<< back to Newsletters

Fash Tech Skills Start Here

15-11-2023   


Newsletter 15th November 2023

Back in the News…United Repair Centre

The London branch of the United Repair Centre; a collaboration between social impact companies United Repair Centre and Fashion-Enter Ltd, with outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, has been attracting global press attention. Tap here to view the latest press coverage. The Centre officially launched on 1st November, has now attracted press from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Italy as well as extensive coverage in the UK. 

URC London press

On 14th November, Thami Schweichler – United Repair Centre, Paul Kerssens – Makers Unite, Jenny Holloway – FEL, Alex Beasley – Patagonia, were interviewed at the London branch by Sky News for The Climate Show. Visit Sky News on Friday 17th November to view the coverage.

Sky News filming

Additionally, Fashion-Enter featured in The Sunday Times at the weekend, where CEO Jenny Holloway commented on the ongoing staff shortage within the fashion manufacturing sector.

The Sunday Times

Theory, Creative and Technical in Unison

The first cohort on the free Level 3 Fashion and Business course in collaboration with Capital City College Group have almost finished their 34-week course.

Jenny comments: “The people on this course have been utterly amazing – I’ve seen them absolutely blossom. They’ve designed their own patterns, selected the fabrics for the ranges, stitched T’s, created artwork on PhotoShop, organised a shoot, undertaken their own unique business plans and launched online using individual marketing plans. It’s the real deal!

“Next the learners will organise a launch at our shop FC Designer Collective, Fonthill Road. Most people we teach want to start their own brand! It’s a huge amount of knowledge and work but this free course that really prepares entrepreneurs for their own business! This has to be the way forward!”

The success of this course is that it combines business and creative with technical skills. Many industry employers say that too many graduates have little understanding of garment construction and manufacturing methods, this course has been devised to incorporate theoretical and practical elements.

Thanks Capital City College Group for this real opportunity.

Tap here to find out more about this course.

On the Factory Floor…

As a dedicated manufacturer working exclusively for Ede and Ravenscroft, our commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in every graduation hood we produce. These hoods are distributed to prestigious universities including Durham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cambridge, KCL and Edinburgh.

The hoods feature a classic outer black layer, presenting a timeless and dignified appearance. The interior is fully lined with smooth sateen fabric, ensuring a blend of comfort and style. Adding a touch of distinction, a strip of art fur is expertly sewn along the cowl’s edge, adhering to the precise design specifications. In response to diverse preferences, we offer flexibility with the option of Velcro closures, allowing for a convenient and customised experience. Our dedication to short lead times emphasises our commitment to meeting the specific demands of both institutions and graduates.

For production enquiries contact: thefactory@fashion-enter.com 

Webinars: Talking Future Fashion Production

Tomorrow, 16th November, 10.30 – 12.00 FEL CEO Jenny Holloway will join guests from Lectra and the Pattern Project to discuss how technology can provide made-to-order production methods within the UK fashion manufacturing sector. This webinar is Part 1 of the UKFT Association’s ‘Disrupting Manufacturing’ series.

Can made-to-order production be viable for UK manufacturers?’ webinar is free for UKFT members, or £20 for non-members. Tap here to book your place.

Next, Jenny will be joining ASBCI’s free webinar hosted by @Style3D, on November 22nd, 2 – 3pm. This panel discussion: ‘Connecting The Dots: Data, Digital and Sustainable Solutions’ will be moderated by Dr Julie King, Chair of ASBCI and will include panelists Mary Fellowes from Greenwith Studio and Helene Behrenfeldt.

To find out more and book tap here.

Islington Residents Join the Repair Revolution

It was fantastic to see FEL’s FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road buzzing with activity on Tuesday 14th November. Local residents have been embracing the use of the facilities and Leyla’s expertise to carry out clothing repairs and upcycling projects. These monthly drop-in sessions are free, thanks to support from Islington Council, with the next workshop taking place Tuesday 12th December, tap here to book your free place. 

Next Wednesday 22nd November – Free Zoom 1-hour Masterclass 

Fashion students, designers, brand start-up’s and fashion businesses, don’t miss out on our next free Zoom masterclass: Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers from 10am on 22nd November. Add to basket to book your free place, a Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date.

Ongoing Courses

Roll-on courses available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester: 

Level 1 & 2 in Stitching

Level 1 & 2 in Patterns

Various Levels in Tailoring

Diploma in Fashion Design and Business 

If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.

Masterclasses and Short Courses

20th – 22nd November Style3D Beginners 3-Day course (FEL Unit 4, Haringey)

22nd November Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers (Free via Zoom)

12th December Repair and Upcycle Drop-In Workshop (FC Designer Collective Fonthill Road)

14th December Profitable Pricing: Strategies for Accurate Costing and Pricing in the Fashion Industry (Free via Zoom)

23rd – 25th January Optitex Technology 2D and 3D 3-day course

This Week on FashionCapital…

Black Friday: Shoppers advised to think twice about purchases and prioritise sustainable pre-loved items

And Finally…

The FCFTA team in Leicester along with Barrie Knitwear have been joining in with the Diwali celebrations. Diwali is a modern cross cultural celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains worldwide and was celebrated this week. Leicester has the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India and the city celebrates in style with thousands of people attending celebrations with a Diwali village, fireworks music and performances on the main stage.  

Divya, Assistant Manager and Tutor at FCFTA said: “Diwali is a festival of colour, light and celebration – it is like a New Year celebration and it brings people together.” 

Happy Diwali!

Until next time, have a great week,

From the Team at FashionCapital 




<< back to Newsletters