Be a Part of the Fashion Revolution!
20-04-2022
Newsletter 20th April 2022
We Made Your Clothes!
It’s hard to believe that the Rana Plaza disaster, the fourth largest industrial disaster in history happened nine years ago! Fashion Revolution was set up in response to push for positive change in the apparel and textile manufacturing sector globally. Here at Fashion-Enter we fully support the campaign and we strive to lead by example to provide ethical and sustainable practices at our UK factories and learning facilities. Being based in the UK doesn’t make manufacturers immune to poor practices however, it does make it easier for governing bodies to identify and implement change. As we have seen with the Community Renewal Fund programme in Leicester, we have some brilliant manufacture’s out there that provide quality goods made by skilled and happy workers.
This Fashion Revolution Week (18th – 24th April 2022) the question is ‘Who made your clothes?’ And if they were made at one of our audited factories we can tell you who and when that item was made in our compliant and friendly environments.
Celebrate Leicester’s Vibrant Manufacturing Hub
This leads nicely to our Meet & Greet Event at Athena in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Taking place on 16th June the FCFTA Leicester will be hosting this event to showcase the fantastic manufacturing hub that is available in the region today. Over 40 businesses will be present and the evening event will also celebrate the businesses involved with the Community Renewal Fund programme.
Full Agenda:
9.30 am Doors Open
10 – 4 pm Trade Show – Meet & Greet event
10.30 – 3pm Education Sessions – Break out rooms (Open to local schools / colleges.)
3pm Fashion Show
7-10pm Evening Event with Fashion Show hosted by Mode Collective
If you would like to attend please add this event tap here, if you would like to take part or require further information please contact: jackie@fashion-enter.com
More News From the Fashion-Enter Family…
Leicester
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Courtesy of funding from Boohoo we are able to offer some FREE Apprentice opportunities in Leicester.
This is a great chance to earn whilst you learn, spending 4 days a week working in local businesses and gaining first-hand experience of the fashion industry. Then 1 day a week you will tutored by the Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester) – where over 24-months you will work towards a Level 3 Diploma for Fashion Studio Assistant.
We have two great roles available:
Fashion Studio Assistant at the The T-Shirt Company – Supporting their account management and merchandising team.
Fashion Studio Assistant at Shahtex – Circular textile manufacturer – Supporting the designer on new seamless knitwear category.
CEO Jenny at the FTA in Leicester
We celebrated Jenny’s birthday in a feast of local Leicestershire made treats and South Asian snacks.
The card is also by a local artist and is off Leicester’s Cank Street and St Martins – Happy Belated Birthday Jenny!
FC Designer Workspace & Fonthill Road
Repair & Upcycle Open Day
Next Friday 29th April join us at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, N7 for a free repair and upcycle open day. Bring in an item to work on and learn basic repair techniques on industrial sewing machines.
For those that are interested we will also provide further information about the stitching and patterns courses we hold at the Workspace along with all our facilities/equipment available to rent.
To RSVP contact: fcdesignerworkspace@fashion-enter.com or drop in on the day!
Celebrate with Diva Choice
On Saturday 30th April the founder of Diva Choice, Tricia Blake, is celebrating her brand’s 10th anniversary with an in-store event. Join us on Fonthill Road from 12.30 – 5pm for cupcakes, cocktails, music and some special Diva Choice offers alongside our in-store designers.
FC Designer Collective, 113-115, Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH.
Meet SilkFred Brand Scouts
Brand scouts from the highly successful etail site selling over 800 independent womenswear brands will be at the FC Designer Workspace on 10th May. Previous designers have been picked up by the scouts and have gained successful sales as a result.
The scouts will explain how brands can apply to sell on SilkFred and once approved how to set up their own shop and start selling! For the right brand with the right price points this is a huge opportunity to reach a massive audience!
