We Speak Fashion
Freedom Through Fashion – Inside Out Clothing Project.
“Second chances are not given to make things right, but to prove that we can do better even after we fall.”
The moment you stand up against adversity, you become a winner. It requires courage, mental willpower, and strength to be the change you wish to see. Meaningful relationships also help foster our trajectory, dreams, and aspirations. The community’s unwavering support makes initiatives like the Inside Out Clothing Project a reality. Greg McKenzie founded this project as the UK’s first clothing brand, created and designed by young ex-offenders. It provides a space for those leaving the criminal justice system to harness their creative skills, build relationships, and generate job prospects following their struggles.
“The idea for the Inside Out Clothing Project emerged ten years ago, inspired by my experiences in and out of children’s homes. At 20 years old, I became the youngest black senior broadcast journalist at the BBC. I wanted to create a platform that offers hope and aspiration, which led me to establish the Inside Out Clothing Project three years ago. Since then, I have helped 30 young people. Dream big—having the right mindset is essential to instigate change,” says Greg McKenzie.
The grand opening of the Inside Out Clothing Project occurred on Saturday, November 23rd, at Westfield Stratford. Four talented designers showcased creations that represent unyielding hope transformed into triumph.
Designed by Martallus Alfred, “Life Reloaded” represents a new beginning. “I always wanted to be a music producer, which was my backup plan. While in prison, I achieved a Level 2 in Maths and English, although I didn’t particularly enjoy reading and education. There was a college on-site, and I learned new skills in a print shop that produced clothing for prisoners. After leaving prison, I connected with a hub in Croydon that helps former prisoners enrol in courses, where I learned about Inside Out. I’ve always been business-minded and didn’t want to work for anyone else, so I eventually started my clothing brand. Inside Out is fantastic for anyone leaving prison because ex-offenders rarely get a second chance. It prevents you from drowning in uncertainty,” says Martallus Alfred.
“Locked In,” founded by Chanel Pinnick, reflects a journey from being locked in to being locked on. “My logo design represents focus and self-discovery. I appreciate street art, which inspired my hand-crafted design. I chose a stencil design for the lettering; the target symbolizes focus. Joining the Inside Out Clothing Project was a tremendous opportunity. I became involved in February of this year, and as a result, they made everything seem possible. Don’t lose hope if you’re leaving the criminal justice system—be open to new possibilities,” says Chanel Pinnick.
“Rethink,” designed by Joe Wanzala, epitomizes the yin-yang quality of life. “There are two sides to everything and a grey area in life. I chose to change my life, and my design represents that we all face choices we must consider,” says Joe Wanzala.
“Cold Heart,” designed by Taschan Peart, is about survival. “It reflects my trauma. I grew up in care and was often thrust into new situations without forming connections. I experienced a lot of pain amid family unrest, but I found happiness when my family found peace. The only way I could protect myself was to feel nothing. Being numb means sacrificing good feelings for the bad, but being cold-hearted has made me a survivor. Inside Out bridges the gap between two worlds – the world no one speaks about or wants to help and the world everyone knows and speaks about, i.e. everyday life.” says Taschan Peart.
Listening to the stories of these talented designers was genuinely inspiring. They reminded me of my struggles, moments of self-doubt, and times when I felt like giving up, believing that no one cared or was paying attention. A common theme in all our experiences is the importance of mindset and the need to listen to ourselves, even during uncertain times.
The Inside Out Clothing Project equips participants with business, creative, employment, and personal development skills, helping them to “find freedom through fashion.”
All sales proceeds are returned to the community interest company, allowing the Inside Out project to continue its vital work.
Written by Natalie Robinson
From Cybersecurity Innovation to Photonic Technology Leadership
In an era where the limits of conventional semiconductor technology are becoming increasingly apparent, innovators around the world are searching for new approaches capable of supporting the next generation of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure. Among those pursuing ambitious alternatives is Dr. Ko-Cheng Fang, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of LongServing Technology Co., Ltd., whose multidisciplinary work spans cybersecurity, advanced materials, photonic computing, biotechnology, luxury materials, and the visual arts.
Rather than focusing on a single scientific discipline, Dr. Fang has spent years developing technologies that combine engineering, material science, software architecture, and industrial design. According to LongServing Technology, this broad approach has resulted in an expanding international patent portfolio and a long-term research roadmap that extends from cloud security systems to photonic quantum computing platforms.
