Shine a Spotlight on our Skilled Garment Workers
26-04-2023
Newsletter 26th April 2023
Ethically Made in the UK
The business of fashion is highly reliant on an effective, working team. It might be the designer’s name above the door but without skilled pattern cutters, stitchers, factory managers and more the business cannot thrive.
This week we are very much shining a spotlight on garment workers with the 10-year anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster and the start of Fashion Revolution Week. We are a compliant and ethical UK manufacturer and we are proud to work with such a talented group of production workers.
Check out some of the team supporting Fashion Revolution’s ‘Who made my clothes?’ campaign.
Tap here for more info on our Sampling and Production.
Speaking in Parliament Today
Today, 26th April, our CEO Jenny Holloway is joining the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ethics & Sustainability in Fashion at the House of Commons to discuss important issues and strategies for the industry both in the UK and internationally.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group along with Labour behind The Label, are also hosting a Photo Exhibition entitled, ‘Rana Plaza and the resistance, ten years on.’
A Voice for Garment Workers
Yesterday, 25th April, FTA Leicester learner and fashion designer Sallyann Kirk featured on BBC East Midlands Today. Sallyann has created a collection: ‘Unloved Daughters’ that upcycles and embellishes fast fashion items. Her intention, in line with Fashion Revolution Week, is to highlight the work of skilled garment workers and to turn throw-away, fast fashion into catwalk-worthy designs.
Tap here to view the BBC footage of Sallyann and also our Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram.
Fantastic Feedback – Repair & Upcycle Workshop
Last Friday the FC Designer Workspace was a creative hub of activity as the full-to-capacity Repair & Upcycle workshop got underway. Attendees were able to learn how to repair, alter or upcycle existing garments to give them a new lease of life and prevent unnecessary textile waste. The 25 attendees gained a free place courtesy of generous sponsorship from YOOX Net a Porter.
The feedback from this session was brilliant and included:
“I learnt how to thread a machine and stitch in a line / square. It was a fantastic day.”
“I learnt a lot about stitching, creative ideas and thinking out the box. Great, highly recommend.”
More upcycling and repair sessions will be announced in due course.
NHS Wales PPE Bid
Our wonderful factory in Newtown Powys is still patiently waiting to hear if they have been successful for the NWSSP Procurement Services bid.
The winning tender was supposed to be announced 10th February, then end March, then mid-April which has now unfortunately passed.
Jenny Holloway FEL CEO commented: “The timing of the Welsh factory wasn’t the best with COVID but for three years we have managed to remain loyal and committed to the excellent ex-Laura Ashley staff. Now we really need the Welsh Government to put into practice their sustainable policy; keeping Wales Green and safeguarding jobs and communities.”
Free Online Masterclass Tomorrow: 10 Strategies to Create an Ethical Brand
Tomorrow morning we are holding a free online masterclass on the topic of ’10 Strategies to Create an Ethical Brand from Yarn Sourcing to Workers Rights’. Attendees are welcome to ask questions at the end of this session.
This free masterclass via Zoom takes place Thursday 27th April from 10am, tap here to find out more and book your place.
A Warm Welcome to…
Our new Merchandising Assistant Gina. She commented: “I have always loved fashion and that’s why I am so pleased to be now working with Fashion-Enter in their factory in Haringey. I know this is such a unique job as they are a totally ethical factory and I will have the opportunity to learn so much about how to make quality garments. I am looking forward to starting my job!”
To new FC Designer Workspace resident Louise Graham, Director at Creative8 Services, she will be based at Studio 10.
And the very first cohort of learners on the Level 3 Diploma for Fashion Design and Business – the FEL team are excited to begin this course that combines creativity with business acumen.
Enrolling Now:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
We currently have places available at all of our campuses.
If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
Masterclasses & Courses
27th April: 10 Strategies to Create an Ethical Brand from Yarn Sourcing to Works Rights’ (Free)
24th May: Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Team and Partnership with Your Manufacturer with Caroline Ash (Free)
31st May – 2nd June Gerber Accumark for Beginners
Coronation Countdown…
Are you planning to celebrate the Coronation next weekend? Holding a street party or taking part in a special event? We have a selection of ethically printed, 100% cotton T’s, featuring unique, in-house graphics, courtesy of our graphics queen Rishita, to celebrate this historical occasion. These are available to buy from our shop FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road and online from the FCFabricStudio at just £9 each.
This Week on FashionCapital…
Rana Plaza 10 Years On – Have Changes Been Made for the Better?
And Finally…
Yesterday, 25th April, learners from FC Designer Workspace spent time with Jenni Sutton to discuss the importance of positive mental health, how to deal with anxiety and the importance of perception. This is part of ongoing wellbeing support that learners and staff can access across all FEL sites. Thank-you Jenni.
Until next time, have a great week,
From the Team at FashionCapital (Sister company to Fashion-Enter Ltd)
