Source Fashion X ATMF to Boost British Manufacturing
20-09-2025
Newsletter 18th June 2025
Source Fashion X ATMF Partnership
Source Fashion, the UK’s leading sustainable sourcing trade show, is proud to announce a new and long-term partnership with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), of which FEL’s Jenny Holloway is Chair. This collaboration will highlight the strengths of UK-based garment and textile manufacturing, promoting ethical production, local supply chains, and sustainability.
As part of the partnership, ATMF will curate a showcase of UK manufacturers at the upcoming Source Fashion event, running 8 – 10 July, The Grand Hall, Olympia London, providing retailers and brands with direct access to suppliers committed to transparency, fair labour practices, and responsible sourcing. The initiative reflects Source Fashion’s mission to connect buyers with trusted British and international manufacturers that align with the highest standards of sustainability and ethics.
The partnership represents a long-term commitment, and plans are already underway to expand ATMF’s presence at the February 2026 edition of Source Fashion, further strengthening the platform for UK ethical manufacturing.
This is fantastic news to positively promote Leicester’s manufacturing sector. For more on this and to register to attend Source Fashion at Olympia tap here.
Bearing Gifts Launch Friday 27th June
Over the last few months FEL has been working with HMP Leicester on a powerful initiative, called Bearing Gifts, that brings together rehabilitation, enterprise, and community impact.
Developed through the innovative Bars to Business programme, Bearing Gifts empowers prisoners to repurpose textile waste into beautifully handcrafted patchwork teddy bears. Each bear sold funds the donation of a twin bear to a child in need, creating a symbolic and tangible bridge of empathy between prisoners and the wider community.
On Friday 27th June 2025, HMP Leicester will welcome guests for the official launch of Bearing Gifts, the event offers a unique opportunity to witness transformation in action. Guests will hear from Paddy, the prisoner whose creativity and determination sparked the idea. Attendees will also tour the prison workshop, where the bears are made, and meet the dedicated team and partners behind the project.
More on this impactful initiative in due course.
Hope-FX 2 Update
Over the past four weeks FEL tutor Manuela has worked alongside tutor Louisa with the Hope-FX #2 group.
Manuela said: “It’s been a real joy supporting the learners throughout this journey.During this time, I’ve gotten to know each learner’s personality and developed a clearer understanding of how they prefer to work—whether independently or in collaboration with others.
“We began with training sessions on the use of industrial sewing machines, including both flatbed and overlocker models. The learners gained confidence quickly and progressed to constructing baby T-shirts. This hands-on activity introduced them to the basics of garment construction and gave them insight into the skills and precision involved in factory production—areas they may wish to explore further in the future.
“Over the past three weeks, we’ve shifted focus to developing their own T-shirt designs, which will be launched very soon at our FC Designer Collective store on Fonthill Road. They took part in an inspiring illustration masterclass led by John Herrera, which helped them kick-start their initial design drafts.
“This week, we’re finalising their ideas in preparation for printing, which includes digitising their artwork. It’s been wonderful to see their personalities shine through in their designs and to witness their creative and personal growth throughout this journey with Hope-FX.”
For more on Hope-FX tap here.
Vogue Business Talks Factory Floor Skills
Great to read this fantastic article by Sophie Benson for Vogue Business: Can British fashion coax Gen Z onto the factory floor?
As a manufacturer, educator, and mentor working with creative design and practical construction, this piece really resonated. For too long, there’s been a divide—some might say even a snobbery—between the conceptual and the practical in fashion education. But with the industry crying out for skilled hands and technically trained minds, it begs the question: Should our colleges and universities be doing more to embed industry-ready, practical skills into their courses?
FEL’s CEO Jenny Holloway and Co-founder of Maeknit, Naeem Riaz voice their opinions on the topic within the article.
Tap here to read the Vogue Business article.
FTA Leicester Level 1 Stitching Free Places Available
The FTA Leicester has availability on its next Level 1 Award in Stitching SEG Awards Level 1 – Award in Fashion and Textiles (500/4308/0) – Fashion Technology Academy
Starting Monday 14th July for 5-weeks, this course is free for those residing in the Leicester City area, aged more than 19-years, with proper UK immigration status.
Days can be flexible to cover 20-hours per week (Please discuss with the enrolment team)
If interested contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com
Leicester Fashion Week Applications Open
(Midetush finale at Leicester Fashion Week 2025)
Leicester Fashion Week has announced its Autumn edition dates: 6th – 9th November 2025. If you would like to get involved the application process is now open via www.leicesterfashionweek.com
Email: info@leicesterfashionweek.com
Repair & Upcycle Free Drop In Sessions
Thanks to support from Islington Council our free repair and upcycle drop-in sessions at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road now take place twice a month. We can provide equipment and support for those wanting to work on their repairs / upcycles in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Register your spot for the next session on Tuesday 24th June, 10am – 4pm.
Roll-on and Short Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
25th June – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fees
Stitching:
21st June – Saturday Stitching Club Introduction to Sewing – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fees
Draping:
26th July & 2nd Aug – Introduction to Draping in 2 Saturday sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Illustration:
12th & 19th July – Introduction to Fashion Illustration in 2 Sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fees
Upcycling:
24th June – Free Repair and Upcycle Drop In – FC Designer Collective shop – Free – please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Graduate Fashion Week 2025 took over London’s Truman Brewery from 13th – 16th June, to bring together creativity, innovation, and sustainable design. As the world’s largest showcase of BA fashion talent, this year’s event featured over 60 influential UK and international universities.
FashionCapital went along, read all about it here: Graduate Fashion Week 2025: Sustainability and the Next Generation
And Finally…
Coming soon…ThreadChain – a UK-based platform giving new life to Leicester’s surplus fashion stock. Details to be announced next week.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
