Students & Schools

The YKK London Showroom supports students in many different ways: offering a specialised student workshop that gives students technical knowledge and understanding about the different parts and functions of a zip or snap and buttons.

We offer advice about zips, snap and buttons; demonstrating their functionality, where they should be attached, and showcasing specific machinery required for attaching them.
Zip samples are provided during our workshop and students will also receive a discount if they wish to place a bespoke order.

YKK® London Showroom Award!

Introducing the YKK London Showroom Award an exciting new competition celebrating creativity and innovation in fashion design. This unique initiative invites students to explore and experiment with YKK ® fastening products in imaginative and inspiring ways.

Take part in our monthly workshops (June–July) held both online and in-person at the YKK® London Showroom. These sessions are designed to inspire your project and give you hands-on experience with YKK® fastening products. You’ll learn from experts, discover new applications, and get tips on how to elevate your submission.

Deadstock Week

YKK London Showroom hosted a special Deadstock Week in November, inviting students, and designers to join a community passionate about sustainable fashion and creativity. The event encourages attendees to make a difference in the fashion industry’s future by showcasing the potential of utilising deadstock materials. Workshops led by experts like Kei Kagami and Katie Doherty offered insights into YKK and the creative use of zippers and fastenings. Whether attending workshops or simply dropping by for the deadstock giveaway, participants had the opportunity to receive free zips and engage in hands-on activities.

YKK LONDON SHOWROOM X GRADUATE FASHION FOUNDATION

YKK has always been a dedicated supporter of emerging design talent, not only through its workshops for students and exhibition displays at the Showroom but also historically supporting students and graduates through various projects, and in recent years as a sponsor and partner of Graduate Fashion Week. YKK London Showroom is and has been the sponsor of the Graduate Fashion Week Accessories award for many years in a row, looking for students that show creativity and originality in their designs, have used YKK products to create their work and push the boundaries creating potential for the future of the fashion industry. Students who have a modern directional approach to the accessories arena, whether that is with millinery, shoes, bags, belts or jewellery.

You can find out more here.

Past Winners of the GFW x yKK accessories award

How-to videos

How To Measure A Zip

Not sure where to start and finish measuring to find the zip length you need?

Zip Talk

New to zips or you just need some help understanding zip chat?

How To Attach A Button

Ever wondered how to attach a button?

Image 1: GFW 2019 x YKK WINDOW DISPLAY (Left to right) Hannah Stote, Katherine Jayne Watts, and Mariah Esa Image 2: YKK Booth at GFW 2018 Image 3: Ravensbourne University in collaboration with King Pins competition judging Image 4: Ken Xu /Qingjun Han

What Our Collaborators Say

It has been brilliant working with the YKK team, They are super helpful offering their expertises as a growing designer from my graduate stage, It was amazing to be able to have the support from them. I would find the quality of the zips to be so reliable.

YKK have been an incredible partner to the Graduate Fashion Foundation and our flagship event Graduate Fashion Week. Their commitment to the next generation of creative talent has been exemplary, constantly working with us to build and evolve the ways in which they can celebrate and elevate the innovative fashion talent that the UK is world renowned for. From providing dead stock to Universities to supporting and advising students on the components for their final pieces, their attention to the finest of details always ensures their product guidance is sought and appreciated from students and academics from across the UK.

I have been working with YKK and their London Showroom for more than 10 years now and they have always been very accommodating, offering high-quality products and services. Our long term collaboration does not end there. As an educator, my fashion design students benefit from YKK’s zip dead stock that we are using for sustainability driven creative projects.