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Projekt are a place making cultural organisation responsible for over a million square feet of creative work and event spaces in London and beyond.
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NATAAL sits down with the designers who took part in the 2026 Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield fashion residency to reflect on this year-long creative and cultural exchange. 

A collaboration between the British Council, Paul Smith’s Foundation and Projekt, the training programme immersed six talents into the fashion eco-systems of both Addis Ababa and London, rounding out with an open studio at Studio Smithfield where they presented their collaborative pieces. They now face the future armed with new knowledge, kinships and purpose. 

Meet Bettydora Odhiambo (@atienostudio), Chido Kaseke (@patch_maoko_ezim), Karoline Vitto (@karolinevitto), Renata Brenha (@renata.brenha), Solome Asfaw (@xufan_wear) & Yaku Stapleton (@yaku.____).

Full story: NATAAL.com

Creative DNA
Paul Smith’s Foundation (@paulsmithsfoundation)
Studio Smithfield (@studiosmithfield)
Projekt (@thisisprojekt)
British Council (@southernafricaarts @eastafricaarts @britishcouncilet @ngbritisharts @britisharts)
NATAAL (@nataalmedia)

Photography Philipp Raheem (@philippraheem)
Styling Eniafe Momodu (@eniafemomodu)
Hair Ana Veronica (@iamanaveronica)
Make-up Charli Avery (@charliaverymakeup) using Skintcare and Armani Beauty
Models Raihanna and Vilia at Another Mother Management, Antonette at PRM Agency
Make-up assistance Gemma Howell (@gemmahowellbeauty)
Location Studio Smithfield
Words Helen Jennings (@hellojennings)

#nataalmedia #creativedna #britishcouncil #africanfashion studiosmithfiel taken in London by @thisisprojekt
20
6 days ago
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It’s been a week now since our designers have left us! 

We just wanted to say how thankful we were to meet these three brilliant designers through the first CDNA x @studiosmithfield residency. It’s been a real pleasure to welcome Solome (@xufan_wear), Chido (@patch_maoko_ezim) and Bettydora (@atienostudio) to London and we loved seeing Smithy’s used as a space for experimentation, exchange and collaboration. 

It’s been a big team effort shaping this residency and it couldn’t have been done without @britisharts and @paulsmithsfoundation by @thisisprojekt
4
20 days ago
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That’s a wrap, thank you to everyone who came to the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield Open Studios yesterday & today. 

Take a closer look at the delegate designers’ project outcomes, inspired by creative exchange during their time in Ethiopia & London. 

RENATA BRENHA – Untitled, 2026

Two studies in silhouette and fabric manipulation inspired by Ethiopian Mesob basketry, exploring how its structure, volume and woven surface can be translated onto the body.

A scanned image of a Mesob basket is translated into print, bringing the source object back onto the surface of the garment and creating a dialogue between two- and three-dimensional form, image, texture and structure.

RENATA BRENHA – Untitled, 2026

Two studies in silhouette and fabric manipulation inspired by Ethiopian Mesob basketry, exploring how its structure, volume and woven surface can be translated onto the body.

A scanned image of a Mesob basket is translated into print, bringing the source object back onto the surface of the garment and creating a dialogue between two- and three-dimensional form, image, texture and structure.

Bettydora Atieno - Untitled, 2026

Crochet, cotton yarn, and mixed textiles

A contemporary crochet ensemble exploring celebration, ceremony and cultural exchange. The crochet top features metallic beadwork inspired by the intricate metallic detailing found on traditional Ethiopian kemis. The bold red statement hat draws from British celebration and millinery, as well as the striking red of London’s double-decker buses.

Bettydora Atieno - Untitled, 2026

Crochet, cotton yarn, and mixed textiles

A contemporary crochet ensemble exploring celebration, ceremony and cultural exchange. The crochet top features metallic beadwork inspired by the intricate metallic detailing found on traditional Ethiopian kemis. The bold red statement hat draws from British celebration and millinery, as well as the striking red of London’s double-decker buses.

Chido Kaseke - Kudzo

Kudzo, [derived from the Shona word rukudzo], meaning honour, reimagines the traditional technique of finger weaving through a contemporary material language.

Inspired by the military dress of Emperor Haile taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
1
a month ago
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Last night, we celebrated the opening of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield  showcase, a culmination of the creative exchange between designers Renata Brenha, Chido Kaseke, Solome Asfaw, Karoline Vitto, Bettydora Atieno & YAKU. 

Visit us at Studio Smithfield today to see the works in person, chat with the designers in their studio and take a look into their creative process. Open 11am-5pm at 1 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
2
a month ago
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Introducing Solome Asfaw of Xufan Wear, one of six delegate designers taking part in the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency.

