Technology and Fashion’s Future
14-06-2023
Newsletter 14th June 2023
It’s a confusing time for fashion manufacturing, orders are down and some factories are struggling to survive. However, new technologies are paving the way for leaner, made to demand and transparent production, and while this shakes up traditional production methods it is crucial to evolve and adapt. This week our focus is on fashion technology, and how it can and is being incorporated into the industry as we head into a new era.
FEL Fresh Back From ITMA
Jenny and Callum from the FEL team are fresh back from ITMA in Milan. ITMA is the world’s largest international textile and garment technology exhibition spanning across 12 halls on the ground level of Fiera Milano Rho, the exhibition covers features all textile sectors, ranging from spinning to finishing, software, logistics, and fibres, yarns and fabrics. With the two biggest sectors, finishing and spinning, at both ends of the exhibition, it is huge!
Jenny said: “Our FTA is leading in technical skills today and the only way to stay ahead is to constantly review the latest innovation. The show was, OMG, huge and packed, and we networked well with a wide variety of suppliers and bumped into retailers too.
“Every time there was a new contract signed there was a celebration and there were lots of celebrations! Great event all round.
“Plus a huge thank-you to Kornit Digital for a great evening on Monday 12th at the Spirit of Milan.”
As Featured in The Interline
It was particularly exciting to see the clothes FEL printed, using our onsite Kornit printer, and manufactured for Phygitaltwin, being worn by models at a catwalk event during ITMA in Milan.
The collaboration with FEL, Kornit and Phygitaltwin was featured on ‘The Interline’ published yesterday, 13th June, the article began: ‘Phygitaltwin pushes the boundaries of fashion and technology, showcasing the seamless integration of innovative printing techniques and sustainable practices.’
Tap here to read the full article on The Interline
Next Up London Tech Week
Phygitialtwin will also be working with FEL on an educational initiative, 5th July, for London Tech Week. School children will be invited to create Phygital designs which will then get produced the very same day at FEL’s micro factory in Haringey. More on this soon.
Drapers – Future of Fashion
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway joined key industry figures on 8th June as a guest speaker at the Drapers Future of Fashion conference.
Jenny commented: “Thank-you to Style 3D for asking me to be a guest speaker at Drapers Future of Fashion event.
“This was a new type of networking event and it was based on a roundtable discussion. The conference was well attended with retailers including Next, M&S, Asda as well as suppliers and retailers too.
“The discussions really flowed well with an honest debate on how garment technologists can really embrace 3D but sometimes there can be reticence from the buyers who, understandably, want to feel handle. Many conclusions were reached, not least the more 3D is used both in design and fit then confidence will be built!
“We’re looking forward to our collaborative relationship with Style 3D.”
Summer Sample Sale at FC Designer Collective
Join us at the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road for our Summer Sample Sale. There will be some great bargains on offer alongside patterns and fabrics for those looking to get creative.
Save the date: Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July at FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, N4 close to Finsbury Park tube station. Opening hours 10am – 5pm.
Studio Space Available
The FC Designer Workspace currently has affordable private studios available to rent.Supported by Islington Council the FC Designer Workspace offers highly competitive rates that are affordable for small businesses to flourish.
To find out more please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
Latest on FEL Wales
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter FEL was not successful in gaining the Welsh NHS bid for the £4m nurses uniform order. This outcome has been contested and FEL has received phenomenal support from industry and local individuals. On a more positive note we are in talks to continue with training and recycling / upcycling initiatives in Wales.
N17 Creative Callings Now Completed
The N17 Creative Callings programme, created in 2019 to provide continual development and growth of creative businesses and start-ups in the Tottenham area of north London, has now closed.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and Collage Arts worked extremely well collectively to deliver hand-held mentoring support and business advice with the aim to enhance business growth and prosperity.
The programme supported 51 micro/SME businesses and 130 individuals were enrolled on the programme.
MJ commented on being part of N17 Creative Callings: “Jenny and I worked closely together through a series of meetings where I was able to ask Jenny’s advice on several topics which pertained to the business side of my work. This was incredibly useful as before joining the N17 programme I had no exposure to manufacture and retail beyond that of bespoke / sample selling. In particular, Jenny’s suggestion for me to centre myself within the branding and marketing of my work was a big change of mindset for me, which I have since implemented.”
Free Zoom Masterclasses to Support Your Business
We have a new series of free masterclass sessions taking place via Zoom to support designers and fashion brand start-ups.
The first session will take place next Wednesday 21st June from 10 – 11am: Establishing Your Fashion Empire: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Company Formation for Aspiring Brands and Designers
Understanding the fundamentals of setting up a company is crucial to establishing a solid foundation for any new business. Gain insight in this hour-long session and a deeper understanding of the key steps involved in setting up a fashion company
All you have to do is sign up and a Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the date.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses available at all campuses, Islington, Haringey, Newtown and Leicester…
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
21st June Establishing Your Fashion Empire: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Company Formation for Aspiring Brands and Designers (Free via Zoom)
13th July An Hour with Designer and Brand Owner Louisa Parris (Free via Zoom)
31st July – 3rd August 4 Day Beginners Stitching and Upcycling
7th – 10th August 4 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Course with recreation of your favourite personal garment
11th August 1 Day Upcycling and Repair Workshop (all levels)
16th – 18th August 3 Day Corset Pattern Making and Stitching Course (advanced)
22nd August 1 Day Reversible Tote Bag Stitching Course (beginners)
23rd – 25th August 3 Day Soft Furnishing Course (beginners)
Outfit of the Week
All this summer sun and the BBQ’s and drinks parties are in full flow. We love this floral wrap dress, perfect to style up and keep cool this summer season. Exclusive to SilkFred, tap here to view.
This Week on FashionCapital…
The Rise of Robots Are Millions of Textile Jobs at Risk?
And Finally…
Members of the FEL team Leah and Gee have been busy networking at Graduate Fashion Week at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This annual event provides an amazing platform for graduating fashion talent with an exhibition, catwalk shows and industry talks.
Leah commented: “Yesterday, Gee and I attended the Bath Spa and Bournemouth Arts Catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week. We noticed many of the designers took inspiration from the late designer, Vivienne Westwood, using tartan and layered fabrics creating a rebellious tone throughout the show.
“Stand out students included Bath Spa University’s Pippa Trimmer, @pippagracedesigns, who expertly used bright tartan fabrics and leather to create a posh punk collection that is references the 70’s punk scene. Along with Bournemouth University’s Lolita Nentia, @thelolitaeffect. Gee networked with many exhibitors such as the Red Cross who were interested in an upcycling partnership opportunity. Exciting to see so much new talent in one space.”
Until next time, have a great week,
From the Team at FashionCapital (Sister company to Fashion-Enter Ltd)
