Fashion Business Club

Never let it be said that FBC isn’t ultra-glam – as FBC members walked into Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ for the Edward Enninful meeting, they were confronted by a large group of paparazzi!  We later learned that they were there to snap a certain supermodel tipped to be in the audience…

Meeting supermodels was certainly not on the agenda.  We were without question in attendance to hear the talented Edward Enninful take his turn in the FBC hot seat.

Michael Herz & Edward Enninful

FBC’s very own Magnús Magnússon for the afternoon was longtime Fashion Business Club member and creative director of womenswear at Bally, Michael Herz, who conducted the interview as the duo talked about Edward’s road to international success.

FBC co-founders Alison Whelan & Courtney Blackman with Edward Enninful & Michael Herz

Starting out from humble beginnings in west London, Edward has gone from a working as a teenage model for Pepe Jeans (!), to one of the world’s most in demand stylists. He’s styled countless commercials and catwalk shows, editorials with Italian, British and American Vogue and not to mention – of course – his role as the longest ever creative director of iconic fashion magazine i-D.

The path wasn’t easy for Edward.  His father had plans for his son to study law, so the news that Edward had decided to become a stylist wasn’t exactly met with open arms.  Luckily for Edward though, fortune came in the form of Terry Jones of i-D fame, who saw the spark of creative brilliance in the young 18-year-old and handed him the title of fashion editor at the magazine.  For the young lad from Ladbroke Grove it was certainly a culture shock; one minute he was styling shoots with his friends for fun and the next minute he found himself on a train bound for Paris to write the new season collection reports!

Success, of course, has its downside and Edward does confess that being away from home so many months a year and living in hotels can get him down, not to mention that being a stylist can be quite a lonely job.  Then again, he balances these downsides with the enviable fact that through his work he can “realise whatever’s on his mind,” something very few people in the world have the creative freedom to do.  For Edward, who has now “made it” in every sense, he is in the enviable position of being able to work exclusively with clients who inspire him, not to mention his soft spot for styling shows. “I always have a lot of fun at shows!”

For all budding stylists out there – and pretty much anyone in the creative industries for that matter -  hoping to one day attain the same success, Edward’s advice is simply, “Don’t give up.  It may take you ten years to make any money…but if you’re only in it to make money then you’re in the wrong career.”  As for developing one’s talents the answer is to, “Keep testing, testing, testing!  The more you style the better you get!”

Surprisingly for a man who has made his living styling pages of magazines, Edward is also a big advocate of the Internet.  “Everybody can be a star now,” he enthused quoting Andy Warhol. “The Internet allows more and more people to express their individuality.”  When quizzed whether or not he was happy about the Internet’s potential to replace magazines, he answered that, “everything that moves fashion on is great.” Wise words indeed!

Edward Enninful with FBC member and founder of Style News, Charlene Campbell

Edward has built a reputation for himself across the world as graceful and softly spoken with the ability to bring an air of elegance to anything he touches.  Listening to him speak it, becomes clear that his reputation is well deserved as he fielded questions from Michael and the audience.  He wasn’t even phased when FBC co-founder Alison Whelan, tongue firmly in cheek, asked him what his day rate was! “Ask my agent,” was his reply!

FBC board member Daisy de Villeneuve with stylist and fashion writer Marian Kihogo

So what of the man who has travelled across continents for photo shoots and worked in all of the world’s fashion capitals?  Isn’t he ever tempted to throw in the towel and leave our fair, albeit overcast, isle for the bright lights of the USA or the rolling sun drenched fields of Italy?  “London will always be home,” he confessed, “the things we learn about fashion in London can’t be learnt anywhere else, fashion is a real form of self-expression here.” Scanning a room full of FBC members, I’m inclined to say I agree!

Photos by: Venetia van Hoorn Alkema

FBC’s guest photographer Venetia van Hoorn Alkema snapped up in her studio

The latest addition to FBC’s long list of creative contributors is photographer Venetia van Hoorn Alkema. Venetia received her first photography tastings when her father gave her a Pentax for her 15th birthday. She honed her style in Paris at the Photographic Institute and went on to pursue a career in fashion photography. A background in Art History means she still loves shooting fine art and had her first solo exhibition in May of this year featuring images from this genre. Venetia also turns her hand to fashion styling, working on everything from music videos to car advertisements.