Please note numbers are limited and an application process required. This session is open to accessories and womenswear designers. If you would like to attend please email your brand bio, look book, website or selection of images including price points to: FCdesignercollective@fashion-enter.com
Haringey
Learner’s Statement
This week we heard from a new Perfect Patterns Level 1 student called Angela. She is enrolled on the full-time 5-week course at the Fashion Technology Academy in Haringey, London. Her tutor is Lan Leeder and we just had to share her heartfelt statement that she recently shared with her class. Here is a part of her statement:
“My name is Angela Bedward. I am so excited to be on this Perfect Pattern making course. As a wheelchair user, it’s been very difficult for me to get on to many of the sewing classes that I have applied to, mainly because I am unable to use my feet so I cannot use the industrial sewing machines or the exit is limited at the building of study. I met a key worker by the name of Caroline Modest who told me of this scheme, I was so overjoyed to think at my age of 57 this month (26th April) that I could pursue my passion in clothes making finally.
“I have been disappointed so many times over 20-years of promises that never came true that I was nearly going to give up my ambition and goal within the fashion industry.
“Two months later I have enrolled and I am now on a full-time course hoping to complete it with flying colours, and I wish to continue in this friendly environment.
“My tutors are so welcoming and assist me if I need them at any time and I went home in tears. My children ask me, “Mummy what’s wrong?” I told them I was crying because I had the most wonderful day and I was just overjoyed with happiness. I can finally achieve my goal and become a tailor/pattern maker with the skills and techniques of the course.
“Thank-you so kindly for excepting me on the course.”
New Telestia Taster 1-Day course
We are offering a unique 1-day Telestia taster session, 14th May, to gain an insight into the unique methodology of how to create a perfect pattern for fit, size, shape and style. Aimed at womenswear designers, graduates, start-ups and established brands, this 1-day course will offer an insight into how to design your ideas accurately and technically using a combination of hand and computer design tools. This session will teach you how to create a block in 15 minutes! Tap here to find out more.
Factory Tours & CPPD’s
This week we welcomed students from the London College of Fashion UAL and held a CPPD for staff from a leading UK bank. Both sessions were really well received and everyone went away learning something new about the industry. Feedback included:
“I have learnt a great amount across many areas, super helpful. Caroline and Jenni were both very interesting, thanks.”
“I gained a very in-depth and detailed understanding of manufacturing processes, costs and ethical practices. Very helpful and enjoyable discussion.”
“I would give 11 out of 10 if I could! I gained understanding of the garment manufacturing process from beginning to end.”
To find out more about our tours and CPPD’s tap here.
Wales
BBC Radio Cymru
This week the Fashion-Enter Wales factory was featured on BBC Radio Cymru. The programme discussed the history of the Pryce Jones building, the ex-Laura Ashley workers and the future for Made in Wales production. The programme will be broadcast again on Wednesday 20th April at 18.03. Tap here for the accompanying article.
And here to listen to the BBC Radio broadcast.
Summer Fashion Event
NPTC Newtown College and Fashion-Enter Wales is preparing for a summer fashion celebration. The event will provide NPTC students with the opportunity to design, develop and produce their creative ideas, courtesy of Kornit Digital and FEL’s manufacturing capabilities.
Save the date, this event is taking place on Friday 8th July and will shine a spotlight on the region’s creative ideas and manufacturing excellence.
Masterclasses, Courses & Events
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring Courses
How to Grow Sales downloadable masterclasses with Carley Johnson
Optitex 2D & 3D 3-Day Course (26 – 28 April)
1-Day Telestia Taster (14th May)
Leicester – Manufacturing Meet & Greet event (16th June)
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Would you be interested in a service where you can print your own designed fabrics on to a material of your choice? Then contact us at fcfabricstudio@fashion-enter.com for more information!
This Week on FashionCapital…
‘Earth Day’ takes place this Friday 22nd and this year’s theme is to ‘Invest In Our Planet’. Consumers can support this notion by selectively choosing where they spend their hard earned cash, and if the latest research by American Express is anything to go by, they are expecting more from the businesses they buy from. Find out more in this latest article.
And Finally…
This Earth Day rethink your wardrobe and repurpose a special occasion dress! A staggering 84% of clothing ends up in landfill. We’re on a mission to reduce this number by inspiring customers to upcycle & repurpose their dresses. Our in-house brand B of London offers a unique alterations and upcycling service, to find out more tap here.
Until next time, have a great week from the team at FashionCapital.
