Thursday night saw FBC members turn out for the launch of Daisy Lowe for Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™jewellery collaboration, held in the newly opened store in central London. The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ lounge in Great Marlborugh Street is also the new home of the FBC and where the first meeting of the year (and 4th birthday) will kick off on January 28.  FBC’ers at the event included  FBC Co-Founder & Co-Chairman Courtney Blackman,  Marketing Operations Manager of Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Stine Brogaard and Frances Card, Managing Director of Frances Card Consultancy. The collection focuses on Daisy’s love of the earth, fire, water, wind and spirit, featuring a specially created five pointed star to represent these elements. I caught up with Daisy and got her personal thoughts on the collection.

“This is something that’s very special to me, to be here tonight and to have had the chance to create a range. I hope that you, and others like it. It’s nice for people to see me as a creative and not only as a model. I’m really proud of this collaboration”.

*With Daisy’s love of nature and the preservation of the environment, Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ will be donating 20% of the proceeds from the sale of EVERY piece of the collection to Climate Concern, a UK based charity that educates and empowers individuals about climate change.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout announces Hermione de Paula as the Merit Award winner for AW10. Hermione de Paula will show at Fashion Scout’s 8th season this February at the Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden.

“The Merit Award has been a highly successful launch pad for the first two winners – William Tempest & David Koma. Since their first shows both have captivated the attention of media, buyers and the public alike.” Martyn Roberts, Director, Vauxhall Fashion Scout & FBC Member

It’s not surprising that Hermione won the Merit Award.  I first saw her collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout as I was working on ‘Ones to Watch’ show September 09. Her prints are really beautiful and her clothes are so easy to wear. Her  S/S collection is available exclusively at Browns Focus.

-Rebekah Roy Fashion Stylist & FBC Editor

Catwalk images by Photographer Christopher Dadey

Bunty Stokes is a brand new FBC member and she’s also a fairly brand new employee at vente-privee.com. vente-privee.com is the pioneer of online event-based sales for members (launched in 2001), and Bunty has taken up the post of UK country sales manager to develop the market on this side of the Channel.

Bunty wanted FBC to understand what vente-privee.com was all about, so arranged for us to take a trip over to Paris and check out the operation.

A 6:55 departure from St. Pancras on the Eurostar deposited us in Paris where we were collected in black and pink vente-privee.com branded mini-buses and taken to their HQ.  There were rails and rails of clothes everywhere, and the first thing I noticed is that everyone is really friendly and cool - and quite young, with a workforce (1000+) average age of 31.

The Bear

Wire hanger sculpture and FBC member Rebekah Roy

Second, the art. I’m thinking of relocating to Paris and trying to get a job at vente-privee.com so I can look at the art all day: giant statues made from wire hangers, a small brown bear wielding rotary saws, skull coat hangers, and photographs and paintings galore!…and the CEO, Jacques-Antoine Granjon has really good hair and shoes.

Isabel Dexter (R) and I in the billiard area

The UK PR manager, Isabel Dexter (a French-speaking British transplant) introduced us to the multi-level building and it’s various departments. They have their own sound studios (5 of them) where they create original music for the trailers and films that they produce to market the sales. They have 18 photographic studios and are building 30, yes 30 more. We strolled by the buyers, met the sales co-ordinators, were fed an amazing lunch, then got to go to their warehouse: forklifts, palettes, box squishers, bar codes, and miles of high shelving.

The Warehouse

vente-prevee.com has 8 million members and about 1,000 join up in the UK everyday since it was launched.  They work with over 850 brands and their sales (offering 50%-70% off) last for 2 - 4 days. It’s super-easy to register, just log on and canoe yourself to a good deal (that will make sense when you visit the site): www.vente-privee.com

Sales co-ordinators for Britain

Meet Bunty at the next FBC meeting on the 26th of November where board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones is interviewing Browns buying director, Erin Mullaney along with fashion designer, Jonathan Saunders.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

Alexandra Shulman & Dolly Jones

‘If you really want to do something, you almost always get to’. Such was the advice from longstanding Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman during her interview by Vogue.com’s Dolly Jones, when the Fashion Business Club held court at the delectable One Alfred Place last week.

The down-to-earth Vogue editor with a sense for business spoke of her own childhood as the daughter of journalist parents and how journalism was the last thing in the world she wanted to do. Alexandra Shulman went on to tell how fashion has never been her primary focus and that although she was in the running to become the next Vogue editor after her editorship at GQ magazine, it was not until she read her name in the papers that she began to view herself as a serious contender for the position. ‘Now that I have it, though, I can’t think of a better job. It’s a privilege!’.

