Keep Your Spirit Level Level
02-10-2019
Newsletter 2nd October 2019
Dear all,
Local Initiative N17 Creative Callings
We are thrilled to be involved with a new local project called ‘N17 Creative Callings’. The project, which is funded by the Greater London Authority and the European Social Fund, and supported by Haringey Council, will work with Londoners and small businesses within the Tottenham Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) to boost Haringey’s Creative Industries. Local businesses undertaking the initiative will be able to gain support, advice, networking, internships and further training to address any skills gaps required to take their business forward.
Marquel Williams (pictured right), Former Fashion Technology Academy Student, comments: “I always knew I was different. At school I wasn’t academic but I knew I had a talent for art and design. I could just see creativity everywhere. I wasn’t always heard and I wasn’t listened to but my big break came when I was referred to Fashion Enter. They got me and how my brain worked. They didn’t judge me or my sexuality they just embraced me for who I am. They encouraged me to do my Level 1 and 2 in Stitching and Pattern Making. Then I was an apprentice for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ through Fashion Enter and then I started my collection Yodea. Recently I had one of my major dreams come true. I was accepted for a BA Fashion Menswear course at Central St Martins. This is why I’m supporting a new programme run by Fashion Enter and the GLA. ‘N17 Creative Calling’. I am proud to live in Tottenham and this programme, run by Jenny and her team, will allow you to achieve what I’ve done. Don’t ever doubt yourself because dreams do come true!”
If you have just started or are looking to grow a small business in the area, then please get in touch and we will advise on how we can help you and your business. Contact Esme: esme@fashion-enter.com
For more information on this project click here.
Play It Forward
It is always good to give back and we are pleased to be involved with ‘Play It Forward’ an initiative that enables our apprentices to give back to charity once a month. Recently Garment Tech Junior, Gee Fletcher, spent the day with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), she said:
“I spent the day with the lovely RDA volunteers and their riders, they explained their passion for helping the children gain skills that also work well with the school curriculum such as matching colours with words, sense of direction, singing nursery songs all while riding a horse and gaining their confidence. They explained their different approaches to different disabilities ensuring the child is always comfortable.
“It was refreshing to see such a happy and comfortable environment for these children and was lovely to meet everyone and I hope to work more with helping these communities/ organisations with the other apprentices in our company.”
CEO Jenny Holloway added: “In this ever-changing world of the dynamic digital age it’s just a wholesome aspect to look around and see how the lives of less fortunate are. We have fantastic apprentices at Fashion-Enter and I want them to be balanced and see the good on the world too. It’s not all about being results driven. It’s about keeping your spirit level level!”
How to Evolve in Today’s Retail Climate
You can’t fail to notice that some of the UK’s leading retailers are struggling with today’s market conditions. The latest and most dramatic shock in the travel market was the collapse of Thomas Cook, meanwhile Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Arcadia Group are greatly reducing their number of stores. When questioned as to why this is happening experts are unanimous that a failure to adapt and change their business in-line with the customer is key.
This topic is the very backbone of the ‘Retail Defined: You Must Change or You Will Die’ seminar taking place at Fashion Enter HQ on the 17th October 2019. James Stewart, Lean Director Burberry will be hosting this top level accredited seminar with leading international speakers on the importance of the Toyota business model or ‘Lean’ practices to ensure continued success for retailers. This Level 5 CPPD session will include guest speakers from Kaizen Institute, Farfetch, Sonae Group, FNAC, Leroy Merlin and Fashion Enter Ltd will provide crucial insights that leading CEO/ COO and decision-making directors need to hear.
The 1-day seminar is strictly limited to ten places and will take place at Fashion Enter HQ, Haringey with an 8.30am breakfast start and post-workshop drinks at 5.30pm. Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of Strat to Action – The KAIZEN method for turning Strategy into Action by Alberto Bastos & Charlie Sharman.
