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Newsletter 21st December
Dear all,
 The end of another year and the team at FashionCapital, and sister companies Fashion Enter and the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), have had a momentary reflect on all the achievements, collaborations and events that we have been involved with over the past twelve months.
Apprentices: We’ve had 20 apprentices join us this year, gaining essential hands-on knowledge in an earn-while-you-learn environment. With a 100% employment rate, the Fashion Technology Academy guarantees that all students progress onto further education or employment within their chosen sectors.
Razina Bapu was named Apprentice of the Year 2016. “Being chosen as the Apprentice of the year at Fashion Enter just six months into my apprenticeship is very exciting and encouraging for me, as it shows that my hard work and effort is being recognised by my colleagues. This will motivate me to do even better during my apprenticeship and learn a lot more along the way. It also shows that I made the right choice by taking the apprenticeship pathway in order to enter the fashion industry.”
Learners: The Fashion Technology Academy has welcomed hundreds learners through its doors on courses ranging from stitching to pattern cutting and Vetigraph to machine maintenance. Additionally we have held a range of open days, beginner’s courses, seminars and workshops.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed completing and studying both the Level 1 and 2 Perfect Patterns course here at the FTA. I have learnt new skills and now feel confident in this area. I would definitely recommend the course to those looking to gain new skills within the fashion, textiles and pattern cutting industry.” – Valerie Lindsay
Factory Uncovered: Fashion Enter is proud to represent both ‘Made in Britain’ and best practices in apparel manufacturing and has welcomed numerous Schools, Colleges, Universities and career development organisations through its doors. Some have even come as far afield as the U.S, India and Africa to attend our informative Factory Uncovered seminars to learn all about the garment life cycle and all the various elements that are essential for proficient apparel production.
CPPD: Another wing within our range of services includes our highly successful CPPD courses. Fashion Enter delivers CPPD training to industry professionals within garment technology, buying and merchandising andcourse attendees can gain a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards. This year we have welcomed teams from ASOS.com, M&S, Fatface, New Look and Arcadia Group.
“The seminar has taught me so much! The training surrounding production is key for anyone going into the fashion industry. I have met buyers who have never been in a factory before so this morning was amazing.”– Katherine at New Look
(Images from the top: Apprentices, Vetigraph learners with their certificates, Perfect Pattern course learner, work experience individuals, Jenny & Jenni at the Forward Ladies awards and Richard Nicoll.)
Collaborative Projects: We believe collaboration is key for the industry to function as a whole and throughout the year we undertook many collaborative projects from employment initiatives with the likes of Sew We Learn, New Direction, The Princes Trust, JET, JobCentrePlus, Haringey Council and Love London Working. As well as a wonderful apprenticeship and production project with June Sarpong and her Ldny label to working with the Best of Britannia event.
In the press: Our pro-active stance on developing a new generation of skilled production workers and that ‘Made is Britain’ is a viable option for brands on so many levels has ensured some press coverage over the year. From The Times, Drapers Record, The Guardian to TV coverage on ITV, BBC as well as BBC Radio 4 and just last week BBC Radio London.
Production: Our highly skilled production team at the Factory has produced runs for ASOS.com, M&S (Best of British), John Lewis and Finery London amongst others. While our Fashion Studio has created numerous small orders for clients such as Phoebe English, Nina Baker, Pearl Lowe Petite, Tallulah & Hope, Double A-Side and many more.
Work Experience: Over the year we have introduced the fast-paced fashion world to a group of work experience individuals ranging from school age to university level. “I would like to publicly thank FashionCapital for the extraordinary work experience and I hope I will go back one day.” – India Hunnikin
Out & About: CEO Jenny Holloway spoke at numerous events such as Fashion SVP, Meet the Manufacturer and Drapers Next Generation while the team attended industry staples such as London Fashion Week, Pure Womenswear, Jacket Required, the Design Museum Opening and Fashion Question Time at the Houses of Parliament.
FC Fabric Studio: Got bigger and better with industry press coverage, new fabrics to buy online updated on a weekly basis and the introduction of some new watch and learn YouTube tutorials.
