The ReGo Collective was a pioneering youth initiative that blended fashion activism with transformational mindset coaching. Designed to empower young people, ReGo provided creative platforms that enabled them to shape purposeful lives and be active participants in addressing wider social issues. Through its innovative approach, the project nurtured resilience, confidence and agency, equipping young people with skills that drive both personal and societal transformation.

ReGo’s first collection used metal taken from knives removed from the streets and young people affected by knife crime were mentored by fashion masters students to design a range of fashion items using the metal.

Funded by Foundation for Future London and delivered in partnership with the University of Arts London, the project was directed by Robin Lockhart.

How ReGo Works 

ReGo Collective engaged young people in a range of dynamic activities, including:

• Mindset Coaching & Mentoring: A unique approach to personal development, helping young people reflect, redefine their identities, and take charge of their futures.
• Youth-Led Facilitation Training: Equipping participants with skills to become workshop facilitators, empowering them to lead creative sessions in schools, youth clubs, and community centres.
• Creative Fashion & Media Workshops: Hands-on experience in fashion design, media and entrepreneurship, tailored to the aspirations of young people, fostering creative expression and professional growth.

ReGo’s Impact and Achievements 

ReGo Collective has successfully launched a series of impactful projects and collaborations, leaving a lasting mark on the fashion and youth activism landscape:

• Public Engagement & Fashion Collection Launch: In May 2022, ReGo hosted a landmark event featuring panel discussions, a film screening, music performances and an exhibition. This coincided with an exclusive photoshoot, showcased on billboards across East London through a collaboration with creative street advertising specialists JACK, part of BUILDHOLLYWOOD.
• Sustainable Fashion with LOANHOOD: The ReGo fashion collection was available for rental via LOANHOOD, a leading sustainable fashion platform. Proceeds supported ongoing educational and employment opportunities for young people in fashion.
• Finalists in the Green Gown Awards 2022: Recognised in the ‘Benefitting Society’ category, highlighting the role of youth-led initiatives in fostering social change.
• Collaboration with BEEN London & KnifeSafe: ReGo members partnered with sustainable fashion brand BEEN London to design zippers for limited-edition recycled leather pouches, made from knives removed from London streets. Proceeds were reinvested into youth-focused initiatives.

A Movement Creating Real Change 

ReGo has had a profound impact on young participants, fostering connections, boosting confidence and opening career pathways. By engaging in creative and collaborative work, young people contributed to place-making activities in East London and supported the vision of the Fashion District, making the area a hub of innovation, sustainability and community engagement.

This initiative demonstrated the power of design as a tool for activism, showing how creativity and collaboration can address critical social issues. With young people at the helm, ReGo has evolved into a movement that not only co-creates fashion but also builds networks, knowledge and opportunities for lasting impact.

The Future of ReGo Collective 

ReGo’s long-term vision is ambitious and youth-driven:

• Becoming a registered social enterprise, led by young people who have grown through the ReGo journey.
• Expanding collaborations with brands—small and large—to further skills training, employability and co-creation of fashion collections.
• Scaling its sustainable fashion model by renting and selling ReGo products to fund youth-led fashion activism.
• Expanding nationally and internationally as a creative campaign that places fashion activism at the core of social change.

ReGo Collective is more than a fashion project—it’s a movement proving that when young people are given the tools, trust and opportunities, they can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.