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Newsletter 14th August 2024

It’s All Happening in Leicester! 

Today, our Founder Jenny Holloway is in Leicester with the FCFTA education team plus sponsors Alan May from the Triumph Needle Company.

FEL is growing the Leicester educational provision to include a Fashion Studio service for patterns and samples, along with Repair Services with Recomme and the United Repair Centre. 

Jenny commented: “We have experienced a few unavoidable delays with the opening of our new space (pictured above) but I’m delighted to say that we have now received the planning permission and it’s all systems go. 

“Big plans ahead and we will deliver! A big thank-you to staff who have been so patient!”  

The new address is: FCFTA Leicester, Phoenix House, 2nd floor, 9 Kings Street, LE1 6RN

What Next After Education?

Tomorrow, 15th August, is a big day for those receiving their A-Level, T-Level or Vocational Technical Qualifications grades, followed by GCSE results next week. For some, college and university places lie in the balance. For others however, ‘what next’ might not be so clear. For those wanting to career in the fashion and textile industry we are pleased to say that university isn’t the only route. Tap here to read about the various pathways and options.

Junior Account Manager Wanted

PDS Online enterprise – part of PDS limited is looking for a junior account manager to join their team. The company’s main customer is Fashion Nova in the US and the job is based in Manchester with travel to Leicester, London and LA.

Dealing with all apparel product categories the role comprises of: 

• Product design and development and costings with factories
• Selling and critical path management and follow up of orders 
• Continuous new development of product 
• Managing communications with Fashion Nova 

Key attributes required: Speed, agility, commerciality, pragmatism, team ethos.

Salary dependent upon experience but will be generous and also bonus opportunity – sales, profit and personal KPIs. 

Please send your CV or ask questions to: andrew.reaney@pds-ole.com 

Unsung Hero FEL’s Solicitor Nick Gould

FEL Founder, Jenny Holloway comments: “Nick is truly unique. When we first met Nick it was when FEL was based in UEL. From that time onwards we have worked with Nick and held many Legal Eagle seminars and workshops that were always well received, particularly by start-up’s and young brands. 

“Nick is one of those rare breeds!  He has a heart and soul that supports the little guy – he has that ability to pinpoint where the issues are and aims for a win win wherever possible.

“For years FEL knew about the hard ‘unpaid’ work he undertook supporting the people of the Post Office Scandal. A pursuer for justice he worked tirelessly for a wide cross section of paymasters that were caught up on the nightmare and has been duly been recognised as an Unsung Hero. Nick we always knew that anyway – you’re one in a million with your mismatched shoes! Don’t ever change!”

To read Nick’s advice articles go to FashionCapital’s Advice and Support page, if you are in need of legal advice email Nick: nick.gould@aria-grace.com

Let’s Get Upcycling

It was inspiring to hear that the amazing Olympics closing ceremony Golden Voyager costume, designed by Kevin Germanier, was entirely created from upcycled materials. This past week we have held two upcycling sessions, one at the Workspace and another, thanks to Islington Council, at the FC Designer Collective shop. Both were full to capacity and well received.

Feedback included: 

“Ana and Elisa were amazing, I have perfected my white dress now, thanks to them.”

“I have learnt a lot, need more time and will be back.”

“Great support from teachers and a great environment. Thank-you so much, I have learned a lot about the process.”

“Loved the course and the staff!” 

The Workspace is holding another Stitching and Upcycling workshop this Friday 16th August, just a few places are available, tap here for the details and to book.

Hot Desk with Us – Islington

We have rental places available at our Islington campus the FC Designer Workspace. The campus includes: Pattern Cutting Table, Flatbed Machines, Overlocker Machines, Babylocker Machines and Button Machine.

If you are an ex-student, designer, freelancer, experienced sewer, industrial machine user then the space is available to rent.

Prices:

£10 plus VAT/hour (3 Hours min)

£65 plus VAT/day (8 Hours max)

£275 plus VAT/week   

FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Finsbury Park, N7 7FB Closest tube station: Finsbury Park

To enquire and book please email: beth@fashion-enter.com 

New Masterclasses and Short Courses 

We have just added new Saturday Stitching Club dates from September onwards, to view all masterclasses and coursestap here.

Stitching:

27th Aug – Summer Sewing Club – Creating a Dress (Intermediate) – FC Designer Workspace – £30

28th Aug – Summer Sewing Club – Creating a Skirt (Intermediate) – FC Designer Workspace – £30

29th Aug – Summer Sewing Club – Creating a Pair of Trousers (Intermediate) – FC Designer Workspace – £30

30th Aug – Summer Sewing Club – Creating a Bodice with Sleeves (Intermediate) – FC Designer Workspace – £30

Repair and Upcycling Drop In:

10th Sept – Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – Free

Upcycling for Beginners:

16th Aug – 1-Day Beginners Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £30

Gerber: 

28th – 30th Aug – Gerber Accumark 3-Day Course for Beginners – Haringey campus – £499

Business Advice and Support

28th Aug – Strategies for Accurate Costing and Pricing in the Fashion Industry – Via Zoom – Free

Style3D Styleverse Innovation Centre: 

Learn all about Style3D’s capabilities with us at the Styleverse Innovation Centre in Haringey. From devising your own avatars to creative 3D design that is accurate, efficient and a serious industry game changer. Come and see the technology in action, or book a learning session with us adapted to your level. For all interest in Style3D please scan the QR Code below. 

Contact us: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311

This Week on FashionCapital…

Is Fashion Ready for the EU’s Ban on the Destruction of Unsold Goods?

And Finally…

The FEL team is thrilled that their HOPE-FX project, in collaboration with North London Mental Health Partnership, has been shortlisted for a HSJ Award, in the Early Intervention and Prevention category. Founder Jenny Holloway said: “The participants in the first HOPE-FX programme were an inspiration to everyone – we are still continuing to work with some today, and are now working with Dr Nina Browne on HOPE-FX2.

“For people who are in a dark space there is light; do not be afraid to tell your story and be honest. There are many people that need to hear your words! Whether we win or not in November is irrelevant – we are all winners and you, Zac Holloway (initiator of the HOPE-FX concept), should hold your head high and be proud!” 

Until next time, have a great week.

From the Team at FashionCapital