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Newsletter 23rd October 2013
There’s no denying that the past two years have been tough for retailers, particularly for small independents trying to cope with astronomical rent and rate increases, slashed product prices from the multiples and the pressure of joining an e-commerce age. Various reports have confirmed that the High Street will never be the same again and retailers will have to up their game to provide multifaceted services in order to survive.
Taking a punch firmly on the chin this time last year boutique owner Alison Townshend decided to take matters into her own hands.
“Fast sell-through coupled with limited time availability of garments is key to the success of major fashion retailers. As a small independent I was stifled by what brands were able to sell to me and when. So I decided to set up my own label Luella.”
The idea with Luella is that independents can buy and respond quickly to customer and climate demands. There are no order restrictions and the turnaround of stock is incredibly fast.
“All the pieces are made from quality fabrics in Italy” comments Alison, “the range is all about daily wardrobe staples that can easily work into an existing seasonal range, freshening up the floor and giving customers new pieces to look at. If you remember last summer didn’t get going until July but thanks to the quick-turnaround I was able to add in quality limited-edition pieces from the ‘Luella’ label.”
We will be reporting on further strategies that retailers are adopting to stay ahead of the game on FashionCapital over the next few weeks, watch this space.
On FashionCapital This Week
Westfield London, the luxury shopping and leisure complex, is celebrating its 5th Birthday next week with a unique collaboration with five London Fashion Week designers, click here to read more. Tranoi Preview the pre-collection Paris trade show has announced its New Year dates along with a new location, click here to find out more. And the Loughborough University’s Innovative Manufacturing and Construction Research Centre develop effective and efficient recycling options for footwear, click here to read the full article.
Also congratulations to Ashleigh Kane, one of our regular journalists, she is furthering her fashion career with a 3-month internship with Dazed & Confused.
 And the Topshop Apprenticeship Goes to…
Last week we announced the Topman apprenticeship position had gone to Katy Strange. This week we can confirm that Molly Blud will be joining Topshop as their apprentice this November.
On gaining the apprenticeship position Molly said:
“I felt the overall process with FashionCapital was great, they were supportive and extremely helpful; staying in constant contact throughout the whole interview process, and answering all questions asked promptly and in great detail! I also compliment them on them on their friendly and positive attitude, making you feel at ease every step of the way. It came at a great shock to me when I received the e-mail that I was the chosen one for the Topshop apprentice due to great competition, leaving me over the moon and thrilled to be starting the programme!”
Globe-Trotter Vacancy
Globe-Trotter – The modern heritage suitcase, baggage and accessory brand established in 1897 is recruiting…
Globe-Trotter Suitcase Company Ltd, based in Hoddesdon Hertfordshire, is looking for sewing machinists to work on the soft luggage and small leather goods side of their business.
Previous experience of working on sewing machines is a must although on-site training will be given for sewing bags and leather in general.
We have a beautiful new factory with lots of new machinery and good working conditions. We work a 40 hour week and normal holiday allowances and Bank holiday breaks apply.
Pay would be dependent upon experience.
Please contact careers@globe-trotter.com
Aged 16 to 30 and Want to Start Your Own Business?
The Bright Ideas Trust is calling on people aged 16 to 30 from across London to take part in two dynamic half-day events, supported by Accenture and taking place at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, on Wednesday, October, 30, 2013.
Attendees will get the chance to find out what it takes to start up their own business in a packed programme of workshops, practical activities and talks, led by Tim Campbell, the first winner of BBC TV show The Apprentice.
After spending two years with Sir Alan Sugar’s company Amstrad, Tim has made it his mission to inspire other entrepreneurs. He set up the Bright Ideas Trust in 2007, and remains and active trustee of the organisation which has given hundreds of young people a chance to start up in business by providing advice and equity funding.
Tim will be joined at ‘Your Lightbulb Moment’ by Margaret Mountford, one of Sir Alan’s original sidekicks on the hit BBC1 programme. She will form part of an expert investor panel that will be keen to hear your business ideas, irrespective of what stage you are in developing your business.
The event will feature practical workshops and advice sessions on how to start-up and get funding; the chance to meet and network with other young people; plus an exhibition of new businesses that have started with Bright Ideas Trust support.
Lisa Gagliani, chief executive of the Bright Ideas Trust, said: “London is full of young people with great business ideas and the raw talent and determination to become successful entrepreneurs. Many find it hard to take their ideas further because they lack the necessary funding, skills and opportunities.
“We believe more should be done to help these aspiring entrepreneurs to realise their potential and the ‘Your Lightbulb Moment’ event is a great opportunity to demonstrate that the necessary advice and support is available to fulfill their ambitions.”
The first 300 delegates will also receive goody bags containing useful business equipment and services and there will also be the opportunity to win a host of prizes including an iPad, logo design, management consultancy and bespoke business cards.
Interested in attending for free?
Register your interest at: www.yourlightbulbmoment.biz
Fashion Social Media Apprenticeship Vacancy
Employer Modeconnect Limited, Learning Provider Delivered by Creative Process.
Launched in May 2012, modeconnect.com intends to provide resources for all those interested in creating fashion. It offers a worldwide platform on which fashion students, educators and young designers can show their work and share information.
Website http://modeconnect.com/
Tasks to be carried out:
• Execute and monitor social media campaigns across the main platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Vimeo, tumblr…): this will be a very varied task ranging from researching content to writing posts and tweets and manipulate visuals.
• Grow an understanding of social media and research the latest developments in the field so as to be able to imagine initiatives to grow social media audience and site traffic.
• Assist with editorial work: write and/or edit articles and posts that will appeal to Modeconnect international audience; the main subjects being Fashion, Fashion Education, Fashion Business and Arts and Creativity in general. Possibly initiate subject and features based on Social Media activity monitoring.
• Learn about SEO and carry out some SEO activities including links building etc.
• Know/learn about WordPress and Photoshop so as to be able to manage day to day activity on the site.
Skills Required:
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with a very good command of the English grammar and a good vocabulary
• Good understanding and use of all social media
• Self-started and able to work independently: demonstrate energy while being patient, have a sense of detail, an ability to apply oneself and have good organisational skills.
• Be able to carry out research for information online and over the phone.
• Be keen to develop visual appreciation in order to be able to work with images, lay-outs and videos.
• Be reliable and with good social skills, as contact with important members of academia and the industry are likely
• Being keen on Fashion as a subject but most importantly be genuinely interested in Social Media and Communication; this requires curiosity, an ability to analyse and synthesise, and a grasp of Social Media as Systems.
• Well groomed and presented
Vacancy Location:
23 Penn Road, London N7 9RD
Working Week 30 hours over 4 days 9-5pm with 1 hour for lunch
Weekly Wage £ 80.40
Number of Vacancies 2
Key Dates:
Closing Date for Applications 03/11/2013
Online application only
 Boutique Pick of the Week
We’ve been having a bit of fun here at FashionCapital HQ gearing up for Halloween when we spotted some gothic, slightly macabre gems by Suicide Blond. All Suicide Blond accessories are handmade in England in small quantities in the most sustainable way. Here we have The Black Spider, Duo of Spiders Single Earring. Small Spider hanging on a silver chain from a miniature spider post. Oxidised 925 Sterling Silver. Handmade in London. Price: £105.00
http://www.suicide-blonde.co.uk/
Until next time we wish you a fabulous week.
The Team at FashionCapital
Fashion Enter Ltd – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 for the Social Enterprise category; the London and South region.
   
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