Skill Sharing for Good

Newsletter 7th February 2024

AI in Fashion Conference

Fashion-Enter Ltd’s AI in Fashion Conference in partnership with InnovateUK KTN and Style3D is shaping up into a not-to-miss event. Key speakers include:

Dr Steve Morris (Innovate UK KTN) 

Eric Liu (Style3D, CEO) 

Anne Toomey (RCA) 

Kate Goldsworthy (Chelsea Arts) 

Hilde Heim (Manchester Fashion Institute)

Peter Witham (Designer)

Taking place on Wednesday 21st February at FEL’s HQ in Haringey, the conference will discuss the growing use of AI across the entire fashion production process; from textiles and design to manufacturing and track and trace.

Please note due to limited space the AI in Fashion Conference is an invite only event.

Global Skill Sharing

On Monday, 5th February, we welcomed a group of delegates from the UK-NG Circular Economy Knowledge Exchange Mission. The group, all the way from Nigeria, are in the UK to learn about technical skills and innovation essential for a circular economy within the fashion and textile sector.

The group were highly impressed with how FEL has adopted all of the core pillars of the Circular Fashion Global Innovation Network under one roof, and are keen to transfer FEL’s innovations and expertise to production units in Nigeria.

Chidubem Ejezie said: “The key highlight of the day for me was seeing how Fashion-Enter Ltd has summed up all of the pillars of the CF-GIN in their processes. The work they do with digital printing and Styleverse is so mind blowing and I can already see how we can adopt this innovation in our local productions in Nigeria.” 

FEL founder and CEO Jenny Holloway added: “We have long wanted to take the FTA ethics into Africa. We know how respected stitching and fashion skills are there and we can bring our expertise to provide quality British standards. 

In the past we have found partners that were unfortunately took our concepts and processes but engagement wasn’t implemented. Now this feels right!  It’s time for international expansion.”

Tomorrow Thursday 8th February: Create Growth Funding Event

If you are a small fashion or textile business based in the East Midlands you are invited to join the FEL team tomorrow 8th February for an inspirational evening of talks and advice.

Open to East Midlands fashion & textiles creatives, Fashion-Enter Ltd has partnered with the East Midlands Creative Consortium and Create Growth funding to support businesses form winning strategies to expand operations, attract finance and create jobs.

Guest speakers include:

Fashion for Good – Simon Platts, CEO & Co-Founder of Recomme and former Responsible Sourcing Director ASOS.com 

Digital Fashion – Jenny Holloway, CEO and Founder Fashion Enter Ltd

Repair is the New Cool – Thami Schweichler CEO At United Repair Centre

Where:  LCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE

When:    Thursday 8^th February 2024

Time:      5.30 – 7pm

Tap here to book your free place 

Happy Apprenticeship Week 2024!

Here is what FEL’s former Apprentice of the Year – Carmelle, had to say on taking the apprenticeship route:

“Deciding to become an apprentice at Fashion-Enter was the best decision I could have made for my career progression and expansion of my skills in fashion. I have left the course with a well-rounded understanding of how the industry works that has been priceless for my next steps in my work. 

“I now feel confident in my understanding of garment technology, alongside the world industrial sewing, garment construction, production and pattern cutting. Now I am CAD trained, I feel the opportunities that lay before me are more than I could have imagined.”

HOPE-FX Launch Event – Friday 16th February

The HOPE-FX project gives young people, who are recovering from mental health conditions, the chance to learn new skills and produce their own unique, t-shirt designs supported by the FEL team.

Next week, on the 16th February, FEL will be hosting a launch event for the first group of HOPE-FX participants. The team have been amazed with the designs that the group has produced which will now be showcased and available to buy at the FC Designer Collective shop. 

Taking place on 16th February the launch will celebrate the participants achievements with an invite only event.

A big thanks to the North London Mental Health Partnership.

If you would like to see HOPE-FX designs or other pieces by local Islington based designers please pop by the FC Designer Collective shop, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4 – opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00

Half-Term 4-Day Courses

We have a few places remaining on our half term 4-day courses in either Stitching or Pattern Cutting. These 4-day sessions provide an excellent foundation to build on knowledge and skills, previous attendees commented: 

“I learnt how to calculate and cut a pattern, how to cut around and copy a pattern and how to stitch my chosen garment together. I will be back! Thank-you!

“Great tutors so helpful and knowledgable. Would strongly recommend this course.”

To find out more and book your place tap here

Evening Tailoring Classes Now Available

We can now offer a 10-week Introduction to Tailoring evening class at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington.

This introductory course provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of bespoke tailoring with 3-hour evening sessions. 

If you’re interested in tailoring but not wanting to commit to a full-time course, or maybe you would like a general overview, or want to learn some of the skills to supplement your existing sewing knowledge, then this course is perfect for you. 

We offer a thorough introduction to tailoring that will provide a solid foundation with opportunities for advancement to higher levels tailored to you.

The course will start in the evening 5 – 8pm, Monday 19th February, tap here for further details and to book.

Level 3 Fashion Design and Business Course

Enrolment is now open for the next cohort of Level 3 Fashion Design and Business students. Open to participants aged 19 and up to start in April. Fashion-Enter delivers: Pattern Cutting, Stitching, Digital and Business, while Capital City College Group provides: Fashion and Textile – Research, Design, and Illustration.

To find out more about this Level 3 course tap here

Courses and Workshops Coming Up…

Style3D:

26th – 28th February Style3D for Beginners – £199 – Haringey campus

Stitching and Pattern Cutting:

Saturday Stitching and Pattern Cutting Clubs – (Currently sold out)

For roll-on Level 1 and 2 courses in Stitching and Patterns email: education@fashion-enter.com 

(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.)

Half Term 4-Day Courses:

12th February 4 Day Beginners Stitching course

12th February 4 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting course

13th February Repair and Upcycle Drop in at FC Designer Collective

Free Zoom Masterclass:

27th February Navigating the Legal Maze: Demystifying Your Company’s Status, HMRC Requirements, and VAT in the Fashion Business

This Week on FashionCapital…

Teaching Fashion Skills in Prisons Today – An Untapped Market

And Finally…

Happy Chinese New Year 2024 – welcoming the Year of the Dragon!

Until next time, have a great week,

From the Team at FashionCapital