Partnerships, Projects & Production…
19-02-2020
Newsletter 19th February 2020
Dear all,
EFI™ Optitex® & Fashion-Enter Partnership
Exciting news! It has just been announced that EFI™ Optitex®, Electronics For Imaging’s global provider of integrated end-to-end 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry have partnered with us – Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) as a leading UK training and technical skills provider.
“Fashion-Enter strives to be a centre of excellence in both quality garment manufacturing and skills training,” said FEL CEO and 35-year UK fashion industry expert Jenny Holloway. “EFI Optitex has given us a strong and reliable 3D toolset, not only to maintain, but to strengthen our position as a leading UK training and technical skills provider. We welcome a long and mutually beneficial relationship with EFI Optitex, as we forge ahead to help bridge the digital divide in the UK’s fashion and textile industry.”
EFI Optitex General Manager Amir Lehr commented: “We are proud to support Fashion-Enter’s objective to diminish the skills gap in our industry, and to help them consistently inspire the future of UK fashion. As an end-to-end 2D-3D technology partner, we strive to deliver quality solutions that enable our customers to embrace digital transformation. Today, with EFI Optitex, digitization is fast becoming the focal point of FEL’s training and technical skills development offering.”
For further information on EFI Optitex training and courses please contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Supporting Local Creatives – N17 Creative Callings
The Fashion-Enter team are currently involved with the ‘N17 Creative Callings’ initiative, supported by the Mayor of London and European Social Fund, that offers free advice, support, networking and training opportunities for local N17 creative businesses.
The initiative has attracted a wide range of creatives from Lauren Morrison (pictured right), founder of childrenswear brand Mi-bambino and fashion consultant to Graham Parker – a freelance sub editor/content editor with more than 20 years’ experience. N17 Creative Callings can offer advice and support to all creative businesses, here is what Lauren and Graham had to say:
“I’ve been working in the industry for 21-years and I’m proud of my collection. It’s beautifully made and my market research shows the styles are on-trend. Now I need the mentoring and business support to push my brand to the next level. That’s why it’s great to be working with Fashion-Enter/N17 Creative Callings.” – Lauren
“Since joining the programme, I have been very impressed by the enthusiasm that the team at N17 Creative Callings has shown for helping me to develop my creative business ideas and skills.” – Graham
Tap here to find out about free N17 Creative Callings support.
N17 Creative Callings Masterclass
‘How to Run your Business Successfully – Profit is Sanity’ tomorrow Thursday 20th February 2020 – 10.30am – 2pm. This is a free masterclass for N17 Creative Callings participants.
Business has to be a business and not a labour of love. It’s time to focus on management skills and budgetary requirements to ensure your business is operating on viable margins for GP, NP and ROI.
In this easy-to-understand seminar business owners will have the opportunity to bring their own cash flow forecasts and budgets to the table to discuss individual requirements with our experts as a part of a group masterclasses for creatives and digital businesses operating in N17.
The March N17 Creative Callings masterclass will be What’s Happening in Fashion Today with industry guest speakers due to take place on Wednesday 11th March 2020.
Latest Update on the Islington Affordable Workspace Project
On Tuesday 12th February Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway and Brand & Development Manager Stephanie Knapp attended the Greater London Authority (GLA) design review meeting for the Islington Affordable Workspace project.
The meeting provided the opportunity for contributing partners to showcase the progress that they had made so far, what steps they are taking to engage the local community and what the on-going vision for the project is.
The GLA asked questions and gave their feedback and it was so great to see how the vision is taking shape and to have the opportunity to discuss upcoming events such as the free sewing taster sessions taking place this month (February 2020) along with the free ‘wellbeing seminars’ in order to get the community involved and enthused about the opportunities that we provide.
If you are local and would like to try a stitching taster session then please contact Stephanie – stephanie@fashion-enter.com please note places are limited.
New Full-Day Masterclass…
‘What Makes a Factory Leading Status in the Ethical Fast Forward Audit?’ is the latest masterclass to be added to the agenda. It is an in-depth, full-day masterclass that will explain how Fashion-Enter gained ‘leading’ status in the ethical Fast Forward audit; the only one in the UK with this status, and the importance of transparency and compliance in the fashion manufacturing industry today. To find out more tap here.
Factory Uncovered Tours
We’ve had a busy week of Factory Uncovered tours with visits from students at Nottingham Trent University, Limerick School of Art & Design and Trent College. The students from Trent College were a Business Studies group so we adapted the tour and were able to demonstrate how the subjects we cover are transferable to any business type.
If you would like to know more about our Factory tours tap here.
Apprenticeship Positions Currently Available
New Look, Fashion-Enter and Mountain Warehouse are all looking for apprentices to join their busy teams. Tap here to find out more and apply.
Masterclasses Coming Soon…
How To Realise Your Goals Personally and Professionally with Eric Gilston – (Free) Thursday 5th March 2020.
Your Body; Your Block – Constructing a Bodice Block – Tuesday 10th March 2020.
Telestia Pattern Cutting Taster – Friday 13th March 2020
Gerber AccuMark Digital Pattern Making for Beginners – 14 / 21 / 28 March 2020
TR Pattern Cutting Taster – Saturday 14th March 2020.
Fabric Appreciation Taster – Wednesday 18th March 2020.
The Power of Your Mindset with Eric Gilston – (Free) Thursday 16th April 2020.
What Makes a Factory Leading Status in the Ethical Fast Forward Audit – Wednesday 29th April 2020.
TR Pattern Cutting Taster – Saturday 9th May 2020.
Fabric Swatch of the Week
We love this stunning orange rib ideal for creative sewing projects! Dare to dive into bold colour! Available now at the FCFabricStudio.
This Week on FashionCapital
Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri, was be presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen at this season’s London Fashion Week.
At the end of January creative agency Superimpose, facilitated a takeover, ‘The Anti-Fragile Collective’ at London College of Fashion’s entire Lime Grove Campus, ending with a final presentation attended by more than 300 people from industry, press and alumni.
Want to start your own jewellery line? We offer 4 top tips.
And Finally…
We have ITN filming at the Factory today. Simon is interviewing our skilled stitchers on the topic of migrant workers being branded as ‘low skilled’ – an offensive notion for many that are highly skilled and experienced. Watch out for us on the ITN News this evening at 6pm.
