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Fashion Skills Academy to Land in Wales!

16-02-2025   


Newsletter 22nd May 2024

Opening Soon – Fashion Skills Academy in Wales

Back in 2019 FEL CEO Jenny Holloway was adamant to provide work for Newtown’s ex-Laura Ashley workers. Opening FEL Wales in the iconic Pryce Jones building, steeped in manufacturing and mail order history, the factory worked on orders that included PPE for the Department of Health and Social Care, as well as repurposing for NBrown and production for small Welsh brands. FEL Wales also began a partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges to provide Level 1 and 2 courses, where students could learn from the highly experienced team.

Skip forward to 2024 and we are thrilled to announce that thanks to this collaboration, along with the Welsh Government, The Potter Group and TSR Surveyors we are restructuring the Welsh factory into an incredible Academy for fashion skills!

Work on the new Academy is currently underway and we will be announcing more on this fantastic learning facility soon.

Postcode Lottery Funding Update 

FEL CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “We are making great progress with converting the factory into a specialist repair, recycle, recomme unit. Thanks to the funding we have now created new spaces and brought in engineers to reconfigure the unit.  

“Here you can see that we hired a large forklift truck! Robert who is our Chargehand from Remploy was absolutely brilliant in navigating the beast of a machine. 

“Here is an example of our sustainability in practice. Fabrics have been extensively repurposed and in most cases provided at less than cost price to start-up designers and brands as well as our learners and the FTA.   

“Pivoting a business is so right for this current time of ethics and sustainability, it is hard and challenging and without the Postcode Lottery Fund we would not be able to make this conversion.”

Automation and Robotics for Fashion Manufacturing

Last week, 15th May, FEL Director, Claire Solley attended a day-long workshop titled: ‘Engagement with Automation and Robotics, an avenue to enhance existing UK Apparel and Textile Manufacturing Capacity’.

Held in Coventry in collaboration with UKFT, Manufacturing Technology Centre and Positive Fashion: Circular Fashion Innovation Network, the event introduced a range of innovative technologies with the aim to enhance existing UK manufacturing capabilities. 

Claire commented: “Working at FEL means that we are always at the forefront of change and we all need to embrace new developments that make our industry more robust and efficient. 

“Before I attended this event I couldn’t understand how SewBots could possibly work with fine silk fabrics and undertake the finite skills needed for garment manufacturing. However, what I did see was how CoBots rather than Robots can play an integral part going forward.

“I think realistically we’re a good few years away from creating the hardware and software for SewBots but I’m more confident that this can be achieved and the Robotic cutting arm can already offer precision and support. 

“I certainly know that FEL would like to be the first in the country to trial SewBots and introduce new methods that can blend traditional skills with new technology. Investment and implementation at this stage will support the UK manufacturing industry on many levels from efficiency and sustainability.”

Haringey Named as ‘London Borough of Culture for 2027’

Haringey, home of FEL’s HQ, has been named as the London Borough of Culture for 2027. In preparation the borough is pulling out all the stops to organise a year-long agenda of culture and creativity for the community, and FEL plans to be a part of it! With initiatives such as Creative Callings and events showcasing the diversity and character of the area, this is fantastic news for Haringey.

Tap here to find out more and stay up to date.

Impact for Workers – Connection and Collaboration

FAB-L is hosting an immersive event alongside FCFTA Leicester, Labour Behind the Label, and others to explore collective efforts on creating a supportive ecosystem for garment workers entering and navigating the sector.

Taking place at Highfields Centre in Leicester this is an interactive event, and attendees are encouraged to share how they can support and be involved.

Impact for Workers – Connection and Collaboration will take place Wednesday 12th June 2024 from 13:00 – 16:00.

Masterclasses and Courses 

Don’t miss our 4-day half-term beginners courses coming up… 

Stitching:

28th – 31st May: 4 Day Beginners Stitching course – £150 – FC Designer Workspace, Islington

Pattern Cutting:

28th – 31st May: 4 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting course – £150 – FC Designer Workspace, Islington

Support and Advice: 

29th May: How to Manufacture Your Garments – Part 1 Sampling & Small Run Production – Free from 10am via Zoom please register

Style3D: 

Please contact: education@fashion-enter.com for the next session

Tap here for more dates and classes

Looking for a specific course? Contact us: 0208 809 3311

education@fashion-enter.com www.FCFTA.com 

Zoom 1-Hour Free Business Advice & Support

Join us for our next free masterclass on ‘How to Manufacture Your Garments – Part 1 Sampling & Small Run Production’. Learn all about the principles of slow fashion, how to protect your designs and ensure that manufacturers adhere to your expectations. 

This free 1-hour masterclass takes place Wednesday 29th May, 10 – 11.00am via Zoom.

Tap here to register your place.

Make Your Own Kimono This Saturday

Coming up this Saturday 25th, Nim from (Out Of Stock Studio) will be taking over the FC Designer Workspace to provide a step-by-step masterclass on the process of cutting and sewing your own unique kimono-style jacket.

The 1-day class includes the use of luxury, British-woven, selvedge denim from Hewitt with choices available on size, pocket details and thread colours.

The class is open to individuals with sewing skills and is not recommended for complete beginners.

For more information and to book tap here.

This Week on FashionCapital…

Exploring the Role of AI in Fashion Design

And Finally…

Congratulations to the second group of students that have just completed the 34-week Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Fashion Design and Business course. The group, aged 16+ celebrated last Friday and were full of positive feedback. One said: “I had such a great time at Fashion-Enter, everyone from the staff to the designers were so supportive, kind and warm. The amount I have learned through the support of Lan, Ana and others has helped gain a lot of experience and knowledge. I love it here so much!”

Find out more about the course with FEL and CCCG here. FEL is now recruiting for the third cohort of 19 year-old plus learners and if anyone would like to apply for this fashion and business year-long course please contact: education@fashion-enter.com places are filling fast.

Until next time, have a great week.

From the Team at FashionCapital 




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