It Starts with Community
26-08-2026
Newsletter 26th August 2026
Creative Islington Is Bursting with Talent
Many people regard Hackney and Camden as London’s creative boroughs, but after welcoming Cllr James Potts and Penny Halliday from Islington Council to Fashion-Enter’s FC Designer Workspace and accompanying shop – FC Designer Collective, yesterday, 25th August, it is crystal clear: Islington is alive with creative talent.
The FC Designer Workspace with affordable studios on Durham Road has a waiting list, providing studios, education and support for new creative businesses. On the iconic Fonthill Road, the FC Designer Collective shop gives local designers an income while the free fortnightly repair classes bring the community and sustainability together.
Cllr James Potts said following his visit: “The work being done here, from repair workshops and upcycling to skills training, shows how fashion can be less harmful to our environment while supporting local jobs and skills.”
This success is down to a fantastic partnership with Islington Council proving what can happen when affordable space, skills, creativity and sustainability come together.
FEL Leicester X Breast Cancer Now Workshops
(Image by Klaus Nielsen via pexels.com)
Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Leicester campus is delighted to have been awarded a community engagement grant from Breast Cancer Now to deliver a new programme combining practical bra-making skills with breast health awareness.
Launching in September, the four workshops will use the creativity of bra design and construction as a unique way to open up conversations around breast health and encourage greater awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
We are delighted to be working with Breast Cancer Now on this important initiative. As Divya Kamath, FEL Leicester Operational Manager, says, “raising awareness and reaching as many people as possible in the local community is vital.”
By bringing together fashion, skills and health awareness, we hope these workshops will be both creative and empowering and make a positive difference in the Leicester community.
From The Big Half T-Shirts Into Hijabs
We were thrilled to see The Big Half featured our circular fashion collaboration with ASRA Run Club, Alterist and London Marathon Events on instagram.
A long-sleeved Big Half finisher T-shirt, originally created to help Muslim women participate in running while respecting their faith, has now been given a remarkable second life – transformed into a hijab.
FEL’s Haringey team supported the technical development and manufacturing, demonstrating how local production, inclusion and circular fashion can come together to create something genuinely meaningful.
A brilliant example of turning an existing garment into something new – less waste, more purpose and a positive story of community and inclusion.
Open Style Lab at the FTA Reaches Its Final Week
The collaborative energy at the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) continues to grow as our 20 Open Style Lab participants enter the final week of their intensive programme.
Meeting every Saturday at FTA Haringey, the group has been working together to develop innovative adaptive fashion solutions, using industrial machinery and turning thoughtful design ideas into practical garments that can make a real difference to people’s lives.
The sessions have been going brilliantly, and this Saturday will be the final making push, followed by a photoshoot to showcase the participants’ work. We can’t wait to see the finished designs!
FEL at the Islington Sustainability Fair
FEL was delighted to join the Islington Sustainability Fair on Monday 24th August, bringing practical sewing, repair and upcycling skills to the local community.
Our Head of Education, Lan Leeder, delivered a hands-on hand-sewing workshop, where visitors used fabric scraps and embroidery techniques to create colourful bottle holders – showing how surplus textiles can be transformed into something useful and creative.
It was fantastic to see people of all ages getting involved and discovering that sustainability can be practical, accessible and fun.
The event also highlighted the many ways we can repair, reuse and share rather than throw things away. We look forward to continuing our work with the Islington community through our free twice-monthly repair sessions at the shop and short courses at the Workspace.
London: Looking For An Apprenticeship?
FEL is currently recruiting for two Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprentices at its award-winning factory in Haringey, North London.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to start a career in fashion manufacturing, combining structured training with hands-on experience in a live factory environment. No previous machining experience required just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn.
To find out more visit: Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprenticeship at FEL
For enquiries and applications: education@fashion-capital.co.uk
Leicester: Job Opportunity
Ethically Sourced Products Ltd is looking for an experienced Garment Cutter to join its growing team at its modern factory in Leicester. This is a full-time, permanent position, applicants should have at least 2 years’ experience on a garment cutting table, good fabric knowledge and experience within garment manufacturing.
Tap here to find out more.
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops:
1st & 2nd Sept – 2-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
1st & 2nd Sept – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FTA Haringey Crusader Estate – £80 + eventbrite fee
7th Sept – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50
7th – 9th Sept – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120
8th Sept – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
14th – 17th Sept – 4-Day Shirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
How to Choose the Right Clothing Manufacturer for Your Fashion Brand
And Finally…Save the Date – 16th September
A reminder for industry organisations: 16th September marks the date for an important meeting for national fashion and textiles support organisations, arranged by Rt Hon David Lammy MP for Tottenham.
Taking place at Portcullis House, Westminster, this two-hour meeting will bring the industry together to amplify our collective voice and support public procurement opportunities for UK SME factories.
The meeting has been coordinated by Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, and Jenny Holloway, but importantly, it is an opportunity for every organisation working and campaigning in this area to have a voice.
For further information please email: beth@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
