you would interpret its qualities in your own practice
- How you might translate these ideas through silhouette, movement, colour, texture, and material
Portfolio submission
Your portfolio should include 15 pages showcasing your inspiration, creative process, technical skills, and final projects.
We would like to see:
- Research and design development (mood boards, drawings, influences)
- Work in progress, prototypes, and samples
- Finished garments demonstrating precision and finish
- A clear visual identity that reflects your personal style
- Annotations to explain your work, inspirations, and decision-making
We are particularly interested in how your work has progressed over time and how you approach problem-solving in design and making.
Application deadline: 1pm, Friday 14th November 2025
Apply using the online application form.
Videos should be submitted as an MPEG 4 file via WeTransfer via WeTransfer using this link (or by sending to: future.textiles@kings-foundation.org)
Please ensure your name is in the title of the video and mark your email ‘Atelier Fellowship’.
Shortlisting and interviews
A shortlist of candidates will be selected by a panel of The King’s Foundation directors and managers. This shortlist will then be reviewed by luxury industry partners, who will invite selected applicants to interview. If successful for interview candidates will be notified approximately one week beforehand.
Interview location: Dumfries House, Dumfries House Estate, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Date: 26th – 28th November 2025
Interview format:
- A 30-minute portfolio presentation to include showcasing 5 garments.
- A tour of the studios
- A Q&A session with the panel
The interview panel will consist of tutors and staff from The King’s Foundation, alongside representatives from Le19M.
