Learn from the Experts!
08-01-2020
Newsletter 8th January 2020
Dear all,
A Big Welcome to 2020!
It’s our first Newsletter of the year, and indeed the decade, and the team are excited for what lies ahead. CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “To all us SMEs; keep it real. I don’t want to hear fail to plan plan to fail! It’s more about keeping your spirit level level and finding that ray of sunshine each day. Business is not just about the good times – it’s about ALL the times. Here’s to a sparkling new decade.”
Production Director Caroline Ash adds: “As Fashion-Enter’s Production Director I’m amazed at what we have achieved last year and now we are the busiest we have ever been for this time of the year and that’s down to our fantastic team. I’ve worked in the industry for 40-years and never found a place like this. I’m here for the continuum especially as we are the only Factory in the UK with a leading status in the Fast Forward audit!”
Need Business Support & Advice This Year?
We are currently involved with the ‘N17 Creative Callings’ project funded by the Greater London Authority and the European Social Fund, and supported by Haringey Council.
The initiative offers creative businesses in the Tottenham area with free advice, support, networking and training opportunities including accredited training in: Fashion and Textiles, Leadership and Management, Creative and Digital Media, Developing Social Potential, Professional Development, Retail, Customer Service and Finance.
Each business is unique which is why we offer bespoke business training and support and have an excellent selection of partners to cover your needs. The Fashion-Enter team have worked in Haringey for over 12-years and understand its vibrant and diverse mix of residents.
Tram is currently receiving support via this initiative and comments: “I’ve always wanted my own collection and company but it was all so complicated I didn’t know where to start. Now thanks to N17 Creative Callings I can learn with the fashion experts and it’s free. Thank you Andres for accepting me.”
If you would like to put yourself / your business forward for this free support initiative please contact: N17creativecallings@fashion-enter.com
A Warm Welcome to our New Tailoring Students
From introductory to intermediate to a bespoke diploma, our rolling programme includes tailoring courses for all levels of ability. This week we welcomed a new cohort, ready to learn at our state-of-the-art FC Tailoring Academy. One student said: “I came here because I knew Fashion-Enter had been awarded funding for the latest machinery for Tailoring but I really wanted the expertise of the tutor who’s from Savile Row. Bespoke Tailoring is right for now – with the emphasis on sustainable fashion. I can’t wait to learn the tricks of the trade.”
To find out more about a tailoring or fashion production course please contact Esme: mailto:esme@fashion-enter.com
Onsite Bespoke Service
In line with our ‘learn from the experts’ ethos we also provide tailoring production and a bespoke service at the FC Tailoring Academy. Our first bespoke client is none other than Nick Beighton CEO at ASOS.com. His suit is really coming together and we are thrilled that he so encouraging and supportive of the Tailoring Academy and Made in the UK production.
Belles in the Press
It was fantastic to see garments from our Belles of London activewear range by Katie Farley in the press this week. Part of a fashion spread on looking good while getting fit the ‘Style’ page in New magazine featured the Belles Sian sports bra and cycling shorts in turquoise.
B of London
Exclusive to Silk Fred is our best selling diffusion range B of London. Dresses and jumpsuits retail from £50 – £65 and are perfect for parties and special occasions. Tap here to view the current collection.
Fashion SVP
As established regulars at the Fashion SVP, the UK’s leading apparel and accessory sourcing show, Fashion-Enter will be back to showcase ‘Ethical Manufacturing Uncovered’ – a ‘drop-in’ practical and interactive area that all visitors, whatever level of experience or expertise, can engage with.
In this space Fashion-Enter will be demonstrating, not only some of the practical skills that are required to make exceptionally constructed garments, but also how they can help you integrate an ethical philosophy into your brand. Visitors will also be able to gain information on the wide range of courses offered by Fashion-Enter’s educational divisions: the Fashion Technology Academy & Tailoring Academy, see how The Factory or The Fashion Studio can work with brands and retailers, or take advantage of the business mentoring services and many of the other development and training resources offered by the Fashion-Enter group for everyone from new business start-up’s to established fashion designers and brands.
Please drop by and see us at Fashion SVP, Olympia Central, Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith Road, London – 29th & 30th January 2020.
Pure London Talks
Jenny Holloway has also been invited to speak at Pure London next February and discuss two topics. On day 1 of the event, 9th February 2020, Jenny will join a panel at the Origin Theatre to discuss: ‘Fabric Sustainability criteria and metrics’. She will then take to the stage on her own for a presentation on ‘Understanding garment making in the UK and shedding light on the ‘Fast Fashion is land-fill’ misconception.’ Pure Origin, together with leading fashion trade show Pure London, is a UK trade show that offers visitors the full supply chain under one roof.
To find out more about Pure London and to register please click here.
The London Boroughs Competition
In every London borough, there are gaps in employability, life skills and learning opportunities. This is especially true in the creative and cultural industries and among any given local community, talent and potential often goes unnoticed.
The London Boroughs Competition (LBC) intends to change that. LBC want to hear about existing projects or exciting new proposals to develop skills in the creative and cultural industries. The competition is open to all education, skills, industry and creative partnerships across the capital and applications can be sent up until 12th March 2020. To find out more and apply tap here.
Next EFI Optitex 3-Day Course
Get to grips with the pattern cutting CAD system of choice – EFI Optitex. Claire Solley, EFI Optitex / Senior Pattern Cutter tutor comments:
“I have been a pattern cutter for many years working with top end brands and designers. The world of fashion is moving fast and coming to Fashion-Enter has enabled me to work on the very latest fit and pattern technologies such as Optitex and Gerber. Everything is about speed of response now but as Head of Patterns I know my work has to be absolutely the best it can be – accurate for superb fit. Fully learning Optitex for 3D and Gerber allows me to have the professionalism I need to provide excellent service to all of our clients and customers.”
The next 3-day Optitex course dates are: Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th February 2020 from 9am – 5pm at Fashion-Enter HQ, London. Tap the link for more info and to book.
A Part of the Social Business Trust Community
In previous years we have been fortunate to receive Social Business Trust (SBT) advice and support. SBT’s mission is to support high growth social enterprises to scale up their impact. Fashion-Enter still remains a part of the SBT family and continues to benefit from occasional help and advice. Next week we will be joining the SBT team for a meeting. More on this in due course.
Masterclasses & Courses:
Gerber AccuMark Digital Pattern Making for Beginners course – 15th, 16th and 17th January 2020
Essential Alterations & Upcycling Techniques – 22nd & 29th January 2020
If It’s To Be, It’s Up To Me with Eric Gilston – 23rd January 2020
EFI Optitex 2D & 3D Pattern Design – 3-day February course – 5th, 6th and 7th February 2020
Fabric Swatch of the Week
This week we’ve picked out this pink cotton bias binding tape. The FCFabricStudio has a range of bias binding in different colours and fabrications to view and buy tap here.
This Week on FashionCapital…
It was back to business as per usual as London Fashion Week Men’s kicked off the international designer circuit of shows and presentations.
New Year’s Resolutions – what are yours and advice on how to achieve them from Life & Business coach Eric Gilston.
And upskill your digital pattern cutting skills with short course insight into Gerber.
And Finally…
The FC Designer Collective offers selling space to local fashion design talent alongside fabrics, haberdashery plus an onsite bespoke service. If you are based in the North London area and would like to join this exciting retail project please contact: stephanie@fashion-enter.com