Xufan is an Afro futuristic functional fashion and creative brand redefining the intersection of art, purpose, and personal transformation. Born from a bold vision to merge cultural heritage with tomorrow’s aesthetics, Xufan creates compelling streetwear, accessories, and artwork for all genders, each piece thoughtfully designed as wearable art that speaks to the soul.

Currently based at Studio Smithfield, Solome’s final outcome was part of the Open Studio, which offered a unique opportunity to step inside the designers’ shared workspace and experience the ideas, collaborations and creative outcomes developed throughout the residency.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
10
a month ago
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Introducing Chido Kaseke of PatCh Zimbabwe , one of six delegate designers taking part in the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency.

Through PatCh, Chido Kaseke is known for handcrafted accessories that celebrate Zimbabwean artistry with confidence and refinement. Her work centres identity, meticulous craft and the belief that locally inspired design can speak powerfully to the world.

Currently based at Studio Smithfield, Chido’s final outcome will be part of the Open Studio, which offers a unique opportunity to step inside the designers’ shared workspace and experience the ideas, collaborations and creative outcomes developed throughout the residency.

Free tickets for the Open Studio can be got through the link in bio.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
45
a month ago
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Introducing Bettydora Atieno of Atieno Studio, one of six delegate designers taking part in the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency. 

Atieno Studio is a contemporary Kenyan fashion brand rooted in craftmanship, cultural memory, and refined design - built on a commitment to creating pieces that are enduring, expressive and intentionally made. 

Currently based at Studio Smithfield, Bettydora’s final outcome will be part of the Open Studio, which offers a unique opportunity to step inside the designers’ shared workspace and experience the ideas, collaborations and creative outcomes developed throughout the residency.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
21
2 months ago
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Now two weeks into the London leg of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency, designers Solome Asfaw (@xufan_wear), Chido Kaseke (@patch_maoko_ezim) and Bettydora Aiteno (@atientostudio) have spent time in the studio working on their final outcomes, headed to the King’s Foundation with designer & weaver Ruth Kent learning about weaving, begun financing sessions with Vikram Menon, owner of Fashionex Limited & Met with Sir Paul to recieve a guided tour of Paul Smith HQ on Kean Street. 

Stay tuned as we share more from the designer’s time in London! 

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in London, United Kingdom by @thisisprojekt
12
2 months ago
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Thank you to @elleuk for naming Fashion Residency alumni Pauline Dujancourt as one of British Fashion’s Trailblazers. 

& thanks to @lauraantoniajordan for your kind words about The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield <3 taken in Smithfield Market by @thisisprojekt
3
2 months ago
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What does it take to nurture the next generation of creative talent?

Join us for the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield panel at Africa Fashion Week London, where the British Council, Paul Smith's Foundation and Projekt alongside leading designers come together to explore how mentorship, creative exchange and international collaboration are supporting emerging fashion talent to grow, innovate and build sustainable careers.

📍 British Council Offices, Stratford

 Tuesday 18 August | 11:30

 Register to attend: Link on bio and stories

#CreativeDNA #AFWL2026 #BritishCouncil #StudioSmithfield #BCArtsSSA

 @paulsmithsfoundation @thisisprojekt by @thisisprojekt
0
2 months ago
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Unseen moments from the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - captured by Hernan of @renata.brenha 

This summer Solome Asfaw (@xufan_wear), Chido Kaseke (@patch_maoko_ezim) & Bettydora Aiteno (@atientostudio) will take up residency at Studio Smithfield for six weeks while they create their looks in response to the project, recieve metnoring from Paul Smith’s Foundation’s network of fashion industry mentors and partake in conversation with Fashiob Residenct alumni Renata Brenha (@renata.brenha), Karoline Vitto (@karolinevitto) & YAKU (@yaku.____) - all culminating towards an open studio to explore their brands & present their final outcomes.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is delivered in partnership with @britisharts @thisisprojekt & @paulsmithsfoundation taken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by @thisisprojekt
0
2 months ago
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We were pleased to welcome @stratford_east at @thefactorye16 for the rehearsals of THE HARDER THEY COME

This unmissable show takes place @stratford_east from SAT 16 MAY - SAT 04 JUL 2026⁠
⁠
Get tickets while you can as the previous run sold out!⁠
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Ticket link in the bios of @stratford_east or @thehardertheycomemusical 
⁠
To book Unit A at @thefactorye16 for rehearsal space or shoots, please send us a DM

📸 @mark__snr taken in The Factory E16 by @thisisprojekt
0
5 months ago
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