Fashion Business Club

Jonathan Saunders

It was a true success; ladies wore their pearls and studs, men wore their furs, and Jonathan Saunders brought himself and the knowledge he’s acquired in the fashion business over the past six years.

Gaining momentum with a 2004 Vogue cover, Saunders appreciates the help that the British press has had on his popularity in the United Kingdom. He said, “the British press acknowledges and appreciates UK designers…it’s our newness and the notion of us creating our work.”

Jonathan Saunders & Dolly Jones

Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, board member of FBC, and interviewer for FBC’s final 2009 meeting, was quick to ask Saunders whether the press had the influence to make or break a designer and his collection; Saunders reply: “You have to be aware of public perception, but if your too conscious of others, you loose your own vision.”

But the press aren’t the only people in a designer’s life who have a major impact on what he sells. Saunders antidotes of past relations with buyers made it clear to FBC how much he “[doesn’t] have to please everyone…but from loyal customers [learns] [his] own style range, a very specific style learned from [his buyers].”

With loyal customers, from the mid-lands of North America to the sandy shores of Dubai, Saunders interprets the different aesthetics of his consumers. And with all the High Street collaborations, Saunders believes in taking the most valuable knowledge from them. “It’s not a dumbing down, and not because it’s about making more money, but purely from what I’ve learned in the process.”

How does the man behind the fashion keep it all together? The Scotsman- and audience- laughed that whiskey had something to do with it. Of course, ambition was a close second.

Clare Morgan receives her CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ prize from Jonathan Saunders

We’ll be seeing Saunders more in the future as the designer has confirmed that he will be staying in the UK for the next fashion season. The designer also did the honour of selecting an FBC member for the raffle that Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Lounge offered. Clare Morgan, owner of Clamor Fashion Agency, went home with a £200 gift voucher to spend in the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ store. The rest of us took home Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ magazines. Taking into account all the glitz and the glamour of crystals and the invaluable knowledge that Saunders was able to bestow, it was a great closing for the year.

Jonathan Saunders and Dolly Jones (centre) with FBC co-founders and co-chairs, Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman

The next FBC meeting with be held on 28 January 2010 and FBC member and fashion & business expert Frances Card will be interviewing Liberty’s creative director, Tamara Salman, so save the date! In the meantime, Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

If you’re interested in joining FBC, please send an e-mail to our membership director, Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

Daniella Cagol Guest Editor

Photos by Dave Wise for FBC