Striving for Excellence

Newsletter 1st February 2023

As Worn on Netflix!

FEL’s Fashion Studio has received some wonderful feedback from Costume Designer, Ana on a range of ballgowns made for the film ‘The School of Good and Evil’:

“ALWAYS a great pleasure working with Fashion-Enter. I have told Jenny over the years – and forgive me for repeating myself – you are undoubtedly my favourite company to work with, I hope we can do more work together very soon. A heartfelt THANK YOU in the meantime, your team have done an excellent job.”

Showing now on Netflix the film is a fantasy fairytale based on the books by Soman Chainani and features costumes that are a real feast for the eyes. The Fashion Studio team are super proud to have contributed to such a visually stylish film and that the costume department were so thrilled with the results.

We really do have an excellent manufacturing team that can make any order from one garment to several hundred.

Tap here for more about the Fashion Studio.

PPE Repair 2 Day Course

Today, 1st February, at the FCFTA Leicester in partnership with the Textile Services Association (TSA) we are holding another PPE Workwear Repair Training course. This two-day course enables PPE/workwear quality teams to develop a stable and upskilled group of repairers. Tutor Ana has joined the team in Leicester along with TSA representatives to deliver this tailor-made course. 

FEL Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the TSA and some of their members to the FCFTA. This type of practical skills based course is what the FTA excels at. On hand we have 3 experienced tutors, led by Ana Cover, to support the learners throughout – some novices, others more experienced. 

“It’s also a pleasure to welcome Caroline Noonan, Product Director from Johnson Workwear to discuss product integrity and explain how to make a decision on repairs. We also have Richard Rigg, General Manager  of Thermopatch UK to demonstrate how to heat seal and repair. We look forward to working with TSA again in the future.”

Adding Significant Social Value

In a LocalGov.co.uk article on the importance of Social Value Fashion-Enter Ltd has been credited along with Space 4 and Better Space for delivering significant added value to the borough of Islington.

Caroline Wilson, Director of Inclusive Economy and Jobs at London Borough of Islington, commented on the article on Linked In, she said: “Securing the most Social Value we can from Islington Council assets is something that I am passionate about – delivering life-changing impact for our residents and local businesses. Thanks to our operators Outlandish Co-operative, Fashion-Enter Ltd/ FashionCapital and TownSq Islington, along with Guy Battle and Social Value Portal for all of their commitment, guidance and encouragement on the journey!”

Tap here to read the LocalGov.co.uk article: ‘Can Social Value Provide More Positive Impact Than Commercial Value?’

Apparel Brand Saves $100,000s After Telling Inventory Overhang To Get On Its Bike

Cycling apparel brand Cycology used to use a ‘make do’ manual approach to managing its extensive inventory – and ended up paying the price.

“I knew it was crucial that we had the right stock in place at the right time so I would spend hours poring over data from multiple sources and trying to massage it into a spreadsheet.

“The trouble was, we’ve got about 2,000 SKUs in every warehouse for every product, so trying to work out the specifics of what we needed was absolutely daunting. It resulted in huge overheads, inventory overhang and multiple bad decisions.” – Founder and CEO, Michael Tomchin.

Find out how the apparel brand found a tech-led solution to its inventory overhang problem – while also making significant savings. 

The full story is here:  

That’s a Wrap – Level 2 Patterns

The best recommendation comes directly from our clients and learners. This week our current cohort on Level 2 Patterns completed their course and celebrated with a shared lunch.

One learner said: “I have really enjoyed my time at FTA. The course has been super technical, covering so many aspects of pattern drafting. I specifically enjoyed learning how to adapt patterns for different shapes and sizes. Also, the atmosphere is so friendly and everyone is really open to helping each other! 

Thank-you, Lan is a great teacher and support!”

Tap here to find out more about our Level 2 Patterns course.

New on the Masterclass Agenda

Back on our masterclass agenda is the 3-day Gerber Accumark for Beginners. Taught in small groups, industry expert Ben Cooper explains Gerber functions step-by-step and has achieved a 100% success rate with his former learners.

Feedback from previous sessions included:

“I have learnt new digital processes for Gerber notches, alignment, rotating file save. Very good workshop, very informative.”

“It was very enjoyable and has helped me to understand a lot more about creating a pattern from a block on the computer.”

“I have learnt so much! Now feel very confident and excited about using Gerber!”

Tap here for more on this course taking place 12 – 14 April.

Masterclass Agenda…

Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring throughout 2023

13th February: 4 Day Beginners Sewing and Upcycling Workshop SOLD OUT

17th February: Repair and Upcycle Workshop

22nd February: 12 Step Plan to Develop and Create a Fashion Collection including a tour of our Fashion Studio with Jenny Holloway, Claire Solley and Agnes Szepligeti (Free)

25th February: 4 Week Saturday Draping Course

22nd March: UK V’s Overseas Sourcing, Development and Production with Jackie Bertram (Free)

10th April: 4 Day Beginners and Upcycling Workshop

12th April: Gerber Accumark for Beginners

26th April: 10 Strategies to Create an Ethical Brand from Yarn Sourcing to Works Rights’ with Caroline Ash (Free)

24th May: Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Team and Partnership with Your Manufacturer with Caroline Ash (Free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

We have some new fabrics up and live on the FC Fabric Studio so do pop by and check what’s on offer. From the new additions we have picked out this burgundy woven material available at just £4 per metre. Happy sewing!

This Week on FashionCapital…

With 45% of shoppers actively searching for sustainable products local charity shops are thriving. The charity shop concept has now got bigger, with the launch of a pop-up Charity Super.Mkt that houses donated clothing and bric-a-brac from 10 UK charities under one roof.

And Finally…

Come and upcycle with us. Our next Repair and Upcycling workshop takes place at the FC Designer Workspace on Friday 17th February. No experience is necessary as our team will advise and guide you. Just bring along your wardrobe items that you would like to repair or update. Tap here for the details and to book.

Until next time, have a great week.

The team at FashionCapital