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Fedcap’s ELITE Clothing Solutions Brings Social Enterprise Manufacturing to Africa Fashion Week in London
Advancing Fedcap’s Strategy to Build a Global Fashion Market for People with Disabilities
London, UK & New York, NY — Fedcap today announced that ELITE Clothing Solutions, its UK-based social enterprise manufacturing arm, was selected by Cardiff-based designer Adeola to produce bespoke trousers for her debut at Africa Fashion Week in London – marking the first time ELITE's work has appeared on an international fashion runway and underscoring Fedcap's growing role in the adaptive and inclusive fashion ecosystem.
Adeola is the founder of Add an Apron, a slow fashion brand based in Cardiff since 2024. Designing a collection of Africa-inspired organic cotton hand-painted aprons, she sought a manufacturing partner whose values matched her own – prioritizing local production, environmental responsibility, and social impact. She selected ELITE Clothing Solutions for all three.
ELITE’s team produced 10 pairs of custom trousers, each sized to individual runway models, working closely with Adeola throughout the design and fabrication process to select materials that honored both the aesthetic vision and her commitment to sustainable production.
“Adeola wanted to work with local organizations and we were delighted to support her,” said Chris Morant, Enterprise Manager, ELITE Clothing Solutions. “She sent through initial designs, and we collaborated throughout the creative process to bring them to life – including selecting fabric that would best showcase her designs while remaining environmentally responsible.”
“I'm based in Cardiff and while there are many manufacturers in England, I wanted my creations to be as local as possible,” said Adeola, Founder of Add an Apron. “With ELITE there was an added bonus of it being a social enterprise, which aligned with my ethos. The ELITE team are amazing – they were so welcoming and patient and held my hand through the process. I'm pleased with the final looks. The pieces looked really good on the runway.”
“We are incredibly proud to see ELITE Clothing Solutions’ work showcased at Africa Fashion Week and to celebrate the talent and craftsmanship of this team,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap. “This collaboration reflects something much larger that Fedcap is building – through ELITE in the UK and Runway of Dreams in the US, we are developing a transatlantic ecosystem that brings together designers, manufacturers, and people with disabilities to expand economic opportunity and demonstrate what inclusive fashion can produce at the highest level.”
About Fedcap
For nearly ninety years, Fedcap has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Fedcap drives economic mobility through four practice areas — education, workforce development, health, and economic development — and works in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered. For more information visit www.fedcapgroup.org.
About ELITE Clothing Solutions
ELITE Clothing Solutions manufactures and brands high-quality workwear, including corporate uniforms and PPE. Over 45% of its workforce are disabled or disadvantaged, including individuals with long-term unemployment histories, learning disabilities/difficulties, mental health challenges, physical or sensory disability, or neurodivergence.
ECS is a social enterprise established by ELITE Supported Employment, a UK-based charity established in 1994 with the mission to support disabled and disadvantaged individuals to access, obtain, and maintain employment and training opportunities. ELITE works across a range of sectors to ensure that people of all abilities have the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. The organization delivers individualized employment support, employer engagement, training, and advocacy to promote equality, inclusion, and diversity in the labor market.
In 2025, ELITE became part of Fedcap, joining forces with Fedcap UK to expand employment opportunities for disabled people. For more information, visit www.elitesea.co.uk
About Runway of Dreams Foundation
Runway of Dreams is a public charity empowering people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through inclusion in fashion and beauty. Through large-scale runway shows, campaigns, and educational programs, Runway celebrates innovation and advocates for universal access to fashion and beauty. Runway’s GAMUT seal of approval is a first of its kind industry certification to authentically engage with companies to create products for and represent the disability community. For more information visit www.runwayofdreams.org.
Contact: Neal Smith, 07936 030129, neal.smith@fedcap.org.uk ; Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, JMalatras@fedcap.org
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