King marks 10 years of textiles skills drive with knitted cake

In the United Kingdom, a special hand-knitted cake was presented to the King on October 15, 2024, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Future Textiles initiative. This program, established by The King’s Foundation in 2014, aims to bridge the skills gap in the UK textiles industry through education and training. The cake, a two-tier woollen creation adorned with colorful decorations and knitted candles, was displayed alongside an assortment of knitted cupcakes. The anniversary celebration also featured an exhibition at the Garrison Chapel in London, showcasing garments made by alumni over the past decade. This venue regularly hosts displays by students of the Foundation, highlighting the impact of the Future Textiles program on young designers. Jacqueline Farrell, the education director at The King’s Foundation, noted that the initiative initially focused on secondary school students, introducing them to the art of making and the essential technical skills required for responsible fashion design and manufacturing. The event not only commemorates a decade of educational efforts but also emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity and craftsmanship in the textiles sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. The King’s involvement in this initiative reflects his commitment to supporting the arts and education in the UK.