Trade Show Time!
18-03-2025
Newsletter 19th February 2025
Hello London!
New York Fashion Week drew to a close last week and the general consensus was that it felt somewhat subdued compared to previous seasons. The Business of Fashion highlighted data that revealed Paris receives twice as much attention than New York and London Fashion Week’s combined, followed by questions regarding the traditional bi-annual format. Is it outdated? Could LFW become an annual event? Whatever your views designers today have a lot more choice on how, when, and where they present their collections, physically, digitally or both.
Tomorrow, 20th February, marks the start of London Fashion Week and we know firsthand from those preparing their collections with our Fashion Studio, how stressful it can be. So good luck to all that are taking part, with a special mention to ON|OFF who, like FashionCapital, have been supporting talent since 2002. If you are inspired and would like to know more about launching your own fashion brand then join us next week for…
Be Your Own Boss Masterclass
This popular, online masterclass provides an industry overview, along with the chance to ask your own business related questions to FashionCapital’s CEO Jennifer Holloway. From buying to running her own brand to manufacturing, she really knows the industry inside out!
Tap here to register for your free place.
Designer Platform Opportunity in Paris
This year we have teamed up with unique-fashionshow.com – to provide talented designers with the opportunity to showcase their work at a highly creative event in Paris.
Taking place 16th & 17th May, the Unique Fashion show will bring together global and local brands and artists to merge virtual reality with physical runway shows, exhibitions and performances.
For those interested in applying quote: Jennifer Holloway / FashionCapital and receive 20% off!
The event also includes competitions for upcycled and recycled designs plus a AI and 3D contest, to find out more visit: https://www.unique-fashionshow.com/ Or contact: info@unique-fashionshow.com
Source Fashion – Trade Show
Our CEO attended the opening of Source Fashion trade show at Olympia earlier this week. The event hosted an impressive roster of industry speakers alongside industry exhibitors.
Jenny said: “It was great to visit the opening of Source this week.Out of 183 stands, an impressive number – but let’s remember the sub-brands, there were 15 with the UK banner against them which also included: Hello Fresh, Bulldog, consultancy and AI.
“Do not get me wrong here! Any event that promotes manufacturing is fantastic – but where is our heritage here? Another reason why we need Leicester Made on 14th May at Athena.
“Congratulations to Source however, its not easy to pull off any trade show in this current climate and there was a definite buzz of anticipation at the event!”
Leicester Made – 14th May
Championing Leicester’s fashion and textile industry. Leicester Made will take place 14th May at Athena, Queen St, Leicester LE1 1QD.
For all enquiries, please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
If you would like to attend Leicester Made 2025 please tap here
Job Opening: Repair Hub Manager
Great news – the United Repair Centre is growing, and is looking for an enthusiastic Repair Hub Manager for their London branch. As the hub manager you’ll oversee production, ensuring URC’s team of tailors and logistics employees operate seamlessly to deliver top-notch repairs. You will also be the operational contact person towards UK brand clients and serve as the general point of contact for all matters relating URC’s UK based operations.
To find out more and apply please contact: Ellen at people@unitedrepaircentre.com
Discussing Skills Shortages
On Monday 17th February, FashionCapital / FEL CEO Jenny Holloway joined the Industrial Strategy Skills Commission Evidence Session with Make UK to discuss the chronic skills shortage in our glorious manufacturing sector. Chaired by the Rt Hon Robert Halfon attendees discussed key questions such as:
- How do we define skills needed in the sector
- More flexibility for employers in critical issues of the sector
- New ideas regarding specific and positive interventions for skills – here tax credits were discussed similar to R&D tax credits
- What can be “done” to improve apprenticeship enrolment and engagement. Note that the £1000 sweetener for employers is still available.
This was a lively paced meeting with strong interventions from the big guys in manufacturing such as Siemens and Caterpillar. Jenny was the voice on manufacturing skills for garment manufacturing, and put forward her opinions on the detrimental effect that severe cuts to the adult education budget has had on industry skills training.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
21 February – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
24 February – 2-Day Stitching course Mastering Dress and T-Shirt Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
26 February – 2-Day Stitching course Mastering Skirt and Trouser Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
3 March – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
Pattern Cutting:
3 March – 2-Day Beginners Pattern course Skirt and Simple Bodice with Sleeves – FC Designer Workspace – £70
6 March – 2-Day Darted Bodice Pattern Cutting course – FC Designer Workspace – £70
Repair and Upcycling:
21 February – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
25 February – School Uniform Repair Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop, Fonthill Road – Free
4 March – Drop-In Repair and Upcycling workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – Fonthill Road – Free
Support and Advice:
26 February – Be Your Own Boss Masterclass – 1-hour Online interactive masterclass – Free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Recent allegations from former employees of Harrods and Abercrombie & Fitch shed light on the dark undercurrents of workplace sexual harassment in the fashion and retail industry. Jennifer Jenkins, Senior Associate at Browne Jacobson discusses proactive steps for employers in the fashion industry in this guest article: Creating A Safe Workplace: How Fashion Retailers Can Comply With The Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment Under the Worker Protection Act 2023
And Finally…
We have two designers based at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington showcasing at London Fashion Week, along with several Fashion Studio clients that our talented team have been busy with these past few weeks. Good luck all involved and we look forward to seeing your visions come to life over the next few days!
If you are feeling inspired and would like to try your hand at upcycling we have a few spaces left on our 1-day Upcycle workshop this Friday 21st at the Workspace in Islington.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
(Top catwalk image Vin+Omi by Chris Daw)
