2022 Skills & Services

05-01-2022
Newsletter 5th January 2022
Welcome 2022!

Welcome back and a Happy New Year from the FashionCapital team! We hope you all had a relaxing festive break.
The start of a new year can often mark the beginning of thoughts and plans for the months ahead. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking up a new exercise or embarking on a new business venture. Our resident Life and Business Coach Eric Gilston offers some top tips on remaining positive as we navigate the road ahead, tap here to read his article.
When it comes to the business of fashion we are here to help. From courses to apprenticeships, production to studio space and more. We offer a range of support, education and services in London, Leicester and Newtown Wales.
Coming Up…

Monday 10th January – New short courses in Stitching and Patterns will commence at the Fashion Technology Academy in London and Leicester. To find out more about the Level 1 and 2 courses visit our FCFTA website or contact education@fashion-enter.com
Monday 10th January – The Welsh Fashion-Enter team are hosting an open day at the Newtown factory from 10am – 4pm for the 6-week accredited Stitching course that will commence a week later on 17th January. Working in collaboration with Grŵp Colegau NPTC Group of Colleges the Level 1 course will teach learners how to operate industrial sewing machines with basic sewing techniques.
This course is completely FREE for anyone over 16 years old. To register your interest or ask any questions email: education@fashion-enter.com
Tuesday 18th January – Upskill your pattern cutting skills with innovative Optitex technology. This software is not only excellent for pattern making but 3D rendering and garment manipulation on avatars. This is a 3-day course taught by an experienced industry professional at the FTA London.Tap here to find out more and book your place.
Wednesday 26th January – The Gerber Accumark 3-day digital pattern making course for beginners provides another upskill option for pattern design, development, grading and marker making. This 15-hour course provides learners with the skills required for today’s fashion production workplace and is led by Ben Cooper, an industry experienced tutor at the FTA London.
Further dates for your diary (details TBC):
Thursday 17th February – Dressmaking for Drag, gain top tips on how to achieve that perfect fit and how to create statement one-off designs.
Thursday 10th March from 10 – 11.30am, womenswear designer Louisa Parris, stocked in Selfridges, Matches and Net-a-Porter will openly discuss her brand development journey and international growth.
More dates to be announced in the coming weeks – watch this space.
Ongoing Free Business Support

Set up at the end of 2019 N17 Creative Callings offers tailored mentoring and business support for creative businesses based in the Tottenham area of north London. In 2022 Fashion-Enter Ltd and Collage Arts will continue to work as one to provide this exceptional free service. From financial planning to product development we have a pool of experts that can help and advise. If you would like to get involved in this free, supportive programme please contact us at:hello@n17creativecallings.com
Visit the N17CC website to find out more about the programme.
Interested in a Saturday Sewing Club at the FC Designer Workspace?

Based near Finsbury Park tube station, the affordable workspace has now been open since September 2021. Following the successful launch, we are now looking at opening the space on a Saturday. Would you be interested?
We will host a sewing masterclass for beginners, and you can hire the sewing machines out.
We would love to hear your feedback so if this is a service you would use get in touch and let us know by emailing: fcdesignerworkspace@fashion-enter.com
Free Masterclass on Brand Building Through Social Media

Join founder of Visibu, Stephanie Santayana, for a 1-hour practical training workshop via Zoom at 10am on Thursday 27th January. Stephanie Santayana is the founder of Visibu and a product & marketing strategist who has helped develop social media content strategies for some of the most recognisable consumer brands in the world. Visibu is a social media analytics firm that helps clients understand what content outperforms & why.
By attending the ‘Brand Building Through Social Media for Boutique Apparel & Accessories Brands’ workshop, you will learn how to create social media content strategies that bring your brand to life, achieving more engagement and loyalty. You will also understand how to lay out your content strategy. More specifically, you will know how to talk about things like your brand values, what makes your product great, and newsworthy events in an engaging way across a range of platforms and mediums.
Tap here to book your place.
In the Press…

On the 4th January 2022 TexIntel featured the news regarding the official opening of the FC Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester). The article discussed the various courses and skills the Academy will provide in 2022 and how Fashion-Enter Ltd and Leicester City Council have teamed up to create a state-of-the-art training facility that will strengthen and improve Leicester’s manufacturing sector. To visit the TexIntel website and read the full article tap here.
Fashion Studio Price Increase Announcement

Please note that as of April 1st there will be 6.6% increase to minimum wage, plus there will be increased overhead costs. This will need to be reflected in the costs of patterns and CMT. We will continually review production prices to see where cost increases can be kept to a minimum. Please contact the Fashion Studio team for pricing details.
Jobs & Apprenticeships

Coolulu are recruiting for an apprentice Fashion Studio Assistant, while the F&F team at Tesco are looking for an apprentice Garment Technologist, to find out more and apply please visit the Jobs section on the FCFTA website.
Masterclasses & Courses

Free Sewing Masterclasses (Weekly for Islington Residents starting 12 January)
Optitex 3-day Course (18 – 20 January)
Brand Building Through Social Media for Boutique Apparel & Accessories Brands (27 January – free)
Gerber 3-day Course (26 – 28 January)
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)
Fabric Swatch of the Week

Trend forecasters have picked out shades of magenta and violet as key tones for SS22 picking up on these colours beautifully is this abstract marble print jersey, perfect for dresses and separates. Available from the FCFabricStudio now at £4- per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital…

From needles and yarn to customisable software we take a look at the evolution of the knitting process over the centuries and the vital role that the right fiber plays in creating a sustainable, eco-friendly and high-quality knit product.
And Finally…

If you have been interested in our pattern cutting course but not had the means for funding then the Skills & Education Group could provide the support that you need. Tap here to read about the grant that they offer and how to apply.
Until next time, have a great week!