Venetia will be FBC’s guest photographer for the upcoming FBC event when globally renowned stylist and creative director of i-D Magazine, Edward Enninful will be interviewed by FBC member and creative director of Bally, Michael Herz.

“I am looking forward to shooting my first FBC event. FBC is quite possibly London’s most important fashion business platform. I admire and support FBC’s ethos of togetherness, and as a young fashion photographer, I am honoured that my talent has been both endorsed and recognised by Courtney and Alison, co-founders of FBC.”

There has been much talk amongst my fashion industry clients about last month’s Budget. Although the majority of people I spoke to expected this VAT increase the 20% rise will undoubtedly hinder the high street.  However, retailers are not as panicked because they have inherited a system to deal with this from the previous recession. The government has also offered respite  by delaying its implementation until January 2011.

People are also feeling positive on the 1% increase in employers’ NI being offset by the increase in the threshold (up by £21 per week from April 2011), and on the reduction in corporation tax rates kicking off in April 2011. Further, the Capital Gains Tax increase is not as high as was generally expected (increase to 28% for higher rate payers), whilst gains qualifying for entrepreneurs’ relief continue to be taxed at 10% with the lifetime limit being increased from £2m to £5m.

Although there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel people and businesses remain cautious of the hard times ahead.  These challenging years have repositioned customer services to the forefront. And, fashion has always placed the customer at the heart of any of its business ventures. As a business woman I would suggest we make an example of the recent Armani collection at Couture Fashion Week- it personifies the key ingredients of a successful business ‘fluidity and flexibility’ during these tough times.

Natasha Frangos FBC member  is a partner at chartered accountant at Haysmacintyre.

FBC member and founder & editor-in-chief of The Business of Fashion, Imran Amed interviewed Net-a-Porter’s Natalie Massenet, with his iPad of course, as part of his initiative: Fashion Pioneers – and pioneer is not a word he takes lightly. At a sold out event, filmed and streamed live globally from Net-a-Porter’s HQ, Imran delved into the making of the world’s most famous online luxury retailer.

What started as a 5-person operation out of an artist studio in Chelsea ten years ago is now a global operation that Natalie considers both a luxury fashion business and a technology business with a tech team that she considers “the brain hub” of the company. The online retailer has been profitable sine 2004 and has over 650 employees. The brand reached the greatest mark of success earlier this year: being purchased by luxury group, Richemont for £225 million, allowing its shareholders to realise their investments, and then some. Quite an achievement for a woman who said, “I never in a million years thought I would be an entrepreneur, certainly not a business one.” Natalie did assure us that despite the acquisition, Net-a-Porter is still very much independent.

Net-a-Porter’s offices are contemporary and clean – a manifestation of Natalie’s imagination for a media company where she “visualised a large white space with lots of young people working and smiling.” She has blazed a trail in what is the most successful means of retail sales, and in the beginning was “always confident in the business plan more than her own abilities,” and recalled the early years when people would see her at shows and say, “that’s that girl doing that funny website.”

There was a buzz in the room about the launch of Mr. Porter – the counterpart of the female-focused Net-a-Porter. The new mens site has been well researched and will be an online space for great style, with changes in tone of voice, navigation and packaging to suit the male shopper, and hopefully attract gift-buying women.

Imran Amed & Natalie Massenet

Natalie did tip off the audience with a few secrets on how to get on the site as a supplier:

1. Never try to go the personal route through her husband, friends or mother. It’s business.

2. Don’t crash her computer with large files.

3. Use catchy subject lines and include visuals (just not big ones per above)

4. Illustrate how you differentiate yourself from similar brands and how Net-a-Porter would tell your story.

5. Be persistent. Net-a-Porter is unpredictable. One day they may reject your brand, the next day they may love it.

Coming from a content background as a magazine editor, Natalie has expertly fused commerce with content, and considers herself an editor more than a buyer saying, “a successful retailer will think like an editor.” Three simple words of wisdom: “follow the consumer.” Women are working. They are not out lunching. They are behind screens and that’s where they shop now…and it’s evolving from computers to mobiles and iPads, so think applications as well as websites – which are the “most powerful tool for global consumers.” During the interview Net-a-Porter actually launched its new iPad application, which is a weekly magazine with purchasing capability, filled with rich video content and overlays. They are looking for feedback, so if you purchase the application, do let them know what you think.

