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.”

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

A review and FBCtv’s edit of our last meeting which featured Matthew Williamson co-founder and CEO, Joseph Velosa interviewed by FBC member and editor of The Business of Fashion, Imran Amed is now available to watch exclusively on The Business of Fashion website.

Join us on Thursday the 29th of July at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ where one of the world’s most renowned stylists and creative director of i-D magazine, Edward Enniful will be interviewed by FBC member and newly appointed creative director of Bally, Michael Herz.

Membership Enquiries: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

Press Enquiries: press@fashionbusinessclub.net

FBC co-founders Alison Whelan (L) and Courtney Blackman (R) with Joseph Velosa and Imran Amed

Amidst the crystal beads and magnificent showcase of sparkly eye candy at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store & Café, sat a group of fashionistas, PR gurus, stylists, photographers, boutique owners and fashion editors. There was a buzz in the room as Joseph Velosa and Matthew Williamson took to their seats. Matthew sat elegantly poised in the front row in his signature style whilst his business partner, Joseph Velosa, had us captivated by his eloquence and clean–cut charm.

Imran Amed, FBC member and editor and co-founder of The Business of Fashion and Luxury Society, conducted the interview with stylish aplomb. Imran’s carefully considered interview questions directed at Joseph were enlightening and gave us a rare glimpse into the brand we have grown to love and associate with exotic charm and embellished glamour. We learnt about the brand’s overwhelming passion for retail, the spin-off collaborations with the likes of High Street giant H&M, future ventures with Bulgari and the imminent menswear collection. Joseph talked about bricks and mortar and the challenges of offering a customer experience on the net. He stressed the importance of brand-building and the value of partnership. He spoke about the impact of Matthew Williamson returning to the runway at London Fashion Week and the expansion into the Far East. We had a glimpse into the future of the brand with the faint scent of a fragrance label and home ware too.

Imran Amed and Joseph Velosa

We were privy to an audible feast of colourful detail expressed through the words of Velosa. Joseph spoke about separating womens wear into RTW and Escape, explaining in no uncertain terms that: ”Retail for us is a 3D manifestation of everything we believe a brand to be. The most powerful thing is for a brand to have a clear identity and for us, our focus is RTW”.

Imran concluded by asking Joseph to leave us with a ‘pearl of wisdom’ and with that Joseph threw his hands into the air and exclaimed: “Good Luck!”

Juliet Hutton-Squire, Editor of Adorn London & FBC Member

www.adorn-london.com

A feature from a jewellery editor wouldn’t be complete without a little jewellery focus. I managed to capture the jewels of some of those present on the day. Here’s what the members were wearing – ‘Street Style’ at FBC…

Matthew Williamson with his jewellery collection designed in collaboration with Swarovski

Courtney Blackman, co-founder of FBC and Managing Director of Forward PR was wearing an Ada Zanditon dress, a pink stone dome ring by Queensbee, the ‘Blade’ pendant by Annika Burman and ‘Galaxy’ hand-hammered silver necklace by Nikki Galloway all available from Mayfair’s Nude Jewellery as well as an Elsa Peretti bone cuff from Tiffany

FBC member Charlene Campbell, founder and Director of Style News was wearing a simple Tiffany heart necklace.

FBC member Lizanne Senior, Marketing Manager of Eksandar Ltd wears a layered statement piece by Danish designer, Monies

FBC member Michaela Wenkert from Lady Double You, wears an eclectic mix of jewellery finds inspired by travel. Her necklace was from Portobello, and arrangement of rings from Greece, Marrakech and New York City

FBC member Hatty Stevens form Harriet Maria Bespoke PR and Creative Consultancy wears delicate multi-layered neckwear by Alex Monroe and Penhaligon

FBC member Kira Heuer, owner of Biba&Sola wears multi-strand metallic beads from a boutique in LA

FBC member Mireia Llusia, Founder and Director of Milli Millu Ltd wears a gold bracelet from India

FBC visiting guest Jaqueline Adholla, Editor of G Fashion Week, wears a bold link choker from Carnaby Street, bangle stack from the High Street and geometric ring from Dubai

FBC member Deryane Tadd, Director of The Dressing Room wears a statement Fiona Paxton neckpiece

Photographs courtesy of Adorn London and David Wise photography

In association with media partner: VOGUE.COM

Joseph Velosa

FBC is excited to welcome one of the greatest minds behind British fashion, Joseph Velosa, CEO and co-founder of Matthew Williamson as its next guest speaker. Joseph will be interviewed by FBC member and the editor of TheBusiness of Fashion , Imran Amed on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store & Café. Read the rest of this entry »

Imran Amed – photo by Daniel Cianfarra

When we held our very first FBC meeting in January of 2006, 75 people turned out and one of those people was Imran Amed; and as much as FBC has grown over the past 4 years, Imran’s career has skyrocketed.

