NEWSLETTER 28 AUGUST 2013 Dear all,
There is no escaping the fact that autumn is fast approaching and alongside all the ‘Back to School’ window displays are the latest new season pieces. A key trend spotted across the High Street is the monochrome look; from bold black & white checks and oversize animal prints to layering-up black with white separates. It’s a trend that bridges all ages and an easy one to work into wardrobes too. Black & white blouse right by Marks & Spencer.
This Week on FashionCapital
Zoe Barrow has been reporting on new government proposals to name and shame employers that fail to pay employees the National Minimum wage. Read more here.
Editor JoJo Iles looks at the latest statistics for Neets (youngsters not in education, employment or training) and reviews how initiatives such as the ‘Stitching Academy’ can provide a way forward for these young adults. Read more here.
We also feature the latest Autumn/Winter campaign from Marks & Spencer, which includes 12 inspirational and iconic British women, a very confident statement from the high street giant. To read click here.
TopShop/Topman Technical Apprenticeship Scheme

Overview
Our Global Vision is to be the worlds fashion authority. Endorsed by opinion formers and accessible to everyone, we are an authentic British Brand with world class standards. A fashion-insider that constantly innovates through its brave and irreverent approach, providing fashion leadership to style-minded individuals
We are looking for candidates who have an interested in pursuing a garment technology or textile related career pathway and would be keen to gain experience in working within a fast paced technical team.
You will be working closely with other Technologists, Buying teams and our Suppliers to contribute to improving all aspects of product quality assurance and the development of product.
A role at TOPSHOP TOPMAN promises a fast paced, challenging and innovative working environment. The key to our success is our people, and becoming part of this inspiring team will be a really fantastic opportunity for the right person!
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitor quality requirements
- Assist in translating fashion designs into workable garments through involvement in fit sessions
- Providing administrative assistance to the technical department
- Assisting in reviewing fabric test reports and performance and assisting with in-house testing
- Administrating factory audit documentation
- Analysing customer returns
- Reviewing product fit and performance against competitors
- Monitoring and feeding back on quality in our warehouse and stores.
Experience & skills:
- Passionate and driven to succeed in a fast paced and demanding environment
- Have a keen interest in trend led, high street fashion
- A strong eye for detail
- Have a passionate interest for garments and fabric construction
- Demonstrate a “problem solving/Can do” behaviour
- Be able to proactively identify and analyse problems and propose commercial solutions
- Demonstrate strong communication skills
- Have the ability to work under their own initiative and thrive in a fast paced environment
Above all, we like enthusiastic and passionate people who have a strong vision for what they could bring to TOPSHOP TOPMAN.
Please apply to: Jenni Sutton jenni@fashioncapital.co.uk
The Business of Fashion with FashionCapital and NatWest at The City Business Library

The Business of Fashion: inspiration, information and networking
Thursday, 3 October 2013 from 17:45 to 20:30 (BST)
London
Are you starting a fashion label, thinking about it or just need some ideas of how to make your business more successful for the future?
Hear a series of industry experts talking on a range of topics to help your label succeed in fashion today! We’re delighted to confirm that Caren Downie (formerly of Topshop and ASOS) will be speaking exclusively at this event.
Discover how the City Business Library and other organisations can help you:
Business Launchpad
CIDA – Cultural Industries Development Agency
Companies House
Craft Central
Fashion Capital
Intellectual Property Office
NatWest Bank
Portobello Business Centre
StartUp Loans London
Women’s Business Centre
Network with other like-minded people over a drink and Tsuru sushi.
Admission is £10. Places are limited so early booking is recommended.
Book online via: http://cblfashionoct13.eventbrite.co.uk/

At The Fashion Studio
It is always a great honour to work with a fashion legend and Barbara Hulanicki, founder of the iconic clothes brand Biba, is just that. Beyond Biba Hulanicki hasn’t stopped with her illustrative and identifiable style, she has designed hotels, wallpaper, interiors and of course fashion, from designer to high street. Recently she designed a wedding dress for Laura Bartlett and the Fashion Studio was selected to produce this special garment. Here is a picture of Laura looking rather beautiful in the dress. FashionCapital will be featuring an exclusive article on Barbara Hulanicki soon.

Barbara Hulanicki featured in Saga Magazine – Laura Bartlett in Barbara’s wedding dress produced at The Fashion Studio
The ETI Base Code and UK Law Workshop
Next workshop: 27 November 2013

Understanding the legal side of ethical trading in the UK.
This one-day workshop will help develop your knowledge of integrating ethical trading into your supply chain while conforming to UK employment law.
Practical legal reassurance
Our leading employment law trainer will explain the practical steps you need to take when creating compliant HR management systems for ethical trade.
We will make sure you understand the ETI Base Code and key aspects of UK labour laws so that you have a framework for developing healthy policies and labour relations.
You will be given information on performance and shown how to identify and communicate the key people management risks of ethical trading – and their solutions.
Based on this knowledge, you can get a better feel for the importance of worker involvement and consultation, and will have the tools to take practical steps for promoting compliance and strong employee relations.
Who is this course for?
‘The ETI Base Code and UK law’ course is suitable for HR experts in UK organisations, particularly if you are a:
- HR manager in a supply company
- general or production manager for a supplier
- trade union and worker representative for a supplier
- ETI member’s employee with ethical trade responsibilities.
Join our ‘The ETI Base Code and UK law’ course
If you would like to find out more, please check prices and complete a booking form, email us or call +44(0) 207 841 4350.
http://www.ethicaltrade.org/training/employment-law-uk-suppliers
The Stitching Academy Launch 
Next week, Wednesday 4th September we will be officially launching the ASOS / FashionCapital ‘Stitching Academy’ at The Factory in Haringey, North London. The Minister for Employment Mark Hoban will be in attendance along with other leading industry figures. More on this next week.
Baby Boom
Congratulations to Anna Gall, Admin Manager at The Factory, on the birth of her beautiful baby girl Laura, we look forward to seeing you both when you pop by the Factory soon.

Baby Laura
Also to Eva, a finisher at The Factory, and her gorgeous son Ivan. He is already 7 months old and we look forward to seeing Eva back on the Factory floor when she returns to work in 2-months time.

Eva with baby Ivan
Boutique Pick of the Week 
Our boutique pick of the week comes from Angel Jackson; the accessories brand won the Topshop New Designer Award at our very own Profile showcase in their first season. This Angel Jackson satchel nails the monochrome trend with its intricate design in black & white sheep leather appliqué. The removable chain strap means it can be worn either as a satchel or a clutch. Now on sale at £122- reduced from £245- and available via http://www.angeljackson.com
Until next time, have a great week,
All the team at Fashion Capital x
Fashion Enter Ltd – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 for the Social Enterprise category; the London and South region.

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