Repair Revolution
19-07-2025
Newsletter 11th December 2024
European Circular Fashion Trophy Winner
Huge congratulations to our partner the United Repair Centre on winning a European Circular Fashion Trophy. On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the European Metropolis of Lille, ADEME and the Lille-Courtrai-Tournai Eurometropolis honoured six winning projects. United Repair Centre gained the Small Enterprise Trophy Booster, and received €5,000 financial prize awarded by BNP Paris Bas and Kiabi, with the LITA.co offer to raise €100,000 in funds.
CEO’s Thami Schweichler and Paul Kerssens are thrilled, as are we at Fashion-Enter Ltd, which houses the London branch of the United Repair Centre – repair certainly is the new cool!
Now Open: Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy
The launch of the Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy last week was a great success with an on-site preview, guest speakers, exhibition and catwalk show.
FEL’s CEO Jenny Holloway said: “I was delighted to attend and speak at the inaugural opening of the new Fashion and Textiles Academy in the Pryce Jones building, the former home of our factory. It’s fantastic that Ana (tutor) has been on-site for the last couple of weeks teaching tutors and students.
“One big personal aim for FEL will be to create a Repair Centre in the future, using the amazingly talented teachers that we used to employ from Laura Ashley. I am looking forward to more exciting developments in Newtown in the New Year.”
The Academy in partnership with Powys County Council can offer a range of full-time and part-time courses including sewing, machining, and surface pattern design and a Level 3 Sustainable Fashion program, blending sustainable practices with creative design. If you would like to know more tap here.
ReFAB Upcycled Products Now Available at FC Designer Collective Shop
New to the shop is a selection of bespoke lifestyle products from ReFAB Studio, a social enterprise that combines upcycling luxury textile waste with opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway met with Rewati Prabhu, Founder of ReFAB, and was impressed with ReFAB’s concept and proactive attitude to tackling textile waste.
ReFAB transforms luxury fabrics into bespoke products such as cushion covers, bags, drawstring bags, table runners and purses. Each item not only reduces fabric waste but also provides job opportunities to local female artisans who lovingly hand-craft all ReFAB products.
If you are looking for something that is truly unique and is made locally then come along to FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH, close to Finsbury Park tube station.
Along with the latest additions from ReFAB we stock clothing, jewellery, accessories, fabrics and haberdashery.
Shop opening days / hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Repair and Upcycle with Us – Free Monthly Drop
Our December Repair and Upcycle drop-in took place yesterday (10th Dec) and the shop was bustling with individuals repairing and upcycling items from their wardrobes. We’ve had a great year working with the public – providing equipment and expertise to ensure items of clothing remain in use and this is all thanks to the support provided by Islington Council.
These monthly sessions will continue in 2025 – join us at the next Repair and Upcycle Drop-In at FC Designer Collective, 113 – 115 Fonthill Road, London N4 on Tuesday 14th January, tap here to register your place.
New for 2025 – Free School Uniform Repair Workshop
Hosted in partnership with Islington Council we have added a beginner-friendly workshop open to parents and carers of children from any school or age group.
Designed especially for the local community, this free, drop-in event aims to help families save money, learn new skills, and embrace sustainability.
Bring along your children’s uniforms that need a little TLC, and our friendly team of experts will guide you through simple repairs. No prior sewing experience? No problem! Everyone is welcome, and all materials will be provided.
Drop-in anytime from 10am to 4pm Tuesday, 28th January at the FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3HH. Tap here to register your interest.
Final Free Masterclass for 2024
Next Wednesday 18th December, FEL’s final free, online masterclass for 2024 will delve into Part 2 – Mastering the Fashion Business Blueprint: Fine-tuning Your Plan for Success.
During this hour-long session, participants will learn about operational strategies, management structure, risk assessment and implementation plans. The presentation will provide vital knowledge and insights necessary to confidently finalise business plans and strategies. At the end of the session attendees will be invited to ask questions relevant to the growth of their business.
Join this industry advice session for free, tap here to book your place and a Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the date.
Save the Date – Leicester Made
Wednesday 14th May 2025 Leicester Made will provide an opportunity for Leicester suppliers to network and promote their services to industry as well as sell to the public.
For those interested in more details please contact our Leicester Fashion Hub: divya@fashion-enter.com
New Courses for 2025
Just added to our eventbrite page new 1 to 4 days courses in Stitching, Pattern Cutting and Upcycling. Dates cover January – March and places often fill quickly. Don’t miss out on our affordable, expert-led classes held at our Islington or Haringey locations.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
20 January – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
Pattern Cutting:
20 January – 2-Day Beginners Course Skirt and Simple Bodice with Sleeves – FCFTA Haringey – £70
Repair and Upcycling Drop In:
14 January – Repair and Upcycle Drop In – FC Designer Collective shop – (Free, supported by Islington Council)
Support and Advice:
18 Dec – Mastering the Fashion Business Blueprint: Fine-tuning Your Plan for Success – Free online masterclass
Style3D:
27 Jan – 3-Day Style3D Course for Beginners – FCFTA – £199
For those interested in Style3D please scan the QR Code below.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy – The Official Launch
And Finally…Christmas Party Time!
Earlier this week we hosted a Christmas activity day for the Bravado team. The group toured the factory, received an overview on the 6 R’s of sustainability, and got creative with a hands-on t-shirt upcycling task. The group had a great time and left wearing their upcycled designs!
This evening it’s FEL’s turn at the Haringey HQ! The FEL annual Christmas Party is due to take place as the team let their hair down and prepare for karaoke!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
