Leicester to Lead the Way

Newsletter 2nd February 2022 

Credit Where Credit’s Due

It has been brilliant to see Boohoo Group stick by its pledge to eradicate poor supply chain practices with the opening of its own state-of-the-art factory on the outskirts of Leicester.

Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “Credit now to Boohoo. They said they would open a factory in Leicester and they did! Over the last 18-months the group has invested millions into the factory in Thurmaston Lane, which has capacity to make 20,000 to 25,000 items a week, and is equipped with the technology to produce made-to-order items and add customised prints.

“They have invested in skills, the local workforce – guaranteeing minimum pay rates and providing details for workers rights. This is a bold move and one that surely sets a trend for retailers to vertically integrate backwards. Credit given to where credit’s due.”  

The Boohoo Group factory along with the Community Renewal Fund programme currently in place is set to develop Leicester’s credentials as the UK’s leading fashion and textile manufacturing hub! 

From next Wednesday 9th February we will commence with our series of masterclasses and practical initiatives that will offer guidance and best practice information for textile factories and workers in Leicester.Tap here to find out more about this innovative project in collaboration with Leicester City Council and De Montfort University. 

Fashion-Enter at the Leicestershire Innovation Festival 

Fashion-Enter will be taking part in this year’s Leicestershire Innovation Festival and on 16th February from 2pm – 5pm CEO Jenny Holloway and Production Director Caroline Ash will deliver a free online masterclass on ‘How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today.’  

This three-hour session aims to provide a unique insight into the industry as well as invaluable advice for fashion brands and manufacturers in Leicester. In addition, Fashion-Enter can support with applying for a £5k grant, offer free business advice and help promote your company free of charge to the industry. You will also learn all about the latest Fashion Technology Academy – FCFTA in Leicester, offering qualifications from Level 1 stitching and pattern cutting through to apprenticeships. 

Tap here to book your place. 

SilkFred Scouts Offer Expert Advice

Yesterday, 1^st February, brand scouts from the women’s fashion online boutique SilkFred visited the FC Designer Workspace to discuss how to sell on their fast growing platform, home to over 800 independent brands. 

Felicity, Clarissa and Orla delivered a fantastic and inspiring talk explaining who the SilkFred customer is, how they support their brands and how to maximise selling on their platform. For many of the workspace designers and learners this is their first opportunity to sell their products on a third party platform. If they are approved and their brand is deemed a good fit Clarissa explained that the team at SilkFred would support with the set up of their shop, offer advice on photographing their collection and how to optimise each item to make sure it gets seen by the audience.

Feedback following the talk included: 

“I learnt a lot today, thank-you as always for the support and providing us with these opportunities.” – Marie

“Useful information, it was easy to understand the way it was delivered, we learnt how to grow our brand. We really appreciate Jenni for allowing us to meet the SilkFred team. Thank-you.” – Shama 

Thank-you Felicity, Clarissa and Orla. Watch this space to see which FC Designer Workspace brands launch on SilkFred.com!

Silver Rox Joins N17 Creative Callings 

Gary and his brand Silver Rox is the latest company to receive free mentoring and support via the N17 Creative Callings initiative. Silver Rox evolved from a love of make-up, prosthetics and costume design. Keen to develop the sequinned Doot Suit Gary honed his pattern and stitching skills at the FC Designer Workspace. Now, due to popular online demand, the Doot Suit is going into production. (Here’s Gary with Claire discussing grading.) With expert advice Gary is ready to unleash the Silver Rox brand which is all about championing genderless roxstar style. 

Tap here to pre-order a Doot suit!

Islington Enrichment Programme Event

This March Fashion-Enter Ltd has been invited to the 3rd Birthday Celebration of Islington Enrichment Programmes – 11 by 11, 100 Hours World of Work and Music Education Islington.

The event will bring together school leaders, cultural organisations and key stakeholders to celebrate the third anniversary of the launch of this ambitious programme for Islington’s children and young people and look forward to the future. The event will include presentations, performances and networking.

More on this celebration in due course.

New Technical Design & Pattern Cutting CAD Course

Perfect for womenswear designers, graduates, start-ups and established brands, this accredited Telestia course will teach you how to design your ideas accurately and technically using a combination of hand and computer design tools. This is a unique method and approach to ensure the perfect fit, size, shape and style.

This course combines 12 weekly Saturday classes at the FC Designer Workspace with 12 weeks online tutor support. Tap here to find out more and book your place

Masterclasses and Courses

Leicestershire Innovation Festival – How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today (16 February – free)

Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)

Technical Design and Pattern Cutting CAD Course (26 February 12-weekly Saturday classes with online support)

Optitex 2D & 3D 3-Day Course (1 March)

Meet Designer Louisa Parris (17 March – free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

Now it’s February, yes already! We’ve been thinking about Valentine’s Day and creating a little something in hot red. How about this red woven crepe to knock up that dress or top? Available from the FCFabricStudio now at £4- per metre. 

This Week on FashionCapital

As February kicks off a month long celebration and awareness of the LGBT+ community, we take a look at the long established LGBT+ history within the fashion industry, tap here to read the article.

And Finally…

Happy Year of the Tiger from all at Fashion-Enter / FashionCapital!