Your One Stop Shop for Skills Support and Services
19-03-2025
Newsletter 23rd October 2024
ASBCI – A New Future – A New Chair
FEL’s Founder and CEO, Jenny Holloway was a moderator at the ASBCI conference – ‘3Rs of AI – Risks, Rewards and Responsibilities’ in Halifax last Wednesday. Discussing Artificial Intelligence in Fashion Jenny’s panel consisted of industry specialists: Dr Ahmed Zaidi – AI expert, Nick Eley – Creative Leader at ASOS, Maggie Chen – partner at Style3D and Peter Gallagher-Witham – Founder of The Fashion Guild.
Jenny commented: “Thanks to ASBCI for asking me to moderate. I have never moderated a panel before so certainly found this to be a new experience and really enjoyed the interaction with the panel and the attendees. We ran over time with the amount of questions being asked.
“What is clear is that it’s just the beginning for AI in fashion. There are so many advancements, almost on a daily basis, that it’s easy to be left behind. ASBCI is well respected and is an intimate membership trade body and it was just fab to meet like-minded people that are being so positive towards the challenges of our glorious fashion industry. Here’s to next year.”
Big congratulations to Elizabeth Brandwood (pictured), who is now taking on the role of Chair of ASBCI – here’s to a new chapter.
Fashion Hub Expands with Fashion Studio Services
FEL’s Leicester campus, the Fashion Hub located at Phoenix House on King Street, is preparing to add another string to its bow with a range of Fashion Studio services. Fashion Hub is already in full swing with its education agenda and the space will soon incorporate a Fashion Studio area, to include; pattern and sample making, short run production and a range of reprocessing options.
Fashion Studio services will be available from November onwards, if you would like to know more please feel free to contact: divya@fashion-enter.com Phone: 0116 436 2560
Getting Work-Ready – Skills Bootcamp
Many thanks to employers that have engaged on the Skills Bootcamp programme, including Shahtex, Studio One Ltd and Recomme. A big thank-you to Leicester City Council for supporting on this amazing programme that encourages the development of real skills required for today’s fashion manufacturing industry.
Recruitment has begun on this initiative and we have positions for four machinists for Shahtex, a family run circular knitting company, and another for a highly skilled tailor for Recomme.
To find out more and apply please contact: jo@fashion-enter.com
Congrats to Jo Bean
We are thrilled to announce that Jo Bean (pictured left with Divya at Fullhurst College Career’s Fair) has accepted the role of Technical Manager at the Fashion Hub. Jo is an excellent technical skills teacher with decades of industry experience, she said:
“I’m so incredibly excited to be part of the team with this new venture at Fashion-Enter. After over 25-years of working within the Leicester garment trade, and well over 1 million units of my designs sold throughout the UK high street – I’m heading the Fashion Hub up as Technical Manager.”
Working with The King’s Foundation
For the past four years FEL has worked with The King’s Foundation and YOOX Net-A-Porter on The Modern Artisan initiative. Claire Solley, FEL’s Technical Development Director, has been leading on this skills-sharing programme and commented on its development:
“It is always excellent to work the talented teams of both the King’s Foundation and YOOX Net-a-Porter on The Modern Artisan programme. We work closely with the talented designers on design construction, patterns and gradings, plus the cutting of the fabrics too. We have seen outstanding talent over the years but this year was particularly outstanding. It was great to attend The King’s Foundation Future Textiles exhibition in Chelsea Barracks last week and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship into 2025.”
Both Jenny and Claire will be visiting Dumfries House on 29th October to attend and speak at the 2024 Fashion Council Germany x The King’s Foundation Conference. FEL will be speaking to German & Scottish pupils on the topic of circular fashion.
Fashion Fix – Old for New
We are buzzing with excitement! Our new programme with Creative Catalyst, where we work on deadstock garments to renovate and upcycle into new saleable garments, is exceeding all expectations. The six-month programme will be completed in just three-months, resulting in 1000’s of garments being saved from potential landfill. There will be a full report on this soon, but isn’t it great that repurposing can and does work to extend the life of garments.
Cushion-Making Workshop with ReFab Studio at FC Designer Collective
Hosted by Fashion-Enter in collaboration with ReFab Studio, an organisation that salvages and upcycles designer remnants from the interiors sector while upskilling and empowering disadvantaged female artisans, is an exclusive Cushion-Making Workshop. This hands-on class will introduce you to essential sewing techniques, perfect for both beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. You’ll learn to craft a luxurious, bespoke cushion using beautiful upcycled fabrics donated as end-of-life materials — making your creation both stylish and sustainable.
Taking place at FEL’s FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road on 21st November 10am – 4pm. To find out more and book your place please tap here. Please note places are limited.
Next Week…
Free Online Masterclass with Caroline Ash
Join us via Zoom next Wednesday 30th from 10am to learn about working and maintaining a strong relationship with your manufacturer. Delivered by FEL’s Production Director, Caroline Ash, she will share her 30+ years of expertise in working with manufacturers in the UK and overseas. From quality expectations to ethical requirements, this session is ideal for start-ups or those looking to fine-tune their production process.
30th October 10 – 11am –Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Team and Partnership with your Manufacturer– Free – please register and a Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date.
Barclays Business to Advise at the FCDW
Also taking place next Wednesday Islington Council have kindly organised financial advice and support with Business Specialists from Barclays. Business owners and residents at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, along with students and individuals from Space4, will receive crucial financial advice. Ranging from ways to access financing, money confidence, to managing accounts.
Many thanks to Islington Council for providing this important workshop.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
28th – 31st Oct – 4-Day Beginners Stitching course – FC Designer Workspace – £100
9th Nov – Saturday Stitching Club – Introduction to Sewing – FC Designer Workspace – £30
21st Nov – Cushion-Making 1-Day Workshop – Using upcycled / deadstock fabrics – FC Designer Collective shop – £75
Pattern Cutting:
9th Nov – Saturday Pattern Cutting Class: Made to Measure Basic Bodice and Sleeves – FC Designer Workspace – £35
Tailoring:
12th Nov – 10th Dec – 1 Day a Week Introduction to Soft Tailoring Techniques for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £150
Repair and Upcycling Drop In:
12th Nov – Drop in Repair and Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – (Free, supported by Islington Council)
Business Advice and Support:
30th Oct –Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Team and Partnership with your Manufacturer– Free
Style3D:
For those interested in Style3D please scan the QR Code below.
Next 3-day course dates include:
25th- 27th November 2024
25th-29th January 2025
Contact us: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Textiles of Peru Part #3 Patterns Symbols and Motifs
And Finally…
A big thank-you to Jackie Groundsell, Owner & MD 1230 The Women’s Company. Jackie invited Jenny as a keynote speaker for the inspirational Evolution of Finance for Business Women event last Thursday. It was fantastic to connect with a diverse group of women to discuss financial ideas including shifts in money mindset. Jackie also interviewed Jenny for 1230 TWC podcast, where she not only discussed business but mental health and the supportive Hope-FX project, tap here to listen to the interview.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
