Fashion’s New Way Forward

Newsletter 9th November 2022

A New Business Model

This week, Jenny Holloway, Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO has been at the forefront of some incredibly important discussions regarding issues the fashion and manufacturing sector faces today. With COP27 currently underway in Sharm El-Sheikh, fashion’s poor environmental record has become headline news once again. In a recent article by the Daily Mail: ‘Fast fashion is ‘choking Africa in dead white people’s clothes’  – high street brands are named and shamed for being shipped out to developing countries flooding waterways and dumped into overflowing landfills.

Jenny comments: “There’s absolutely no need to over produce any clothes now! We have moved to lean manufacturing and one-piece-flow and have access to the most ethical printing technology with Kornit Digital. We can make quality garments to pre-order so no excess stock is created.So why isn’t this new way being adopted by our leading retailers? 

“We can repurpose existing garments such as reprinting plain T’s, joggers and sweatshirts and can change jeans into shorts – there’s just no excuse to dump clothes.We run free upcycling classes and find that Gen Z do not want to buy new clothes – they’d rather make their own clothes, or shop second hand. Everything is changing!”

Have your say on this topic via Linked In

Repair and Upcycle with Us!

Join our next free Repair and Upcycle workshop at the FC Designer Workspace, close to Finsbury Park tube station – Friday 25th November, please register to confirm your place.

*Look out for our ‘Upcycling Mystery Pack’ coming soon to FashionCapital!

Talking Business at APPG & UKTBC

At the APPG meeting at the House of Commons, 8th November, the focus was on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The idea of EPR is to make product manufacturers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end-of-life. Tap here to read more about the APPG meeting.

Discussions are set to continue on Thursday 10th November when Jenny will be joining an industry panel at the UKTBC (UK Trade and Business Commission) meeting to discuss current issues concerning the Textile and Fashion industry and how the Government can support to ensure the sector continues to thrive. 

Time for a Fashion Watchdog

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is broken but now it’s time for solutions! A Fashion Watchdog would ensure fashion brands treat their factories and workers fairly. Invite your MP to learn about this via Transform Trade and tap here to add your name to this campaign.

Join us at N17 Entrepreneurial Callings 

In line with Global Entrepreneurship Week – Esme from Fashion-Enter Ltd will be speaking at the free N17 Entrepreneurial Callings event on 16th November from 4pm at Blighty café-coworking space, Tottenham High Road N15 (and online). Come along and hear how N17 Creative Callings can mentor, support and provide further learning and networking opportunities for creative businesses in the Tottenham area.

FCFTA Leicester Celebrates 1st Birthday!

On the 8^th November FCFTA Leicester celebrated being open for 1 year! What a first year it’s been –  190 learners have been supported by the Academy and 44 business have been engaged with as part of the Community Renewal Fund programme. 

Jackie, Deputy CEO & Manager said: “It’s brilliant to look back on what we have achieved in only 1 year. This has all been possible with thanks to government funding via the CRF program. The ability to provide FREE courses to those that need it most has been so well received; 18% of our Level 1 Stitching learners have secured full time employment in the garment industry. We have a waiting list for level 2 courses and hope to be able to secure funding to be able to continue to deliver FREE courses to Leicester.  

“Huge thanks to Divya and Zarina who have made the Academy what it is, their level of teaching, care and support to learners inspires me every day.”

Contact Divya@Fashion-Enter.com if your are interested in the FCFTA Leicester’s courses in stitching or pattern cutting, or if you would like to rent studio space  / industrial machines to make your own clothes from £6 per/hour, Day Rate £25 a day and £100 for 5 days.

FTA Wales Welcomes 2 New Apprentices

A big welcome to Emily Evan and Iona Hills, both are starting their apprenticeships this week. A huge thanks to Newtown College (NPTC) who have partnered with FTA Wales to provide AEB courses and apprenticeships. 

We are pleased to announce that we will be once again providing FREE Level 1 and 2 courses at our Newtown campus in Wales. If you are interested and want to know more contact: annabellalewis@fashion-enter.com

At the Factory This Week…

This week we have had groups from the Fashion Retail Academy,  George at Asda, Westminster University and the London College of Fashion taking the Factory Uncovered tour to enrich their classroom learning.

To find out more about this seminar and tour tap here.

Coming Soon 2 In-Store Events

Over at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road we have two in-store events coming up , modesty wear brands Ennay & Anaqaa Apparel will be co-hosting their event on Saturday 26th November, while Diva Choice and Hash Made IV Me will present their Christmas shopping soiree on Saturday 3rd December. 

Do pop by and see what these local creatives have to offer – FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4. 

Masterclasses and Courses

Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring 

Entrepreneurial Callings – How I Did It – (free) 16th November

Gerber Accumark for Beginners – 16th – 18th November (Full, waiting list available)

Sourcing and Supply Base Strategy via Zoom (free) – 23rd November

Repair and Upcycle Workshop (free) – 25th November

4 Day Sewing Course – 13th – 16th February 2023

Outfit of the Week…

Are you planning a wedding? Under our bespoke Belles service we can create beautiful bridesmaid dresses – sourcing the right colour, fabric and style for you. We can also alter wedding dresses to ensure they fit perfectly for the big day!

Contact: hello@bellesoflondon.com or Telephone – 0208 809 3311

This week on FashionCapital.co.uk…

Read all about our Ground breaking partnership with Adult Community Learning in Islington

And Finally…

We have just received our first customised t-shirt orders, printed using resource efficient Kornit Digital technology. Great for Christmas presents, events and branding, and as easy as 1-2-3-4. Click here to view this new service available via our FCFabricStudio website.

Until next time, have a great week.

The Team at FashionCapital