Newsletter 23rd March 2016
Dear all,
Here at FashionCapital & sister company Fashion Enter ethics and best practices are at the core of what we do from our training programmes and apprenticeships to manufacturing and industry projects. Fashion is a tough industry with many flaws, however opportunities are available for those that are determined and armed with the right skills. This week we welcomed the Princes Trust/ASOS.com ‘Get Started in Fashion’ students to our factory and it’s projects like these along with campaigning companies like Fashion Revolution that ensure we are all on the same page.
Fashion Enter Engage with the Princes Trust
Last week Fashion Enter welcomed a group of 16 – 25 year olds taking part in the Princes Trust ‘Get started in Fashion’ Programme in association with ASOS.com. The programme aims to inspire and educate young people in a subject of their choice, whilst giving them the skills and confidence needed to succeed. As part of the ‘Get Started in Fashion’ programme the learners were able to gain a unique insight into the manufacturing side of the fashion industry and with many not seeing inside a factory before their eyes were opened to the opportunities available. Many left inspired to progress onto an apprenticeship following the course!

Tomorrow Fashion Enter will also take part in the Princes Trust Opportunity Day enabling young people to meet with training providers and companies offering programme and job opportunities. We will be there talking about the Level 1 and 2 Stitching Academy and Pattern Cutting courses as well as the jobs currently available on the Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship programme.
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/apprenticeship
#whomademyclothes 2016
This year, Fashion Revolution’s annual campaign (18th April – 24th April 2016) will call on consumers around the world to show the label in their clothing, post a photograph on social media, tag the brand they’re wearing and ask the question #whomademyclothes.
The week-long promotion backed by celebrities and FashionCapital & Fashion Enter will span 84 countries worldwide will seek to ignite a revolution to radically change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased.

Fashion Revolution 2016 will directly challenge every stakeholder in the fashion supply chain – retailers, brands, factories and private label manufacturers, to start to tackle exploitation in the industry by demonstrating transparency.
For further information and other ideas on how to get involved, visit www.fashionrevolution.org
Open Day for Designers
On 20th April from 11am – 1pm Fashion Enter will open its Factory doors to designers for an open day. The two-hour session will provide potential clients with an overview on Fashion Enter services including membership and one to one business mentoring as well as a review of the Fashion Studio sampling services and Factory production capabilities.
This is ideal for any new business start-up looking for a manufacturer as well as business support to ensure their label succeeds.
If you are a designer and are thinking about joining Fashion Enter please email jenni@fashion-enter.com to attend the open day.
Do You Need Studio & Production Space?
Fashion Enter can currently offer fully equipped studio space with private desk, computer and internet access for rent on a weekly basis; ideal for fashion graduates, scale up fashion businesses and independent designers looking for an affordable professional environment to thrive in.

Located at The Fashion Technology Academy in North London the space is a hub of creativity with the latest machinery, pattern cutting tables, desk space and skilled technicians on hand and all at very affordable rates.
Please note members will have priority and a 10% discount. To enquire or book please email info@fashion-enter.com
Vetigraph 5-Day 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.
To enquire about availability and costs please email: jenni@fashion-enter.com
News from the Fashion Studio Working with a Little Princess
Over the past few months we have been working with the lovely Angelina from Little Princess, a childrenswear designer, to get her daywear collection ready to launch.
The collection is the quintessence of timeless British classic chic. The Britishness of the brand is reflected in this launch collection, which takes inspiration from British author Francis Hodgson- Burnett; alongside British textile designer William Morris; for a collection, which will be 100%, British designed and manufactured.
Angelina said: “In the process of establishing Little Princess Holy Communion nine years ago; we resorted to manufacturing in China due to difficulties sourcing manufacturers willing to work with small start-ups. When we decided to design our first daywear collection last year, we were determined to eradicate the challenges of manufacturing from a distance and produce a 100% British brand. Discovering Fashion Enter has been an amazing breath of fresh air, as it serves as a one-stop-shop that can meet a vast range of needs under one roof. Becoming a Fashion Enter member was a must; to ensure I can enjoy the invaluable benefits of being a member; with support, advice and guidance available every step of the way in transitioning our beautiful designs from paper to gorgeous reality.”
Little Princess Holy Communion collection is an exclusively designed collection of gowns, with perfectly coordinating accessories for a very special First Holy Communion Day.
http://www.littleprincess.co/
To find out more about the Fashion Studio click here
Meet Artist Ant Pearce
Former Level 1 Stitching Academy student Ant Pearce has applied his sewing skills to his latest portfolio pieces.