We Are Hiring…
We are currently recruiting for machinists to join our ethical and busy factory. If you have experience please contact: caroline@fashion-enter.com
Apprentice Required at Amazon
Want to work for Amazon? A new apprenticeship position has opened up to join the Softlines Private Brands Design team. Tap here to find out more.
5 Apprenticeship Positions Available at Lara Intimates
The Lara Intimates team based in East London are looking for 4 Apprentice Production Assistants and 1 Apprentice Production Manager, to find out more click here.
Coming Soon…Belles of London Christmas Exclusive
Here is a sneak peek of the striking zebra print fabric that one of our Belles is using for her one-off Christmas outfit. Can you guess which Belle it is?
Tailoring Academy Update
The Tailoring Academy as seen in the sunlight this morning, as you can see it’s coming along nicely. Exciting times!
CPPD’s at the Factory
Over the last week we’ve had CPPD sessions with M&S, George at ASDA and River Island. These insightful half day workshops provide real industry insight and knowledge that is invaluable to any retail / brand and we have gained some excellent feedback:
“A really interesting day, I feel my knowledge has increased. I will feel more confident talking about factories and negotiating with suppliers regarding samples.” – Nicola at ASDA
“I learnt how to give better fit comments to the supplier / factory and all about lean production.” – Kelly at M&S
“Very pleased with what was covered in the seminar, very helpful speakers and good content.” – Julie at River Island.
To find out more about the various CPPD’s that we offer click here.
Join Us On Social Media
Did you know we are on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook please join us with your comments and feedback.
New Intake for Stitching & Patterns Courses
We are now recruiting for our next in-take of students for Perfect Patterns – starting 7th October and Stitching Academy – starting 14th October. Both at Level 1 are six-week courses taught by industry experts based at the Factory catering for beginners who can then progress to higher qualifications, run their own businesses by making their own samples, apprenticeships and job outcomes.
To find out more and join please contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Coming Soon Advanced Gerber 2-Day Course
For those that have completed the Beginners course and would like to follow-on and develop their Gerber skills further we have an Advanced 2-Day course (12th & 19th October) with Ben Cooper. Attendees can get into the nitty-gritty depths of the Pattern Design and Explorer and/or continue with their own journey of drafting and amending patterns. To find out more and book click here.
New dates for the Gerber for Beginners 3-day course have been scheduled in November for Saturday’s 16th, 23rd and 30th.
Introducing Optitex
Optitex combines 2D pattern cutting and 3D visualisation. This allows you to stitch patterns on screen and fit on virtual mannequins meaning less fabric waste and right first time samples. Advanced rendering software allows designers and buyers to see true to life digital samples and apply any changes before the sampling process even begins. We will be introducing Optitex courses to our agenda very soon – watch this space.
Belles Piece of the Week
This week we’ve picked out this stunning teal wrap dress we love its flattering shape and colour, it makes for a great layering piece too. Click here to view.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
VIN + OMI have been at it again, not shy of experimenting with plant based eco-friendly materials their latest SS20 collection put the spotlight on nettles.
Customised t-shirts a great cost-effective marketing tool – we advise how to make the most of them.
And Katie Farley talks sustainable fashion direct from the international catwalks in her latest edition of The Fashion Fix.
Please Support Klaudia & Cancer Research
“Together with a group of friends I have decided to take part in Battle Cancer to support a good cause. I love volunteering as much as I do competing, and this is a great combination. My friend has recently lost his dad who was battling prostate cancer. We are doing this in Ben’s memory and all the others who have ever been affected by it. You can read more on our fundraising page (link below) where you can also support the cause by making a small donation. All the money goes to Cancer Research. Thank you ever so much!”
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Unruly-CFD
And Finally…
Look who popped by to see us…Izzy Higgs a previous Fashion Enter apprentice at Marios Schwab. Izzy is now in the final stages of completing her MBA in Fashion Business at IFA Paris. We can’t wait to see where she takes her career next.