Awards: Fashion Enter is now officially listed in The Manufacturer Top 100 2016! And additionally picked up the Forward Ladies Women in Business national award for the Social Enterprise category. “This is a total team effort. Fashion Enter could not have achieved all we have done without each and every one of our fabulous team. I’m so proud of everyone and I have to say this was genuinely not expected!” – Jenny Holloway
We also say a sad farewell to: Designers Simon Wang and Richard Nicoll, both very creative and professional talents that have been lost too soon. We also acknowledgemajor influencers André Courrèges, Sonia Rykiel, David Bowie and Prince – all have left a legacy on the industry in their own unique way.
Other News…On Sabbatical
 Two of our inspiring tutors are about to take sabbaticals and travel the globe. Leyla Mehmet (right), Head of the Stitching Academy is leaving for 3-months, she will be back with the team in March. And Senior Pattern Cutter and Tutor Alice Prier is taking a year out to travel the world. We wish them both well and hope they have some fabulous experiences.
Jenny comments:
“I have worked with Leyla for over 10-years now and I can honestly say she is one of the most genuine, talented ladies I know! What Leyla doesn’t know about garment construction isn’t worth knowing and her ability to teach and pass on her wealth of technical knowledge is second to none. Everyone will miss Leyla dearly; she is a valuable and respected member of the team! We all wish Leyla a wonderful and well deserved extended holiday in Spain!”
 “I’ve loved working with Alice! Alice (left) is a treasure – she’s an unusual mix of being highly creative but also has that brilliant mathematical mind that pattern cutters need. Alice has a learner fan club too due to her giving nature that really cares about each and every learner. Alice is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime with her husband. You will have a ball Alice being an intrepid explorer. See you in a year’s time!”
FC Fabric Studio
One for the diary – our next in-house fabric sale will take place Thursday 19th January at our HQ: Unit 14, Crusader Industrial estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ. We have many fabrics available online via http://www.fcfabricstudio.com/shop
Lin Holden, one of our most frequent customers has shared her garments with us, here are a few of the items she has stitched and produced using a range of our fabrics.
“I have bought several beautiful fabrics from FC Fabric Studio. It’s the first port of call on my list when I am looking for fabrics. I am a huge fan and often recommend to people at sewing groups.” – Lin Holden
Please note today (21st December) is the last day to purchase any fabrics – any orders placed after today will be shipped the first week we are back in the office in the New Year.
Dates for Your Diary:
 January Courses – We still have a few spaces remaining on our Stitching Academy and Perfect Patterns courses commencing in the New Year to find out more and apply contact education@fashion-enter.com or telephone 0208 809 3311
“Being at Fashion Enter has been the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time and I wish I knew about Fashion Enter and all its opportunities earlier in my life. I finally know where I belong and what I want to do.” – Pattern Cutting Student Shana Stanley
19th January – From 10am – 1pm In-house Fabric Sale at Unit 14, Crusader Industrial estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4. Nearest tube Manor House.
2nd February new short course on Fabric Appreciation click here for more information
Further dates to be confirmed for the next Factory Open Day and a series of informative Webinars during February.
30th March – FashionCapital Trunk Show Manchester – for more details click here.
 This Week on FashionCapital…
Find out more about the FashionCapital Trunk shows for 2017 with Freeths as our headline sponsor and our recently announced TCBL’s Open Procedure partnership.
A new report reveals that British seniors are now among the most tech-savvy consumers in Europe.
And Fashion Scout reveal their One’s To Watch as we head into the AW17 show season.
Boutique Pick of the Week
If getting noticed is your thing then you might want to check out Bottle Blonde clothing for the bold and the brave, hand made for the psychedelic babes of the future! This Disco Dreams party dress in reflective silver has been inspired by Kate Moss in her 90s heyday. Available now from ASOS.com Marketplace.
Bottle Blonde Disco Dreams dress in silver £28-
Christmas & New Year Closing Dates
Please note that The Factory, FTA and Fashion Enter/FashionCapital head office will be closed from 23rd December until the 3rd January 2017.
Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year! (Here are a few shots from our staff Christmas parties held last week!
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