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Newsletter 4th March 2015
Dear all,
This week a new report provided a much-needed wake-up call in relation to the unethical practises currently in place within the UK manufacturing sector. Focusing on Leicester in particular, the research, commissioned by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and produced by the University of Leicester’s Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment Futures, revealed that a large bulk of workers are being paid around £3 per hour, less than half of the current national minimum wage.
Jenny Holloway CEO of www.fashioncapital.co.uk, Fashion Enter Ltd and The Factory based in North London comments: “I applaud the reports findings. The industry has long known that these sharp practices occur and for us, a SMETA approved factory that is fully compliant, it’s been frustrating to be constantly compared to Leicester prices. We are very competitive in our own right due to targeted KPI factory and machinists efficiencies. It’s time for a new breed of manufacturers today and hopefully this report is just the starting point.”
Working With JAN TRUST
 Whilst we are on the topic of ethical practices Jenny Holloway met with Rafaat Mughal and her daughter Sajda Mughal, of multi-award winning, non-profit organisation, JAN TRUST this week. Founded in 1989, JAN TRUST was formed to support and provide services to hard-to-reach communities empowering women across a diverse range of backgrounds.
Jenny Holloway said: “It was a real privilege to meet Rafaat and her daughter Sajda today at JAN TRUST. Their work within the Haringey Community is much needed. Sajda was recently awarded an OBE in the Queens New Year’s honours list; this was covered on Channel 4, many congratulations on her OBE. The empowerment they provide for all women across diverse backgrounds is heartfelt and impressive. I sincerely look forward to working with the JAN TRUST.”
See You at The Knitting & Stitching Show
 As from tomorrow we will be at the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show, at Olympia London. The four-day event is a must-attend for anyone with a passion for textile crafts – from complete beginners, experienced crafters and professional textile artists to those wanting to explore course and career options.
It’s the first time the FashionCapital team will be at the show to host a range of talks and demonstrations on its Level 1 Stitching Academy, Levels 2, 3 and 4 Fashion and Textiles Apprenticeship programmes and soon to launch qualifications at the Fashion Technology Academy opening in March 2015. Alongside there will be a step-by-step account of the garment life cycle, taking visitors on an informative journey that reveals each stage of garment production from initial idea from through to delivery of finished garments.
The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show
Come and see us on stands E4 and E6.
For a full a full list of sessions and to book visit:
www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/spring
Buyer/Merchandiser Wanted for ecommerce Startup
The Company mission: To improve the lives of those affected by dementia by creating the world’s best marketplace for dementia products and services.
One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, yet there is little in the way of practical support for sufferers, their carer’s and families. This new ecommerce business will address the daily challenges facing those caring for someone with dementia, providing information and product-led solutions at every stage of the journey. Offering products to help with sleeping, eating & drinking, bathing, dressing and mental stimulation, the business will be a one-stop-shop for those seeking guidance and practical solutions to specific problems, and a supportive community for all affected by dementia.
The role
Range planning:
Product and range development
Supplier selection, management and margin negotiation
Business and Sales forecasting
Online merchandising
This job is available now, please email David for more info: david@dlethbridge.com
Marks & Spencer – Best of British
Since launching in 2013, the Marks & Spencer ‘Best of British’ collection has become synonymous with outstanding, traditional British quality combined with luxurious, timeless fabrics and designs.
Marks & Spencer has teamed up with the British Fashion Council for 3-years for a collaborative collection, with the aim to promote the British manufacturing and design industry.
Currently in its sixth collection, this seasons SS15 is themed around countryside blooms. Think classic summer prints, such as stripes and flowers in pale lemon and powder blue crafted onto fine silks and structured linens.
Following the huge success of AW14’s jersey dresses, this season will offer a further 16 jersey dress styles, fusing a luxury sportswear vibe into the pieces, formal joggers will also make a show this season.
Sticking to the brands heritage for the collaborative range, the 32-piece collection is entirely manufactured and sourced from within the UK.
