It’s Official…FEL Awarded Fashion Supplier of the Year
15-05-2025
Newsletter 20th November 2024
We Did It!
Last Wednesday night, 13th November, Fashion-Enter Ltd was announced as the Fashion Supplier of the Year at the annual Drapers Awards.
This is the second award FEL has received from Drapers this year after winning Sustainable Fashion Champion of the Year at the Drapers Sustainable Conference and Awards in March.
Jenny Holloway, Founder and CEO of FEL, commented: “This Award is for every single person at Fashion-Enter Ltd from the machinists to the pressers, we are a team and are working proof that sustainable manufacturing can and does work in the UK.
“A huge thank you to everyone who voted and congrats to all winners and nominees.”
In need of ethical, UK production? Contact us: thefactory@fashion-enter.com
Leicester Leading: 2025 – 2030
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway attended the Leicester Leading: 2025 – 2030 strategy meeting last Friday 15th November. The strategy aims to build on Leicester’s status as one of the most creative cities in the UK and reflects a drive to further support and grow the region’s creative sector.
The strategy clearly endorses the diverse economy of Leicester with organisations ranging from; Shades of Brown, Serendipity, and the new Leicester Music Association. Great investment has been made structurally with buildings and programmes, and it’s with great anticipation that the works will start at the Railway Station.
Jenny commented: “Leicester Leading: 2025 – 2030 provided great insight into multicultural Leicester; having worked in Leicester since 2017 it was great to see such a wide offer and emphasis on the creative sector, but I think we also need to look at blending programmes together so the clear outcome is job creation.
“Yet again, the BBC has highlighted (19th Nov) the issue of workers not being paid correctly in the manufacturing sector and I really would like to see how the report data has been identified. I find it hard to believe that the issue of coercion of the workforce is as major as stated – there are only 90 plus factories left in Leicester, and the ones I know are absolutely paying correctly. Time to focus on the many that are doing good.
“The FEL team based at the Fashion Hub on King Street are providing support with Workers Rights and Labour Exploitation courses, as well as Skills Bootcamps to ensure garment workers know their rights and are work ready.”
Please contact divya@fashion-enter.com if you require further information on Workers Rights or any other courses / services provided at Leicester’s Fashion Hub.
Fashion Hub, Phoenix House, 2nd Floor, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1.
FEL Training at Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy
It has been a busy two weeks for our Senior Tutor Ana, who has been teaching Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy tutors and students. The new Academy is set to open on 5th December and Ana has been getting tutors and the first cohort of students up to speed with the Level 1 Award in Stitching. Located in the Pryce Jones building it has been fantastic to return and work in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges. FEL CEO Jenny Holloway is looking forward to the launch of the educational facility next month.
Beware of Imitation Websites!
The Fashion-Enter team have worked hard to ensure the Belles of London brand is centred on ethical, timeless designs that are made in London. This is a prime time for scammers who may operate websites or emails that appear similar to our own but have no connection to Belles of London. This is the only place to buy authentic Belles of London products and we strongly advise verifying the authenticity of a site before making any purchases.
HOPE-FX and the HSJ Awards
The HSJ Awards celebrate healthcare service excellence in the UK and this year HOPE-FX has been shortlisted in Early Intervention and Prevention category. HOPE-FX is a collaborative project FEL runs with North London Mental Health Partnership, to support and encourage young people, recovering from mental health conditions on a creative, t-shirt design project. The HSJ Awards take place tomorrow night, 21st November, and members of the FEL team will be in attendance.
FEL CEO Jenny said: “Whether we win or not at the awards is irrelevant – we are all winners, this promotes a new way forward in mental health today. Integration with skills and business giving people a purpose and providing HOPE – works. Zac Holloway, this was your idea, hold your head high and be proud!”
Next Week: Let’s Talk About Waste and Upcycling
Green Earth Action Foundation (GEAF) is holding a free webinar on How To Upcycle Waste Without Compromising Your Lifestyle! FEL CEO Jenny Holloway will be joining the webinar to discuss upcycling and sustainability on Thursday 28th November at 10am. Tap here to register your attendance.
Congratulations Yodea Marquel Williams
The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) team were thrilled to hear that Yodea Marquel Williams (pictured above with Jenny Holloway) has been named as a British Fashion Council Foundation MA Scholarship recipient for 2024/25. Marquel is one of seven MA recipients awarded this year, recognised for their talent, dedication and creativity. The scholarship will support course tuition fees, living expenses, and the production of a final year collection.
Marquel was taught at the FTA on both the Level 1 and 2 courses in Stitching and Patterns. He went on to land an apprenticeship with Strictly before applying for a design place at UAL Central Saint Martins. The FTA has always recommended that creative students undertake fundamental courses in stitching and construction to thoroughly understand the process which can only enhance their design capabilities, and this is exactly what Marquel has done.
Tap here to read what Marquel had to say about his time with the FTA and see below for details on our Level 1 and 2 courses.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
Saturday Stitching Club for Nov and Dec SOLD OUT
Pattern Cutting:
23 Nov – Saturday Pattern Cutting Class – Made to Measure Trouser – FC Designer Workspace Islington – £35
7 Dec – Saturday Pattern Cutting Class – Made to Measure Dress – FC Designer Workspace Islington – £35
Repair and Upcycling Drop In:
10 Dec – Repair and Upcycling Drop In Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – (Free, supported by Islington Council)
Support and Advice:
27 Nov – 12 Step Plan to Develop and Create a Fashion Collection – Free via Zoom
Style3D:
For those interested in Style3D please scan the QR Code below.
25th – 27th Nov – 3 Day Style3D Course for Beginners – Haringey campus – £199
25th – 29th Jan – 3 Day Style3D Course for Beginners – Haringey campus – £199
Contact us: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
Intake v Exit Margin…
The case for making in the UK. Flashback 2019.
This Week on FashionCapital…
How Brexit Has Reshaped the Fashion Industry and How to Reposition the UK As An Industry Leader
And Finally…
Big thanks to @taffyjon.photos for capturing this month’s Repair and Upcycle Drop In Workshop at the FC Designer Collective shop. Held once a month these drop-in sessions have become popular with individuals from Islington and beyond, gaining support and advice on their repairs and upcycles. Great news for clothing longevity, the environment and positive mental health!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
