SilkFred Success Story
05-08-2022
Newsletter 5th August 2022
SilkFred Blog on B of London
As fashion manufacturers for well-known brands such as ASOS, N Brown and Tesco F&F, along with designer labels it is fair to say we know a thing or two about making clothes. In fact we pride ourselves on being the only UK company that has a leading status in the ethical and technical Fast Forward audit and is also SMETA audited. Our team love well-made, quality garments that are made to last, so it was a no-brainer to create our own in-house brands. One of which, B of London, has recently seen phenomenal success with its latest designs, just dropped on SilkFred.com last week, topping the best seller list amongst hundreds of other brands.
In response Mary-Jane Wiltsher from SilkFred.com interviewed Fashion-Enter’s CEO Jenny Holloway to discuss the B of London brand and her company in general. Tap here to read the full interview and here for the latest B of London styles.
End of an Era
The Fashion-Enter team is sad to announce that Development Director, Jenni Sutton is leaving the company and her last day will be Friday 5th August. Jenni has been with us for 17-years through the good times and the not so good times! She has achieved incredible things too, including a two-week tour in South Africa, FC Trunk Show, creating websites, apprentice recruitments, CPPD’s and the FC Designer Workspace. Jenni will be handing over to Susan Sheppard who has been in the industry over 40-years with lots of experience to bring to her new role.
“Jenni you have been utterly amazing. I can remember when you first joined FEL as a paid intern and you have very much been a major contributor to the success of FEL. You have achieved some amazing programs such as the South African Tour, inputting into a wide cross section of websites, went to New York with Profile, the trunk shows of FashionCapital around the UK – so many wonderful projects that have made a difference to designers and their businesses. I know you will be successful in your next chapter and I know we will never lose touch either! Time to spread those wings and reach for the stars! Thank you from everyone at FEL for all you have achieved.” Jenny Holloway, CEO
Leicester
New Summer Course launches at FCFTA Leicester
This week FCFTA Leicester launched its NEW Summer Short Course – Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment making.
This course is a fantastic opportunity for learners to get use Industrial sewing machines and learn how to make garments.
Learner Story:
Maisa is a learner who has undertaking summer short course for 5days and today is her 2nd day, she is really excited and happy to be here.
Jackie Manager at FCFTA: “This is a great Taster Course – for some learners it will provide them with confidence to make garments at home, whereas for others it may open up new career pathways and inspire them to progress onto a sewing qualification. The course is designed to appeal to those that have never sewn before and also to those who have expreince. Tutors are at hand through out to guide and support.”
We have spaces available each week in August £75 for 5 days – please contact FCFTALeicester@fashion-enter.com or call 0116 4362560 to reserve a place.
Successful Conclusion to the Community Renewal Fund
FCTA Leicester have been privileged to have partnered with Leicester City Council and DMU to be a skills provider funded by the government through the Community Renewal Fund (CRF).
The funds aim was to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. To invest in skills, community and place, local business and supporting people into employment.
Click here for more information
In 6 months, this programme has really made a difference to those that need it most – FCFTA have:
- Delivered 175 Qualifications to those in the local community; 108 in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation and 67 in Level 1 award in Industrial Sewing (Level 1 award in Fashion and Textiles)
- Supported 50 people engage in Job searching
- Provided business support to 44 businesses
- Delivered 20 Compliance Reviews and provided corrective action plans
- Created the Leicester Made Directory
- Held the first Leicester Made Meet and Greet Event
Jackie: “I would like to say a huge thank you to LCC for including us on this programme and for the businesses and local communities that have embraced the support on offer; our aim is to ensure we deliver courses that meet the needs of the local area.
I have to say the team here at FCFTA are formidable – they have worked so hard to support the learners and provide vital training at the academy but also out in local factories. Their ability to relate to multi languages and cultural variances has been amazing – and this is what makes FCFTA Leicester such a unique academy.”
FCFTA Leicester is currently delivering Summer “Taster Courses” to the local community and are preparing for the new Academic year in September.
If you would like to know about new courses, please contact: FCFTALeicester@fashion-enter.com or call 0116 4362560
Courses available:
Level 1 Award In Fashion and Textiles *
https://fcfta.com/apprenticeship/seg-awards-level-1-award-in-fashion-and-textiles-500-4308-0
Level 2 Award un Fashion and Textiles *
https://fcfta.com/apprenticeship/seg-awards-level-2-certificate-in-fashion-and-textiles-500-5196-9
*20% discount for Leicester Campus
Fashion and Fabric Studio Now available at FCFTA Leicester – Please email FCFTALeicester@fashion-enter.com to come and discuss your next project.
