We’re passionate about providing creatives with industry access, exposure and mentorship
Get introduced to employers in the creative space, access industry events, workshops, and masterclasses, find a mentor and build your portfolio and experience with freelance gigs, internships, and hands-on projects.
FOR THE ASPIRING..
Meet Phadria
Words and storytelling were Phadria’s first loves. She made her start in fashion 12 years ago as a sales girl at Debenhams’ Oxford Street flagship, where she worked her way up from high-street fashion and into the terrain of luxury, working for names such as NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION, and Victoria’s Secret. However, Phadria still experienced many closed doors, finding that the industry demanded years of experience without the opportunity to obtain any. It wasn’t until she was introduced to mentorship in 2017, where she was presented with opportunities that were not only previously closed to her, but that she didn’t even know were possible, and in 2020 at just 25 years old, she became the youngest editor-in-chief of a UK title.
Phadria has since used her platform to bring other editors in one room — from the likes of former Marie Claire and Red editor Trish Halpin to longest-reigning British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Shulman, to Cosmopolitan’s Editor-in-Chief Willa Bennet, Vogue Business’ Executive Editor Kirsty McGregor, and The Zoe Report’s Editor-in-Chief Kathy Lee.
As the Show Director and Designer Lead at The W Fashion Week for the past 4 years, she has given 56 emerging fashion designers the opportunity to break into London’s cosmopolitan’s fashion industry and showcase their collections during London Fashion Week.
With community always at the centre of what she does, Phadria has led a number of key campaigns and conversations over the years including placing activist Christina Adane — who challenged Britain’s former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government when he made the decision to take away free school meals for 1.3 million school children across the UK and won — as a cover girl when she was just 18-years-old,” to the #IPledge campaign, which saw 22 female leaders namely beauty mogul, Bobbi Brown, Cult Beauty’s founder Alexia Inge and British Beauty Council’s Millie Kendall MBE; pledge for change totalling £1M.
The Community
After experiencing first-hand, the state of the creative industry and the lack of opportunities available to young creatives who are from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly within media and fashion, Phadria launched The Creative Association, with the purpose of supporting and promoting creatives globally, fostering inclusivity and closing the gap in creative industries for those who lack access to opportunities or experience, helping underrepresented creatives build their portfolios, kick start and establish their careers, whilst also having direct access to mentorship and training.
The Creative Association operates globally with members from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the United States, Canada, India, the Philippines, Nigeria, South Africa and more, who are aspiring journalists, editors, videographers, fashion designers, models, graphic designers, photographers, creative directors, MUAs, photographers and illustrators to name a few.
About Us
The Mission: To champion young creatives from underrepresented and low-socioeconomic backgrounds, by closing the opportunity gap in media, fashion, and wider creative sectors, providing mentorship, portfolio-building opportunities, industry training, and direct access to professional networks.
Who We Support: Operating globally, we support a diverse community of creatives — from aspiring journalists and fashion designers to photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators — helping them kick-start and build sustainable, meaningful careers.
Why It Matters: Despite the global creative economy being valued at over $2 trillion, access to meaningful opportunities within the industry remains disproportionately limited for young people from low socio-economic backgrounds. These barriers are not due to a lack of talent, but a lack of access.
Your Creative Journey Starts Here
Unparalleled access to mentorship, career-building opportunities, and hands-on industry experience. Whether you’re just starting out or have no idea where to start at all, The Creative Association is for the creatives, the industry overlooks.
Become A Member
Your creative tribe is waiting. Join The Creative Association today and connect with 100s of creatives across the globe, just like you.
What Our Creatives Are Saying
“This opportunity not only enhanced my organisational and communication skills but also allowed me to connect with incredible professionals in the fashion industry. A big thank you to Phadria.”
— Donna, 20, United Kingdom
“I'm so grateful and beyond happy to have had my first experience at London Fashion Week. I've received too many positive feedback and as a designer, that helped my confidence. Phadria thank you for having me.”
— Iman, 22, United Kingdom
“I want to personally thank you for letting me in the Creative Community and giving me an opportunity to work for Fashion Week. It has been a pleasure.”
— Varnika, 21, India