Creativity, Confidence and Courses
21-09-2025
Newsletter 30th July 2025
Hope-FX Round 2
Hope-FX, the six-month educational support programme founded by FEL / FashionCapital CEO Jenny Holloway, has a core aim to empower young adults struggling with mental health through creativity and support.
Launched in 2024 in partnership with the North London NHS Foundation Trust, it combines hands-on fashion skills training with mental health support across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.
Yesterday, 29th July, the second cohort of Hope-FX participants saw their t-shirt designs come to life in a professional photoshoot at MotherLight studios. The six participants were encouraged to get involved with their image and styling ideas and were accompanied by support staff from the NHS including, Nina, Aishling, Ade, Edie and James.
FEL’s Creative Director, Beth Davy-Day said: “The Hope-FX shoot marked a fantastic milestone for our participants, offering them a unique insight into how a professional photoshoot is run. They had the opportunity to collaborate with Norv, Josie, and the brilliant team at Motherlight Studios — styling their own t-shirts, directing models, and shaping the overall aesthetic of the shoot. It was truly inspiring to witness their confidence grow throughout the day and to see the excitement as their designs came to life. Their talent and creativity shone through, making it a truly magical experience.
“A huge thank you to Norv, Josie, and everyone at Motherlight Studios for their support and enthusiasm.”
Hope-FX #2 will culminate in an open day showcase at the FC Designer Collective shop, more on this soon.
To find out more about Hope-FX visit: https://hope-fx.org.uk/
Free Fashion / Sewing Taster Workshop for 16 – 18 year olds – Friday 29th August
If you have just completed your GCSE’s or A-levels and are interested in fashion but unsure of where to start – we invite you to come along to our free sewing workshop. Taking place Friday 29th August from 10am to 4pm at FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, London N7 (Finsbury Park tube station).
Our friendly team will be available to guide you on the best path, whether you want to upskill, launch your own brand, or learn more about the courses we offer. Come and try out our industrial machines, explore our course options, and chat with our tutors. We have a variety of fashion courses starting in September.
To attend this free session please register here
New: Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
FEL’s new: Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication is all about hands-on creation, giving you the freedom to explore areas like illustration, fashion, textiles, digital design, and 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.
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. For 16–18 year olds, the course is completely free. For adults fees apply.
The Level 3 in Creative Practice starts in September, to find out more and register your interest please contact lan@fashion-enter.com
Coming Soon: Let Our UK Factory Come to You, Digitally
Caroline Ash is a highly experienced Director at Fashion-Enter Ltd, over the last 3-years she has delivered dynamic factory tours, seminars, and CPPDs at FEL’s Haringey factory. Caroline uses her global production expertise to educate retailers, e-tailers, and students on the full product lifecycle. With a sharp focus on sustainable and ethical supply chains, she combines strategic, up-to-the-minute insight with hands-on industry knowledge to deliver engaging, results-driven learning experiences that inspire and inform.
Coming soon: Global access to exclusive UK CPPD training, will be available online.
Funding Readiness Event for Fashion Businesses / Designers
On Thursday 25th September, join a free, one-day Funding Readiness Programme at the FC Designer Workspace, Islington—designed to help fashion founders secure investment and scale up.
Delivered by Impact Lawyers in partnership with FashionCapital and legal expert Kevin Withane FRSA, this hands-on session breaks down the legal and financial side of early-stage funding, with tools tailored for creative entrepreneurs.
Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot!
Alterations Repairs and Upcycles
Yesterday, 29th July, the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road held its bi-monthly community drop-in. During this session our highly skilled stitching technician Leyla supported a keen cyclist with repairs on his cycling gear while others worked on denim and dress repairs and embellished and upcycled items from their wardrobes.
The FC Designer Collective is more than a shop and these successful drop-in sessions, with support from Islington Council, provide industrial machines, haberdashery and expert advice alongside a sense of community.
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 12th August. This is free, thanks to Islington Council, please register here if you would like to attend.
Free Skills Bootcamp Leicester Starting 4th August
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 on 4th August 2025.
To find out more and apply contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com Tel: 0116 436 2560
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
13th – 15th – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Stitching:
5th – 7th August – 3-Day Shirt Making Sewing Course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
9th & 16th August – Corset Making for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Upcycling:
4th August – 1-Day Beginners Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
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…
Check out how busy the FEL team has been: Fashion-Enter Ltd: Programmes, Committees, and Partnerships Chronological Timeline
And Finally…Need Space to Create
Did you know you can rent space at FC Designer Workspace? What’s included: Pattern Cutting Table, Flatbed Machines, Overlocker Machines, Babylocker Machines, Button Machine. If you can use an industrial sewing machine then this is the place for you. Situated at 9 Durham Road, Finsbury Park, N7 7FB, the FC Designer Workspace provides an affordable rental option from £10 plus VAT/hour (3 Hours Min) to £65 plus VAT/ per day (8 Hours max). Interested…please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