Fashion Enter has been brought on-board to create 4 key pieces of the collection within our SMETA approved Factory (a standard M&S requires from all manufacturing units creating their garments). Pieces created in North London include a lemon-print 2-piece set, a blue V-neck dress and a floral print maxi t-shirt dress.
Demand is high, the limited edition pieces have been a sell-out and Marks & Spencer have increased their production with Fashion Enter by an additional 38% this season.
95Twenty has Arrived
 Introducing 95Twenty, a London-based womenswear brand combining high quality finishes and materials with the latest trends and styles.
Offering a range of luxurious yet accessible garments that 95twenty promise will take you from day to night with ease. You can check out the latest collection at: www.95twenty.com
“We always knew what we wanted to create – edgy garments that you just can’t find anywhere else. We also wanted to be proud to make in London – cutting edge in both design and garment manufacturing. We have been overwhelmed with amazing feedback. 95Twenty has arrived.”
Making headlines already as a celeb-favourite brand, TOWIE’s Chloe Sims was recently spotted in a 95Twenty textured box-crop co-ord. Noted as a brand to begin ‘paying more attention to’ by the Daily Mail, 95Twenty are certainly flying already!
Introducing Barjis Chohan
 Barjis Chohan is a fashion designer and entrepreneur. After graduating from Central St Martins and gaining experience at leading fashion houses including Vivienne Westwood she launched her own label, Barjis in October 2011. Today, Barjis speaks to us on her initiative and works that have been in operation for several years, Barjis Creativz…
“I work closely with schools and colleges especially in deprived areas of London. I hold inspirational talks and competitions to inspire kids coming from challenging/ less privileged backgrounds. One of the competition winner’s was a girl aged 10, her prize was to attend my fashion show during London Fashion Week, while another girl attended my video shoot.
“Apart from visiting schools, I work with not for profit organisations, holding two-day Fashion Design and Creative business workshops. Last year I held a workshop for the parents of a school in Blackburn. These ladies were married off at a young age and didn’t have the opportunity to pursue a hobby or career. After the two-day workshop three of the ladies enrolled at a local college to study a fashion course. They found the workshops very inspiring and they still keep in touch with me.
“Currently I am in talks with London College of Fashion to act as a mentor and hold workshops for students who come from ethnic minority/less wealthy backgrounds and give them the support during their final year and beyond. As most of these young people are under tremendous pressure to get married and find a job (especially coming from an ethnic minority background).
“I am trying to get more recognition/ funding for this initiative so that I can hold regular workshops around the UK to inspire and motivate young people and women, to improve and enhance their lives through creativity and business.
“I do a lot of public speaking, I have spoken at Cass Business School, LCF, Burnley College, Broadwater School, Old Palace of John Whitgift School, Al Risalah School and recently at The Design Museum in conversation with Professor Reina Lewis.
My brand BARJIS is about empowerment and liberating women through Fashion and this initiative is about empowering and providing a support system for aspiring creative people with and without formal education, or who don’t have the financial support to pursue a career in Fashion and Arts and for women who are restricted culturally to enhance their lives through creativity and Business.”
Check out Barjis’ Industry Bio here
http://barjis.co.uk/
GJE LLP Intellectual Property Talks to Apprentices
The Level 4 apprentices were treated to a fantastic presentation hosted by Anna Brown and Alice Davies from GJE LLP Intellectual Property Attorneys.
The eight apprentices and 3 tutors thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, which covered design, trademarks, copyright and patents. The GJE ladies presented the subject in an accessible and informative way, which encouraged the apprentices to ask lots of valid questions relating to their experiences of IP in their place of work.
The apprentices have now been set the challenge of completing their own IP notes and gathering work based evidence before the next session!
http://www.gje.com/
Michaela Jedinak Design on US TV
Michaela Jedinak is no stranger to an impressive catalogue of press coverage and her Bianca Dress is the latest design to hit the headlines.
Bellamy Young, best known for her role at First Lady of the United States ‘Mellie Grant’, in the US TV Series, Scandal was spotted in Michaela’s electric blue Bianca dress.
The Bianca dress is crafted by our team of machinists at The Fashion Studio, designed and manufactured with a soft asymmetric neckline to add a hint of allure sophistication and flattering waist pleats to add movement and emphasize the waistline.
