Fashion Success Story ASOS.com Lead the Way

21-09-2025

FashionCapital Newsletter
31st January 2018

Dear all,

While 2017 Christmas trading figures have made for dire reading for many up and down the UK high street, online retail giant ASOS.com have reported on growth and success. The company states that along with a constant turnaround of on-trend stock it has set a new standard for speed and ease of returns, which plays a key part in gaining customer loyalty. The company has organically grown in the United States since it started shipping internationally and now it has announced it will focus more on the North American market with a new warehouse fulfillment center in Atlanta.

ASOS.com have shown that even in the most trying retail conditions being open to implement new strategies, technologies and supply chains a fashion business can thrive and grow.

CEO of FashionCapital / Fashion Enter Jenny Holloway comments:

“What an amazing 17-years ASOS.com has had – they have come such a long way since the early days of ‘As Seen On Screen’. The nimbleness to change is there for all to see but perhaps what is not so widely known is the strong ethics behind the brand – to do some good in the industry!

“It’s also good to see some staff that are there still from the early days too. Staff that have grown with the business and the loyalty that they give to ASOS.com. ASOS.com forges a loyalty too with their supply base like no other retailer or etailer today. They take their suppliers with them on this journey; a visionary approach and one that yields benefits. We (Fashion Enter Factory in North London) are now 100% ASOS and that’s a scary place to be – yet it works! Long may the success reign.”

Image: ASOS.com CEO, Nick Beighton with Jenny Holloway centre and MP Margot James at the Fashion Enter Factory earlier this month.

The Future of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are hot news in the media this week with a fall of almost 27% to 114,400, in apprenticeship posts in the last quarter of 2017 compared to the year before. Despite the confusion over the new apprenticeship levy and the administrative process involved Fashion Enter aims to be a guiding light in the fashion sector, providing a service that will leave employers time to get on with running their business. Click here to find out more.

Apprenticeship of the Week

CMT London is looking to hire a Production Assistant to coordinate and assist with all production processes within the production office. The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational skills and a desire to learn about the complete garment manufacturing process. To find out more and apply click here.

STEM Meeting Haringey

A big thank-you to Cllr Elin Weston for inviting Fashion Enter CEO, Jenny Holloway, to be a member of the Haringey STEM Expert Panel. Jenny attended the first meeting at the end of last week and was charged full of enthusiasm on collaborating with the local borough. As a result Fashion Enter have opened their factory doors to local schools, colleges and Universities and looks forward to future meetings that aim to push Haringey to forefront of science, technology, engineering and maths education.

New Developments with ABC Awards Quality Licence Scheme

Fashion Enter is an accredited Showcase Centre through ABC Awards due to its high standard of excellence attained in training at all levels. All CPPD courses are accredited with ABC Awards quality scheme with certification available for attendees.

Certa, a national awarding organisation, previously known as Open College Network Yorkshire and Humberside joined the Skills and Education Group last year. This new partnership allows the ABC Awards to combine expertise, strengthen and enhance the Quality Licence Scheme.

ABC Awards will now incorporate: 1. Dual branding the Quality Licence Scheme with Certa. 2. A new certificate, as part of the changes, certificates will include a foil block. 3. An upgraded certification process with the offer of e-certification to all providers, allowing instant access to certificates on claim. 4. Plus a new logo.

FC Fashion Meet Up #2

Not long until our next FC Fashion Meet Up and Big, Black Sofa Conversation with Shailina Parti, Buying & Merchandising Director at Jigsaw. Come and join us at this informal event for a glass of Prosecco Tuesday 13^th February 5pm – 8pm at FashionCapital HQ in Haringey, North London.

Please register your interest by emailing: jenni@fashioncapital.co.uk

Perfect Patterns

Perfect Patterns is a very hands-on course that teaches practical skills right from the start. Students are taught how to make flat patterns using a range of techniques, including drafting blocks (or slopers) from personal or specific measurements, adapting basic blocks for styles, constructing and fitting toiles and lay planning. Methods taught are used in industry and include Telestia and are suitable for designers/pattern cutters and home sewers. The next Level 1 and Level 2 Perfect Patterns Courses will commence from Monday 19^thFebruary.

Click here for more information

Gerber For Beginners February

Our next Gerber for Beginners course is due to commence on Saturday 17^th February.

Tutor Ben comments: “It has been a pleasure to work with the learners on this short, intensive course. Declan and I have many years of Gerber experience between us we make sure that we answer every single question raised. Today designers, pattern cutters and garment techs all need to understand how Gerber works as it’s the core CAD CAM system in the UK today. Looking forward to meeting the next group on 17th February!”

Razina attended the course earlier this month she said:

“I am working as a junior pattern cutter supplying high street brands. I have really found working on Gerber incredibly beneficial. There is a lot to learn but Declan and Ben are so patient! No question is too small or too large. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone involved, this will really help my career.”

To find out more and book your place click here.

TR Pattern Cutting

Following the success of the TR taster course with Claudette Joseph we have now released dates for the master course! TR pattern cutting translates into immediate and intuitive 3D draped creations in opposition to the more conventional artisan 2D techniques generally encountered. The concept will be easily accessible and a rewardingly creative process to put into practice.

Click here to find out more

Next Masterclass: How To Generate Sales

Delivered by Susan O’Hare and David Attwood from O’Hare & Atwood ‘How to Generate Sales’ demonstrates a wider understanding of business and the need for a clear vision. This masterclass will cover the people aspect of the business, from factory owner, to sales person, as well as identify all the different touch points that are needed in product and selling, as well as the importance of documentation. To be held on Thursday 8th February 2018 from 10am – 12pm

£40+ VAT with 20% discount and priority access to FashionCapital members.

Click here to find out more and book.

Jenny Holloway to Talk Ethical Production at LFW

What exactly is an ethical factory? Find out and ask questions at the Fashion Finest ‘Let’s Talk Fashion Business’ with our very own CEO Jenny Holloway. Saturday 17th February 2018, 4 – 5pm, at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, Holborn (Next to Fashion Scout) London WC2B 5DA.

This is a free event organised by Fashions Finest to register click here.

In the News…This Week on FashionCapital…

1. Design: SS18 Couture Trends direct from Paris

2. Retail: This month’s Best Dressed Window offers peep show appeal

3. Advice: How to differentiate yourself in an industry where everyone stands out.

And Finally…

We are proud to be a show centre of fashion enterprise…come and visit us!

Until next time, have a fantastic week.

The Team at FashionCapital.

Fashion Success Story ASOS.com Lead the Way