Happy International Women’s Day!
08-03-2023
Newsletter 8th March 2023
Women Working Together
As a workforce and industry predominantly made up of women, roughly 75%, it seems only right to celebrate the phenomenal females that are making a difference in their own unique way. From the amazing ex-Laura Ashley production workers in Newtown to designers such as Ukrainian Nataliia Horbenko, their passion and determination is truly inspiring.
Over at the FCFTA Leicester the theme was very much “Joyful in Pink” this International Women’s Day. All of our courses are available to both men and women, however the attendees so far have mainly been female. We are incredibly proud of all our learners, along with our teams in Leicester, Haringey, Islington and Newtown.
Happy International Women’s Day all!
CEO Bespoke Shopping Experience
The secret to a successful working wardrobe is quality and fit. As the late Vivienne Westwood said: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” We provide a top-notch bespoke service on our in-house Belles of London range. From tailored trousers and pencil skirts to silk blouses and blazers, we have timeless, quality design staples that can take you from office to dinner.
On Thursday 29th March – 3pm – 7pm we are inviting a limited number of women to join us for a unique shopping experience at the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road. Attendees will be able to choose a design, select fabric and get garments tailored-made to fit perfectly by FEL’s highly experienced stitching technicians.
This unique event provides the chance to get made-to-measure, quality pieces in a relaxed, informal environment with drinks and nibbles.
Thursday 29th March – 3pm – 7pm at FC Designer Collective, 113 – 115 Fonthill Road, N4 (Just next to Finsbury Park tube station)
RSVP to: beth@fashion-enter.com
On the Radio: Newtown New Ways
BBC 5 Live got members of the Fashion-Enter Ltd Welsh team out of bed bright and early as they recorded live from the Newtown factory last Thursday 2nd March.
The 52-minute programme took place entirely at the Factory situated in Newtown’s iconic Royal Welsh Warehouse, also known as the Pryce Jones Building. Radio presenter Sean Farrington interviewed CEO Jenny Holloway, Commercial Manager Eddie Bebb, along with several production workers to get a flavour of the industry.
The ‘Wake Up to Money’ programme asked leading questions about the up and coming Spring Budget and how the government can support the local industry and businesses like Fashion-Enter. It also talked about Newtown’s rich, textile heritage that includes the birth of mail order and the Laura Ashley workforce, many of which are now based at Fashion-Enter.
The programme is available until 26th March, to listen tap here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001jk0h
Made at the Fashion Studio and Featured by You Magazine
The recent fashion show from GENT London featuring Tahlia Stanton’s distinctive tapestry designs produced by FEL’s Fashion Studio has been receiving some excellent feedback. Tap here to see press coverage from You Magazine
There is more exciting coverage and collab news in the pipeline, watch this space!
This collaboration goes to show how we can all work as one to provide areas of support and expertise. Fashion Studio Manager Agnes said: “Tahlia’s tapestry type of fabric required a great skillset to work with and modify. We needed Singh, our expert sample machinist, to be able to create the finish, which resembled the Chanel and Dior resort collections with all the applied fringes and small details on the cuffs, pockets and zips. Our master cutter Boyko made the pattern pieces with placement print cutting, to emphasise Tahlia artwork. It was challenging but I believe the result was worth the effort and the guests were amazed and stood up and clapped when our garments arrived on the catwalk.”
For more on the Fashion Studio and the production services it provides tap here.
Need Help Producing Your Collection?
For a fashion design to successfully work it has to go through a production process; fabric selection, pattern cutting, sampling and stitching. Our Technical Residencies explain this process in detail and attendees can gain hands-on skills and use the Academy’s state-of-the-art equipment.
Our FTA Technical Residencies can be adapted to suit your needs and can run for 3-hours, or take place over several days, and provides excellent tuition for students, graduates, businesses, community groups and independent designers.
Previous clients have included: Graduate Fashion Foundation X TikTok, Nottingham Trent University and YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Prince’s Foundation.
We can provide Technical Residencies in London and Leicester, interested in finding out more – contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Numeracy and Textiles
Throughout March FCFTA Leicester will pilot a numeracy based course with specific focus on the textile sector.
The Multiply programme is the first priority of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) this is to support on the levelling up mission to ensure that by 2030, the number of people successfully completing high quality skills training will have significantly increased in every area of the UK.
The Fashion Technology Academy has created a 6 unit textile focused multiply course that follows the life of a garment and explores the numeracy needed along its journey.
If you would like to be part of this FREE pilot and increase your numeracy skills please contact: divya@fashion-enter.com to enrol – limited spaces available.
First Pattern Learners at FCFTA Leicester
FCFTA Leicester is delighted to be able to offer Patterns Level 1 & 2 qualifications at its Academy on Stone Bridge Street.
Enrolling now for both levels students can learn pattern and garment construction along with design principles and illustration techniques.
Ikram/Learner said: “I just finished the Level 1 stitching course and moving on to patterns has been an exciting journey. I get to bridge the gap between design and garment construction and learn from designers that have been in the trade for 20+ years.”
If you are interested in our courses or apprenticeships please contact: divya@fashion-enter.com
Masterclasses and Courses
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring throughout 2023
22nd March: UK V’s Overseas Sourcing, Development and Production with Jackie Bertram (Free)
10th April: 4 Day Beginners Sewing and Upcycling Workshop
12th April: Gerber Accumark for Beginners
26th April: 10 Strategies to Create an Ethical Brand from Yarn Sourcing to Works Rights’ with Caroline Ash (Free)
24th May: Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Team and Partnership with Your Manufacturer with Caroline Ash (Free)
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Our online Fabric store, FCFabricStudio, offers deadstock fabrics at brilliant prices. Lots of new fabrics have been added over the past week including this 4-way, super stretch Nylon in animal print, perfect for sportswear, clubwear or bold fashion items. Available now at £4 per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
Find out about London Repair Week 20th – 26th March and join us for a repair / upcycling service or workshop.
And Finally…
Don’t miss out on our next free online masterclass. Our Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram will be advising on sourcing and supply chain options in the UK and overseas. A must if you plan to manufacture your collections. Please sign up and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date, this session takes place 22nd March from 10am.
Until next time, have a great week.
The Team at FashionCapital
