Sustainable Fashion UK

Newsletter 3rd November 2021

Sustainable One-Stop Production

With COP26 in the media spotlight conversation is centred on business practices that have minimum impact on the planet. The fashion and textile industry is, of course, under intense scrutiny however, as we can testify here at Fashion-Enter, there are some brilliant technologies and practices that can already be adopted. Action speaks louder than words, and we were thrilled with our first trial using the on-site (London Factory) Kornit Presto printer for a design for ASOS.com. The Kornit Presto offers eco-friendly digital print technology that eliminates inventory waste and complex supply chains. The first trial for a long sleeve, squiggle print top for ASOS was delivered within two-weeks.

Production Director Caroline Ash said: “I’m delighted to see this design selling out on ASOS.com. This is the first test print for ASOS with Kornit and this top was printed and made and then despatched within two weeks after the calibration of Presto was signed off. This is true sustainable fast fashion today!”

Tap here for more about Fashion-Enter’s Factory.

Learn with FC FTA Leicester

Last Wednesday’s (27th October) Residents Open Day at the FC Fashion Technology Academy in Leicester was a great success. Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway said: “It was a great turnout at the Residents Open Day and I personally had an overwhelming feeling that it’s really time to recognise the skills of the hardworking manufacturers. Leicester has been dogged by bad press for years and it’s enough now! With rising freight, Brexit implications and a real steep reaction towards Climate Change the only alternative is to make in the UK. Leicester has the largest manufacturing cluster in the UK and there’s a solid commitment by manufacturers to produce ethical garments. It’s also time for a new approach with factories becoming their own brands – this will happen for sure. 

The first stitching course at the new training facility will commence from Monday 8th November contact: T: 0116 436256  E: Education@fashion-enter.com  

FCFTA (Leicester) Top Floor, Black and Yellow Building, 30 Stonebridge Street, Leicester, LE5 3PA 

Inditex Shows How It’s Done!

Inditex has revealed a remarkable recovery from the pandemic with revenue figures hitting 

€6.99bn between May and July, 1.4 per cent higher than the record high for the equivalent period in 2019. Their results completely outshines the competition with many leading brands struggling to gain pre-pandemic sales figures.

Like others Inditex, was hit hard by the pandemic and the series of lockdowns and store closures, however throughout the period the group stepped up online sales using its tracking technology to source online orders from its stores. Two of the company’s main drivers are its single inventory programme, for stores and online, and its store optimisation programme. Inditex has invested in this lean strategy and accompanying technology for a decade and is reaping the benefits as a result.

Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “The Zara model of retail and etail lives on – local sourcing, flexible supply chains, test and repeat model by nimble manufacturers and central design for the latest in trends. All this can be achieved in the UK with close working bonds with manufacturers.” 

Sessional Sewing Tutors Required

Are you based in Islington with sewing knowledge? Islington Council are recruiting Adult Community Session Tutors with sewing and fashion skills. Tap here to find out more and to apply.

Tomorrow: Motivational Workshop with Eric Gilston

Life coach and motivational speaker Eric Gilston is back tomorrow Thursday 4th November for one of his motivating workshops on how to be more positive. If you would like to learn how to gain a positive mindset and have a motivated approach towards your life then this session is for you! Taking place at the FC Designer Workspace between 11am – 1pm, this workshop is free, however spaces are limited so booking is recommended. Tap here to book your place.

Free Sewing Masterclasses for Islington Residents

The FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road is set to continue with its popular in-store sewing masterclasses. Free for London borough of Islington residents the up and coming dates are: 10th, 17th November and 1st, 8th and 22nd December. 

Contact jenni@fashion-enter.com if you are interested in joining a 2-hour session.

Fonthill Road Christmas Market

Fashion-Enter presents the Fonthill Road Christmas Market on 4th December 11am – 6pm. Shop local fashion, crafts, jewellery and food!

Are you a Fonthill Road trader? Get in touch for a free stall to sell at the Christmas Market – jenni@fashion-enter.com  

Designers so far include – Another Earthling, Diva Choice, Jannaty, B of London, Margaret Griffiths Jewellery, Hash Tag Made 4 Me, Mi-bambino London. 

How to Wholesale with Carley Johnson

Fashion wholesale and brand launch expert Carley Johnson delivered an information packed masterclass on ‘How to Produce a High Selling Product’ last Thursday 28th October, read about the session here. Feedback from the online masterclass included:

“10 out of 10.” – Amber  

“All of Carley’s masterclass sessions have been fantastic over the last few months. Thank-you.” – Wendy

Next on the agenda from Carley is ‘How to Wholesale’ taking place Thursday 18th November 9am – 11am via Zoom. Learn how to prepare for wholesale, how to pitch, how to price and about platform criteria. Tap here to book your place. 

All of Carley’s masterclasses have been recorded and are packed full of insider insight and corresponding slides. If you have missed the live sessions and are interested in receiving the recordings the cost is £20 + VAT please contact jenni@fashion-enter.com 

Date for Your Diary

Guaranteed to add some statement sparkle this festive season is Diva Choice. One for the diary: Saturday 18th December from 12pm onwards for cocktails, cupcakes, music and shopping. Come along to the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road, London N4!

FEL Apprentices Undertake Safeguarding and Prevent Training

On Monday 1st November Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway and Apprentice Tutor Louis-Christian Pendegrass, undertook specified Safeguarding and Prevent Training with the current cohort of apprentices.

Jenny Holloway commented: “We can all tick boxes in education today to say that we have taught ‘Safeguarding and Prevent’ but actually do the apprentices understand these areas in the context of their learning here at Fashion-Enter Ltd? We had open discussions on the new legislation that occurred in September 2021 ‘Keeping Children Safe’ which relates to cyber bullying and e learning plus peer to peer abuse. With COVID so much of the teaching is now online so added security and open frank discussions are needed today with all our learners.

“It was great to meet some of the apprentices and know now that they are more aware of the risks and support that we can offer.”

Masterclasses & Courses

On-going short courses in Stitching and Pattern Cutting available – to find out more visit our FCFTA website or contact education@fashion-enter.com

Discover 4 Key Strategies to Make You More Positive & Motivated (Free – FC Designer Workspace)

How to Wholesale (Online)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

Inject some bold colour into chilly autumn days with this bright stripe jersey and create a statement dress or top. Available at the FC Fabric Studio at £3.50 a metre.

This Week on FashionCapital…

More than 60 per cent of the UK want business to take immediate action to tackle climate change – and do more to help their customers ‘go green’. Read more on this story: UK Consumers Think Businesses Need to Act Now on Climate Change.

And Finally… 

Channel 5 came in to the Factory today to film a piece on producing sustainable fashion in the UK and the fabulous on-site Kornit Presto printer…more on this next week!

Until next time, have a great week.