London Fashion Week marked it’s 25th anniversary and FBC members were there to celebrate, and of course fulfill their various business functions as journalists, stylists, buyers, exhibitors, producers, PRs, and even as a judge.

Jimmy Ho and Karolina Kivimaki

The event kicked off on Friday the 20th and the first FBCers I spotted were Harold Tillman, who as the Chairman of the British Fashion Council, opened the event; World Domination Visionaire (yes, it really says that on his business card), Jimmy Ho, and fashion editor, Karolina Kivimaki.  Jimmy was donning the new micro-trend: the bow tie…although I think he may have sparked the trend, as I recall him in one at an event last July.  Karolina has friends in good places and is always impeccably dressed in their wears.  Her yellow jacket was stunning.

Daisy de Villeneuve

Illustrator and FBC Board member, Daisy de Villeneuve was spotted outside the tents amidst a storm of flashes.  She was there for a photo call for the series of travel wallets, t-shirts and mugs that she was hired to design to commemorate 25 years of the British Fashion Council.  Daisy was also spied at the Twenty8Twelve dinner sharing a table with Matthew Williamson and Sienna Miller, and schmoozing around with Keira Knightley at the Lula Magazine and Luella after-show dinner.

Nana Aganovich

Nana Aganovich popped into the press room at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout along with Aganovich’s Director and fellow FBC member, Brooke Taylor.  Note, she too is sporting a bow tie.

Anne Look

Anne Look was everywhere everyday, recognisable by her very unique style.  She and I had a little chat and deduced that her look is wholly identifiable, but indescribable.  If anyone can sum it up, please let us know.

Martyn Roberts

I saw Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Directors, Martyn Roberts and John Walford on a daily basis and on day 2, caught Martyn in a very chilled out manner, enjoying a beer.  This is after all the tech problems had been ironed out and all was going to plan.  I also saw Hatty Stevens, Managing Director of Harriet Maria almost on a daily basis, and Louisa Hetherington, Senior Legal Advisor for Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.

Alison Whelan and Kate Faithful

FBC’s Co-Founder & Co-Chairman, Alison Whelan was unknowingly seated next to Kate Faithful in a fat suit at a show conducting a Fashion Week experiment.  Read all about it in the Mail Online.

Rebekah Roy, Alison Lowe, Courtney Blackman and Shyla Hassan

We were able to unite 4 FBC members at the J. Smith Esquire millinery showcase at On|Off, run by FBC member, Lee Lapthorne.  Fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy; Felicities Managing Director, Alison Lowe; me and fashion stylist, Shyla Hassan took a moment for a group photo.  Outside the exhibit, I saw that Shyla was wearing a lovely Hannah Marshall dress, standing next to a mannequin also in Hannah Marshall.

Shyla Hassan

The Aquascutum show was a huge success, and  Michael Herz, Head of Womenswear Design was enveloped in a media frenzy post-show backstage.  I snuck back and had a quick chat with the striking Alek Wek (I know one of her many sisters), who closed the show.

Michael Herz

Courtney Blackman and Alek Wek

Claire Collins showed her gorgeous collection of business accessories under her label Violet May at The Metropolitan and was trying to make a sly getaway, but my camera and I stopped her.

Claire Collins

Always a ladies man, Jimmy Ho was accompanying S.C. Vizcarra’s Special Projects Manager and FBC membership coordinator, Rita Nazareno around the Pink Drinks Party at The Met.

Rita Nazareno and Jimmy Ho

Annette and Daniela Felder of cult label, Felder Felder, were showing in the New Gen section at The Exhibition.  They are going to be our guest speakers on the 28th of May.

Annette and Daniela Felder

Victoria Holt showcased her beautiful new autumn winter collection as part of The Lingerie Collective.  It was a commercial triumph and her label, Fred&Ginger was bought in by Selfridges, Fenwick, Apartment C, and My Sugarland.

Victoria Holt

The Fashion and Textile Museum’s Alison Lewy made quick rounds through The Exhibition, then had to dash off to Manchester.

Alison Lewy

Freelance stylist, writer and consultant, Navaz Batliwalla was everywhere and set up a second home in the press room at The Exhibition.

Navaz Batliwalla

New FBC member and Brand Director at Cocosa, Frances Card was snapped wearing a Louis Mariette headpiece at the V&A party…which was the best party of the week in my opinion, as they had a mini candy store set up in one corner with all the chocolates, marshmallows, lemon tarts and doughnuts one could eat.

Frances Card

Taking a break this season, Regine Mowill’s clothes were off the catwalk and she was on the party circuit.  Both she and couture designer, Saint-Hill were enjoying cocktails at the British Fashion Council’s International Party.

