About the Programme
This intensive programme is designed to develop the next generation of fashion makers, as they create a capsule collection, combining world-class artisanal expertise, sustainable design, and a commitment to craftsmanship.
Building on The King’s Foundation’s collaborations with international leaders in luxury fashion and craftsmanship, the programme offers graduates the opportunity to train to couture-level standards in an immersive studio environment.
The programme will be delivered by expert artisans and tutors at The King’s Foundation, with mentorship and guidance from CHANEL and le19M. Students will gain exclusive access to expertise, mentorship, and studio practice throughout the programme. Training will focus on the precision, craftsmanship, and collaboration required to work with luxury fabrics, couture-level finishes, and team-based batch production.
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to the sustainable evolution of luxury. Students will explore the creative interface between skills, materials, making, and design, developing expertise in areas including handcrafting, precision sewing, construction, and quality control. The goal is to foster traditional craftsmanship for the modern world, nurturing responsible makers equipped for the future of luxury production.
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 train and inspire the next generation of luxury garment makers, building the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to support the growth of sustainable, heritage-driven fashion manufacturing in the UK.
Programme Structure
The programme is divided into three stages, combining technical training, collaborative production, and independent professional practice.
Stage 1: Design and Technical Development (12 weeks)
Students will focus on building their technical skillset in garment construction, with an emphasis on outerwear and dresses. They will explore luxury fabric handling, specialist finishes, and precision techniques, undertaking firsthand and secondary source research to inform the design of the Fellowship’s collaborative micro-collection. Fellows will also undertake an immersive week at Paloma in Paris, drawing on the extensive savoir-faire of CHANEL and the le19M network.
Stage 2: Collection Production (12 weeks)
Students will work as a team to produce the capsule collection, concentrating on speed, accuracy, and hand craft finishes applying the skills gained in Stage 1 to batch production processes.
Stage 3: Exploration & Consolidation (11 weeks)
The final stage focuses on professional practice. Students will design and construct a complex showcase of garments to luxury standards that demonstrates their personal design and technical strengths. They will complete the programme by preparing for a final presentation including a photoshoot and exhibition. This stage consolidates technical mastery and supports students to build a portfolio that reflects both collaborative and individual achievements.
Design Brief
Students will be working on a design brief agreed by all partners, developing a modern and refined capsule collection that reflects the values and standards of luxury garment craftmanship. 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 garment production
- Gain experience in team-based batch production 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.
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
We are looking for motivated individuals with strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ambition to develop a career in luxury garment manufacturing.
International Applicants
The King’s Foundation is unable to sponsor visa applications for participants on The CHANEL & The King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Fellowship in partnership with le19m.
Applicants must already hold the legal right to study in the UK before applying for the programme. Fellowship applicants will be asked for evidence of their current visa status before we are able to procced with their application.
How to apply
Applicants are required to complete our online application form, which includes:
- Personal statement
- Written submission
- Digital portfolio
- Video profile
Written submission
On the online application form, you will be asked to 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
Digital portfolio
Your portfolio should include 15 pages showcasing your inspiration, creative process, technical skills, and final projects. You will be asked to upload this as part of the online application form.
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.
Video profile
Applicants should submit a short video (maximum two 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 to: future.textiles@kings-foundation.org
Please ensure your name is in the title of the video and mark your email ‘Atelier Fellowship’.
Application deadline
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.
Interview location: Dumfries House, Scotland
Interview format:
- A 30-minute portfolio presentation to include showcasing 5 garments.
- A Q&A session with the panel
- In addition to the interview, applicants will take part in a half-day sewing skills challenge in the Textile Centre. This practical task will allow the panel to assess applicants’ sewing ability, accuracy, problem-solving skills and approach to working under time constraints.
The interview panel will consist of tutors and staff from The King’s Foundation, alongside representatives from our luxury partners.
