Partnerships for Progress

Newsletter 19th January 2022

The fashion industry is notoriously tough, throw in a pandemic and inflation and it can sometimes seem impossible. Industry evolution is fundamental for survival, as is working collaboratively together. 

This week we are pleased to announce that ISAWITFIRST will be working with us at the FC Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester) and Leicester Council via the Community Renewal Fund (CRF) program. The online fashion brand will provide a cross section of their factories and workers with the opportunity to gain the Level 1 Award in Worker Rights and Exploitation. 

Fashion-Enter LTD CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “Delighted that ISIF was the first to come forward to work with the FCFTA (Leicester). Yesterday we started to make contact with their factories. We’re now just confirming details with a few other retailers for the free funding from the CRF. True ethical production can really only occur when all parties involved; retailers, factory managers and workers, work as one to have open and transparent working conditions. It’s great working collaboratively together for a better Leicester.”

Tap here to read about the CRF program for Leicester.

Did You Hear Us?

If you were listening to BBC Radio 4 yesterday (18/01/22) late afternoon you will have heard Fashion-Enter’s CEO Jenny Holloway talking about inflation on the PM news and current affairs programme. Approximately 20 minutes into the show Jenny speaks from the factory floor about the pressure on costing structures due to huge price increases on fabrics such as scuba, and how as a manufacturer there is a need to absorb these price hikes by cost cutting in other areas of the business.

Tap here to listen again.

We Are Hiring! Garment Tech / Quality Assurance

Due to the recent expansion of Fashion-Enter we are now growing the production team at the Factory in Haringey and looking to hire a garment technologist / quality assurance. 

Fashion-Enter is an award-winning social enterprise which is a centre of ethical garment manufacturing with a leading status in the Fast Forward audit and is also SMETA audited. Clients include high street retailers, luxury brands and independent designers. 

Click here for the full job description and how to apply. 

L Saha Level 3 Garment Maker Apprenticeship

Luxury womenswear brand, L Saha, are looking for a positive and hardworking person to learn how to be an Atelier Machinist whilst completing the 18-month, Level 3 Garment Maker Apprenticeship.

For further detail and to apply click here.

Wales: Level 1 Stitching Course Commences

On Monday 17th January the first cohort of learners began the Level 1 Stitching course in Newtown, Wales. To assist with the launch of this course experienced stitching tutor Ana Cover travelled over to the Welsh factory, she said: “The tutors in Newtown have been stitching for over 40-years. They have incredible skills and now they are training a new generation of machinists with such a positive can-do attitude It’s so rewarding to be here on site in the historic town of Newtown.”

To find out more about our stitching courses and to apply for the next term tap here.

Pattern Cutting Courses Now Available in Leicester

We are now offering Level 1 and 2 Pattern Cutting Courses in Leicester! There is some funding available for those who are unemployed and in receipt of benefits or low income (below £21,157) however this is limited. The Level 1 course is £750 and Level 2 is £1350 and both can be paid in three instalments. The Level 1 is a 5-week course taking place from Monday – Friday and the Level 2 is 10-weeks also full time. 

We are accepting applications now, to apply please email: education@fashion-enter.com  

Get Gerber Certified

Upgrade your CV and gain Gerber AccuMark knowledge. This 3-day Gerber for Beginners course will give you vital transferable skills that fashion companies look for in an ideal candidate. Many brands use Gerber as an efficient and innovative way of pattern cutting, that saves 75% in production time. The next course will take place from Wednesday 26th – Friday 28th January at the FTA in Haringey, north London. We have limited availability left on this course, make sure you are signed up to confirm your place. Tap here for further info.

At the FTA Today

Along with our successive courses in stitching and patterns at the FTA in London we currently have a 3-day Optitex course underway. Taught in small groups by Claire Solley Optitex software is not only excellent for pattern making but 3D rendering and garment manipulation on avatars. To find out more about the benefits of Optitex tap here. Contact education@fashion-enter.com to put your name down for the next Optitex course. 

Website Designers Required – Fonthill Road Traders 

Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) is tendering for a website design agency to design, create and build a bespoke e-commerce website that is both mobile and SEO Optimised for Fonthill Road traders and Islington based designers (sellers) to showcase and sell their products. To find out more tap here.

Next Week Free Masterclass

Next Thursday 27th January at 10am we will be hosting a free masterclass from founder of Visibu, Stephanie Santayana. During this Zoom session Stephanie will explain how to create social media content strategies that bring your brand to life and how to achieve more engagement and loyalty. Tap here to book your place.

FC Designer Workspace Waiting List

Due to high demand we are converting the photography studio at the FC Designer Workspace into a private studio space. We already have a high demand for our affordable studios however we do have a waiting list, to join please email: fcdesignerworkspace@fashion-enter.com  

Masterclasses and Courses

Free Sewing Masterclasses (Weekly for Islington Residents throughout January)

Brand Building Through Social Media for Boutique Apparel & Accessories Brands (27 January – free)

Gerber 3-day Course (26 – 28 January)

Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)

Meet Designer Louisa Parris (17 March – free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

Checks never go out of style and with spring in mind we have picked out this fresh green check in scuba. Available at the FC Fabric Studio now at £5 per metre.

This Week on FashionCapital…

How retail delivery can help Britain meet its net zero target

And Finally…

We were sad to hear that the larger-than-life fashion journalist and editor-at-large at US Vogue André Leon Talley has passed away. André championed diversity within the industry and his career spanned across six decades. His presence and influence will be greatly missed. Editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful wrote of him on Instagram, and said that: “Without you, there would be no me.”

Until next time, we wish you a great week.