FBC’s mission is to bring bright-minded, fashion business professionals together to listen, learn and do business together - and we love hearing the success stories.  FBC member, Alison Lowe, managing director of PR firm Felicities, has just won the account for the Fashion and Textile Museum through FBC member and commercial director of the museum, Alison Lewy.

“FBC gave us the fantastic opportunity of tendering to the Fashion and Textile Museum.  I met Alison Lewy, commercial director of FTM when she gave a talk at the FBC meeting in July of 2008, which lead us to winning the account.  Thanks, FBC!”  Alison Lowe, managing director, Felicities

Congratulations, Alisons and success to you both in the coming year!

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

What’s the sketch with Michael Herz? Our board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones, interviewed the head of womenswear design for luxury British heritage brand, Aquascutum, to find out just that.

Dolly Jones and Michael Herz

The designer with a flair for “fancy drawings” trained in womenswear before undertaking a course in menswear at the Royal College of Art. His motive for diversification? To avoid “cheating” his way through his degree with his knack for illustration. “I knew if I did menswear then I’d be forced to learn.”

“I remember being aged 14, sat in the garden with my mum and telling her that I wanted to go and live in Italy and Paris” he said, and so it was. Michael’s aim was never to create his own label or indeed go to work for the high street…because that would be “a job”. His dreams had wings and a foreign tongue, and so he found himself settled in a cosy Italian bubble working for designer brand, Iceberg. That was until Marc Jacobs came on the scene and shook things up. Working alongside Marc reminded him of the bigger picture and Michael soon got the urge to move on.

Following employment with Daniel Hechter (a great learning curve), Michael was headhunted by Alber Elbaz to assist him at Guy Laroche in Paris. Both positions set him in great stead for his return to London where he took the helm for womenswear at Aquascutum.

Michael feels priviliged to be in a job where he can do whatever he wants to be inspired, and declared that if he did have his own collection then it wouldn’t be too different to what he’s doing now…well maybe not as many coats. How does he follow-up on his recent ‘blue’ collection? Dolly asked. “By working in the dark” he replied. Yes, literally. The team turned off all the lights and walked around the studio with head lamps focusing on textures for next season. Hmm, a day in the life…

Dolly and Michael in the centre with FBC co-founders & co-chairs, Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman

Michael is now a member of FBC and if you have at least two years experience in the fashion industry then you can join too.  2009 speakers include Harold Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council; Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue; the Felder Felder duo, Kinarva Balfour, senior international editor of Daily Candy; and Diane von Furstenberg’s right-hand man and fashion designer, Nathan Jenden.

For information about membership, send an email to: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

Sarah Hardy Editor

Photos by Fabrice Lachant

FBC member, Felicities, the creative promotions agency, is expanding! Having just scooped a new showroom in Shoreditch, London offering PR services and showroom space to up and coming niche designers. Felicities offers new designers access to both media opportunities and stockist introductions through our established relationships with international press and buyers. They specialise in bespoke PR packages designed specifically to meet each client’s requirements. Clients include Afshin Feiz, J Smith Esquire, Molessa, Sophie Gittens and Couture Clubbing,

Felicities work on an open house basis, welcoming international stylists, press and buyers into our showroom Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm, with or without a formal appointment. We create a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that brands can be seen by the right people at the right time.

Call Alison Lowe on 020 7377 6030 or make a point of saying ‘Hi’ at our next FBC meeting on January 29th where Harold Tillman, owner of Jaeger will be interviewed by Lauretta Roberts, Editor Drapers.

Alison Whelan Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

Truffle is a British luxury womenswear label, founded in 2007 by FBC member, Sofia Strazzanti.

 “Discovery forms the foundation of my brand,” says Sofia. Silhouettes are kept simple and effortless and the concept of raw vs. luxury leads the design signature of a predominantly neutral colour palette inspired by woods and metals, vibrant gems and luxurious Italian fabrics.  London fashion royalty, Erin O’Connor is already a fan.

Last week Truffle partnered with Fashion Forward at an event in a Great Portland Street.  The evening was an overwhelming success. Guests, including Nicky Hambleton-Jones (donning Truffle), savoured bespoke Truffle craftsmanship, gourmet mini cheesecakes and chocolate tartlets.

Nicky Hambleton-Jones

FBC members are invited to sample the Truffle Experience:  A style consultation over a glass of champagne at a location of your choice, where founder and creative director, Sofia Strazzanti, will personally introduce you to the collection…with an added bonus of 15% off an exclusive bespoke creation. 

Contact Sofia on:  sofia@truffledesign.com

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

FBC member, Sabina Ali founded her label Motasem just last year and it is already making its debut at film premieres.

Leicester Square’s premiere of Twilight saw vampire-esque models floating down the black carpet in Motasem’s long, ivory Alaya and Aurora dresses from the bridal collection behind the film’s star, Robert Pattinson.

All of Motasem’s dresses are made-to-order in sizes 8 - 16, with prices starting from £350.  The range includes cocktail dresses, day-to-evening dresses and a bridal range, with a focus on understated glamour, feminine draping, fluid silky fabrics and quirky detailing.  

Lucky us, Sabina sells her dresses out of a studio from London’s Brick Lane and you can check out the Motasem website by visiting:  www.motasem.co.uk

Nice work, Sabina!

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairmain & Co-Founder

The creative team for Sapphires photography were recently in action on the rooftops of Birmingham to photograph British songstress Jamelia in her hometown.

Jamelia must be some kinda superstar…

The photos were taken as part of an ongoing celebrity portrait series for the Princes Trust.  The whole series will be auctioned off at an exclusive fashion event at Harvey Nichols - the official partner for the project - in Spring 09, to be hosted by Sapphires Model Management.

All the work was carried out completely in house by Sapphires and their team. We’ll have more details soon, but of course all our fellow FBC members will receive an invite!

Why not call Sapphires on the number below and see if they can help you with your catwalk show, look book, video or launch?

Contact FBC members Neely and Ian

Tel: 0844 884 5404

Fax: 0870 912 7563

E: neely@sapphiresmodel.com

www.sapphiresmodel.com

Alison Whelan Chairman & Co-founder