Regine Mowill and Saint-Hill

Closing the week, FBC Board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones was one of the judges for the 2009 FAD competition alongside William Tempest and Paul Costelloe.

William Tempest, Dolly Jones and Paul Costelloe

See you all on the 26th of March, when Dolly will be interviewing Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

“A non-busy man is a dull man,” said Harold Tillman, “and I’m being inspired by everything I do, all of the time…I just hope that I can impart some of my experience on others.”

Harold Tillman is indeed a busy man…and has been for sometime. He first made his mark in the swinging sixties after joining a menswear supplier on Great Portland Street. He persuaded his employer to allow him to produce a collection of ‘Beatle’ jackets and hipster trousers in strong plaid checks that they took to Carnaby Street. This grew to become the largest part of the business and ultimately Harold ended up owning the company.

2009 sees 25 years of London Fashion Week, 25 years of the British Fashion Council and 125 years of Jaeger. “I’m sort of in between those ages,” declared Harold, owner of Jaeger and chairman of the BFC.

Harold Tillman and Lauretta Roberts

Harold, interviewed by FBC member and Drapers editor, Lauretta Roberts at One Alfred Place, spoke of his inspiration for the fashion business, his involvement with the British Fashion Council, “I want to create an interest for designers to show in London,” and answered questions from the floor.

“Can I phone a friend?” He answered with a smile when asked what price you can put on quality in the current economic climate. Although he did go on to say that it depends on one’s walk of life, “If you love it, you’ll pay anything for it.”

“I have a business today that can sustain this recession. Its a strong brand but its not a huge business,” said Harold, “it’s not the end of the world. I’m sure all of us who leave here today will go and do what we would of done six months ago.”

Lauretta Roberts and Harold Tillman with Co-Founders, Courtney Blackman and Alison Whelan

If you missed out on the FBC meeting with Harold then fear not, and keep your eyes peeled. We’ll be soon be posting a video of the interview, so watch this space!

Sarah Hardy Editor

Photographs by Dave Wise

The British Fashion Council is celebrating its 25th birthday this coming Fashion Week, and FBC member and world-renowned fashion illustrator, Daisy de Villeneuve, has had her trademark felt tip pens out to commemorate the occasion.  Daisy has teamed up with Transport for London and designed a special edition series of travelcard wallets, t-shirts and mugs.  Capturing the best of London’s street style, Daisy’s designs feature 3 boys and 3 girls from all over the capital:  Ladbroke Grove, Tottenham, South Kensington, Kings Cross and Brixton.

I just bagged myself the travelcard wallet (my Oyster card needed a style makeover), as well as the Oxford Circus skinny t-shirt, and I’m hoping I have them in time to tote around London Fashion Week.

The collection is part of Transport for London’s new online gift shop.  Get your Daisy de Villeneuve goods here:  Daisy de Villeneuve designs for London Fashion Week

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

FBC’s Rebekah Roy has a full schedule for London Fashion Week.  Along with attending the shows to blog for both Drapers, and her own site, Stylist Stuff, Rebekah will be styling on Friday, Saturday and Monday.

On Friday evening, Rebekah will be styling the Ones To Watch at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout, run by two other FBC members, Martyn Roberts and John Walford, set up to drive emerging talent.

The Ones to Watch will include migh-T by Kumiko Watari, Lu Flux, Alice Palmer and Studio_805.

William Tempest Pre-Autumn

On the Saturday, Rebekah will be doing the Romeo Pires show, an Anglo-Brazilian duo who’s stockists stretch from the UK to Japan to Brazil including ASOS and Topshop; and on Monday, Rebekah will be styling the William Tempest show.  Already a media darling (Vogue.com, Grazia, The Telegraph, ES Magazine, Sunday Times Style, The Independent, etc.), William trained under Giles Deacon and Jean Charles de Castelbajac, and has been taken under Donatella Versace’s fashion wing.

Rebekah Roy

“London is still the place to find the best creative talent and I’m thrilled to be working with some of the new names who will be driving the industry forward,” says Roy who is a leading fashion stylist, writer and trend forecaster.

For more details on the shows, visit:  Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

FBC member Victoria Holt and her sophisticated, 1950’s inspired intimate apparel company, Fred&Ginger are exhibiting for the first time at London Fashion Week for the autumn winter 2009/10 season.

Victoria is grouping up with a handful fellow designers and will be showing as part of The Lingerie Collective.

I met up with Victoria, who arrived at my offices wearing very lovely shoes and carrying vintage red suitcase (the official Fred&Ginger transporter) filled with her beautiful new collection.

Victoria Holt

Victoria spent years as senior designer at Jenny Packham and launched Fred&Ginger in 2007. Her luxurious, complementary men’s and women’s ranges are stocked all over the globe including Selfridges in London.

