Creative Community Spirit
14-07-2021
Newsletter 14th July 2021
Opening This Month – FC Designer Workspace
As a non-profit social enterprise community and opportunity is at the heart of what we do along with sustainability and education. Complimenting our retail initiative the FC Designer Workspace will offer affordable studio space to rent alongside integrated services such as tailored business support, mentoring, masterclasses, an on-site photography studio, networking events and exhibitions. The workspaces are almost complete and are due to officially open on the 29th July.
Built on the Andover Estate local resident and representative from Jannaty Women’s Social Society, Majida, was invited to the first site visit she said: “I have worked within the community in Islington since 1990. A local studio will enable us to establish our start-up, maximise on resources, save time and money and learn together, as we will be in a community fashion hub. It will also develop our skills, knowledge and creativity, and generate income as we will be able to sell our items in the retail shop.”
This amazing community initiative supported by Islington Council, LEAP and the Mayor or London now has its own Instagram page, please tap here to support and follow us.
If you are an Islington creative and would like to apply for a space please contact: jenni@fashion-enter.com
A Visit From Nigel Lugg OBE Chairman of UKFT
Yesterday, 13th July, we welcomed Nigel Lugg OBE Chairman of UKFT to our Welsh factory in Newtown, Powys. Eddie Bebb, Commercial Manager of the factory walked Nigel around the factory as they discussed how Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway rescued the Laura Ashley machinists from unemployment and how quickly the factory was set up.
Eddie commented: “Nigel Lugg is passionate about ethical manufacturing within the UK, he firmly believes that the wheel has turned full circle with regards to offshore sourcing and we are ideally placed to capitalise on this shift.”
Nigel also remarked on the brand new equipment and how well appointed the site was, while Eddie explained how the Welsh Government were very supportive during the set up process. The visit was extremely positive, however Nigel stressed that more support of the UK Fashion & Textile sector was needed from Westminster.
A Heart-Warming Surprise from Flora
We recently made this short video with Flora to celebrate Independence Day in her birth country south Sudan. A former FTA student Flora came in to surprise our CEO Jenny with an honourable gift from the south Sudan ambassador! Flora is a brilliant example of why we are a genuine social enterprise, where we can build people up and provide confidence, skills and opportunities. Tap here to view this inspiring video.
FREE Masterclass Tomorrow
Learn how to stand out in a highly competitive crowd with our ‘How to Build a Brand Masterclass’ with Rosie Middleton, Marketing Director of Dancing Leopard, the womenswear brand that has seen phenomenal growth in just 12 years, tomorrow Thursday 15th July 10am – 12pm via Zoom.
To find out more & book this free masterclass tap here.
‘Meet the Fashion District’ – Tomorrow 15th July
Tomorrow Fashion-Enter’s Production Director Caroline Ash will take part in ‘Meet the Fashion District’ an event that will cover UK manufacturing to a group of graduates. The afternoon event will provide an online trip around the District introducing the graduates todesigners, studio providers, manufacturers, innovators and investors who are connected to the work of Fashion District.
The Fashion District comprises of a cluster of businesses, including Fashion-Enter, located in east London that can nurture tomorrow’s fashion talent. To find out more visit: https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/streams/
MOTIF – Developing Sustainable Products: Building a Brand from Scratch
Being more sustainable is a must if brands and retailers are to remain relevant and future proof their businesses. The fashion industry recognises that this is not only the right thing to do but it makes complete business sense! Join the MOTIF Re Imagine & Invent learning series: ‘Developing Sustainable Products, Building a Brand from Scratch’ a 2-hour interactive online class taking place Thursday 29th July at 2pm. Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway will be joined by Andrea Kennedy, Professor, LIM College & Founder, Fashiondex and Julie Verdugo, Director Sustainability and Social Impact, Free People, to explain how to build a sustainable business. To find out more and book your place tap here.
New Apprenticeships On Offer
Just in…we have apprenticeship positions for an assistant seamstress at Aimee Joyce based in London and a product development and garment technologist at Lyle and Scott.
Don’t miss out – regularly visit our jobs and apprenticeships section to view the latest opportunities.
Staff News…
This week we welcome our new apprentice Amanda, she will be based at London HQ and will work on in-house brands B of London and Belles of London plus production in general.
ASDA Return for a Factory Uncovered Workshop
A group of employees from ASDA are taking part in a Factory Uncovered workshop with Production Director Caroline Ash today (14th July). As a totally ethical and sustainable factory, which is both SMETA and Fast Forward approved, the aim of this workshop is to pass on how factories undertake malpractices and for buyers, merchandisers and garment technologists to be empowered with information ready to spot factories operating incorrectly.
Feedback so far included:
“I have learnt the cycle of a garment and the view from a suppliers side. Amazing company and a really great day.” – Megan, Merchandising Assistant.
“Amazing. Learnt loads. I couldn’t think of anything missed!” – Ellie, Merchandising Advocate.
“I have learnt how a factory operates on a day-to-day basis. Things a factory needs to consider from an ethics and compliance point of view. How manufacturing may develop in the future. Very informative day that kept me engaged.” – Udit, Ethical Advocate.
To find out more about our Factory Uncovered workshops tap here.
First Strike-Offs from Kornit
The strike-offs from the Kornit Presto machine are coming up nicely!
B of London – New Styles Now Available
We have just loaded some new styles onto our B of London website. Take your pick from florals to blush pink floor-length dresses, all ethically made at our London factory. Please note our Mae sweetheart bodycon dress in blue floral has now sold out! https://theboflondon.com/clothing/
Masterclasses and Courses
How to Build a Brand with Dancing Leopard (Free Online)
The Sampling Process (Free online)
How to Build Your Omnichannel Strategy (Online)
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (Online)
Gerber Accumark 3-day Course for Beginners – September
How to Do Your Own PR (Online)
What Does It Take to Launch a Successful Fashion Business? (Online)
How to Produce a High Selling Product (Online)
How to Wholesale (Online)
Fabric Swatch of the Week
We love this abstract circle cotton jersey, easy to sew and drape in statement black and white. Available now at the FC Fabric Studio at £3.50 a metre.
This Week on FashionCapital…
Read all about the TikTok x GFF 2-week residency we held for 60 fashion design graduates: Technical Skills Residency
And Finally…
Check us out on TikTok & follow us for the latest industry insights.
