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29-03-2023
Newsletter 29th March 2023
Two New Job Openings
Just in…we have two exciting job openings at our HQ in Haringey for a Finance Manager and a Production Assistant / Merchandiser.
For the post of Finance Manager we are looking for a dynamic book keeper that can work alongside the CEO, Deputy CEO and Compliance Officer, this role is like no other! FEL is an award winning social enterprise that undertakes a host of projects with four councils. Use of Xero is a must and preferably part qualified ACCA. What is really important is having a team approach, a happy disposition and strong communication skills.
To find out more about this post, the Production Assistant / Merchandiser role, or other job / apprenticeship vacancies please tap here.
Talking at the V&A Teacher’s Sanctuary
CEO Jenny Holloway has been invited to speak at a V&A Teacher’s Sanctuary tomorrow (30th March) on the topic of fashion and sustainability. Jenny will be speaking alongside fashion designer – Abigail Ajobi and Gareth Edwards from the Fashion Minority Alliance.
This interactive session aimed at teachers will explore roles and projects in fashion design that are being inspired and led by sustainable processes and innovations.
FEL Invited to the House of Lords
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway has been invited by The Baroness Burt of Solihull, on behalf of Skills and Education Group (SEG) for their annual reception at the House of Lords in April.
FEL has worked with SEG for over 13-years in total and during that time our educational provision, the Fashion Technology Academy, has grown to now include different campuses at Islington, Wales and Leicester, with Haringey being the main base. Jenny is looking forward to joining the Baroness and SEG at the reception next month.
Free Business Support – N17 Creative Callings Closing this June
A big thank-you to the GLA, Haringey Council and ESF for the funding for the 3-year N17 Creative Callings programme which closes down in June 2023.
There is still three months remaining if any one wishes to join the programme and have free mentoring and skills training to make their creative business succeed.
A big hello to Teelo who has joined the programme and is creating a range of printed T-shirts and is also learning how to relate fabrics to styles and lay plans. CEO Jenny said: “We have had a flying start with Teelo who is just a huge creative talent. He already has his own business ‘Frame Perfect’ but he wanted to develop his creativity into garment making and create his own brand. We have currently printed off some of his unique designs on to new styled T’s and the results are impressive!”
To find out more about N17 Creative Callings and to enquire about joining please visit: https://n17creativecallings.com/
Lesbian and Gay Alliance – New Contract
We are delighted that we are working with Kate Barker the CEO of LGB Alliance, which is a charity that supports lesbian, gay and bisexual people by building community, providing high quality information, being a source of inspiration for people who feel marginalised and seeking to influence Government and decision makers to prioritise the needs and rights of same-sex attracted people.
We are creating a range of printed T-shirts and we are acting as a fulfilment house to support on sales. FEL Technology Manager Callum commented: “This is a new important development for Fashion-Enter as we have not acted as a fulfilment centre before and it’s been great to work directly with Kate on this unique collaboration together.”
For more on our Digital Fabric Printing Service tap here
Made in the UK is on the Map!
Production is starting to pick up and it’s absolutely great to see the new summer colours in the factory now as we approach spring time with Easter around the corner. Thanks to Very Group and Community Clothing for new orders.
Tap here to find out more about our Factory.
Make Your Own Clothes – Learn the basics in just 4 days!
This April we have two 4-day courses that will give you the confidence and ability to carry out clothes making projects at home, or as a stepping stone to progress further.
Join our 4-day Pattern Cutting or Stitching and Upcycling courses commencing 11th April at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington
A previous learner said: “I learnt so much. The trainers are excellent, very patient and nothing felt too much for them. They were happy to repeat instructions without going crazy. Thank-you, it has been a fantastic 4-days.”
Tap here to find out more and book.
Learn Gerber Digital Pattern Skills
If you are looking to gain pattern skills digitally then Gerber AccuMark is a good place to start. The next beginners 3-day course takes place from 31st May – 2nd June. Here’s what previous students have said about the course…
“I have learnt how to work the basic functions and venture into some of the exercises. I appreciated the small class size, as it made it easy to ask questions and go over something again. Top marks.” – Esther
Tap here for more info and to book.
London Repair Week at the FC Designer Collective
Over 50 people attended our free repair and upcycling sessions during London Repair Week (20th – 26th March) at our retail outlet: FC Designer Collective at 113-115 Fonthill Road.
The majority of residents brought in garments that needed repairs, however a large group used the additional clothes FEL supplied to create new, upcycled garments. This was so creative with many of the attendees asking for the sessions to be held every week.
Leyla said: “This is a local designer community shop and we should be opening the doors to welcome the locals in. No one has any money at the moment and everyone was talking to each other. It’s a way of getting people out of their homes and talking too. So many people are fed up with no money but when they’re together they chat and bring creative ideas together. We need more repair days like this.”
If you have a repair or alteration please pop into the FC Designer Collective we are open from Tuesday – Saturday.
Masterclasses and Courses
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring throughout 2023 availability in London, Leicester and Wales
11th April: 4 Day Beginners Sewing and Upcycling Workshop
11th April: Intensive Beginners 4-Day Pattern Cutting Course
27th 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)
31st May – 2nd June Gerber Accumark for Beginners
Outfit of the Week
Just dropped on SilkFred is our B of London plisse midi dress in forest green. Super flattering, easy to pack, can be dressed up or down – what’s not to like! Tap here to view and shop.
This Week on FashionCapital…
If you’re a fashion brand, social media marketing is a necessity. Consumers are more likely to discover your business on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, than they are through traditional advertising. To find out more tap here to read 9 Social Media Marketing Tips for Fashion Businesses.
And Finally…
Meeting with the Managing Director of Fashion Works Doreen Adusei MBE.
CEO Jenny Holloway said: “It was just great to see Fashion Works Director, Doreen again. I think the last time we saw each other was over 20-years ago when I was working with the London Development Agency on the London Fashion Forum program. She really has not changed! She was bringing a cohort of her designers to our Factory Uncovered workshop and they were an inspiring group! Wish you well Doreen and let’s find ways to collaborate!”
Until next time, have a great week.
The Team at FashionCapital (Sister company to Fashion-Enter Ltd)
