Joining the Dots…Education and Industry

Newsletter 28th February 2024

Bringing Industry Together – AI in Fashion Conference 

Last Wednesday’s AI in Fashion Conference, in collaboration with Innovate UK KTN and Style3D, at Fashion-Enter Ltd went extremely well. The fully-subscribed event brought industry and education together to hear from a roster of professionals discussing AI use within the industry from design to marketing.

UKFT reported: The conference, at Fashion-Enter’s factory in North London, featured speakers and thought leaders including Anne Toomey from the Royal College of Art, Kate Goldsworthy from Chelsea Arts, Jenny Holloway of Fashion-Enter, Steve Morris from Innovate UK Business Connect and Eric Lui from Style3D on topics ranging from AI-driven design to sustainability practices.

Alice Burkitt, strategic projects consultant for UKFT, said: “It was great to see such a large cross section of the industry in attendance and lots of food for thought about how the UK industry can incorporate new technology to adapt to future trends.”

Sarah Robins, Sustainable Fashion & Textiles at WRAP said: “Thank-you for creating such an informative and packed programme for the day. A fantastic opportunity to see the research and work happening around AI. Will be continuing to follow closely to see how AI can support the shift for Fashion to become more sustainable and utilised to measure and map environmental impacts.”

Nichole De Carle, Owner at London Contour Experts added: “It was mind blowing to understand that AI is making 3D design more human-like. This technology combined, will fully replace ecomm and photoshoot campaigns, fast becoming a huge cost saving exercise for brands.”

Tap here to read more about the conference and what attendees had to say.

If you are looking to find out more about how technology is innovating the fashion design and manufacturing sector then please visit Fashion-Enter’s Styleverse Innovation Centre and micro factory in Haringey North London. From behind the scenes tours and learning, to design using Style3D Studio, to small run production tap here to find out more.

HOPE-FX Launch Video Now on YouTube 

As we mentioned last week, we were thrilled that local MP’s, Lord Young of Norwood Green and Jeremy Corbyn for Islington North, were able to attend and support the HOPE-FX launch event on the 16th February.

Tap here to view the HOPE-FX launch event YouTube video.

HOPE-FX participant Evangeline said: “It’s been really exciting, I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and I’ve learned so much about design and customising. Everyone here is so welcoming.”

HOPE-FX participant James added: “I came into this not really expecting much as I wasn’t big into fashion beforehand. I was experimenting with my choices and helping out with a friend’s business. Shortly after starting I discovered I had a talent for sewing and for creativity, and now it has progressed to the point where I feel confident to pursue this fully.”

Lord Young said: “I’m really pleased to be here today. This is a great project. This is an area that I’m particularly interested in – mental health, getting young people back into work and anything that can combine the two, like this project does, is a very welcome development.”

If you would like to see HOPE-FX designs or other pieces by local Islington based designers please pop by the FC Designer Collective shop, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4 – opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00

Next…Level 3 Students Launch Event

The first cohort of Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice, Fashion Design and Business studentswill be launching their final designs at the FC Designer Collective shop on Friday 8th March.

The FTA runs the Level 3 course in conjunction with Capital City College Group and as part of the course students get to create a mini collection and a marketing plan that will then go live online and at the FC Designer Collective shop.

The course has gone so well that Capital City College Group and FEL are enrolling for the next cohort to start 22nd April. This 1-year course is limited to 20 spaces, tap here to find out more and to apply.

Matrix Standard Approved

On the 20th February 2024, Fashion-Enter Ltd’s, educational division, the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) received a matrix Standard certificate following a thorough review from Assessor Kathy Leahy. 

Valid for three years the certificate is an endorsement of the quality of training, information and support the FTA department provides. This includes ‘next step’ progression routes and support with ongoing education or careers within the industry.

Islington Council Provides Another Year of Repair Support 

Each month Fashion-Enter Ltd’s shop – FC Designer Collective, located on Fonthill Road in North London, holds free, drop-in repair and upcycling workshops for local residents. The shop is equipped with machines and haberdashery so the idea is to provide advice and space to encourage attendees to have a go.

The initiative has been supported, from the very beginning, by Islington Council and the good news is they have just agreed to support another year’s worth of workshops – taking the project to March 2025.

A big thank-you to Islington Council, the next session will take place Tuesday 19th March tap here for further details.

Continued Training in Mental Health

FEL Founder Jenny Holloway is currently working on her Level 5 Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness. 

Jenny comments: “It’s been difficult to juggle work commitments and the course, but the FEL team understand how important mental health is for staff and students. Thank-you to Premier Life Skills for the tuition and support.”

Next On The Agenda

The FEL team are getting industry busy with: 

The Apparel Action Forum – 6th March. We will be joining HRH Princess Eugenie and the Anti-Slavery Collective to discuss pertinent issues that affects the fashion industry.

Drapers Sustainable Fashion Conference and Awards (FEL has been shortlisted*) – 13th March

MP Catherine West Roundtable Meeting – 17th April. Bringing UK manufacturing to Parliament.

New Tailoring Evening Course Dates

From Monday 18th March we can offer a 10-week tailoring course that runs 2 evenings per week. We offer a thorough introduction to tailoring that will provide a foundation for what to expect in a professional setting, with opportunities for advancement to higher levels. This course is suitable for beginners interested in the subject area with a desire to learn. No previous experience is required.

To find out more about this evening course tap here. 

Courses and Workshops Coming Up…

Style3D:

11th – 13th March Style3D for Beginners – Haringey campus

19th – 21st March Style3D for Beginners – Haringey campus

Repair and Upcycling:

19th March Free Repair and Upcycling Drop In – FC Designer Collective

Stitching:

4th May Saturday Stitching Club – £30 – FC Designer Workspace

18th May Saturday Stitching Club – £30 – FC Designer Workspace

This Week on FashionCapital…

FEL Secures Social Investment from Postcode Innovation Trust

And Finally…

With fashion season in full flow and the schedule now landing in Paris we reviewed all our London Fashion Week coverage and picked out 7 trends that clearly emerged for Autumn/Winter 24/25. Enjoy!

Until next time, have a great week,

From the Team at FashionCapital