The Federation is the oldest technical body in the U.K. Clothing Industry and is the ruling body of two different associations - the London Association and the Manchester Association. The Federation is controlled by an Executive Council headed by the Federation National President along with representatives from each Association.
We provide a synergy of technical minds from fashion students through to industry and retail designers and technologists. In the fast changing world of high technology garment production our members provide contact with the major people who are leaders in their field. In terms of design and quality the smaller company can be provided with access to innovation and support.
The roots of the FCDE were formed in Leeds, in March 1935. In 1938 a London Association was added. Together Leeds, London and the London Club of Clothing Designers met in Leicester to form the Federation of Clothing Designers & Production Managers. The Midlands Association was established in 1962.
As the clothing industry changed becoming controlled more by engineers than by traditional tailors a new title for the Federation was devised, leading to The Federation of Clothing Designers & Executives, as it remains today.
The closure of factories in the North led to the Manchester Association ceasing to exist in 1971, however, this was reformed in 1977.
Sadly both the Midlands and Leeds Associations have closed.
The FCDE today is made up of the London Association and the Manchester Association. Our members are individuals who are or were actively involved in the Clothing Industry in their day to day working lives.
The FCDE aims, through our meetings, to provide a forum for Clothing Designers and Executives,
to provide, lectures, technical demonstrations and to discuss style changes and matters of current trade interest.
