From Meeting the King to Learning & Circular Fashion Opportunities
15-07-2026
Newsletter 15th July 2026
A Few Words With King Charles
We are feeling a tad patriotic at moment, what with the football and meeting His Majesty King Charles III last Wednesday evening. During the event at St James’s Palace, FEL CEO Jenny Holloway had the opportunity to briefly speak with His Majesty, adding that she believes the UK’s military uniforms should be manufactured in Britain rather than overseas. He responded that he “totally agrees.”
Tap here to read more on this story and FEL’s prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in Sustainable Development
Excess Stock Opportunity: Repurpose Quality Bamboo Apparel
An industry contact has made us aware of a unique opportunity to rescue quality garment stock that is otherwise destined for landfill.
A garment factory in China has excess inventory originally manufactured for a retail brand in South Africa. Following a commercial dispute, the customer has refused to take delivery or pay for the goods, leaving the stock without a home.
The available stock includes:
- Women’s bamboo (95%) and spandex (5%) T-shirts, wide-leg shorts and trousers (PJ styles) in a range of colourways.
- Men’s bamboo, cotton and spandex T-shirt and shorts sets, also available in various colourways.
We’re keen to hear from UK brands, manufacturers or designers who may be interested in repurposing these garments for their own collections, helping to divert perfectly usable products from landfill while supporting more circular fashion practices.
Interested? Please contact: chrisharris@silverbirches.com.hk for further information.
Source Fashion Delivers Strong Results for British Manufacturing
FEL enjoyed a highly successful three days at the latest edition of Source Fashion, which closed its strongest show to date following its move to Excel London.
The event welcomed more than 305 exhibitors from 19 countries and attracted buying teams from leading retailers and brands, reinforcing Source Fashion’s position as a key international sourcing destination. For FEL, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with the team connecting with exactly the type of buyers looking to manufacture in the UK and establishing valuable new relationships for future collaboration.
Reflecting on the event, Nivetha Thirumoorthy, Production Co-ordinator at FEL, said: “This has been our most successful Source Fashion yet. We’ve met exactly the type of buyers we were hoping to connect with, including established brands that are actively looking to manufacture in the UK. We’ve made some genuinely valuable connections over the past three days that we’re excited to develop into long-term partnerships.”
Building on the momentum of the show, Source Fashion and FEL are now collaborating on the Leicester Made & Regions Roadshow, designed to champion UK manufacturing and strengthen regional production networks. The first event is planned for Manchester this autumn, with further roadshows taking place over the following 12 months to showcase the capabilities of Britain’s fashion and textile manufacturers.
Master the Art of Tailoring with Savile Row Tailor – Francesco Vuoto
Discover the craftsmanship behind beautifully tailored garments with our specialist tailoring courses, available throughout the year at the FTA.
Led by Francesco Vuoto, a master tailor with decades of Savile Row experience, these practical courses are designed for both beginners and those looking to refine their tailoring skills. Learn the traditional techniques that have shaped generations of skilled craftspeople, from accurate measuring and pattern cutting to hand-finishing and achieving the perfect fit.
Choose from a range of courses including Introduction to Tailoring, Trouser Making, Waistcoat Making, Coat & Jacket Making, and Bespoke Pattern Making.
Whether you’re looking to start a career in tailoring, enhance your existing skills or simply enjoy learning a timeless craft, our expert-led courses provide the perfect opportunity.
To find out more or enrol, please email: education@fashion-enter.com
In Leicester and Want to Learn Lifelong Skills This Summer?
If you have some spare time this summer why not learn a new skill with the friendly team at Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Fashion Hub in Leicester. Learn how to stitch, pattern cut, make clothes for yourself and others.
Whether you’re looking to start a career in fashion, enhance your existing skills or simply learn something new, our flexible roll-on courses provide expert tuition in a supportive industry environment.
To find out more about contact Divya: divya@fashion-enter.com
If you’re based in London, our next Level 1 and Level 2 Stitching and Pattern Cutting cohorts begin in September, please contact Lan: lan@fashion-enter.com for further information and enrolment details.
Last Chance to Join Our Free ReFAB Studio Upcycling Workshops
There are just two free ReFAB Studio workshops remaining in our collaborative upcycling series, delivered by FEL at the FC Designer Workspace, Islington, and supported by The Clothworkers’ Company.
Running since February, the workshops have been empowering local communities through circular design, practical skill-building and sustainable creativity. The ReFAB Studio initiative transforms interior textile waste into opportunities for education, wellbeing and creative reuse, giving participants the skills and confidence to turn luxury surplus fabrics into beautiful, functional products.
Join us on Friday 17th July or 24th July to learn how to create your own cushion cover or make a tote or cosmetic bag to take home.
Places are free but limited, so don’t miss your chance to take part in the final sessions.
Level 3 Course Open Day Tomorrow – Thursday 16th July
If you have just finished GCSE’s and are looking for a course that can introduce you to the creative and practical side of fashion then come along to our Islington campus Open Day tomorrow – Thursday 16th July.
The UAL Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication, starts this September is a full-time, 1-year course is perfect for 16–18-year-olds looking to develop their creative skills through hands-on projects, specialist workshops and industry-focused learning. You’ll build a professional portfolio, explore areas including illustration, fashion, textiles and digital design, and prepare for university or a creative career.
Come along to meet our experienced tutors, explore our creative studios, view student work and discover where this exciting course could take you.
FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London N7 7FB.
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 Day Events & Workshops
16th July – Fashion Technology Academy Open Day – Islington Campus – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
17th July – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
21st July – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
24th July – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
(Image from Iris van Herpen Sonic Starquakes collection by Gio Staiano)
Iris van Herpen on AI: “I Don’t Want to Be the AI’s Assistant”
And Finally…Staff Congratulations
Tutor Manuela has just completed her Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (AVRA). Manuela said: “Achieving my Level 3 Assessor qualification is a milestone I’m really proud of. It has strengthened my confidence as an assessor and will help me provide even better support and guidance to our learners throughout their journey.”
The team also got together to raise a glass to Ellie, who works at the United Repair Centre, as she prepares for her upcoming wedding.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
