Street Style vs. Mainstream:
Individual Creativity in the Age of Labels and Influencers
Once a symbol of grassroots rebellion and individuality, street fashion has evolved – now adopted and shaped by global brands and influencers, as well as being a symbol of self-expression.
In an era of branded aesthetics, curated feeds, and algorithm-driven trends, can authentic self-expression still thrive?
Our panel explores how the fashion industry can both empower and restrict creativity, questioning whether today’s style movements are truly community-led or brand-engineered.
Join us as we unpick the evolution of street fashion, exploring its past, present, and future in a world where expression meets commerce.
Meet the Panellists
Host: Robert Elms
Broadcaster, writer and proud Londoner, Robert Elms has spent decades capturing the spirit of the capital. His long-running BBC Radio London show is a love letter to the city—celebrating its music, culture, history and ever-evolving style.
From documenting the ‘80s creative scene for The Face to penning four books including The Way We Wore, Elms continues to shape and reflect London’s cultural landscape.
This year, he returns to Urban Village Fete as host of Creative Conversations in Design District—leading a day of thought-provoking talks with some of the city’s most exciting creative voices.
Max Bryder
Max Bryder is a London-based fashion designer and founder of BRYDER—a label known for merging utility with a modern aesthetic. With a focus on innovative textiles and refined workwear silhouettes, his designs bring function and style together in quietly bold ways.
At Creative Conversations, Max brings his perspective on contemporary fashion, creativity and the role of design in everyday life.
Clara Chu
Clara Chu is a London-based artist and designer whose namesake brand turns the everyday into the extraordinary. Known for transforming household items into vibrant fashion accessories, her work blends pop art with purpose—challenging fashion norms and raising awareness around waste.
Winner of the Young Designer Award from Climate Change All Change, Clara is currently collaborating with London schoolchildren to imagine more sustainable futures through design.
Wayne Hemingway
Designer and social entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway is co-founder of HemingwayDesign—a multi-disciplinary studio known for projects that put community and positive impact at the forefront. Alongside his wife and creative partner Gerardine, Wayne has spent decades shaping places and experiences that bring people together.
A founding force behind Urban Village Fete, he’s also the co-founder of Charity Super.Mkt—an award-winning concept redefining second-hand retail and raising millions for good causes. Wayne brings a lifelong commitment to good design, grassroots enterprise and bold, community-led change.
Your ticket comes with 1 x non-alcoholic drink from Bureau Restaurant. Make sure you check into the 15 minutes talk early, retrieve your drink token, then grab your drink at Bureau Restaurant before finding a seat. If you are unable to arrive early, you can grab a drink token and head to bureau once the talk is over.
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