Repair Rewear Rethink!
27-05-2026
Newsletter 27th May 2026
(Images above from the Dirty Looks exhibition held at the Barbican 25/26 by JoJo Iles)
FEL Secures Further Funding for Community Repair & Upcycling Workshops
Fashion-Enter Ltd is thrilled to announce that its much-loved Community Repair and Upcycling Workshops at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road will continue for another 12 months, thanks to renewed funding from Islington Council.
Perfectly timed with the growing momentum of the Mend It May movement, which encourages people to repair, rewear, and rethink fashion consumption, the twice-monthly workshops are helping local residents take practical action towards a more sustainable future. Delivered through FC Designer Workspace in partnership with Islington Council, the free sessions provide hands-on support in clothing repair, alterations, and creative upcycling, empowering the community to extend the lifespan of garments while reducing textile waste.
Since launching in 2023, the initiative has gone from strength to strength, welcoming more than 1,800 registrations and helping repair or transform almost 1,000 garments and textile items that may otherwise have ended up in landfill. The workshops form part of Fashion-Enter Ltd’s wider commitment to sustainability, ethical fashion, education, and community engagement.
With sustainability now firmly at the forefront of consumer conversations, initiatives like Mend It May and Fashion-Enter Ltd’s repair workshops demonstrate how small practical actions can collectively make a significant impact.
To book our upcoming workshops, visit our Eventbrite page here
Mend It May London & Leicester
Yesterday, 26th May, both London and Leicester celebrated the spirit of Mend It May with successful repair and upcycling workshops focused on giving garments a new lease of life.
At the FC Designer Collective in Fonthill Road, London, the team hosted its popular bi-monthly Repair and Upcycling Drop-In session, welcoming individuals who brought along multiple items for repair, alteration, and creative transformation. Meanwhile, at the FTA Fashion Hub in Leicester, attendees enjoyed a dedicated Mend It May workshop filled with creativity, learning, and community spirit.
Feedback from the Leicester session was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the welcoming atmosphere, supportive tutors, and the opportunity to upcycle cherished garments into wearable new pieces. One attendee shared: “Had a brilliant day at the repair/upcycling workshop, loved every minute. Upcycled a dress to a top and skirt which I love, had the dress for years just sitting in the wardrobe not being worn.” Another commented: “Excellent all round. Thoroughly enjoyed myself and would like to come back!”
The workshops continue to demonstrate the growing appetite for sustainable fashion skills and community-led initiatives that encourage repair, reuse, and circular fashion practices.
See You At Source Fashion 7th – 9th July 2026
As we mentioned last week it is fantastic news that the next edition of Source Fashion, at ExCeL London from 7th – 9th July, will include an expanded British Pavilion to support around 40 – 45 British manufacturers and businesses. The expansion reflects growing demand from retailers and brands seeking local manufacturing partners that can offer faster turnaround times, greater flexibility, improved supply chain transparency, and responsible production practices closer to home.
Among the returning exhibitors championing British production will be Fashion-Enter Ltd alongside the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), a collective representing local UK apparel and textile manufacturers. ATMF continues to play a key role in supporting and promoting British factories and specialist production businesses, ensuring UK manufacturing capabilities remain visible and accessible to brands looking to source locally.
At Source Fashion, ATMF will once again showcase a number of Leicester-based suppliers and manufacturers, highlighting the city’s longstanding reputation as one of the UK’s most important garment manufacturing hubs and reinforcing the strength, skill, and resilience of Britain’s local manufacturing sector.
Tap here to find out more about exhibiting or visiting Source Fashion July 2026.
NEXT Apprenticeship Success
FEL is proud to celebrate a 100% success rate with its NEXT apprentices completing the Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist Apprenticeship.
As the only academy in the UK operating within a live ethical audited factory producing for leading high street brands, FEL provides apprentices with hands-on experience in real manufacturing environments from day one.
In July 2024, FEL welcomed six apprentices from NEXT onto the Level 4 Product Technologist programme. Over the past 22 months, the apprentices have taken part in a range of enrichment activities, including seminars and workshops.
As part of their final assessments, apprentices were required to complete two components: an online test and a written project accompanied by a presentation. All six apprentices excelled in the online test, with many achieving scores above 80%. For the final overall grade, every apprentice achieved a Distinction — the highest grade available.
FEL / FTA Head of Education, Lan Leeder, commented: “We go above and beyond to support our apprentices and ensure they understand what it takes to achieve a distinction. Congratulations to all the apprentices, and we wish them the best of luck at NEXT.”
As technical skills shortages continue across the fashion industry, apprenticeships offer a powerful way for brands to future-proof their workforce while supporting the growth of UK fashion manufacturing.
To discuss apprenticeship opportunities for your business contact: training@fashion-enter.com
Learn more at: https://fcfta.com/employers/ for more on employing an apprentice.
Please check https://fcfta.com/latest-news/ regularly for new apprenticeship positions
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops
30th May – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
6th June – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
9th June – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
12th June – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
13th June – Saturday Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
20th June – Saturday Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Founded by Emily Hemphill, Wove is described as the first app that allows consumers to upload a photo, screenshot, clothing tag, or shopping link to instantly “scan and score” clothing for potential PFAS, microplastic, and synthetic fibre concerns.
Read more here: New App Wove Aims to Bring Clothing Fabric Transparency to Fashion
And Finally…
Nivetha’s, Production Coordinator at FEL in Haringey, wedding is currently underway in South India and the team have been receiving regular image updates – what a beautiful celebration! Congratulations from us all in the UK!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
