An Industry Game Changer
27-09-2023
Newsletter 27th September 2023
Your Styleverse Innovation Center Has Arrived
Exciting times at Fashion-Enter HQ in Haringey, tomorrow, Thursday 28th September, is the official opening of the Style3D Styleverse Innovation Center.
This cutting-edge Styleverse Center will showcase Style3D’s immersive 3D technology and digital solutions that are reinventing the future of fashion. This unique partnership provides an industry-first, with FEL being the only private training provider in the UK that is industry ready with the latest technology for the digital age.
The Center will feature pioneering 3D design software, virtual sampling capabilities, digital asset management, immersive virtual customer experiences , 2D/3D connect to achieve manufacturing empowerment and AIGC capability in the fashion world. Situated within FEL’s micro-factory the Center will truly be a part of made-to-demand services with design, print and make all happening under one roof.
The launch tomorrow will invite press and industry to experience the limitless creative capabilities of Style3D’s innovative technology.
Tap here to find out more about this collaborative launch.
FEL CEO Shortlisted – Forward Ladies
We have just heard that our CEO, Jenny Holloway, has been shortlisted for the Forward Ladies (FL) – Social Impact of the Year Award. The FL Leadership Summit & Awards event recognises and celebrates extraordinary and outstanding female business leaders across the nation.
Jenny will now meet the judges in October and the 2023 Awards ceremony will take place in central London in November. Well-done Jenny, and good luck!
Today’s Free Masterclass
This morning, from 10am, we had a guest speaker Sonia, offering her extensive advice on how to create successful, commercial products. Sonia has over 25-years of industry experience as a product developer for leading sportswear brands. Over her hour-long presentation Sonia packed in lots of informative and insightful advice for designers and brand start-ups on what they need to consider, from market research and initial designs to working with a supplier and marketing. This masterclass was streamed to designers and learners at the FC Designer Workspace as well as external attendees.
The next free masterclass is: The Fashion Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Fashion Venture takes place Wednesday 4th October, 10 – 11.00am via Zoom.
Fantastic Drop-In Workshop at Leicester Textiles Festival
The FCFTA Leicester team were proud to take part in the very first Leicester Textiles Festival with apop up event at the Highcross Shopping Centre. Throughout Wednesday 20th September an empty unit was transformed into a creative hub and people were encouraged to pop in and upcycle and alter their preloved garments.
FEL Deputy CEO, Jackie Bertram said: “Thank-you to the organising team for including FCFTA Leicester in this great initiative. The shop (transformed into a workshop) was a hive of creative activity. The diversity, innovation and enthusiasm was fantastic and it’s amazing what can be achieved with a little imagination and support.”
The feedback from this pop up was excellent with many of the attendees wanting to learn more.
Next Stitching & Patterns Courses to Start 9th October
On Thursday 21st September Divya, from FCFTA Leicester, attended the St Matthews Jobs Fair to promote FREE Level 1 and 2 courses in Industrial Sewing and Pattern Making. Divya was lucky enough to meet Jonathan Ashworth, the MP for Leicester South; it was a great opportunity to tell him about the good work the FCFTA does in the city.
The next Level 1 and 2 courses start on 9th October and if you are interested please contact: divya@fashion-enter.com to secure a place.
Leicester Rally and Protest 1st October
On Sunday 1st October Labour Behind the Label have organised a rally to support garment worker jobs in Leicester. The reduction in orders in Leicester and the UK is significant as brands look for cheaper sourcing routes. The impact is being felt across the city with skilled workers loosing their jobs.
This rally is promote fair practices by brands – in particular UK brands.
Deputy CEO Jackie comments: “We are seeing an increase in ex-garment workers coming to the Academy to increase their skills and become more universal workers. This is because the factory they were working in has closed and they are keen to seek employment in an industry they know and love. Through making workers multi-skilled there is the opportunity to adapt to the changing consumer market. However, to do this brands need to commit to making a small percentage of their order in the UK to allow the industry to change and grow.”
The rally will take place Spinney Hills Park, Leicester LE5 5FD at 12pm on Sunday 1st October please come along and support.
Beyond Secondhand September
Reconsidering how we shop and care for our clothes is beyond a passing fad. For those based in North London we, in partnership with Islington Council, are pleased to offer free Repair and Upcycling drop-in sessions on a monthly basis. The next drop-in Repair and Upcycle workshop at FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4, will take place on Tuesday 17th October. Please come along with a garment you wish to repair/upcycle between 10am – 5pm.
Half Term Short Courses
We are pleased to offer two short courses during October half term:
23rd – 25th October 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting course Haringey
27th October 1-Day Textile Upcycling and Repair Workshop Islington
Please tap on the links for more information and to book.
Ongoing Courses
Roll-on courses available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
Masterclasses and Short Courses
4th October The Fashion Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Fashion Venture (Free via Zoom)
25th – 27th October Gerber Accumark 3-Day Course for Beginners
22nd November Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers (Free via Zoom)
8th – 10th November Optitex Technology 2D and 3D 3-day course
This Week on FashionCapital…
The Power of Data Boosting Marketing and Sales for Fashion Brands
And Finally…
We are now in week 3 of our Fashion and Business course, with the (Capital City College) CCCG group, aimed at school leavers from 16 – 18 years old and we are super impressed. The learners are motivated and hardworking and the FEL teaching team have been on-the-ball with providing on-hand support and engaging content. FEL CEO, Jenny Holloway said: “We undertook CPD and reviewed how to keep the learners engaged and it’s worked! There have been no withdrawals and it’s refreshing to have such creative and hardworking learners each Wednesday and Friday.”
Tap here to find out more about the Level 3 Fashion and Business Course aimed at school leavers.
Until next time, have a great week,
From the Team at FashionCapital (Sister company to Fashion-Enter Ltd)
