We Can All Do Better!

Newsletter 28th September 2022

Getting Serious About Sustainability

‘Sustainability’ is a word that has been bandied about rather a lot of late, and we are now at the stage where sustainable practices have become fundamental to every business. Fashion, in particular, has many areas within the business to implement proactive change. 

Over the next few days the environment and the fashion industry will form the core topics of discussion at two events; First up is the Invennt Luxe executive roundtable discussion and lunch, taking place tomorrow (29th September), Fashion-Enter’s CEO Jenny Holloway and Production Director, Caroline Ash will be there alongside other industry professionals to talk about Environmental, Social and Governance Goals. 

On Friday 30th September, the topic of fashion and sustainability will lead again, this time with a local community audience. At the ‘Sustainable Fashion Show Presentation’, the Fashion-Enter team will be advising and presenting on how recycle, upcycle and repurpose existing garments. This free event takes place at Chestnuts Community Centre, St Anns Road in Tottenham, north London. If you are local please drop in from 4pm onwards.

Sales and Socials This Friday

Join Fashion-Enter CEO, Jenny Holloway and Digital Marketer, Leah Martin, for a free masterclass taking place via Zoom on Friday 30th September at 10am. Jenny will share her 35+ years of knowledge on how to generate sales in today’s challenging market, while Leah will discuss the importance of marketing and how to gain reach on the various platforms available. This is a free masterclass via Zoom tap here to book your place. 

It’s All Go at the FC Designer Workspace 

The FC Designer Workspace is bustling with activity, we have a full class of Level 1 stitching students, regular mentoring and masterclasses from industry professionals, plus Repair & Upcycling sessions open to the wider community.

A learner at the Repair and Upcycle session commented: “The premises were lovely to work in and the instructors were extremely welcoming, knowledgeable and accommodating. Ana in particular, went out of her way to make sure each student got what they wanted out of the course and had endless patience! I’ll definitely be back!”

The next Repair and Upcycling workshop will take place on Friday 14th October tap here to book your place.

Watch a short YouTube video from the previous Repair and Upcycle workshop.

2 & 4 Day Courses Available

We now have 2 and 4 day courses available for individuals wanting to learn or improve on their stitching skills. Details on the flyer.

New Saturday Sewing Club

Our new Saturday Sewing Club provides access to the FC Designer Workspace state-of-the-art sewing machines including; flatbeds, overlockers and cover stitch along side our pattern cutting tables and mannequins. Industry expert tutor, Vali, will be on-site to support with any stitching / production guidance, this provides a great opportunity for beginners, home stitchers, students or designers to concentrate on their designs/makes with likeminded individuals.

Saturday Sewing Club sessions are currently available for the 1st, 8th and 27th October from 10am – 2 pm and costs £20 +VAT. Tap here to book.

FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB. Nearest tube: Finsbury Park.

Bright Colours on the Production Lines

Despite the doom and gloom of high inflation, rising interest rates and a week sterling pound people want to buy brights. As seen here on the production lines at Fashion-Enter Haringey and confirmed for the months ahead on the London Fashion Week catwalks for Spring/Summer 2023 – optimism is the new black!

Working with HMPS

Head of Technical Development Claire Solley has been running CPPD sessions with HMPS, Claire said: “It’s great that we can support HMPS on patterns and grading. This is exactly why working for a social enterprise is so rewarding – we can help so many different people and clients. We really do want the very best for everyone.” 

Supporting Haringey’s Start Ups

This Friday 30th September Fashion-Enter Ltd will be attending a meeting at CONEL, alongside other Haringey based employers and educational bodies, to discuss how we can collaboratively work together to provide skills growth and opportunities for local residents.

Visit to Haringey Sixth Form College 

We are delighted to be engaging with the talented creative team at Haringey Sixth Form College. Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway said: “I was blown away. The college has had a major renovation and is buzzing with creativity and inspiration. Looking forward to adding fashion on to the curriculum very soon!”

Latest From Leicester 

Over at the FCFTA Leicester Deputy CEO, Jackie, has just taken part in a career’s advice event at the English Martyrs Catholic School to inform the students about the courses and apprenticeships available in Leicester’s fashion manufacturing sector. The free ESOL classes are now back on after the summer break and the Leicester team are working with the Dorcas Dress Project, supporting women in poverty, by producing a ‘dress for all seasons’ an adaptable dress that can be worn throughout the various stages of a woman’s life. 

To read more about what is happening at the FCFTA Leicester tap here. And visit here for the latest apprenticeship opportunities in the area.

Masterclasses and Courses

Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring 

Leicester Summer Special Sewing Course (Throughout September / early October)

Sales and Socials via Zoom – via Zoom – 30th September

4 Key Strategies to Make You More Positive and Motivated (free) – 18th October

Optitex Technology 2D & 3D – 9th – 11th November

Gerber Accumark for Beginners – 16th – 18th November

Sourcing and Supply Base Strategy via Zoom – 23rd November

Outfit of the Week

This week we have picked a design classic that never dates, a wrap dress with long balloon sleeves that can be dressed up or down, exclusive to SilkFred. To view and shop this B of London design tap here.

This Week on FashionCapital…

Vibrancy and Optimism at London Fashion Week SS23

And Finally…

Good luck Beth! ThisSunday 2nd October our Head of Creative Beth will be running in the London marathon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Beth isn’t an experienced runner so this is no easy challenge! Support for her efforts would be much appreciated for this amazing foundation, to support Beth tap here.

Until next time, have a great week.

The team at FashionCapital 

(*Intro image design by Bath Spa Uni fashion graduate)