Haringey Learns Audit
Last week on 22nd and 23rd July FEL was audited by HALS now rebrands Haringey Learns.
The audit was for the delivery of our skills in pattern making and stitching Level 1
Whilst FEL awaits the results of the audit it was a deep dive into how FEL teaches and works with their learners and a chance to see how FEL derives the high completion rates.
Tap here for the article – https://fcfta.com/insights/latest-news/haringey-learns/
Islington: Delivering Impact: Social Value in Islington’s Affordable
On 28th July FEL was invited to the launch of the Social Value Impact report for the affordable workspaces in Islington. The event was a celebration of the impact of £1.24m of social value delivered from the programme to date.
Jenny Holloway commented:
“This has been an inspiring program and converting a disused car park to a state-of-the-art workspace for fashion designers and creatives has been one of the most innovative programs we’ve ever worked on.
The opening of the Fonthill fashion retail shop has also been an exciting journey and of course this had delays because of covid but it’s created that circular fashion economy that’s needed. I’d really like to acknowledge Jennifer Sutton here our amazing Development Director that has been the lead on these two innovative initiatives
Now that covid is behind us it’s time to start looking at job creation and making all these businesses work in Islington. This is now a new forward-thinking phase which needs genuine collaborations with all designers
I’d like to welcome Susan Sheppard, our new Development Manager, who is going to be leading on the next phase of affordable workspace.
We are really looking forward to a new strategic way ahead working with all the tenants – exciting times.”
Tap here for the full article and report
Hashtag Made IV Me Soiree This Friday!
Independent designer brand Hashtag Made IV Me will celebrate and showcase the unique beauty of women at a collection launch soirée – Friday 5th August…
The evening event 5.30 – 9pm is set to be a beautiful and unique extravaganza that will highlight the beauty of women of all shapes and sizes and give attendees the chance to check out the new collection whilst enjoying canapes, cocktails, great music, shopping & networking.
Free tickets available on Eventbrite tap here.
For access to Marie’s designs, you can find her at:
Facebook – Made-IV-Me
Instagram – @hashtagmadme
Website – fonthillfashion.co.uk/hashtag-made-4-me
4-Day Sewing Course
The FC Designer Workspace is offering a 4-day summer sewing course from 30th August to 2nd September for just £75! Taking place from 10am – 3pm each day beginners will learn how to use industrial sewing machines and how to make a complete garment. Spaces are limited, to book please email education@fashion-enter.com
Next Repair & Upcycle Workshop
The next free repair and upcycle workshop will take place on 12th August from 10am – 2pm at the workspace. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn how to repair or upcycle an item from your own wardrobe with expert guidance and a fun and friendly atmosphere. Spaces are free but you must book a place – http://fcdesignerworkspace.co.uk/product/how-to-upcycle-your-wardrobe-12th-august-2022/
Free Curtain Making Workshop!
We are working with Islington Council to offer a free 3-day curtain making workshop at the workspace from 22nd, 23rd and 24th August. The aim is to teach young people how to design and make the curtains for West Library in Islington, then following the workshop a local business will be commissioned to manufacture the curtains!
If you are an Islington resident and interested in taking part take a look at the flyer above for further information.
Masterclasses and Courses
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring Courses
How to Grow Sales downloadable masterclasses with Carley Johnson
Leicester Summer Special Sewing Course (Throughout August)
Islington: Summer Special 4 Day Sewing Course (30th August – 2nd September
4 Key Strategies to Make You More Positive and Motivated (free) – 8th September
Gerber Accumark for Beginners – 12 – 14 September
This Week on FashionCapital
Small UK brands selling online have warned that rising shipping costs, currently surging thanks to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges and inflation, pose the biggest risk to growth this year. Tap here to read the full article.
And Finally…
Interested in a career in fashion and looking for a practical course? We have enrolment days for our Level 1 and 2 Pattern Cutting and Stitching courses coming up. Courses start in September at the Fashion Technology Academy in Haringey, enrolment dates are:
Patterns: 10th August and 31st August
Stitching: 9th August and 16th August
For further information please contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week!
The team at FashionCapital.
