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Newsletter 20th January 2016
Dear all,
The fashion calendar is still very much focused on menswear with the designer collections in Milan and, from today, Paris adding to the mix. Interestingly European brands are now introducing New York to their trade show calendar to ensure exposure and business with the vast US market. Closer to home meanwhile it was fantastic to see the first cohort of two-year advanced Level 3 M&S apprentices complete their training, we wish them all luck with their fashion careers. As always the industry needs more skilled production workers and if you are looking for opportunities in this sector you’ve come to the right place!
Introducing a Diploma in Apparel Product Development
 While the renaissance in UK textile manufacturing is most welcome for both the industry and the economy there is a rather large snag…we simply aren’t producing enough candidates with the appropriate skills in the life-cycle of the garment, at every step of the process, post design.
The glamour of design continues to disproportionately attract and disappoint graduates, over-supplied seven-to-one for a designer-centric job focus. Meanwhile the garment making, production and management roles are crying out for trained candidates.
The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) has been created to readdress the balance and one of the many courses on offer is the new Diploma in Apparel Product Development taught by the highly regarded Anastasia Vouyouka from e-Telestia. The Telestia method has been developed over the past 30 years and incorporates real old-school dressmaking skills of good fit and garment construction with up-to the-minute tools and technology.
To find out more and apply for this course please contact education@fashion-enter.com or telephone 0208 809 3311.
Apprenticeship Post of the Week
A fantastic career opportunity has opened up to join the Apparel Apprentice Scheme and become an Assistant Garment Technologist at New Look. To find out more and apply click here.
Fashion Job of the Week
Urban Outfitters are looking for an experienced Senior e-Commerce Stylist of exceptional ability to join their Creative team.
To view this post click here.
Fabric at Your Fingertips – New Styles Added Weekly
The FC: Fabric Studio is a continual one-stop, online shop for the latest fabric trends and style steal sewing techniques.
Targeted at stitchers, quilters, crafters, designers and fashion students the online fabric studio enables budding and professional dressmakers to browse through hundreds of rolls of fabrics including cottons, jerseys, silks, chiffons, leather, brocade, lace, Lycra and many more in both colour blocks and prints, all offered at wholesale prices and no minimum quantity.
In addition to this the in house design team and fabric specialists at FashionCapital will be offering advice on how to select the right fabric for your sewing needs, fabric techniques and sewing tutorials for the latest fashion trends.
To find out more and view visit: http://www.fcfabricstudio.com
Fabric & Sample Sale Saturday 30th January at the FTA
If you would like to view and feel our selection fabrics then please pop in to our next Fabric and Sample Sale at the FTA on Saturday 30th January 10am – 1pm.
FTA,
Unit 13, Crusader Estate,
167 Hermitage Road,
London,
N4 1LZ. Closest tube: Manor House
From Stitching Academy to Self Employed Designer
 We love success stories here at FashionCapital and Grace Barrett-Major, a previous Stitching Academy student, has provided us with just that. Since completing the Stitching course Grace has developed her own design samples and has now generated enough interest that she needs the services of the Fashion Studio to complete her launch collection to perfection.
CEO of FashionCapital & Fashion Enter Jenny Holloway comments:
“Grace is one amazing woman. She came to our Stitching Academy eager to learn but with some anxiety because it’s been some time since Grace had any formal training. She was like a duck to water! She was always so positive, never gave up when she made errors in her stitches, eager to learn and just look at her today. She has started her own business and has so much demand she is now using the Fashion Studio services. Go Grace Go. You are one inspiring lady!”
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/learning/stitching-academy
M&S Apprenticeship Leaving Party
Last Friday 15th January was a jubilant day however it was also tinged with sadness. The first cohort of M&S apprentices have completed their two-year advanced apprenticeship Level 3 in garment technology and it was such a proud moment for Fashion Enter to present their certificates and gifts.
The garment technology pathway is a highly popular and a much needed industrially based Level 3 accredited qualification. Over the two years learning period the apprentices have learnt the importance of fit, garment construction, the genuine meaning of quality, production methods, fabric and the properties of fabric and other such detailed specifications to ensure they can create fit and spec garments for production to appropriate standardised quality methods.
Krishan Hundal, Director of Technology, Quality and Innovation gave a heart-warming address to the students, “We would like to thank this particular cohort of learners, you should all be so proud to have done so well within M&S. Your development over the programme has been outstanding, you have all developed such confidence in your own ability.” He continued by saying, “Be so proud of your achievements, feedback from all of your managers has been a testament to the brilliant job you have all done. You have paved the way for the new cohort and will always be a part of the M&S extended family.”
Welcome to the New Batch of M&S Apprentices
We would like to give a big WELCOME to the stupendous six new M&S apprentices: Annabel, Gloria, Melissa, Nadia, Russie and Nicole!
Welcome ladies!
Welcome TOPSHOP Apprentice Lia Bratt
 We would like to welcome new TOPSHOP apprentice Lia Bratt (pictured right). Lia has just completed her first week as an apprentice and we asked Lia how for some details about why she chose the apprenticeship programme and how she was getting on so far, here is what she had to say:
“I was doing AS levels and decided they weren’t for me so I looked at apprenticeships and applied for the Topshop Technical Apprentice. I’m excited about starting a new chapter and beginning a career, learning in the fashion industry. I was worried about coping with a 9am-5pm day but it’s getting easier. My first week felt overwhelming but I’ve already learnt so much. I’m looking forward to achieving my qualification and gaining employment, I’m also looking forward to being more confident with all my tasks and being able to do them independently.”
If you would like to follow in Lia’s steps and take an apprenticeship pathway please click here to view the latest vacancies.
This Week on FashionCapital…
Paul Markevicius reports from the leading menswear trade show – Pitti Uomo in Florence with a focused article on British brands doing business on a global scale. WGSN share their trend forecasting insight with a look at key colours to watch for AW 16/17 in the Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories sector. Meanwhile in ‘Business Advice’ we pass on some top tips when it comes to compiling your first press release.
Boutique Pick of the Week
This statement, structured skirt does all the talking when paired with plain separates. Fitted at the waist this skirt features an origami-cut with a sheen finish in a structured fabrication with wrap-style folds to front and back. Finished by its high waist and midi-length this is a great day piece that scores plenty of fashion points.
Belshaw Fold A-line Skirt £65- from Finery London available in UK sizes 6 – 16
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