Celebrating Integrity and Positive Social Impact
20-09-2025
Newsletter 23rd July 2025
£1 Million Milestone Celebration
Last night, 22nd July, the FEL team celebrated their amazing milestone – the achievement of £1.3m worth of social value in 4.5 years at their Islington Affordable Workspace project.
Taking place at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, studio residents, members from Islington Council, industry, and the local community celebrated with drinks and canapés as they discussed the many positives of the project.
FEL Founder and CEO Jenny Holloway said: “Thanks to everyone that attended last night for the celebratory event for achieving over £1.3m worth of social value in 4.5 years – instead of ten!
“We have loved this project! I’ve been in the industry forever and I still do not know of any other circular fashion programme like the FC Designer Workspace and accompanying retail shop, FC Designer Collective.
“It was great to hear from all the designers that are tenants too – Racquel De Carvalho explained how she started off renting space on the cutting table and now she’s a full studio tenant with a brand that’s showing at London Fashion Week.
“Similarly, Maria from Shama Modesty Ltd who’s been a tenant from the beginning, said she started with no skills whatsoever when she started our Level 1 stitching course and now her brand is growing too.
“Big shout out to the team that has made this such a success and thanks to Caroline Wilson, Joyce Ogunade and Nahom Tame from Islington Council for being such a great partner to work with.”
Congratulations to all on this project where integrity and positive impact shine through.
To find out more about the FC Designer Workspace tap here
The Perfect Fit at FC Designer Collective
FC Designer Workspace has an accompanying shop over on Fonthill Road. Offering more than a retail space, the shop holds bi-monthly repair and upcycle drop-in sessions for the general public and shop manager Leyla, the queen of seams, also provides made-to-order and alteration services. Here, she has created and expertly fitted a wedding dress, one of many!
For made-to-order, repairs and alterations please visit Leyla at 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4. The shop is open from Tuesday- Saturday 10 – 17:00.
The next public drop-in session for home project repairs and upcycles will take place next Tuesday 29th July. This is free, thanks to Islington Council, please register here if you would like to attend.
FEL Named in NatWest’s SE100
Fashion-Enter Ltd is proud to be named in this year’s prestigious NatWest SE100 list, recognising the UK’s top-performing social enterprises that are making a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
The SE100 list, compiled annually by Pioneers Post in partnership with Social & Community Capital (an independent charity established by NatWest), celebrates the achievements of purpose-driven businesses that combine strong financial performance with positive social and environmental outcomes.
1-Day Funding Readiness Programme by Impact Lawyers
Young creative entrepreneurs, particularly in the fashion sector, are being offered a rare and invaluable opportunity to supercharge their investment potential through a free, one-day Funding Readiness Programme developed by Impact Lawyers in collaboration with FashionCapital and with the support of Kevin Withane FRSA, a renowned legal expert and advocate for purpose-driven business.
Taking place on Thursday 25th September at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington, this dynamic and hands-on programme is designed specifically for creative founders seeking investment to scale their ventures. The event will help participants navigate the often complex legal and financial landscape that surrounds early-stage funding, with tools and knowledge tailored to the unique challenges faced by creatives.
The full-day programme is being delivered by Impact Lawyers, a forward-thinking legal collective known for championing innovation, diversity, and ethical growth within the startup ecosystem. To find out more and to register for this unique event tap here, please note places are limited.
Free Skills Bootcamp 4-Week Course Leicester
In collaboration with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation, FTA Leicester is delivering this free, hands-on, employer-led, Skills Bootcamp course to get people into work and meet real industry needs that includes repairs and reprocessing.
The 4-week Skills Bootcamp in New Skills for Fashion Businesses course provides the chance to gain in-demand skills, connect with real employers, and build your future in the fashion industry.
Enrolment is now taking place for the next cohort to commence 4th August 2025
To find out more and apply contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com Tel: 0116 436 2560
New Level 1 Stitching Cohort
Thanks to Leicester City Council, through the UKSPF project, the FTA Leicester has been able to offer free course places. Yesterday, 22nd July, the Leicester campus began with a new cohort on the Level 1 Stitching course.
New learner Charity Cummings said: “I got to know about this course from coffee morning at Belgrave Community Centre. I was very impressed to know that these course are free of cost. I always wanted learn how to make my garments. I thought this would be a great opportunity to achieve my dream, gain skills and qualification in Fashion and Textiles. After completing the Level 1 course I would like to progress to the Skills Bootcamp course.”
For more on the courses held at FTA Leicester please contact: Fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com
FCFTA Leicester, Phoenix House, 2nd Floor, 1 Kings Street, Leicester LE1 6RN Tel: 0208 809 3311
September Start Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
If you’re looking to dive into the creative world and love learning by actually making things, this course could be perfect for you. It’s all about hands-on creation, giving you the freedom to explore areas like illustration, fashion, textiles, digital design, and even garment construction. You’ll get to experiment with loads of materials and techniques while building up a strong portfolio—ideal if you’re aiming to move on to a Foundation Diploma, HND, or even a creative degree at uni. Whether you’re a school leaver or coming back to education later in life, it’s a great way to sharpen your skills and get a solid grounding in art and design.
You’ll be taught by experienced tutors with real industry know-how, and the course is packed with practical workshops, gallery visits, and chances to explore your own ideas. There’s also support with English and maths if needed, plus help with interview prep and CV writing. You’ll finish with a Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice, and there’s even an option to stay on for a second year and go for the Extended Diploma. Best of all? If you’re 16–18, the course is completely free. For adults fees apply.
The Level 3 in Creative Practice starts in September, to find out more please contact lan@fashion-enter.com
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
30th July – 1st August — 3-Day Pattern Adaptation Course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Stitching:
30th July – 1st August – 3-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Draping:
26th July & 2nd Aug – Introduction to Draping in 2 Saturday sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
9th & 16th August – Corset Making for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Upcycling:
28th July – Beginners 1-Day Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
29th July – Free Drop In Repair / Upcycling – FC Designer Collective shop – free please register your place
Advice and Support:
14th August UK V’s Overseas Sourcing with Caroline Ash, free, 12:30 – 1:30 – please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Inspiration and trends: A/W 25/26: A Maximalist Moment in Accessories
And Finally…Manchester Fashion Week is Back!
After a ten-year hiatus, Manchester Fashion Week is making its highly anticipated return this Autumn, bringing with it a visionary agenda for the future of fashion. Running from 9th to 11th September, the event will serve as a platform to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges – from sustainability to technology and cultural relevance. FEL will also be at the event, as a leader in ethical manufacturing and UK-made fashion, FEL’s Founder and CEO, Jenny Holloway, will participate in a high-profile panel discussion focused on sustainable, tech-forward, Made in the UK production.
To stay updated and find out more visit: www.fashionweekmanchester.co.uk
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