Imran is a fashion business adviser, writer and entrepreneur, is the founder and editor of The Business of Fashion, and co-founder and editor-in-chief of Luxury Society.

He is also an associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design and leads a bespoke mentoring program for young designers at Fashion East.

…so, we’re very lucky that he has found the time to serve as our interviewer on the 27^th of May.  Imran interviewed New York’s Mary Gehlhar, author of the The Fashion Designer Survival Guide a few Novembers ago at the Rodnik studios for FBC and he was absolutely brilliant.

This time around, Joseph Velosa, CEO and co-founder of Matthew Williamson will be in the hot seat and Imran comments, “FBC has emerged as a fertile meeting place for people and ideas in London’s fashion business while Joseph Velosa has been the ’secret weapon’ behind Matthew Williamson’s success in fashion for the past ten years. What better place than FBC to learn from one of the industry’s finest operators?”

Thursday, 27 May 2010

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED^TM Concept Store & Café

3:00pm – 4:30pm

membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

In association with media partner: VOGUE.COM

Thursday the 27th of May where Joseph Velosa, co-founder and CEO of Matthew Williamson will be interviewed by FBC member and the founder/editor of the Business of Fashion, Imran Amed.

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Concept Store and Cafe
3:00pm – 4:30pm

We would love for members to join us, meet Joseph and ask questions to one of the UK’s brightest fashion minds.

Any queries about membership? Please contact membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

The FBCtv film of Vogue.com editor Dolly Jones interviewing Harrods‘ Marigay McKee is now on Vogue TV.

Visit Vogue.com to watch the highlights: The Marigay McKee Interview

Marigay McKee in Roland Mouret with Dolly Jones in Roksanda for Whistles

Thursday 25th March 2010 marked another successful Fashion Business Club meeting at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café. Interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones, the fashion and beauty director at Harrods, Marigay McKee is the cake and the cherry on top where all things fashion and business are concerned.

FBC co-founder Alison Whelan chatting with Harrods’ Jason Broderick

Her great eye and style is the reason so many Londoners look as good as they do and her well-groomed appearance is representative of “looking the part”. This meeting in particular was a great inspiration as Marigay is a successful businesswoman, a mum AND a true believer in treating others fairly.

FBC member Helen Clinch of HEMYCA with FBC photographer, Dave Wise

Taking the time to communicate and share is rewarding and garners further commitment from staff. “Positive karma brings a positive attitude. Charm and charisma is the most underused weapon in business today.” Sound like fashion’s answer to Mother Teresa? Maybe, but this saint works hard and plays hard.

FBCers: creative consultant Sim Scavazza with journalist, stylist & consultant, Navaz Batliwalla

She took us on a historical journey and brought to our attention the evolution of shopping in department stores. We have gone from the 80’s being a decade where each store was like a school, the shop staff were the teachers and the shoppers the students. Then in the 90’s we all liked being pampered. Personal shopping became the new craze and department stores were like hospitals. The personal shopper/stylists were the doctors and we were the patients. This side of the millennium it has been taken to another level. The department store community has now become the most important place of all, home.

FBC members Nana Aganovich and Brooke Taylor of Aganovich giving a quick sound bite for FBCtv to co-founder, Courtney Blackman

Marigay let us in to a little secret on what’s hot for next season. Look out for the return of the trouser suit, glamorous dresses and smaller bags for women. Menswear continues with the schoolboy look and has some influences of shabby chic. You heard it at FBC first.

How does she do it all? Truth be told, she has a small army of great friends, staff, a loving family and an agency sent from above called ‘Beck & Call.’

The next Fashion Business Club meeting is scheduled for 27th May 2010 at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ where Joseph Velosa, CEO of Matthew Williamson will be interviewed by FBC member and editor of the Business of Fashion, Imran Amed.

For information on membership, contact Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net