Join Us at Leicester Fashion Forward
03-09-2025
Newsletter 3rd September 2025
Save the Date: Leicester Fashion Forward – Networking Meeting
On Tuesday 30th September from 2pm onwards we invite all Leicester based suppliers, designers and creatives to come along to the LCB Depot where we will have a line-up of guest speakers that can genuinely support and help your business. This is a part of the UK SPF bid awarded to both the ATMF and Fashion-Enter Ltd, tap here to find out more about the bid, to encourage networking and new business.
To express your interest please email divya@fashion-enter.com
Hope-FX #2 Celebration and Launch
Yesterday, 2nd September, the second group of Hope-FX participants celebrated their creative achievements with a launch event at FEL’s shop – FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road.
FEL’s founder and CEO, Jenny Holloway said: “Absolutely loved today! The launch of Hope-FX #2 was an absolute shining success for the participants – we were all filled with pride. The T-shirt designs looked amazing – some were incredibly detailed and defined with brilliant colours. The swing tickets correlated to each designer, and hours had been spent on the marketing assets by each participant.
“It was quite a different collaboration with North London Foundation Trust this time but the results and the final journey of the programme could not be disputed! It was awesome. A huge thank you to Norv and Josie for coming to the launch to support the participants – Motherlight Studios really give their all for photoshoots! They care!”
The Hope-FX #2 T-shirts will stay in the shop: FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, N4 for the month of September and all proceeds go to the participants.
The FEL team will keep in touch with each participant with free courses and support and are delighted that James, from Hope-FX #1, is now on the Level 2 stitching course, thanks to the Genuine Fund.
FEL CEO Keynote Speaker at Futurescan 6
Next Wednesday 10th September our CEO, Jenny Holloway, is scheduled as a keynote speaker at the Futurescan 6 conference, taking place at De Montfort University.
Futurescan 6 brings together leading voices in fashion and textiles to explore the theme “The Future of Fashion and Textiles Isn’t Coming – It’s Here.” With topics ranging from heritage values to technological change, sustainability, and material innovation, the conference is set to challenge conventional thinking across design, production, and education.
Jenny will be speaking on her pioneering work advocating for UK-based manufacturing, particularly in Leicester, and the importance of ethical, sustainable production practices in shaping the industry’s future.
Celebrating 25-Years David Lammy MP for Tottenham
On Monday 1st September, FEL CEO Jenny Holloway was personally invited to a special reception at the Houses of Parliament to celebrate Rt Hon David Lammy MP (pictured speaking above) and his 25-years of service to Tottenham.
Jenny commented: “I can remember 20-years ago taking David to meet Florentia Clothing Village manufacturers and he was so engaging with the businesses. Who would have thought then that David would be the Foreign Secretary today! This has got to be the hardest job in the world!
“Before the reception I went to the Public Viewing Gallery and saw David in action giving a statement to the House of Commons regarding the war in Gaza. He was impressive! He stood his ground and batted back every Conservative statement. The global stage is so uncertain with difficult leaders that none of us will ever understand, I felt assured that David is doing everything he possibly can, and more, for peace.”
25th September – Free 1-day Funding Readiness Programme
Impact Lawyers in partnership with FashionCapital and legal expert Kevin Withane FRSA is hosting a 1-day Funding Readiness Programme. Designed to help fashion founders / brands / designers secure investment and scale up and provide expert advice specific to the creative sector.
The day-long session will take place at the FC Designer Workspace, Islington, and will break down the legal and financial side of early-stage funding, providing essential tools and knowledge for creative entrepreneurs.
Register now to secure your place
Starting Wave 6 Skills Bootcamp
Skills Bootcamp has been devised to get people into work and meet real industry requirements – including repairs and reprocessing.
Created in collaboration with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation, FTA Leicester is delivering this free, hands-on, employer-led course every 4-weeks. Along with learning in-demand skills the course provides opportunities to connect with local employers.
To find out more and apply contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com Tel: 0116 436 2560
Now Enrolling – Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice, Fashion Design, and Business
Looking to gain a broad range of skills in fashion? Register your interest for our Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice, Fashion Design, and Business — ideal for aspiring designers aged 16-18. This is your chance to dive deep into the world of fashion and build a brand that stands out!
Places are limited on this 1-year course and is free for 16 – 18 year olds, to find out more tap here.
Contact Lan: lan@fashion-enter.com for further info and to register your place.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
10th -12th September — 3-Day Pattern Adaptation Course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Stitching:
10th – 12th September — 3-Day Trouser Making Sewing Course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Upcycling:
9th September – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
Advice and Support:
16th September – Mastering the Fashion Business Blueprint: Fine-tuning Your Plan for Success with Jenny Holloway – Free masterclass via Zoom 10 – 11- please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
(Image Chet Lo / LFW by Chris Daw)
Just 11-weeks into her tenure, British Fashion Council chief executive, Laura Weir spoke about reset initiatives to boost the British fashion sector. However, a big piece of the puzzle remains to be overlooked – manufacturing! Read about Weir’s reset plans here: Laura Weir Sets Out A New Vision for London Fashion Week
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital/Fashion-Enter Ltd
