FBC members were busy last week setting up for, and executing major fashion events.  First up was a tribute to Bill Gibb at the Fashion and Textile Museum.  The old guard was out in hoards to relive the 70’s fashion icon’s fantastic gowns, stunning knitwear and sleek leather suits.  I ran into former model, Jan de Villeneuve and she talked me through the mini collection of knit pieces that she had lent to the museum for the exhibition.

Alison Lewy

FBC member and commercial director of the Fashion and Textile Museum, Alison Lewy looked stunning in a Bill Gibb creation, clutching the new book by Iain R. Webb: Bill Gibb: Fashion and Fantasy.

Iain R. Webb

The author himself was tucked away in a side room for the entirety of the event, signing books for old and new fans.

Daisy de Villeneuve, Anouchka Grose and guest

Next stop was The House of Masquerade, a collaborative event with Absolut Vodka and FBC board member, Daisy de Villeneuve.  A two-floor gallery in Shoreditch was transformed into a giant dressing-up box, decorated by our Daisy.  Her trademark, edgy pen drawings graced the walls, windows, and a few bits of furniture, and rails of vintage clothing and shelves of hats, scarves and masques were there courtesy of Covent Garden shop, Mint. 

James Harvey and William Jukes

Partygoers, including William Jukes and James Harvey from Pernod Ricard UK, the team from Elle Decoration, fashion blogger, Disneyrollergirl, and a man named Chihuahua, were treated to an extensive menu of vodka-based drinks and given full reign to try on anything in the shop, wear it around the party and take photos. 

Courtney Blackman and Sarah Hardy: Before

FBC editor and publisher and editor-in-chief of FASHION.MUSIC.STYLE, Sarah Hardy was there covering the event and here we are photographed on the lip sofa pre-dress up, and again in our vintage wares.

Courtney Blackman and Sarah Hardy: After

If you want to check out the shop, the 27th of October is the last day:  68-72 Redchurch Street, EC2.

Courtney Blackman Vice Chairman & Co-Founder

FBCers headed to Sketch for our September meeting where speaker, Lauretta Roberts chronicled her route to The Fashion Business Weekly. The accomplished editor of Drapers worked in journalism for ten years before being approached to make the renowned industry publication more business orientated.

Drapers, formerly titled Drapers Record, has been a bible to the fashion industry for 121 years and is now referred to as an ‘information brand’ by its publishers, rather than a…ahem…magazine. Lauretta clued in the FBC crowd and totally spilt the beans on how to gain coverage between their pages. A forward features list is available six weeks ahead of publication so it’s worth requesting to see if your brand fits the bill. News? Get it in by Monday at the latest as all goes to print on a Wednesday.

The Chairman, Alison Whelan, chatting with FBC members Kirstin Samuel, Phoebe Davison, and Charlene Campbell.

Next months meeting will be another gem for FBC members when board member Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, interviews Michael Herz of Aquascutum. The head of womenswear worked with the likes of Marc Jacobs at Iceberg and Alber Elbaz at Guy Laroche before joining the British luxury heritage brand. Non-members will be able to attend the meeting for a one-off fee of twenty pounds. For more information contact: hello@fashionbusinessclub.net

Venue: Sketch … Time: 3pm-4:30pm … Date: 27th November

If you are interested in attending, you can apply for membership by downloading the application form from the ‘HOW’ page on the FBC website.  Or you may attend as a guest for a one-off fee of £20, but must have at least 2 years of professional experience in the fashion industry.

See you there!

Sarah Hardy Editor

Lips by Sonia Rykiel 

A night of celebration in London’s Mayfair was on the FBC cards.  First stop was Sonia Rykiel on Brook Street.  Dumplings and salmon with guacamole were followed by mini ice cream cones, and a colourfully clad duo revealed club kid fashion designer, Emma Bell’s muse, Rosie.

Rosie Llewellyn and Julya

Next was a party at DKNY on Bond Street in collaboration with Grazia for Shop Pink Week, and a tropical theme was underscored by very loud, and very fun dance music.

Tropical Bartenders

Lots of industry people were there including FBC member, Karolina Kivimaki; Amanda Wakeley’s Head of Marketing, Mia Zackrisson; and Donna Karan’s VIP Sales Manager, Alex Bergholz-Gander.

Alex Bergholz-Gander

Just across the road, Salvatore Ferragamo played host to the last party of the evening and champagne and fruit martinis accompanied an incredible French chanteuse, Barbara Carlotti.

Lower Ground floor of Salvatore Ferragamo

Fashion writer and stylist, Lara Myall; fashion stylist, Shyla Hassan; FBC member and fashion editor of Dia Dawan, Karolina Kivimaki, and I ate our share of foie gras, then closed the party down with a bit of dancing.

Lara Myall, Shyla Hassan, Courtney Blackman, Karolina Kivimaki

Courtney Blackman Vice Chairman & Co-Founder

On Tuesday evening (30th) the inaugural Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards took place at the London Marriot Hotel in Grosvenor Square. The Awards celebrate the success and achievements of women working within the retail industry.

Gok Wan and Lauretta Roberts

The hilarious Ruby Wax had everyone cracking up as compère, Gok Wan sat in the audience, and our newest FBC Member, Lauretta Roberts, Editor of Drapers, presented the Young Female Retailer of the Year Award.

Lauretta Roberts presenting the award.

We sat at the Drapers table with Lauren Cleak, PR Director and Ruth Cozens, Art Director of my-wardrobe.com and Sue West, Retail Operations Director at Selfridges.  FBC Member, Claire Collins, Founder & Director of accessories label, Violet May London was also at the event, carrying one of her famous (see Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia and Elle McPherson!) gold python purses.

Claire Collins of Violet May London

Courtney Blackman Vice Chairman & Co-Founder