Wednesday 17th October 2018

Dear all,

Last week we mentioned that the team were preparing for an in-house event to showcase the FTA’s fashion production training facilities and apprenticeships.Working with The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation the event was supported by guest speakers Lord Young of Norwood Green, Simon Platts, Sourcing Director at ASOS.com and Sarah Ebanja, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. Chief Executive. Alex Lamb from Kilgour Savile Row was also on hand to give an exclusive insight into how master tailors really work and demonstrated how to canvass a coat by hand.

The event was full to capacity and extremely well received, Sarah Ebanji commented: “Incredibly impressive and very inspiring,” and Lord Young added: “In my point of view Fashion Enter and the Fashion Technology Academy is a great asset to the local community.”

A big thank-you to all the speakers and to those that attended. Want to find out more about our apprenticeship pathways? Click here.

Last Friday, 12^th October, the Midlands Fashion Awards took place (featured in this week’s header by Garazi Photography) showcasing the talents of designers, make-up artists, stylists and fashion photographers. As always FashionCapital / Fashion Enter are keen to support up and coming talent wherever we can. Jenny Holloway comments: “I genuinely can’t wait to mentor Emerging Designer of the Year 2018 MYREALCOVER (design pictured below) – founder Darren Scott. I am originally from Wall Heath in the West Midlands and I am a Black Country gal at heart. So impressed to see the high standard of designers on show at this year’s event. Let’s get the party started!” 

 

Along with MYREALCOVER’s mentoring session Young Designer of the Year – Charlotte Bull and Independent Designer of the Year – Marie Sansome will receive 60m of fabric valued at £3000 between them.Click here to read all about the event and this year’s winners.

The new Telestia Technical Design & Pattern Cutting CAD Course will begin on the 16th November and is a mix of online study and class meetings. This course is ideal for anyone wishing to develop CAD skills for a career in fashion or for designers who would like to draft and design their own styles accurately.Current Telestia learner Maggie comments: “I have learnt so much, lots of information to take in, but in all Julia has explained the different areas of the software very clearly.”

To find out more and register your interest email education@fashion-enter.com

Our on-site CPPD’s provide an excellent way to learn with industry experts in an industrial setting.

Attending their first Grading CPPD workshop this week was a cohort of Garment Technologists from Phase Eight. Pattern Cutting expert Maggie Stott provided the group with insider knowledge and insight.

 Feedback included:

“I have gained a good understanding on grading which I can take back to my work and improve my processes. It was excellent!” – Phoebe, Assistant Garment Technologist

“Lots of invaluable information about how grading actually works and how to utilise it.” – Bethany, Garment Technologist

“I now understand the challenges graders at our suppliers face. How to improve the fit of shoulders and armholes going forward. Thank-you.” – Claudette, Day Dresses, trousers and Occasion

Being transparent and ethical in fashion production today should be mandatory across the globe. We are super proud to have leading status in the Fast Forward audit and are only company in UK to achieve this! This is down to our implementation of Galaxius. The Galaxius system gives manufacturers real time information about the machinists. The machinists scan a code for each garment and it will say what the garment is, what they are working to, what the rate is. It has absolutely revolutionised our Factory – to find out more view this YouTube video.

Following the highly successful Caren Downie, ex-ASOS.com and Topshop Buying Director, masterclass we are delighted to introduce Leandra O’Sullivan. Leandra formerly worked as Head of Design at ASOS.com and Debenhams and has worked in high street fashion for 19 years. A mentor for the Graduate Fashion Week protege programme, Leandra also formally speaks about her career and Fashion Design for organisations such as, The British Consulate in Bejing, FAD charity, The Dots and is soon to join Kingston University as a guest lecturer.These masterclasses are invaluable for those designers with the grit to succeed!

Save the date: Thursday 22nd Nov from 11am – 1pm at the FTA.

FashionCapital can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. News and views are very much of the moment so join the conversation and follow us.

All the staff at FashionCapital and sister company Fashion Enter are looking forward to some dress-up fun with their annual Halloween outfit competition and party taking place on the 31^st of this month. Time to get that wig on and have fun!