Currently represented in Geneva through Artvera’s Gallery and internationally via Artsy.net and White Court Art, Ant is in the processes of arranging a 4-page spread with After Nyne Magazine for Issue 10, which will be available in 160 WHSmiths from June this year. Ant plans to continue to develop his stitching and pattern cutting skills by enlisting on Fashion Technology Academy courses throughout the coming year.

Jenny Holloway comments:
“We met Anthony on our Stitching Academy Level 1 course and when I understood the IQA (quality assurance) I really was impressed with Anthony’s portfolio. Immaculate attention to detail and his stitching examples were virtually perfect in terms of tensions, stitches per inch and accuracy of stitch lines. I had to go and meet Anthony personally! Then I was shown the Kate Moss artwork. I could see why Anthony is such a perfectionist! Fashion needs people like Anthony who understands that to make the ‘perfect’ fitted collection you need to understand stitching and patterns. Designers need to learn about industrial pattern making and construction the right way. Hats off to you Anthony. You’ve rolled up your sleeves and created a portfolio to be proud of on our Stitching Academy! Well done indeed.”
antpearce.com
Educational Site Visits
This week has already seen fashion business students from Westminster University visit The Factory as part of their Textiles module. The students learnt how a factory operates which they can now relate back to their studies. The students commented:
“I have learnt from this seminar the process involved in production, and how much is demanded by buyers/merch from suppliers. I really enjoyed my visit.” Jasmine
“I have learnt from this seminar an amazing insight into manufacturing, so interesting to see a working factory and to see garments being made, whilst walking around.
Thank you- very valuable.” Henrietta
Today we are welcoming two groups of Fashion Buying students from the Fashion Retail Academy (pictured below). The first group are currently on the factory floor completing an observation task on why we are a fully compliant factory. The group this afternoon will also include some Garment Tech students so we will be spending extra time explaining how we digitise patterns using the Vetigraph system.

For enquiries about any courses, seminars or visits please contact education@fashion-enter.com or telephone 0208 809 3311
Date for Your Diary: Tuesday 12th April 2016
This April Westminster Media Forum will host a keynote seminar ‘The UK fashion industry – digital strategies, IP, international competitiveness and policy priorities’ with leading industry speakers including our very own CEO Jenny Holloway.
Speakers include: Tamara Sender, Senior Fashion Analyst, Mintel, Mark Felix, Director, Online Trade, John Lewis, Matthew Drinkwater, Head, Fashion Innovation Agency, London College of Fashion and Richard Danks, Head of Strategy, Portas Agency amongst others and will be chaired by Lord Purvis of Tweed, Secretary, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fashion and Textiles.
To find out more and view the full agenda click here
Westminster Media Forum Keynote Seminar:
The UK fashion industry – digital strategies, IP, international competitiveness and policy priorities
Timing: Morning, Tuesday, 12th April 2016 – 8.30am – 13.00pm
Venue: Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London SE1 9DD.
www.westminstermediaforum.co.uk
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Paisley was big news at the AW 16/17 collections and the turquoise in this digitally printed paisley print adds a vibrant pop of colour amongst those rustic autumnal hues.
http://www.fcfabricstudio.com/
This Week on FashionCapital
Paul Markevicius talks sustainable textiles and dyes with Charlie Ross founder of The Offset Warehouse. We interview 3 bonprix employees about their current roles in the company and they offer additional advice for those wanting to follow a similar path.Meanwhile the ninth annual Midlands Fashion Show and Awards has announced its application process is open, if you are from the Midlands and would like to showcase your work click here to find out more.
Boutique Pick of the Week
Sustainable and eco-friendly brandMatt and Nat have been on our radar for sometime with their range of leather-free bags. New to the brand is a capsule collection of shoes of sandals, Oxford’s and Sneakers. With spring on the way, well it is Easter, we have picked out these very stylish and adaptable ankle strap sandals in black, white and tan – that will work with pretty much anything.

Mat and Nat Namur sandal £70-
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