The Evolution of the Pattern Cutter
15-10-2024
FashionCapital
Wednesday 27th March 2019
Dear all,
It’s All About The Pattern
It was no coincidence that Alexander McQueen was an exceptional pattern cutter, his technical skills combined with his creativity is what really gave his designs that additional edge.
Published this week in Drapers Magazine, compiled by Kirsty McGregor, our CEO, Jenny Holloway, was asked to comment on the rise in demand for pattern cutters being brought in-house in order to respond to market and improve fit. Jenny said: “Retailers want speed of response and more ownership on trends and designs.”The problem is there is a real skills shortage in this sector. She continues: “Companies such as Next, Marks & Spencer, River Island and ASOS are all investing in 3D CAM systems. We are joining forces with EFI (owners of Optitex) to bring 3D CAD/CAM into our new Tailoring skills Academy [due to open in summer 2019].”
Christopher Nieper of David Nieper based in the Midlands adds a significant quote: “Designers that can’t pattern cut are at a huge disadvantage – how can you design something that can’t be made?” This is very true, and why we have been promoting a wide range of pattern cutting courses for some time at the Fashion Technology Academy. From the 3-day Gerber AccuMark digital pattern making to the 3-hour TR Pattern Cutting taster class to more in-depth 6 and 10 week courses we have pattern courses to suit all levels from beginner through to advanced. The demand for skilled pattern cutters has never been greater and it is indeed time to bring the skill back home.
Click here to read the Drapers article: Bringing it home: why retailers are taking pattern cutting in house
Black Neon Podcast With CEO Jenny Holloway
Black Neon Digital’s founder Jodi Muter-Hamilton talks with CEO Jenny Holloway about the value that apprenticeship schemes bring to the fashion industry. They also discuss how Fashion Enter’s ethical Factory uses supply chain technology to ensure transparency in this insightful podcast. Click here for the options to listen.
Apprenticeship Open Day
Want to know more about Fashion and Textiles Apprenticeships? Then why not come along to the Fashion Technology Academy’s Fashion & Textiles Apprenticeship Open Day on Thursday 4th April from 10am – 1pm. If you would like to learn more about the qualifications and how to apply for an apprenticeship this is the perfect opportunity. You will meet the team, hear a talk on what the 18-month apprenticeship programme entails, learn about all current jobs available and have a tour of the Factory, Fashion Studio and Fashion Technology Academy all situated at Unit 14, Crusader Estate, 167, Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ London, nearest tube station: Manor House.
To attend please email apprenticeships@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311.
Fashion Books Discount Offer
The FashionCapital / Bloomsbury fashion books offer for our newsletter subscribers is still available. Click here to view the FashionCapital/Bloomsbury Members Only page and browse the current selection of fashion books. To receive your exclusive 35% off savings code subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
Meet the Next 3 Belles
Belles of London will be introducing their three new Belles and a selection of ethically made designs on the 11th April and colour and style experts Red Leopard will join them.
The launch will showcase all six Belles of London capsule collections, three of which will be fresh off the lines. This Spring Esme, Jenny Beth and Elle will join Jenny, Caroline and Jenni with their signature style and Belles designs that are made to last.
Guests will be invited to view the collections, network and listen to a talk by Red Leopard on finding the right colour to suit you, especially colours worn next to the face. This will be combined with styles to suit and flatter your body shape and how to add your own signature touches to your outfit.
The launch, complete with Prosecco and cupcakes, will take place at FTA HQ, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, London N4 1LZ from 5 – 9pm. To RSVP contact: hello@bellesoflondon.com
See You at CFE Manufacturers Trade Show – 3rd April
FashionCapital/Fashion Enter will be at the next (Centre for Fashion Enterprise) CFE Manufacturers Trade Show scheduled for the 3rd April at LSO St Lukes. The 1-day event will focus on design and manufacturing for fashion and fashtech businesses. The CFE have provided amazing support for up and coming brands over the years including the likes of Erdem, Peter Pilotto, Mary Katrantzou, Marques Almeida and Craig Green. To attend please click here to register.
Fashion Studio Sampling Rate Increase
For those using the Fashion Studio’s sampling services please note that from 1st April the sampling rate will increase from £26.50 p/h to £27 p/h. (This will not affect work already in progress.)
Welcome Apprentice Sanjith
A warm welcome to Sanjith our new production apprentice, the team can’t wait to get your training well underway.
How to Plan Your Range & Generate Sales with Della Nelson Tomorrow 10am – 12pm
Della Nelson is passionate about developing a brands identity, ensuring an innovative and relevant product development process to the brand and its clientele. Join her on Thursday 28th March where she will cover how to plan your range and generate those all-important sales. Click here for more information and to book.
Masterclasses Coming Soon…
Gerber AccuMark Digital Pattern Making course for beginners – 30th March, 6th April and 13th April
Essential Elements to Make your Pattern Production Ready – 13th April
TR Pattern Cutting Taster Masterclass – 13th April
Effective Trend Prediction For Your Brand – 17th April
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Did you see this week’s episode of The Great British Sewing Bee? Inspired by all the origami style pleating we have picked out this cotton twill, perfect for creating pleats, in cerise. Available now from the FCFabricStudio at £4- a metre.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
Katie Farley looks into AW19 trends that you can buy and incorporate into your wardrobe now in her weekly edition of The Fashion Fix.
Find out all the London based eco-aware fashion events that our in-house label Belles of London will be at this April.
And read all about the latest batch of designers involved with the On|Off Presents showcase that took place during London Fashion Week.
And Finally…
Visit the Belles of London website for the latest designs from our three new Belles…you saw it here first…spring has arrived!
| More from the FashionCapital team next week. |
