Leather designer brings Walsall to London

Lauren Broxton says it is an amazing opportunity

A leather designer says showcasing her work at London Fashion Week and highlighting Walsall's historical significance in leather production has been a "whirlwind" experience.

Lauren Broxton has owned her bespoke leather goods company for three years, and since opening the doors, she has been committed to training the next generation of leather workers and promoting the history of the trade.

"London Fashion Week is a global brand, and the industry is still very London-centric, so to have the opportunity to be in the room was amazing; it was a whirlwind, and I had a fantastic time," she said.

"Some people didn't even know that Walsall was historically famous for leather production."

Ms Broxton is a guest lecturer at Birmingham City University and showcased her work at the fashion event on Thursday as part of a collective with Birmingham fashion designers in conjunction with the university.

"I showed a portion of my collections from the archives and some of my pieces that are for sale during my static show.

"We got to meet lots of really influential people from the industry and promote our work," she added.

The businesswoman is also one of the campaigners trying to stop the relocation of Walsall's leather.

Last year, Walsall Council said it wanted to move it from its current location on Littleton Street West to an unconfirmed council-owned building in the town centre.

Ms Broxton said the industry was "about where we come from", and without it, she would not be where she is today.

"I used to visit as a little girl when I was like, eight at summer schools. And if I hadn't been in there exploring leatherwork, I don't think I'd be doing what I do now."