Desktop factory Mayku unveils new research into the impact of COVID-19 on the fashion and accessory industry:
· 30% of Brits dislike mass-produced fashion accessories and are now creating their own
· 23% of people who have a hobby in fashion accessories would like to turn it into a business
· 14% of hobbyists have been motivated to create a business in fashion accessories during COVID-19
· Over 1 million Brits would invest £2000 in a fashion accessory business

Alex Smilansky and Benjamin Redford of Mayku explore how lockdown has inspired the designers of the nation to grow creatively

The lockdown caused by the Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on life in the UK. With millions of Brits being confined to their homes and many suffering job losses or being placed on furlough, the pandemic has severely impacted the economy and the livelihoods of people across the country.

Earlier in the year, the British Fashion Council (BFC) predicted that the half of the fashion industry could be wiped out due to the Coronavirus, as it was found that 35% of young and upcoming designers may not be able to continue their businesses past the summer. As a result, the BFC has called for more financial aid from the government to help these small, independent businesses.

Now, national research commissioned by the desktop factory Mayku has for the first time examined the effect of Covid-19 on the production of fashion and accessories, and has discovered that the hiatus has actually proved to be a fruitful time of design and innovation. According to Mayku’s research, the time spent in lockdown has inspired a considerable portion of the population to discover or develop their creative and stylish passions. Thousands of fashion and accessories hobbyists have developed their skills during COVID-19, with a 30% of hobbyists now creating their own products, rather than buying mass-produced alternatives.

It’s not only at-home manufacturing that is flourishing – 14% of hobbyists have reported that the time away from work due to Coronavirus has inspired them to set up their own businesses in the fashion and accessories sector. With 4% of Brits (1,058,000) reporting that they would be happy to invest £2000 in these companies, the fashion and accessories sector is expected to continue to grow, with the global apparel market predicted to reach a worth of £1.17 trillion in 2020.

Key Stats:

• 30% of Brits dislike mass-produced fashion accessories and are now creating their own
• 23% of people who have a hobby in fashion accessories would like to turn it into a business
• 14% of hobbyists have been motivated to create a business in fashion accessories during COVID-19
• Over 1 million Brits would invest £2000 in a fashion accessory business

With this rise in artisanal craftsmanship and creativity, Mayku are helping these designers and innovative makers across the country to work remotely in lockdown and continue to grow in their personal design journeys, by providing portable desktop factories and the materials needed to carry out product development remotely.

Co-founders of Mayku, Alex Smilansky and Benjamin Redford, discuss how people can turn their passion into a source of income, and the importance of improving the accessibility of the tools and equipment needed to do so:

Alex Smilansky:
“It is truly wonderful to see the sheer quantity of people in Britain who have benefited from allowing their creative juices to flow by taking up, or even rediscovering the joy of creating their own fashion designs and accessories. The process of crafting innovative and artisanal products allows people not only to reignite their creative mindset, but also encourages personal growth and productivity with beautiful results.”

Benjamin Redford:
“We have also found that the time spent in lockdown has inspired some people to take their craft hobbies and nurture them to create fully-fledged businesses out of their homes. With more time and energy to dedicate to their passion projects, the lift in lockdown has seen a rise in the number of brand new, innovative and creative businesses.

At Mayku, we are so pleased to see so many people discovering new creative passions, and we are committed to giving everyone in the UK the power to kickstart their own hobbies or even businesses, by providing quality materials, equipment, and a friendly online community for help and support.”