Wednesday 20th February 2019

Dear all,

Well, what a bumper week it has been for the fashion industry. Fashion sustainability and the environment has been a hot topic of discussion for many years, and now it seems we are on the cusp of change. Yesterday the big news came courtesy of the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee. Their report calls on the Government to make fashion retailers take responsibility for the waste they create.

Environmental Audit Committee Chair Mary Creagh (pictured far right next to Livia Firth) MP said:“Fashion retailers must take responsibility for the clothes they produce. That means asking producers to consider and pay for the end of life process for their products through a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. The Government must act to end the era of throwaway fashion by incentivising companies that offer sustainable designs and repair services.”

FashionCapital and Fashion Enter CEO responded that not all Fast Fashion manufacturers should be tarred with the same brush: “I am ALL for ethical production. We run a totally transparent factory in the UK that has a leading status in the Fast Forward Audit and is SMETA approved. We are proud to make so-called ‘Fast Fashion’ because this means speed-to-market, i.e. 2-3 weeks lead-time from design concept to delivery; it does not mean THROW AWAY fashion. Fast Fashion also means less quantity bought so the garment sells out at full price; the intake margin may cost more but the exit margin will be higher because there is no discounting. People respect garments longer that are not on sale. 

“It’s insulting to retailers and manufacturers alike to discuss a tax on garments sold especially as the issue here really is focused on certain etailers paying unworkable cost prices for garments. The Home Office is right with their concept of naming and shaming etailers who work unethically and use factories that coerce their labour force to accept less than the minimum pay and long hours. Find that evidence through enforcement agencies then fine those etailers with their bumper profits made by the sweat of hard labour right here in the UK!”

Join the discussion now via our Twitter page

To read about the Committee’s key recommendations click here

Yesterday Adam Mansell, CEO at UKFT, was at our North London factory being filmed and interviewed for the ITV News regarding the Environmental Committee Report and how their suggestions will realistically impact the industry.

 

London Fashion Week drew to a close yesterday and while sustainability was championed with designers at the event, step forward Bethany Williams the second recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, outside it became a backdrop for numerous protests. Climate demonstrators blocked roads outside the main venue on Sunday to protest against the unsustainable industry. While the opening day was met with protests from PETA – highlighting the cruel practices in wool production, size diversity campaigners and trans-inclusivity on the catwalk protesters. Industry also discussed the notion that bi-annual collections are out-dated with the likes of Gareth Pugh taking this season ‘out’ to pursue other projects.

Click here to read more from London Fashion Week.

The final day of London Fashion Week, yesterday 19^th February, also brought the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s death. Lagerfeld was one of the fashion industry’s most prolific designers and he worked up until his death at the age of 85. Creative director at Chanel and Fendi, Lagerfeld loved his job and had no desire to ever retire. Famous for his distinctive look and outspoken opinions – Lagerfeld has certainly made his mark on fashion history.

“I design like I breathe. You don’t ask to breathe — it just happens.” KL

 

 

Congratulations to Rosie Burbidge on the successful launch soiree for her book: European Fashion Law, which is on general release from the 22^nd February. For most of us legal issues can cause a headache – none more so than intellectual property (IP). Everything from your brand name to your clothing designs, website design, social media accounts, supplier lists and photographs are protected by one or more intellectual property rights. If you have your own fashion brand then there is so much you need to know. Rosie will be hosting a 2-hour masterclass ‘Getting to Grips with Intellectual Property’ at FashionCapital / FTA HQ in North London next Tuesday 26^th February. Click here to find out more and book your place.

Last Saturday for a second season members from the Fashion Technology Academy / Fashion Enter were on hand at Fashions Finest to talk to emerging designers about the production services and courses that we provide right here in London. Fashions Finest bi-annual event provides a unique platform for up and coming design talent to show off-schedule during London Fashion Week. Held in the heart of London the event includes fashion shows, talks, and pop-up stands. Jo Price, Senior Lecturer at the FTA attended the event she said:

“It was great to see Gee and Amiyah from Fashion Enter at the AW19 edition of Fashions Finest this weekend (16^thFebruary). The pair talked to attendees about the manufacturing side of the business as well as the pattern cutting courses that we run. I watched fashion shows, which showcased designers from around the world and the UK. The highlight was the finale where Tuncer Tonun showcased a conceptual collection with innovative pattern cutting and shapes and really ended the event on a high. I look forward to seeing what this young man does in the future.”

Also making it on TV this week was our very own Production Director Caroline Ash commenting on the latest news regarding Brexit, manufacturing and the closure of the Honda Car Plant.

Lara Intimates is looking for an apprentice Sample Machinist and the Garment Technologist apprenticeship with F+F at Tesco is also currently available. Click here for the latest apprenticeship posts.

Last Saturday we had not one, but two masterclasses running alongside our in-house fabric sale. The ‘Queen of Seams’ Claudette Joseph hosted another TR Pattern Cutting taster course at the Fashion Technology Academy.

‘I have learnt that TR pattern cutting isn’t as daunting as it first seems! Great inspirational teacher, makes it really easy to understand and love the free nature of the technique.’ Jaime

Meanwhile, pattern-cutting expert Maggie Stott held a production pattern-making workshop.‘I have learnt loads! Maggie has provided a mass of industry knowledge that will be of such help. Maggie is very engaging, answers any and every question, and has so much knowledge of the whole production line. She has been so informative and I have loved the course! I will definitely attend more courses with Maggie.’ Katy

Tomorrow Rosie Davis, Founder of PR Dispatch & LFA, The Lifestyle and Fashion Agency, will be in to host the ‘How To Do Your Own PR’ masterclass. Understand the business of public relations and how it can work for you. Click here to find out more and book.

Due to popular demand we now have a mid week course for Gerber on 12th, 13th and 15th March click here for more details.