Imran Amed with FBC blog editor & fashion stylist Rebekah Roy

On social media: Natalie is a big supporter as it “drives business.” Net-a-Porter has an affiliate programme of 430 bloggers and websites that have been handpicked to drive traffic and sales, and if companies are not using social media, “they’re missing out.”

Oh, and our favourite part of the evening was when Natalie countered Imran saying that he was inspirational, and after the talk admitted she does not enjoy public speaking, but really believes in Imran’s business, so did it for him. FBC thinks Imran is inspirational too. Well done, Imran!

Neely Reyes (centre) and Ian Warren (far right) with models and staff

FBC‘ers turned out in their fashion finery on Wednesday night as fellow members and managing partners of Sapphires Model Management hosted their London launch party in the Billiard Room of the Sanderson.

The event was packed thick with with the industry’s finest from Sapphires’ Neely Reyes and Ian Warren to models, fashion stylists and editors, film directors, designers and artists.

Daisy de Villeneve & Neely Reyes

Amongst the guests were FBC members: Rita Nazareno, FBC membership director & special projects manager of S.C. Vizcarra; Daisy de Villeneuve, FBC board member, illustrator, designer & writer; Courtney Blackman, FBC co-chair and MD of Forward PR; Giovanna Velasquez, founder & creative director of Magenta 8; Rebekah Roy, FBC blog edior, fashion stylist & creative director; Daniella Steadman, FBCtv’s new producer and executive producer of fashion & beauty at Love; Frances Card, merchandise manager at Matches & Drapers blogger; Sam Fearn, MD of Fearnhurst PR & founder of Fashion Press Week; Martyn Roberts & John Walford of Vauxhall Fashion Scout; myself, Anne Look, fashion stylist and blogger; and Rachael Sardelich, head of fashion & beauty at Morgans Hotels.

Rebekah Roy & John Walford

The two-hour event, commemorating the opening of Sapphires’ Soho office, spilled over into nearly five hours as guests chatted to background music mixed by internationally renowned DJ, Jeffrey Louis-Reed and sipped cocktails made from Aussie Spirits’ Vodka O & Kinky Rum, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Guests countered the cocktails with Mojito, chocolate-banana and coconut-lime cupcakes from Sweetie Darling’s (the Mojito cupcake was possibly the best). The VIP gift bags were overflowing with beauty products, drinks, sumptuous vouchers, a lovely handwritten scroll from Neely and Ian, and even clothes!

DJ Jeffrey Louis-Reed with Anne Look & Rachael Sardelich

Neely and Ian were delighted at the overwhelming turnout. “We’re very grateful to have the support of so many leading industry figures,” says Neely, “Sapphires’ move to Soho is a big step for the company and we can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes us.”

Congratulations, Neely & Ian!

FBC member Britt Lintner was featured in the Times and is celebrating.  They’re offering an extra 10% off sale items this weekend  (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). They’re open from 10am – 7pm and by appointment on Saturdays. For more information contact  studio@brittlintner.com / 0207 6104070.

FBC is delighted to welcome FBC member Daniella Steadman as the newest addition to the FBC Committee. Daniella is the executive producer of fashion and beauty for The Love Commercial Production Company and will be taking over the creative and technical role of FBCtv producer.

The Love Production Company is London’s leading fashion & beauty creative agency, representing an ever growing and highly-acclaimed talent base of international directors, photographers, interactive and digital content creators. Love works across all platforms and includes Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, Puma, YSL amongst their roster of clients.

Daniella Steadman

Daniella will be leading a team in the making of FBC’s popular meeting interviews, which are aired on FBC’s media partner VOGUE.COM’s VOGUE TV. Co-founders Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman will continue to serve as executive producers.

FBCtv established in March 2009 is a growing sub-company within FBC Limited and is committed to further promoting the unique qualities of FBC – namely bringing fashion professionals together to share ideas and information around inspirational speakers.

