Let’s Talk Repair and Recycle
18-10-2023
Newsletter 18th October 2023
United Repair Centre London
As we are currently in the midst of Recycle Week (16th – 22nd October 2023) it is rather apt that both repair and recycle / upcycle have been at the top of FEL’s agenda of late. As we mentioned last week, FEL has recently partnered with Makers Unite and FEL’s Haringey HQ will house the London branch of the United Repair Centre. Here stock repair for major sustainable brands such as Patagonia will take place.
Last week at the annual Blue Earth Summit it was highlighted that brands such as Rapha and Hiut Denim offer a free repair service on their products. Meanwhile in France a new national bonus scheme that promotes clothing / shoe repair by a certified mender or cobbler has just started. Finally it seems fashion and footwear is getting on board with repair. This is what the United Repair Centre will be all about and we are building up to an official launch on the 1st November. More on this soon.
Mending Fashion One Stitch at a Time
Yesterday, 17th October, we held our monthly Repair and Upcycle drop-in workshop at the FC Designer Collective shop. Funded by Islington Council we welcomed local residents and supported them with their personal repair / upcycling projects.
JoJo Iles, Editor at FashionCapital said: “We have an abundance of textiles in circulation and it has been well documented that clothing that is repaired or cared for will be worn and cherished for longer. The drop-in sessions at the FC Designer Collective gives the space and equipment to do this, along with amazing expertise and advice from experienced stitching technicians. We also offer monthly workshops at the neighbouring FC Designer Workspace for just £10 per session. Sewing really is a skill for life.”
The next Repair and Upcycle drop-in at the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road will take place: Tuesday, 14th November 10am – 5pm.
And the next Repair and Upcycling workshop at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road will take place: Friday 27th October 10am – 3pm and costs £10.(This session is ideal for those that want to spend more time developing their ideas.) Tap here to book your place.
FEL at The Textile Forum
Today and tomorrow, 18th & 19th October, members of the FEL team have a stand at The Textile Forum, taking place at One Marylebone, London NW1. The Textile Forum by UKFT is a great place to source low minimum luxury textiles, such as British wools, tweeds, laces, silks, fine cottons and leathers with a sprinkling of buttons, linings and labels. As well as talk production with UK garment manufacturers such as FEL! If you are developing your collection / brand we recommend a visit, entry is free, tap here to find out more.
New Saturday Stitching Club
Due to high demand we are starting a new Saturday Stitching Club at the FC Designer Workspace. The session includes tuition on using an industrial sewing machine, practicing stitches and working on simple garments.
The first Saturday Stitching Club due to take place 21st October has sold out. More dates will be announced in due course.
Next Week – Free Zoom Masterclass
Get expert advice and support from FEL.The Fashion Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Strategies for Operational Excellence and Growth, will delve deeper into the practical aspects of starting a fashion brand and will take place from 10am Wednesday 25th October. To book your free place tap here, a Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date.
Half Term Short Courses
We are pleased to offer two short courses this October half term:
23rd – 25th October 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting course Haringey
27th October 1-Day Textile Upcycling and Repair Workshop Islington
Please tap on the links for more information and to book.
Ongoing Courses
Roll-on courses available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
Masterclasses and Short Courses
8th – 10th November Optitex Technology 2D and 3D 3-day course
14th November Repair and Upcycle Drop-In Workshop (FC Designer Collective Fonthill Road)
22nd November Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers (Free via Zoom)
12th December Repair and Upcycle Drop-In Workshop (FC Designer Collective Fonthill Road)
14th December Profitable Pricing: Strategies for Accurate Costing and Pricing in the Fashion Industry (Free via Zoom)
This Week on FashionCapital…
7 Strategies to Run Your B2B Fashion Company Successfully
And Finally…
Digital Design Service
Are you looking for a digital design service to market your brand? At FEL we work with a talented duo that can offer a range of services including: digital design, search engine optimization (SEO), web development, and social media campaign planning that will engage your target audience and deliver results. Please email: kelly@fashion-enter.com if you would like to enquire further.
Until next time, have a great week,
From the Team at FashionCapital
