Collaboration is Key
03-06-2026
Newsletter 3rd June 2026
Opportunities With Southern India
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway is currently in India, initially to celebrate FEL’s Production Coordinator, Nivi’s wedding, as well as taking the opportunity to explore future industry collaboration. During visits to leading textile and garment manufacturers in Tiruppur and Coimbatore, Jenny has gained valuable insight into India’s integrated apparel supply chains.
The visit reinforced the importance of working together across borders, combining the strengths of UK and Indian manufacturing to create more sustainable, responsive and commercially viable supply chains. Through open dialogue, shared expertise and mutual respect, opportunities are emerging to support innovation, waste reduction and to drive growth for the wider fashion and textile industry.
Jenny will next be visiting Sara Lee textiles – the largest spinners of yarn. Read more on this story here.
FEL & FTA To Join Fashion Deconstructed at Source Fashion
FEL will play a key role in the return of Fashion Deconstructed at Source Fashion trade event this July, showcasing the practical skills, craftsmanship and circular solutions needed to support a more responsible fashion industry.
Through live demonstrations from the FEL Repair Centre, visitors will gain first-hand insight into garment repair, product longevity and the growing importance of extending the life of clothing through circular business models. FEL’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to skills development, sustainable manufacturing and educating the industry on the value of quality production and repair.
Additionally, workshops delivered by renowned fashion educator and textile specialist John Herrera from the FTA, will allow visitors to explore innovative techniques used to transform fabrics into unique and visually impactful surfaces, offering participants hands-on experience in creative textile development.
Tap here to find out more about exhibiting or visiting Source Fashion 7th – 9th July 2026.
Latest From Leicester…
Haus of Respect
Divya, Operational Manager FTA Leicester was proud to recently attend the launch of Haus of Respect, an inspiring event organised by The Vayyu Foundation that brought together community leaders, organisations and businesses committed to promoting equality, inclusion and respect. The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with important conversations around community support, leadership and domestic abuse awareness. We were particularly proud to see Reshma Desai and Mumtaz Patel host this inaugural event and speak so openly on such a vital issue, alongside a panel of influential speakers and advocates. As an education and training provider, the FTA remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where learners and colleagues feel empowered to speak openly, access support and help create a culture of understanding, respect and compassion.
Upcycle With Us At The Riverside Festival This Weekend
Leicester’s biggest arts festival – Riverside is back this weekend and we will be taking part on Saturday 6th June at the Upcycling Station. Come and try your hand at making slouchy bag, a decorative flower / rosette or a macrame bottle holder all from recycled fabrics. Here are examples of what you can make.
Professional Machine Hire and Hot-desking
Looking for access to professional manufacturing equipment without the cost of setting up your own studio? The FC Designer Workspace offers fashion designers the opportunity to hire industry-standard Juki industrial sewing machines by the hour, day or week, providing the perfect environment to develop samples, refine collections and build technical skills. Alongside access to cutting tables and a range of AlvaForms, designers benefit from an initial health and safety induction and machine training with our technician.
Whether you’re an emerging designer, freelancer or small brand, the workspace offers a supportive community of like-minded creatives and flexible access during business hours. Rates start from £10 + VAT per hour (minimum three hours), £65 + VAT per day, and £275 + VAT per week, with a 15% discount available for Islington residents. Hot-desking is also available to find out more and book tap here.
ReFAB Studio X FEL Free Upcycling Workshop 10th of July
Join us at the FC Designer Workspace on 10th July for a free, hands-on upcycling workshop where you’ll learn how to transform reclaimed interior textiles into a beautifully finished envelope cushion cover. Delivered in partnership with ReFAB Studio and funded by The Clothworkers’ Company, this welcoming one-day session introduces participants to industrial sewing machines, garment construction techniques and creative upcycling methods, while exploring the principles of circular textiles and sustainable making. Suitable for all skill levels, the workshop provides all materials, equipment and one-to-one tutor support in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Whether you’re looking to develop practical sewing skills, explore sustainable crafts or simply enjoy the wellbeing benefits of making, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, create and connect with your local community. Attendance is free of charge, and participants are encouraged to provide 48 hours’ notice if they can no longer attend so that the place can be offered to someone else.
Level 3 Creative Practice Open Day
Are you 16 or over and considering a creative career in fashion? The Fashion Technology Academy’s Level 3 Diploma offers a practical, hands-on pathway into the industry, helping young people develop real-world skills in fashion design, garment construction and creative practice. Our upcoming Open Day is the perfect opportunity for prospective students and parents to explore the course, meet our experienced tutors, see students at work in the studio and gain a first-hand insight into life at the Academy. Whether you’re passionate about design, making or building a future in fashion, come and discover how the Level 3 Diploma can help you start your fashion journey.
Thursday 16th July 10am – 2pm Level 3 Open Day UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington N7 7FB.
Tap here to reserve your place.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops
6th June – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
9th June – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
13th June – Saturday Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
20th June – Saturday Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
27th June – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
10th July – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
How Education and Innovation Can Prepare The Next Generation of Sustainable Fashion Leaders
And Finally…
Do you have unworn items of clothing piled up in your wardrobe? Why not upcycle, repair or alter and give them a new lease of life? We hold free drop-in repair sessions at our shop FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road, close to Finsbury Park tube station. All you need to do is register your attendance and come along with your items and we’ll support you with advice and industry equipment. These sessions are held twice a month thanks to ongoing support from Islington Council. The next session is Tuesday 9th June, tap here to find out more and register.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
(Top image: Ahluwalia SS23 – using deadstock, damaged, excess, donated and recycled fabrics shown at Dirty Looks, Barbican London, image by JoJo Iles)