Alison will also still act as FBCtv director, saying, “FBCtv is delighted to be working with Love – further establishing our commitment to working with and promoting our members. FBC is growing fast – and from the look of Love’s client base, I’d say we were in good company – quite literally.‘

The Edward Enninful/Michael Herz meeting on Thursday the 29th of July will be Daniella’s first meeting in her new role. “The Love Commercial Production Company is delighted and most privileged to be collaborating with Fashion Business Club – a members’ club that has attracted some of the brightest, biggest, and most inspirational minds in business, fashion, and creativity.” Daniella Steadman

Welcome aboard, Daniella!

If you would like to get in touch with Daniella for your own film project, send her an email to: daniella@hellolove.tv

FBC would like to say a BIG thanks to Guy, James and Brendan of 3 Angry Men for all their great work at all previous FBC meetings.

For details about the Edward Enninful/Michael Herz meeting, contact: Rita for membership: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net or Penelope for press: press@fashionbusinessclub.net

FBC is pleased to be  an official partner of  international Fashion Press Week, created by FBC member and managing director of Fearnhurst PR, Samantha Fearn.

The event, which will showcase Spring/Summer 2011 collections, aims to give press access to an extensive range of product categories from participating designers, bridge and high street brands, department store groups and many more.

Participating brands are approved by the Fashion Press Week panel that includes FBC’s own co-founder & co-chairman Courtney Blackman. Both Courtney and FBC co-founder & co-chairman Alison Whelan jointly state “Fashion Business Club fully supports Fashion Press Week, an exciting idea designed to encourage professionals in the fashion industry to work together – it’s the heart of everything we believe in at FBC.”

Fashion Press Week launches on 3-4 November 2010 and will be held at the Saatchi Gallery.

FBC members interested in participating at Fashion Press Week can apply via www.fashionpressweek.com.

FBC would like to congratulate Alison Whelan, Co-Chairman & Co-Founder of FBC on her new position with Burberry as Head of Copy. Alison has worked in the fashion industry for over 18 years and her clients include Levi’s, Liberty, Paul & Joe Beaute, Tank Magazine/Tank Forum, Swarovski, Vente-Privee and many others.

Alison is looking forward to working with Sarah Manley, SVP Marketing & Communications: “Burberry is a wonderful, British heritage brand – infused with all the credentials one would expect from a luxury brand; what makes it unique in my mind is the vision of Christopher Bailey and Angela Ahrendts combined with the creativity and dedication of their team. I am delighted to now be part of that team.  Unofficially, it’s been great to bag a role with a luxury fashion brand even my family have heard of!”

Edward Enninful

On July 29th globally acclaimed stylist and creative director of i-D Magazine, Edward Enninful will be interviewed by FBC member and newly appointed creative director of Bally, Michael Herz, who is looking forward “to stepping into the role of interviewer for long-time friend, colleague and industry inspiration.”

FBC members can look forward to hearing about Enninful’s meteoric rise in fashion – from being spotted on a train at 16 by Simon Foxton, appointed creative director of i-D just two years later at age 18, to still being the most sought-after stylist after over two decades in the industry.

We’ll find out how the role of a stylist has evolved in his experience, and get the inside scoop on what is has been like working with Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Craig McDean, Kate Moss, Terry & Tricia Jones, Anna Wintour, and Grace Coddington amongst so many others.

Courtney Blackman, co-founder and co-chairman of FBC says, “Welcoming our first stylist, and a legendary one at that, to the high stool at Swarovski, I’m fascinated to hear Edward’s story brought to life by one of my favourite people of all time, Michael Herz…and of course we’re all hoping Edward will divulge some silly behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of ‘The September Issue.‘”

Edward Enninful interviewed by Michael Herz will take place exclusively on July 29^th at FBC’s partner venue Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ at 3:00 pm.

Members can RSVP for this event by sending an email to: rsvp@fashionbusinessclub.net

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member or attending the event as a guest, send an email to our membership director, Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

If you are relevant press and are interested in covering the event, please contact our press director Penelope Sacorafou: penelope@fashionbusinessclub.net

In association with media partner: VOGUE.COM