Pulling Together!
29-04-2020
Newsletter 29th April 2020
Dear all,
Industry Support on PPE
The Fashion-Enter factory team continue to work around the clock on PPE for NHS scrubs and gowns plus medical snood orders that have been chemically coated for a third party client. Our work on these essential garments has not gone unnoticed and we have recently received a generous donation of threads from Coats PLC.
Matt Neville – Director, EMEA Global Accounts Coats Plc comments:
“Coats is the world’s leading industrial thread manufacturer. Headquartered in the UK but also at home in some 50 countries where we have a workforce of 17,000 people across six continents. We have been around for over 200-years during which we have weathered many storms. We are now looking at how we can learn from and adapt to the new landscape that is emerging as a result of COVID-19.
“We work with and support over 150 UK based apparel and footwear brands with our products and services. During this challenging time, many UK based manufacturers are switching their operations to produce PPE for our NHS. Fashion-Enter / FashionCapital is one of many that Coats is supporting with thread donations, as well as technical support that may be required throughout the manufacturing process.”
Coats. Pioneering a sustainable future. www.coats.com
CEO of Fashion-Enter Jenny Holloway adds:
“How generous was it of Coats to provide us with thread donations in support of our PPE production. It is really heart-warming in these difficult times when another business steps up to help – we really are in this together. A big thank-you to Matt, Ian and the Coats team.”
Additionally the factory is now working on an order of medical gowns, Jenny comments:
“We are proud to announce that we are now making gowns for The Royal Marsden and are in discussion with other hospitals to support them too. Thanks to the support from Anya Hindmarch.”
Masking the Issue
Ever since the coronavirus crisis became a part of our daily lives there has been conflicting advice regarding the wearing of masks. While some countries fully endorse the wearing of masks, others including the UK have doubted their effectiveness. According to #Masks4All campaign ‘the scientific evidence and global consensus is clear: homemade masks can slow the spread of COVID-19.’
Homemade cloth masks do provide a degree of protection, which is better than no protection at all. Making your own cloth mask is simple, please watch our short You Tube video with tutor Ana on ‘How to Stitch a Fabric Mask. These masks can be sterilised by steaming for 10 minutes and hung up to dry.
Former Stitching Student Sonny Gets Mask Making
“I’m currently working on loads of masks after fine tuning my design. Which is getting more and more popular now so getting lots of orders. Thank-you for helping me build my skills to a stage where I can now give back in a time like this I feel thankful for this knowledge. And yes! I’m eager to get back onto a course and carry on learning, I feel like I have only just got started.” – Sonny, former Stitching Academy student.
Two Online Creative Callings Masterclasses Taking Place This Week
Tomorrow, Thursday 30th April, join Nigel Rust for his seminar on Budgeting, Finance and IP – essential need-to-know information for any new business. Nigel will be followed by Eric Gilston, life and business coach, the following day, Friday 1st May, for his top tips on staying positive throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Announcing New N17 Creative Callings Masterclasses
New to the online masterclass agenda we have:
What Makes a Manufacturer Ethical? – 6th May
How to Manufacture Your Garments – Part 1 Sampling & Small Run Production -20th May
How to Manufacture Your Garments – Part 2 Bulk Production & Lean Manufacturing – 27th May
What is N17 Creative Callings?
For those of you interested in the N17 Creative Callings business support programme that we are currently running here is an explanation of what the initiative is all about:
N17 Creative Callings, supported by the Mayor of London & the European Union, is a new programme of support for all creatives that live in the Tottenham area. It’s a part of the Creative Enterprise Zone initiative that has been set up by the Mayor of London; other boroughs include Croydon, Hounslow, Brixton, Lewisham, Hackney Wick and Fish Island.
Fashion-Enter and Collage Arts is working as one to deliver hand-holding mentoring support that aims to make established existing companies that are based in or selling into Tottenham grow and prosper. Each company that joins the two-year scheme will need different support, which can range from targeted qualifications and technical skills to the creation of marketing and selling plans. All areas of the business will be reviewed with the intention of making the company, and it’s employees, stronger and more profitable. We aim to add value for each company!
Spaces are limited and they are on a first come first served basis. Each company has to provide evidence of authenticity and a business analysis is conducted too. Part of the programme includes the highly popular N17 Creative Callings Employer Engagement seminars that take place each month.
Quotes from individuals on the programme:
“I’ve been working in the industry for 21-years and I’m proud of my launch 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.” – Lauren Morrison founder of Mi-bambino.
“Since being a part of N17 Creative Callings I have been motivated to dig deeper in my business. With great guidance from the team, I’ve been networked to individuals and groups who look to support my venture. The mentorship has also enabled me to strategically plan for the future and make the right the decisions not only for the company but personal development.” – Zara Afflick, founder of Box Of Prints LTD
“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 Parkerfreelance sub editor/content editor
Visit the N17 Creative Callings website to find out more: http://www.n17creativecallings.com/
Design Your Own Activewear Garment
1. Visit the Belles of London Activewear page.
2. Choose a style that you like ranging from sports bra tops to colour block leggings.
3. Select your colours from this palette.
4. Contact us at hello@bellesoflondon.com with your choice and size requirement and we’ll do the rest.
Made to order in colours as requested by you. Slow fashion is fashion made to last.
Get Your Collection Pattern Ready – Online Course
We have teamed up with Telestia to offer you 34 lessons that will get your collection pattern ready. This course is perfect for at home online learning and you will be supported by a qualified tutor who is on hand to fully support you through this e-learning platform.
Trend Analysis with Lauren Morrison Feedback
Last week’s N17 Creative Callings online seminar with Lauren Morrison was packed full of trend information and inspiration going forward into the next two seasons.
Feedback included:
“On this seminar I gained insight into the trends for SS21.”
“I didn’t know the trends for SS21 so it was useful to view the forecasted trends.”
“I found all the trend information and the current macro trends (due to coronavirus) useful.”
“Great presentation. Thank you for your time and effort.”
Read a review of the seminar here.
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Add a bit of fun into your sewing projects with our cute seashell print cotton! Tap here to view this fabric!
This Week on FashionCapital…
The British Fashion Council have announced that for the next twelve months womenswear and menswear will merge into one gender neutral digital platform.
How does London’s fashion industry look in terms of business and employee numbers? We share the latest Office for National Statistics data.
Plus 5 wellness tips for those working in the fashion industry.
Until next week, stay safe.