Fred&Ginger is wholly designed and manufactured in the UK using French silk satins, crinkle chiffons, Chantilly lace, and Swarovski crystals for the girls, with the addition of English cottons and Swiss jersey for the boys.

See Fred&Ginger at The Exhibition at London Fashion Week
Stand U50
Natural History Museum
Saturday 21st February - Tuesday 24th February 2009
10am - 6pm
To make an appointment with Victoria, send a note to: contact@fred-and-ginger.com

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

FBC members, Ian and Keely of Sapphires Model Management have been celebrity hunting again and this time spent what sounds like a hooting New Year in Paris photographing Australian actor and bona fide gorgeous person, Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen) for their Princes Trust charity celebrity portrait project.

Adam Garcia looking mod-dy       

Sapphires specialise in putting together entire shoots in-house with their own team of published photographers and professional models.  The team love working closely with clients to develop their briefs in ways that will maximise the effectiveness of their campaigns, and in the current climate it’s good to know that their rates are always competitive!

If you’d like to have a chat about how professional models and imagery can benefit your brand, give Ian or Neely a ring on 0844 884 5404 or email contact@sapphiresmodel.com

Alison Whelan

Co-chairman & Co-founder

Issie Gibbons is a brand spanking new FBC member and has a fantastic burgeoning business.

Issie is ½ of a company called ShootUK, who produces fashion, music and video shoots, organising everything from creative direction to management and logistics.  Issie and her partner started producing in April of 2008, and became a limited company in January of this year.

Issie and Harriet, who have know each other since they were 15, are equal shareholders and Issie makes up the creative side, formulating the concept for shoots, overseeing the production design, hiring the creative team, and doing the styling.  She previously worked as a stylist for film, TV, fashion editorial, music video and commercial shoots, so knows her trade very well.

Any exciting projects coming up?
Music promos with up-and-coming bands – mainly dance and soul groups.  We recently did a video for Man Like Me, an electro pop band from North London, and we’re currently working on a video for jazz singer Cecilia Stalin, who’s a regular at Ronnie Scott’s.

Is is ever difficult working with a friend?
It isn’t difficult as we have similar ideas and ways of approaching things, and we’re both easy going, but we do have to limit the amount of social time we spend together or we would drive each other mad!

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

London’s Fashion and Textile Museum has just launched an exhibition dedicated to Swedish Fashion and in conjunction, the Ambassador of Sweden, Staffan Carlsson hosted a panel discussion called ‘Facing Fashion’s Future’ at the Residence on Portland Place.  Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden welcomed the group of 40 or so designers, students, and industry insiders to the talk and FBC members dotted the audience.  Alison Lewy, Commercial Director of the Fashion and Textile Museum; Angelika Huwiler, Press Officer of Zovala Ltd; and Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council and Owner of Jaeger were all there.  I sat beside the very charming and talented, Jacques Azagury (and got the inside scoop on the eponymous fragrance he’s launching - look out for jasmine in March).

Alison Lewy and Harold Tillman

The panelists spanned from media to design to education and of course the state of the economy was discussed, along with business infrastructure, the parallels between London Fashion Week and the two, yes two, Fashion Weeks in Sweden, and how the credit crunch will effect design. A lot of topics were touched on in a short time, but definitive thoughts were that consumers are not going to want “safe” designs, smaller companies have the advantage to adapt quicker to change and be more innovative in a downturn, and that Swedish fashion isn’t all about clean lines and function - there is some serious creativity being spun out from our Scandanavian neighbours to the north.

Angelika Huwiler with a representative from the Swedish Embassy

The audience got the opportunity to question the panel, but my favourite came from FBC’s Angelika Huwiler. She posed it straight to Crown Princess Victoria and asked her if she supported Swedish fashion, which of course she does, but can’t always wear the more creative pieces on “official” business. She made an open plea to Sweden’s designers to please keep her in mind when they’re designing their collections.

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder

SAMPLE SALE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13th 12-8PM. FREE ENTRY.

1st FLOOR STUDIO, 23 HENEAGE STREET, E1 5LJ

(JUST OFF BRICK LANE AND 5 MINS FROM LIVERPOOL ST STATION)

It’s all part of being in the FBC - Kate Tailyour is having a sample sale with HUGE discounts across S/S & A/W, sizes 8-14. You know it’s the only smart way to beat the credit crunch and maintain your indie designer principles. A short stroll in high heels from Liverpool Street tube and entry is free.

Any questions? Email RSVP contact@katetailyour.co.UK. Spread the word and pass onto friends.

Alison Whelan

Co-Chairman and Co-Founder