The Crowd

Shulman took over the post in April 1992 and is a focused editor keen to support British talent, but also tells how despite heading up fashion’s main bible, she is no expert on the subject.  ‘Its fascinating what the fashion editors see on the catwalk, because I see something completely different! I see a trouser and they refer it to something very specific’.  She adds that her appearance has been commented upon often, with people saying this is not quite how they expected the editor of Vogue to look. Her quick witted response? ‘I’ve been the editor of Vogue for the past 17 years, so this is what the editor of Vogue looks like!’.

Alexandra Shulman

During her time at Vogue, Shulman has had a significant impact on not just circulation figures, but also on the role the magazine plays. Shulman says that when she took over the reigns, there was no depth as to how much she did not know, yet it was also a challenge for her to move from the male dominated GQ offices to the Vogue HQ, a challenge which has amongst others seen her awarded with an OBE. She strove hard to make Vogue the important fashion bible it is today, fighting off fears of flying, not having enough dedicated time for her family and more frustratingly, criticism from the outside world of the impact of fashion on contemporary culture. She herself says that fashion has become a sort of whipping post for so much contemporary culture –such as the body image debates, but seeing as she is a woman who enjoys a good debate, she is not afraid to stand her ground.

Cocosa’s editor, Fiona Harkin, Cocosa’s brand director, Frances Card and Liberty’s creative director, Tamara Salman

Of the future of the fashion magazine, the Vogue editor admits that this truly is the big question which is currently being debated everywhere. Shulman believes there is a lot to be learnt from the newspaper world which is currently in quite a catastrophic state. ‘It’s all online and everything is available for free, yet it’s not making any money. I myself am a magazine junkie and I like to have something to hold in my hands, yet I’m aware that we need to focus our thoughts on answering the question, ‘What can we do that you can’t get online?’. She believes there will be some casualties, but that there will still be a place for Vogue.  

Fred&Ginger’s founder and creative director, Victoria Holt

As for the impact of the economic downturn on the industry, Shulman says, ‘LFW was really brilliant last time – one of the best. Is that coincidence or not?’. She adds that London designers and brands have often had limited budgets to work with, but that it is all about talent and making a mark. ‘Difficult times make people think differently. Its exciting!’.

FBC’s co-founder and co-chairman, Alison Whelan with fashion designer, Jens Laugesen

And her advice to budding designers? ‘Don’t forget it is a business, so a partnership between business and creativity is essential.  Find a partner early on who can help you do this – many of today’s big names had help with their business plans’. She adds that it is also important to have a clear vision about what you are trying to design and to remember that things don’t happen overnight.  She advises people not to define themselves by their job, saying that we don’t ever get to have it our whole lives and it would be devastating to loose what defines you.  She herself is all to aware that she will not be Vogue editor forever, but already plans to write a book and spend more time in the garden.  

Anne-Louise Fogtmann Guest Editor

Photos by Dave Wise

There’s no stopping us at Fashion Business Club, and we’re pleased to announce that Drapers, the premier trade magazine in the UK for the fashion business, is now our official media partner.  This means  FBC members will receive the latest copy of Drapers magazine at each of the six annual meetings, and there will be some serious content sharing going on, so members, prepare yourselves for editorial exposure.

The partnership comes just in time to celebrate FBC’s most talked about event to date:  Vogue on Vogue, where Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue will be interviewed by Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, on the 26th of March at One Alfred Place.

“This is a great example of a win-win situation.  And just another reason why Drapers are the No. 1 industry magazine - they’re great at spotting new talent and supporting fashion business initiatives - namely FBC.” – Alison Whelan, Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

For more details about Fashion Business Club visit:  www.fashionbusinessclub.net
For more information on Drapers visit:  www.drapersonline.com

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

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

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

FBC Committee meeting at Automat

Regine Mowill, Rebekah Roy, Sarah Hardy, Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman

On Friday 14th November the entire FBC committee descended on Automat in Dover Street to talk shop.  Working hard behind the scenes over a hot and hearty breakfast we discussed the next meeting:

- which is potentially over subscribed (so get there early!)

- said thanks to Drapers who are putting free mags on chairs (so get there early!)

- decided the £20 fee on the door for visitors is redeemable against a years membership (offer ends Dec 08)

- introduced Rita Nazareno, our new membership coordinator

- decided to ask members for a blog interview by sending out 5 questions and posting answers 

- agreed we were all doing fabulously well in our own businesses since joining FBC!

Sarah Hardy’s shoes on the Automat tiles

We all had far too much coffee and whizzed out the door for some serious fashion play for the rest of the day.  See you all Thursday 27th November, 3-4.30pm at Sketch, from all of us.

Alison Whelan Chairman & Co-Founder