Newsletter 16th March 2016
Dear all,
National Apprenticeship Week is in full swing and a handful of our apprentices have been featured in the press from the Creative Skillset video and photoshoot, to London Live, The Sunday Independent and The Guardian. Here at FashionCapital HQ we would like to say a huge well done to our apprentices, taking on an apprenticeship you need dedication, drive and a willingness to be thrown into the deep end, but as Belinda Diangi former Darling Clothes / Fashion Enter apprentice told The Guardian: “I’m glad I picked this route. I’ve had a head start over fashion graduates.”
Apprenticeships offer real hands-on experience that can’t be taught in the classroom alone, if you are thinking about an apprenticeship in the fashion sector then click here to read this latest interview by Ellie Saunders from the ABC Awards website featuring Fashion Enter apprentices Razina, Beccy and Lia.
Fashion Enter’s Apprentice of the Year
We are pleased to announce that Razina Bapu is our 2016 Fashion Enter Apprentice of the Year! Well-done Razina for this well deserved accolade!

Razina comments: “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.”
Five-Day Vetigraph Course
Following the success of the Vetigraph taster day we held early this month, we are now delighted to confirm that a more advanced five day course will go ahead.
This is ideal for both beginners and those looking to take their CAD/CAM skills to the next level
“The tutors from Vetigraph were amazing, my objective was reached, I 100% have a mission to master digital P/cutting.” Kerry
Taking place at the Fashion Technology Academy from 9th May – 13th May 2016 the five-day intensive course will cover the following:
Day One
Introduction to the User interface
Introduction to digital pattern creation techniques
Using the tools to create pattern pieces
Modifying pieces though rotating, copying and mirroring
Saving patterns correctly
Day Two
Continuation of digital pattern making techniques
Dart manipulation, adding fullness, pleats and tucks
Input paper patterns using a Digitizer table
Naming the pieces and Creating Seams
Defining notches, drill holes and other pattern markings
Day Three
Further pattern making techniques
Pattern adjustments
Introduction to block creation
Pattern measurements
Pattern output to plotter
Day Four
Introduction to grading
Grading to meet supplier specification sheets
Custom grading functions
Defining grading rule libraries
Day Five
Lay Planning and costing
Exporting and importing files
Review of what you have learned
To enquire about availability and costs please email: jenni@fashion-enter.com
In the Press: Michaela Jedinak
It was fantastic to see one of our clients Michaela Jedinak in The Times this week. Her made-to-order dress concept is proving to be a great success amongst business and high-profile women and we (at the Fashion Studio) have been with her, making her designs from the very beginning.

“Thank you so much- my success is your success – thank you for all the great work you do for me.”Michaela Jedinak
https://www.facebook.com/michaelajedinaklondon/
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Razina Bapu has been looking after all the FC Fabric Studio orders as they come in. She comments: “Lots of fabric orders are coming in now and I have noticed that the blue fabrics seem to be very popular with the customers.”
As blue is proving so popular we’ve picked out this stunning textured floral jersey as our fabric swatch of the week.
http://www.fcfabricstudio.com
Manchester Metropolitan Uni Students Review FashionCapital
Manchester Metropolitan University Students (Hollings Campus) are running a unit for their students at Level 5 called Synergy. The unit runs across the faculty with numerous live briefs with industry. The International Fashion Promotions students had to draw ‘out of a hat’ which of the three briefs they were to participate in within their groups. One of those briefs was with FashionCapital. The students had to present their findings and write a report of 2,000 words each answering the briefs given by industry. Each presentation was marked by the lectures and input from the industry representatives, this giving the students an opportunity to present in front of their peers, gaining experience as well as in front of Jenny Holloway, the founder and CEO of FashionCapital.
Jenny was so impressed with the standard of the presentations and three students in particular, that she has asked them to an interview for a Placement position within their Marketing Department. More on who will land the placement in due course.
Featured Member of the Week: Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry Leaf is a clothing brand dedicated to making the most of the gorgeous curves pregnancy brings. When founder Kay was pregnant she couldn’t find anything that was right for her and she didn’t want to sacrifice her own style or loose her individuality. Kay and her friends want to put a stop to that! Their mission is to make every expectant woman look and feel her absolute best! Kay’s capsule collection made at the Fashion Enter factory is now available to buy online via http://www.raspberryleaf.co.uk To read more about Kay’s story and customer reviews on her products please click here.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
As you can tell this week apprenticeships have been in focus and to read all about our current cohort and what they have been up to lately please click here. With spring in the air our latest trend article looks at key dress shapes that are destined to become the season’s bestsellers. And in Business Advice we look at how some of the biggest names in fashion utilise cross-channel accessibility during Fashion Week.
Boutique Pick of Week
According to WGSN and their recent colour trend report richer shades of butterscotch and cognac are following onfrom the success of nude tones in the accessories and footwear markets. With this in mind we’ve picked out this gorgeous Italian leather hobo bag by accessories brand Marla Fiji. The deep cognac colour is right on the button and the size and shape ensure it practical, everyday use status.

Ellen W hobo bag in Cognac Italian Leather by Marla Fiji
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