New Year New Outlook

Newsletter 4th January 2023

Welcome Back and a Happy New Year! 

The FashionCapital team wishes everyone a great 2023. We know it’s tough out there, however we are here to support you and your fashion business / career. From upskilling with the latest technology, deepening your knowledge on one of our courses, or putting your collection into production, we are here to help. 

A Great Start

At our factories the year has kicked off in a positive manner with repeat orders from ASOS at our Haringey factory and an order for 14,000 units from Community Clothing at our Newtown, Wales factory. A big thank-you to both brands.

The Community Clothing brand is working proof that good quality everyday clothing, made from natural materials can be manufactured right here in the UK and sold at the right affordable price, a win win for the UK economy and reducing those carbon emissions.

FEL CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “I thank my lucky stars that I know Patrick Grant and his brand Community Clothing.  Patrick understands the needs of factories and how we need that consistency of work. Over the last few months we have worked closely with Patrick and his amazing team and there have been issues of late supply of parts from their suppliers which then affects our ability to cut and make. Absolute credit to Patrick and Jayne who have worked with us and helped us with payments up front for part made goods whilst we were waiting for trims to arrive. Factories can make every difference to the success of brand. Turning on production of best sellers when needed and changing priorities to match demand. This is a true partnership and we are so appreciative of having such a great account to work with! Here’s to 23!”

Tap here to find out more about our fully audited factories. 

Full Vendor for Amazon

We are delighted to confirm that thanks to our collaboration with Kornit Digital we are now a fully approved full vendor for Amazon. 

Over a six month period FEL has been working directly with the USA Head Office producing a collection of unique prints using the equally unique Presto machine. Presto will enable FEL and Kornit to supply Amazon for fast repeats and one-piece-flow production thus reducing down unsold garments that contribute to landfill. 

FEL Production Director, Caroline Ash commented: “This has been an excellent learning experience for us at FEL to work with a multinational blue chip company and credit to the team in the States they have been incredibly supportive and helpful. We are now excited to move into 2023 and work directly with such a prestigious brand. A great way to start the year.”

Industry Ethics

The New Year has also ushered in some not-so positive news from the cost of living crisis, shop closures to more allegations of sweatshop conditions at a factory in Thailand that supplied Tesco. Unfortunately greenwashing is rife in the fashion industry with lots of noise being made but hardly any substance. However, we are not alone in trying to find an ethical and sustainable way forward. It is possible, as the likes of Community Clothing affirms, to make clothing that is ethical and considered and this year we will be pushing to support initiatives that promote real positive change. 

Join the discussion on LinkedIn 

New Courses for 2023

Our next courses in Level 1 and Level 2 in either Stitching or Patterns are about to commence from Monday 9th January 2023. If you are interested please contact: education@fashion-enter.com Information on these courses can be found on our educational website: www.fcfta.com 

The Level 1 Stitching course is available in Wales, Leicester, Islington and Haringey and if you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19 years-old and living in a London borough, you could be eligible to join this course for free.

The popular 4-day Beginner’s Sewing and Upcycling course is back with dates available in February and April. This short course is ideal for those wanting to learn the lifelong skills needed to make, repair and upcycle clothes. Tap here to find out more.  

Coming soon…more dates for Gerber Accumark, Optitex, Upcycling workshop, expert led masterclasses, to be announced in the coming weeks. If you are looking for a specific course please let us know: education@fashion-enter.com 

Fabric Swatch of the Week

We love this vibrant Liberty lotus print cotton. Perfect for home furnishings as well as fashion – let the pattern do the talking, with a limited amount now available at the FCFabricStudio. 

This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk

Miles Leon, design duo – Jules and Ryan, have just launched their first menswear collection via the MR PORTER FUTURES program. The Fashion Studio at Fashion-Enter Ltd worked with the brand on one of their high end shirts and the feedback was excellent – tap here to read more about it.

And Finally…

It was sad to hear that Dame Vivienne Westwood had passed away during the Christmas / New Year break. She was not only a fashion designer but a pioneer and a determined social justice and environmental campaigner. We strive to continue her legacy on doing the right thing, not just for fashion but for people and planet this year.

Until next time, have a great week.

The team at FashionCapital