A New Era for UK Fashion Production

Newsletter 28th May 2025

Leicester is Alive!

It’s been two weeks since we hosted the Leicester Made trade event and it has really sparked debate across the board. 

Vogue Business published an insightful piece titled: Made in Leicester: How do you rebuild after a supply chain scandal? Compiled by Bella Webb, the feature includes visits to Leicester manufacturers – Meesha Graphics and Shahtex, along with comments from councillors and worker’s rights organisations. The article concludes with an overall ‘new chapter’ for Leicester sentiment, it won’t look the same as it once was, but with the right impetus and investment it could become the UK’s fashion and textiles heritage hub.

Here is a short You Tube Video of what Leicester Made 2025 was all about: Leicester Made 2025 – A New Era for UK Fashion Production

Join the Debate

Sky News discussed: ‘From scandals to extinction: A look into Leicester’s vanishing fashion industry’ in their 12-minute report. A reality check on how the once bustling Leicester manufacturing sector has rapidly declined and lost out to the likes of China. This was discussed at Leicester Made within the Roundtable with MP Liz Kendall, on the panel discussion stage, and amongst the exhibitors / attendees at the event. 

Talking about the event, Sunny Patel, Meesha Group said: “The Leicester Made event was a brilliant celebration of our city’s talent and innovation. It was fantastic to connect with fellow fashion leaders and hear from Liz Kendall and Rosie Wrighting about the continued support for our industry — a real reminder of the strength and potential within Leicester’s creative and manufacturing community.”

At FEL we can see the ‘potential’ is huge, and have seen for ourselves what manufacturers adapting to changing business models are capable of. The ATMF is now pushing for government support and policies that will provide that level playing field. There is no doubt that Leicester has been tarnished with bad press but we need to move forward and build on the skills, heritage and excellence that we know the region can provide.

Join the conversation on Linked In

Open Days To Meet the Manufacturers

Encouraging news, three brands have already brokered meetings following Leicester Made. The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) is now organising some Open Days from mid-June to meet the factories at our Fashion Hub at Phoenix House King Street, LE1.

If you are interested please drop an email to: divya@fashion-enter.com 

Thread Chain e Platform

Over 100 garments have been dropped off for the e platform website Thread Chain – converting deadstock to liquid assets! 

To find out more tap here.

John Herrera’s Designs Captivate at the House of Lords Fashion Event

Last Friday, May 23rd, Fashion-Enter Ltd educator, and designer, John Herrera, showcased his current collection and archive designs at the “Creative Sustainability Where Fashion Meets Art” event held at The House of Lords in Westminster.

“Creative Sustainability Where Fashion Meets Art”, presented by Parkfleet Consultancy & Services Ltdin collaboration with Marie Fairbank and Lanre Olagoke MBE, presented four designers from different countries to showcase their work in this prestigious venue.

The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Level 3 students assisted backstage, helping to dress the models, providing support to the designers, and even modelling on the catwalk. This experience offered the students a fantastic opportunity to participate in a real fashion show in a top tier setting.

John’s collection thoroughly captivated the audience. At the end of the show, John and the Level 3 students joined the models on stage to receive enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd.

New Short Courses Now Available

From patterns and sewing, illustration and upcycling, tap here to view all the courses over the next couple of months.

Masterclasses and Courses

Roll-on courses: 

Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester. 

Level 1 & 2 in Stitching

Level 1 & 2 in Patterns

Various Levels in Tailoring

Diploma in Fashion Design and Business 

Patterns: 

3rd June – 4-Day Pattern Adaptation Course – FC Designer Workspace – £150 + eventbrite fees

Stitching: 

2nd June – 1 Day Beginners Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fees

Draping:

26th July & 2nd Aug – Introduction to Draping in 2 Saturday sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee

Illustration:

2nd – 5th June – Introduction to Fashion Illustration – FC Designer Workspace – £160 + eventbrite fees

Upcycling:

10th June – Free Drop In Repair and Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – Free

For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311

This Week on FashionCapital…

Dopamine Dressing: How Colour Therapy Became 2025’s Biggest Fashion Philosophy

And Finally…

Thanks to Fashion Roundtable and Aja Botanicals for inviting FEL / Jenny Holloway to their recent Craft, Sustainability and Wellbeing event in Notting Hill. It was brilliant to see participants and makers from the Great British Wool Revival, at this intimate gathering. Tap here to read more about this event and initiative.

Until next time, have a great week.

From the Team at FashionCapital