“Thank you again to every single one who is part of my dress making.” Michaela commented to the team.
http://www.michaelajedinak.com/
To read our latest interview with Michaela click here
Introducing, Stitching Academy Learner, Elishea Nicholson
FC: What are you most looking forward to experiencing during the duration of the Stitching Academy?
EN: I’ve always been interested in fashion, but it was at University that I really started to experiment with clothes. I would buy bits from charity shops and very crudely alter them at home. When I finished University I got a sewing machine and started sewing hems onto dresses I had shortened and started collecting fabric with which I would make basic tops and skirts, bags and accessories for various friends and family members. Discovering the Stitching Academy came at a really perfect time as I was starting to get frustrated with my slap dash approach and wanted to start learning professional methods. I now know the basics of using professional machines and making clothes that actually fit. I’m really excited to move onto the next level of the course and start building my knowledge.
What do you hope to do after the Stitching Academy?
My industry experience so far lies in graphic design. I took a few months out last year to go travelling and since then I have been freelancing. After completing the Stitching Academy course at Level 2 I hope to have another full-time graphic design position lined-up and I really want it to be within the fashion industry as I’ve realised it is where my passions lies. This may mean working as an intern for a while, but in the long run it will be more than worth it!
Lastly, tell us your earliest fashion memory. Would you say this was a key point in making you want to pursue fashion as a career?
I have vivid memories of the dressing up box at my parent’s house; it was a big wicker chest full of all sorts of amazing bits my mum and dad collected over the years. They went to quite a few fancy dress parties and my mum used to wear some amazing pieces so it was a treasure chest of delights. Most Saturdays me, my brother and sister would dress up and play games. It was a lot of fun and definitely made me interested in experimenting with fashion and different styles.
Check out Elishea’s Graphic Design Work Here
Check out Elishea’s Facebook Here
Coming soon, Elisheanicholson.com
Red Apple First Samples Finished
 Red Apple, a contemporary womenswear brand from Belgium has just finished production with Fashion Enter. After approaching the Fashion Studio for samples, founder, Eli Menten was so happy with the fit and quality of the first samples that she ordered a further 400 units of 2 separate dress styles. The dresses that have been in production since late November are now completed and ready for shipping.
“I have always been passionate about my design. The female form needs to emphasize the curves of a woman but the styles need to be fun. My collection is about style and keeping the youthfulness for today’s woman. I love the top quality English standards of manufacturing and that’s why I have worked with FashionCapital.co.uk which is a social enterprise too.” Eli Menten
On FashionCapital.co.uk This Week…
We talk to Rachael Proud, Creative Director at MatchesFashion.com. Rachael Proud worked her way through the ranks at Topshop before the plum-role of Design Director for Christopher Kane landed in her lap. Several years later and she has gone freelance with a key role at www.matchesfashion.com re-launching their in-house range Raey. The WGSN Global Fashion Award nominees have been announced and as the fashion pack re-locate to Paris we take a look at the designs that have made their way down the Milanese catwalks in ‘Industry Trends’.
(Image right: Dolce & Gabbana A/W 15/16)
Boutique Pick of the Week
 Looking chic while sporting a baby bump can be tricky, anyone that has been there understands how fit can become a nightmare with tops riding up and skirts and trousers shifting down. Launch label Raspberry Leaf know all too well about the issues and have come up with a capsule range of essentials that offers comfortable, affordable and on-trend clothes for pregnant women. This week we have picked out this simple V-neck tee that provides ample bump coverage and can be worn in a variety of ways. Let’s not forget that Raspberry Leaf produce all their garments at Fashion Enter’s North London factory supporting the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign as well!
Raspberry Leaf available in 5 colourways from S to XXL at £10-
This Week’s Header
Photographer Chris Daw managed to capture some fantastic backstage action during the latest edition of London Fashion Week. A model arrives late from her previous show sending the hair and make-up team into a flurry of activity. To view more of Chris’ images please visit the Image Gallery – click here.
Until next time, have a great week,
All the team at FashionCapital x
      
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