The company presents its vision as one that seeks to redefine how information is processed, stored, transmitted, and protected in an increasingly AI-driven world.
A Foundation Built on Cybersecurity Innovation
Long before embarking on photonic computing research, Dr. Fang established himself through innovations in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
According to LongServing Technology, his early patented technologies focused on cloud storage systems, programmable password security, application protection, and intelligent authentication mechanisms designed to strengthen digital security for enterprise and cloud environments.
The company states that these patented technologies were adopted for applications within the United States Department of Homeland Security, contributing to advancements in cloud infrastructure and information security. These developments helped establish LongServing Technology’s reputation as an innovation-driven organization focused on solving complex technological challenges through original intellectual property.
This early experience in cybersecurity also shaped the company’s philosophy that future computing systems must combine performance with security at every architectural level.
Expanding Innovation Beyond Software
Rather than remaining solely within the cybersecurity sector, Dr. Fang expanded LongServing Technology’s research into advanced materials and manufacturing.
One notable example is the introduction of laboratory-grown Imperial Green jadeite.
Natural Imperial Green jadeite has historically been regarded as one of the world’s rarest luxury gemstones, with limited supply and increasing environmental concerns surrounding mining. LongServing Technology developed laboratory-grown Imperial Green jadeite as a sustainable alternative designed to preserve the appearance and quality associated with premium jade while reducing dependence on diminishing natural resources.
The project demonstrates the company’s interest in applying scientific research not only to digital technologies but also to luxury materials and sustainable manufacturing.
Entering the World of Photonic Computing
As artificial intelligence models continue to grow larger and demand greater computational resources, the semiconductor industry faces mounting challenges involving power consumption, heat generation, and physical scaling limitations.
LongServing Technology believes photonic computing represents one possible pathway beyond these constraints.
Unlike traditional semiconductor processors that rely primarily on the movement of electrons through electronic circuits, the company’s research focuses on transmitting and manipulating information using light.
According to LongServing Technology, photonic technologies have the potential to offer substantially higher bandwidth, improved energy efficiency, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference compared with conventional electronic architectures.
The company’s research roadmap includes photonic processors, optical interconnects, photonic memories, optical communication systems, and integrated photonic computing platforms designed for future AI applications.
X-Photon: A New Material Platform
Among LongServing Technology’s most significant announced developments is its proprietary X-Photon material.
According to the company, X-Photon is a photonic quantum material engineered to support nanoscale optical pathways for future photonic devices.
LongServing Technology states that in 2025 it successfully developed X-Photon material capable of operating at an approximately 2-nanometer wavelength, enabling research into ultra-small photonic structures that could support next-generation optical chips and integrated photonic circuits.
The company describes X-Photon as the foundational material for numerous future technologies, including:
- Photonic quantum chips
- Optical waveguides
- Photonic transistors
- Photonic memory
- AI accelerators
- Optical communication systems
- High-density photonic integration
According to LongServing Technology, X-Photon represents a key enabling technology within its broader photonic computing strategy.
Building an International Patent Portfolio
Innovation without intellectual property protection rarely creates lasting technological leadership.
LongServing Technology reports that its photonic technologies are protected through a global patent portfolio spanning 26 countries.
The company views this international patent strategy as an important foundation for future commercialization, research collaboration, manufacturing partnerships, and licensing opportunities.
By combining proprietary materials research with international patent protection, LongServing Technology aims to establish a long-term competitive position within the evolving photonic computing industry.
Reimagining the Future of Computing
Artificial intelligence has dramatically increased demand for faster processors and more efficient computing infrastructure.
Large language models, scientific simulations, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and cloud computing require enormous computational resources that continue to push today’s semiconductor technologies toward practical limits.
LongServing Technology believes future computing architectures will increasingly depend upon photonic technologies capable of reducing power consumption while increasing processing performance.
According to the company, its long-term roadmap includes integrated photonic CPUs, photonic AI accelerators, optical interconnects, photonic memory, and high-speed optical communication systems working together as a unified computing ecosystem.
Rather than viewing photonic chips as isolated components, LongServing Technology envisions an integrated architecture where computing, storage, and communication operate through photonic technologies designed to improve efficiency across the entire system.
Article 1 continues in the next part due to length.
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