Putting People First
14-04-2022
Newsletter 13th April 2022
The global pandemic, it seems, has really highlighted the importance of wellbeing and supporting each other, this is an ethos we try to instil at Fashion-Enter Ltd, a social enterprise that is very much about team unity.
Interviewing Designer Chema Diaz & Team
Last week we announced the success of Chema Diaz one year on from joining the N17 Creative Callings programme. We are so proud of Chema we created this fantastic video introducing his team and the ethos behind the brand.
Support for Sebby’s Corner
Recently we heard from a designer that we had worked with and supported in the past, she got in touch to tell us about this amazing charity she has been volunteering with. Sebby’s Corner believes that no child should go without basic essentials. The charity supplies items such as clothing, nappies, formula and baby equipment to local families living in poverty.
In light of the conflict in the Ukraine Sebby’s Corner is currently seeking donations (new or pre-loved in good condition) for children and teenagers arriving in the UK. Items include clothes, shoes, toiletries and more. For the full list of required items tap here.
Bianca Sakol, founder of Sebby’s Corner said: “Sebby’s Corner believes no child should go without basic essentials. We are delighted to have opened a brand new support hub for Ukrainian families fleeing the war. Most of our items are brand new which means our hub feels like a pop up shop, rather than a charity shop. We believe inviting families in to choose for themselves the items they need is vitally important as it gives them back some control and dignity during this terrible time. The families fleeing are often sharing one suitcase between the whole family so our hub enables them to get the essentials they need, as well as some feel good items to make them feel at home and comforted. Demand for our support is great and we are giving out hundreds of items a day so please consider donating if you can.”
Fashion-Enter Ltd has put together boxes of surplus stock to support this brilliant charity. Drop off points are located around north London. If you would like to support in some way please visit: https://www.sebbyscorner.co.uk
Retail Trust – Together Fest
From multiple store closures and poor sales figures to lockdowns and abusive customers, retail in today’s climate is certainly no walk in the park. However industry charity the Retail Trust is putting people first with the launch of a wellbeing festival for retail employees.
Together Fest, will take place at The Truman Brewery in London during Mental Health Awareness Week (12th May 2022) and will offer expert-led masterclasses, activities and live entertainment to staff from more than 50 UK retailers. Tap here to find out more.
Fashion-Enter Family News…
FC Designer Workspace & Fonthill Road
Diva Choice Cupcakes & Cocktails returns! On 30th April founder of Diva Choice, Tricia Blake will be celebrating an impressive 10 years of Diva Choice! To mark the occasion Tricia will host her popular Cupcakes & Cocktails event at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road. We hope to see you there!
Customisation & Alteration Service
If you’ve got a wedding or a special event coming up then we offer a customisation and alterations service at the FC Designer Collective. Our experienced stitching technician Leyla is a genius at getting the perfect fit and making those fashion ideas come to life.
FC Designer Collective, 113-115, Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH.
Shop opening days / hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Repair and Upcycle Open at the Workspace!
On 29th April from 10am – 2pm the workspace will open its door for a repair and upcycle open day. Guests will learn basic repair techniques, have a go on the industrial sewing machines and learn all about the sewing and pattern cutting courses available. See flyer below for more details.
At the FC Designer Workspace all of our studios are occupied however there is a waiting list and you can still use the pattern cutting tables and machinery on a rental basis. To book a slot starting from £5 an hour to £100 a week contact: jenni@fashion-enter.com
Silk Fred Brand Scouts Return to the Workspace!
We are delighted to announce the brand scouts from the highly successful ecommerce site selling over 800 independent ladieswear brands will return on 10th May to the workspace. Scouting for new talent the team will explain how brands can apply to sell on Silk Fred and once approved how to set up their own shop and start selling! For the right brand with the right price points this is a huge opportunity to reach their massive audience!
