UK NON-PROFIT FASHION ENTER IS THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE EVERY FASHION ENTHUSIAST SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Image Courtesy of https://www.fashion-enter.com/
By: Niki Anastasakis
One stitch at a time, UK’s social enterprise Fashion Enter is a dynamic hub and center for ethical garment manufacturing in the fashion and textile industry. It is quite impressive how many initiatives are taking place under one organization, it is like a Disney World campus for the fashion world! Fashion Enter operates a large scale production factory, a fashion studio, mentorship and education programs. They provide full operations that produce garments for retailers, e-tailers, designers and new business startups. What is more impressive, the audited manufacturer is Sedex approved, which stands for Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, allowing large companies to monitor labor standards across the supply chain.
The Fashion Studio
The Fashion Studio, which opened in 2008 offers everything from toiling to grading and a list of services related to the fashion industry's needs. Whether you are a new startup, or established designer, The Fashion Studio does the work for you and helps in creating patterns, offers sampling services, and stitching. Fun fact, The Fashion Studio produced more than ⅓ of the garments for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics Games held in London.
The Factory
The London based factory was founded in 2010 and mainly produces ladieswear with an output average of 15,000 garments a week for global corporations including ASOS, Tesco F&F and N Brown. Its mission is to produce fast-track quality fashion in bulk using a system called Galuxius. The Galuxius digital system allows employees to track workers’ performance making business operations a whole lot smoother while revolutionizing how the industry measures success.
Whales Factory, photo courtesy Fashion-Enter
Whales Factory, photo courtesy Fashion-Enter
Enter 2020 when a second factory opened in Whales, where another 15,000 garments are produced a week for global corporations including N Brown, I Saw it First, Risdon & Risdon and its own in house brand, Spyce Jones. The Factory took in more than 75 experienced Welsh machinists who were formerly employed at the Laura Ashley furniture and fashion manufacturing plant that shut its operations in 2020.
“Many of the stitchers we have hired had loyally worked at Laura Ashley for more than 35 years. I couldn’t rest knowing they were going to lose their jobs. You also don’t find experienced stitchers of that number anywhere anymore, they are like gold dust. They are a pleasure to work with and the quality of their work is just outstanding,” said Fashion Enter CEO, Jenny Holloway.
Mentorship
The carefully curated mentors at Fashion Enter offer support to businesses in areas including review of business strategy, initial design concept, product development, sourcing, production, finance, marketing, legal and sales. Mentor Caroline Ash, brings 40 years of knowledge and experience in production management to her students and industry professionals. As Head of Production for the manufacturing of soft separates, dresses, tailoring, jersey and outerwear, she plays a critical role in ensuring fabrics and trims are not only delivered in a timely manner but works hard to ensure customer deadlines are met. As part of her mentorship program, Ash also offers factory seminars and tours tailored to the learning requirements of each group. Mentor Jenny Holloway, has worked in the fashion industry for more than 40 years. Over the last 10 years, Holloway works as a Director of her personal brand Retro UK Ltd and began her own fashion consulting business in 2000, created as a social enterprise working to generate self-sustaining funds for skills development and production.
“Designers today have to be the master of all trades and sometimes they need someone experienced to talk to who can offer quality advice. That is exactly why we set up FashionCapital and Fashion-Enter Ltd. We also work with a wide cross section of other sectors of the industry too, particularly manufacturing and logistics, therefore we can provide excellent networking opportunities to all levels of businesses throughout clothing and textiles.” says Holloway.
Fashion Technology Academy
From teaching pressing techniques and quality control to learning about machine maintenance, The Fashion Technology Academy offers tools and practical skills to individuals as a key component to successful garment production. Founded in 2015, the Academy focuses on hands-on learning and plays a critical role in nurturing talent .
“I am so overjoyed that I have been selected for this unique apprenticeship at this stage of my life. I have been dedicated in finding the best route to a career in Fashion. The timing feels like destiny. This opportunity will prepare me for a future that I have envisioned for myself. This is an amazing experience that I will make the most of. I look forward to learning, working hard and embracing the adventure that this opportunity will bring. Thank you!” says apprentice, Tehia McDermot
The Tailoring Academy
With the growing need for expertise in tailoring techniques on the rise, Fashion Enter has founded, The Tailoring Academy. Courses covered within the curriculum include design, pattern making, cutting, fitting and stitching of the tailored items such as jackets, trousers, skirts, lined shift dresses and waistcoats. The Tailoring Academy gives students the tools to master the skills necessary to pursue a successful career in tailoring, costume making and more, backed by The Mayors The Good Growth Fund and Haringey Council.
Memberships
Fashion Enter membership program offers individuals within the fashion industry valuable insights at a cost of £199 plus vat per year. Members will receive one-on-one mentorship by industry experts, a 5% discount on sampling at The Fashion Studio, access to attend quarterly networking events, access to essential legal documents, discounts to photography studio rentals, and much more!