How to Produce a Collection Ready for LFW…

Newsletter 22nd February 2023

LFW Back in Full Flow

After multiple seasons of set-backs; a global pandemic, exiting the EU and the passing of our longest-reigning monarch, to name a few, London Fashion Week AW23 has been hailed as a great success. From ballet dancers at Tata Naka to staged street scenes at Edeline Lee, designers got creative with how their collections were presented.

This season it was tremendously exciting for our team at the Fashion Studio in Haringey to see designs they have helped bring to life, with their high quality pattern cutting and stitching skills, being worn on the catwalk. 

Fashion Studio Manager, Agnes Szepligeti, worked with the Australian artist Tahlia Stanton on her designs for GENT London. Tahlia’s GENT London collaborative designs were presented on the catwalk at Soho House and the feedback was fantastic.

Agnes commented: “Tahlia’s tapestry type of fabric requires 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.”

If you would like pattern and production support for your collection then the Fashion Studio team are happy to help, from 1 design up to 300 the team are experienced at working with designer brands. Contact: thefashionstudio@fashion-enter.com 

LFW also provides a wealth of industry knowledge when it comes to the designer market and seasonal trends that we can share with our audience, learners and designers based at the FC Designer Workspace over the coming season.

Tap here to read and view images from LFW23. Thanks to our photographer Chris Daw.

Free Monthly Masterclass

This morning, 22nd February, the Fashion Studio team have been explaining how to develop and create a fashion collection via a free online masterclass. The session also included a tour of the Fashion Studio and clear explanations of the complete process. 

The next free online masterclass will take place on 22nd March and will be on the topic of UK V’s Overseas Sourcing, Development and Production with Jackie Bertram via Zoom. 

Tap here to book and receive a Zoom link to join this session.

Hear from Fashion Studio client Katie Young Gerald in this short YouTube video talking about her experience working with the Fashion Studio.

As Seen on ITV

Watch out for FEL on TV, a crew from ITV News came into the factory in Haringey yesterday (21st Feb) to discuss the topic of how leaving the EU has affected the industry.

Market and consumer data specialist Statistia states that 53% now regret that the UK left EU and this is why Mayor Sadiq Khan is calling for closer alignment with the EU with regards to trade. During the filming FEL CEO Jenny Holloway talks about the need for skilled stitchers and production workers from EU countries and while we are training a new generation such as Sophie, who was also filmed, FEL and other manufacturers are struggling to fill a current skills gap.

Fantastic Feedback from the 4 Day Workshop

Last week, from the 13th February, the FC Designer Workspace held its popular 4 Day Beginners Sewing and Upcycling workshop. This class was full to capacity and included learners that had free places courtesy of the Fashion Impact Fund.

Feedback included:

“I loved this course. It had just the right level of information for someone who had never sewed before and the instructors were so lovely and helpful. I feel this course has put me in good stead to continue learning at home. Thank-you.”

“Fabulous course. Three great tutors. Learnt masses. Great atmosphere. Good pace. Thank-you billions!”

The next 4 Day Beginners Sewing and Upcycling workshop takes place from the 10th April tap here to find out more and book.

Now Available: Level 1 & 2 in Pattern Cutting at FCFTA Leicester

We can now offer Level 1 and 2 in Pattern Cutting at our Leicester campus. The Level 1 is a five week course which teaches the fundamentals of pattern making: how to draft blocks and use them to create your patterns. This has been made possible thanks to ESFA Funding form CCCG Group.

These courses are available to those outside of London that are unemployed in receipt of Income Support, JSA or ESA or are employed and earn less than £18,585 p/a.

Deputy CEO Jackie said: “It’s fantastic to now be able to offer Level 1 & 2 in patterns to complement the stitching courses that we currently run. We have recruited a new tutor to deliver patterns, this is a great opportunity for those that want to start their own collection, make for themselves, change career or just learn a new skill. The Academy is open Mon- Fri 9 – 5 pm and is an inclusive and welcoming environment.”

Please contact divya@fashion-enter.com to enrol – spaces are available now.

New Diploma: Fusing Design with Business

Launching a brand is a business and for it to succeed with longevity knowledge is required on both a creative and business level. That is why we have devised a new course UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Fashion Design and Business. 

Tap here to find out more. 

Repair and Upcycle with Us!

We had another brilliant Repair and Upcycle monthly workshop at the FC Designer Workspace. This is a drop in session and lasts 4-hours for just £10- 

One attendee said: “The Workshop was amazing! So so helpful and staff are very friendly and knowledgable.”

Join us for the next March session in Islington, date to be confirmed.

Fashion Studio Rates Increase

As of Monday 3^rd April, Fashion Studio Prices will be increasing to the following:

Sampling (CMT) –  £29.95

Pattern work – £32.00

Masterclasses and Courses

Starting this Saturday a new Draping course with the talented designer and ex-London College of Fashion (LCF) tutor, Ismail Erbil at the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a creative expert with industry experience. The link to this session is listed below.

Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring throughout 2023

25th February: 4 Week Saturday Draping Course

22nd March: UK V’s Overseas Sourcing, Development and Production with Jackie Bertram (Free)

10th April: 4 Day Beginners 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)

Staff News

Congrats to TJ  (FEL Compliance Manager) and his wife Hazel on their beautiful, healthy baby boy born on Sunday!

Fingers crossed for FEL Wales waiting to hear about a PPE contract for NHS Wales. 

Outfit of the Week

This week we are preparing for spring with this Violet midi dress, cut from beautiful plisse fabric in a soft blush pink. Worn here by our fabulous Digital Marketing Apprentice – Leah. Tap here to view and shop this dress.

This Week on FashionCapital…

Back with a Vengeance LFW February 2023

And Finally…

We’ve just printed off these t-shirts for The Plough in Norwood Green, if you need some customised t-shirts, sustainably printed at our HQ in North London then please tap here to find out more!

Until next time, have a great week.

The Team at FashionCapital (Part of Fashion-Enter Ltd’s family of brands)