The session will take place 10th May at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington. Please note numbers are limited and an application process required. This session is open to accessories and womenswear designers. If you would like to attend please email your brand bio, look book, website or selection of images including price points to: FCdesignercollective@fashion-enter.com
FCFTA (Leicester)
6 New learners arrived at FCFTA (Leicester) on Tuesday 13th April to join the Level 1 Stitching course. The course is a great introduction into industrial sewing it is an accredited ABC Level 1 Award in Fashion & Textiles. This course is FREE for those that are unemployed and funded through the Community Renewal Fund.
Please contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Apprenticeship Opportunity in Leicester!
The T Shirt Factory in Leicester is looking for a Level 3 Fashion Studio Apprentice. To review the job description and apply tap here.
Meet and Greet event – Save the date 16th June
Leicester is a vibrant and diverse city with a history of textiles – this event is to showcase a strong cross section of businesses. We are working with many of these businesses through the Community Renewal Fund. This will be an opportunity to celebrate and showcase Leicester at its best.
If you are interested – please email: Jackie@fashion-enter.com Venue and agenda coming soon!
SEG award ABC Level 1 in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation
Congratulations to 10 workers at GN Euro – who have completed this course on Worker’s Rights and Labour exploitation.
This course has been made available through funding from the Community Renewal Fund.
Jackie Manager at FCFTA said: “Really great to complete the course at GN Euro. The workers here are working in a responsible and safe environment, however the course was extremely well received and its great to see a factory continuing to invest in their workers well being. We will return next month to deliver the course to an additional 8 learners. Well done GN Euro.”
Community Engagement – Pakistani Youth Community Centre (PYCA)
Divya from FCFTA (Leicester) visited the Pakistani Youth Community Centre on the 12th April to share with them the free courses we have available at the Fashion Technology Academy funded by Community Renewal Fund.
Pakistan Youth & Community Association (PYCA) is a voluntary organisation based in Leicester supporting the educational, social, cultural and recreational needs of the Pakistani and other communities in Leicester.
Divya said: “It was great to meet the team at PYCA – I have been invited to return each month to continue the engagement with the Pakistani community. We are currently recruiting for Level 1 Stitching and 3 candidates expressed interest in joining the course.”
Fashion-Enter & FTA Wales
It has been a major week for the development of the Novel Yarn feasibility study with SMARTCryum and Potter Group. We are now at point of collecting bales of Welsh wool, shredding the four grades of wool using the technology from the Potter Group and then sending the wool to Leeds University to test the quality. Tap here to find out more about this project.
On the 26th May the Welsh team will be a part of the Powys Pioneers Heritage Festival! Having created the homeware brand Spyce Jones in homage to the famous Pryce Jones, and his empire, Fashion-Enter Wales is set to continue his legacy with its quality, printed range of tea towels, aprons (customisable) and oven gloves. More information to follow! https://www.heritagehub4midwales.co.uk/
On the 8th July Kornit Digital, Fashion-Enter Wales and NPTC colleges will be collaborating for a fashion show extravaganza, where students will be able to explore the new fabric printing technologies with the help of Kornit alongside receiving work experience with us. This unique opportunity for students has been created to help birth the next generation of fashion designers, garment technologists and pattern cutters using innovative technology that will be dominating the fashion industry. More on this special event coming soon
Please Note: Fashion Studio Clients
As of Monday 18th April, Fashion Studio prices will be increasing to the following:
Sampling (CMT) – £28.50
Pattern work – £29.95
Jobs & Apprenticeships
Just in…we have an opening with Mountain Warehouse for a Garment Technologist Apprentice, to find out more and apply tap here. In-house we are recruiting for a Fashion Studio Apprentice and Production Sewing Machinists. All jobs and apprenticeships can be found here.
Masterclasses & Courses
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring Courses
Optitex 2D & 3D 3-Day Course (26 – 28 April)
Fabric Swatch of the Week
A true fabric classic – gingham. In stock now is this blue and white gingham jersey ideal for both fashion and home sewing projects. Available at the FCFabricStudio now at £4- per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital
We take a look at four timeless fashion fabrics, what makes them so enduring, and how some have had sustainable upgrades. Timeless Fashion Materials
And Finally…
The Fashion-Enter / FashionCapital team wish you a wonderful Easter break.
