Fashion Business Club

Courtney Blackman Reappointed MD & FBC Rebranded

Laura McCluskey — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 04:00:04 +0000

Photograph of Courtney Blackman by Christopher Dadey

Creative consortium FARBLACK Limited has agreed to purchase London’s Fashion Business Club (FBC) Ltd. and has named Courtney Blackman as its managing director. The driving force behind the success of FBC, Blackman is being reappointed with immediate effect and will be instituting several exciting changes.

Fashion Business Club (FBC) will be rebranded as The Industry. Blackman says, “We have had an amazing five years at FBC and it is now time to evolve. The group is much, much more than a club, and the new name will better represent us as we grow our offer and expand internationally.”

Along with the new name, there will be a new meeting structure. “The one bit of consistent feedback was that the timing for our meetings was restrictive, so we’re moving the meeting start time from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, to give more members the ability to enjoy and benefit from them,” continues Blackman.

The next meeting will be Wednesday the 27th of July at 5:00pm at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™. Multiple award-winning British singer and songwriter, Kate Nash will be The Industry’s guest, interviewed by top London fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy, renowned globally for her work across editorial, catwalk and music. Kate will be sharing her experience in the music industry and relating how her image and fashion footprint translates to and inspires her fan base.

The July 27^th meeting will also be the official launch of The Industry’s new website which will enhance the membership experience, providing The Industry members with a platform to promote their brands, while providing a wider swath of the fashion world access to interesting and timely insights.

Finally, at the same meeting The Industry will be announcing a suite of offerings to members that are sure to keep The Industry as the leading forum for the fashion community.

For more details contact: laura@theindustrylondon.com

Samata Angel Becomes Global Campaign Director for Red Carpet Green Dress

Alison Whelan — Wed, 25 May 2011 11:52:39 +0000

Samata Angel continues to shine. Following her win of the Red Carpet Green Dress Project, Samata has now been appointed the Global Director of the Red Carpet Green Dress Project.

Suzie Amis Cameron, James Cameron, Samata Angel and the winning design worn by Aine Campbell-He

Samata’s clothing label, “Samata’s Muse” won the prestigious award on February 13th 2011. As part of her prize, her pink silk and chiffon gown fabricated from sustainable textiles, and organic hemp silk and chiffon, was worn on the red carpet of the Global Green Pre-Oscar party by model Aine Campbell-He.

Founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of academy award winner James Cameron, and her sister, Rebecca Amis, the Red Carpet Green Project was created to stimulate sustainable design, global green education, and raise funds for MUSE Global and the non-profit MUSE School California.

This exciting position will see Samata Angel working on the global sustainable dress project for the 2012 Oscar Awards with the aim to bring attention to the beauty and practicality of sustainable design, so that more people will consider sustainable alternatives and practices in their own lives.

Samata Angel and Suzie Amis Campbell

To keep up with developments about the Red Carpet Green Dress Project click here.

To see designs by Samata’s Muse Click here.

Blog written by Bukie Aje-Lloyd FBC london

BIB&SOLA Exclusive Collection Preview

Pamela Reynolds — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:13:30 +0000

Bib & Sola invites FBC members to an exclusive collection preview in support of the ONE Foundation, on Wednesday 18th May 2011, 6-9 pm.

RSVP: kira@bibandsola.com

FBC members invited to FPW Reception

Pamela Reynolds — Sun, 15 May 2011 11:28:01 +0000

FPW invites all FBC members to a drinks reception on Wednesday 18th May 6-8 pm at One Marylebone.

The winner of FPW will be announced at the reception. We wish FBC members HEMYCA, KNOCK ON THE DOOR, VIKING WONG and YAN TO the best of luck.

Fashion Press Week at One Marylebone London

Pamela Reynolds — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:03:56 +0000

FBC are delighted to announce Fashion Press Week (FPW) will be held at One Marylebone, London on 18 & 19 May by Fearnhurst PR and Mischon de Reya (MdR) . As co-sponosrs of this event for the second year running, we support this popular event and the way it offers brands the opportunity to showcase their AW11 Collections to press across fashion, consumer, lifestyle and trade media. Last year, over 130 brands presented their collections to 400 members of fashion press as well as 200 buyers, professional bodies and industry influencers. A smart inititiative to meet press, network and scope out the event for your SS12 collections.

Qualifying as finalists to win a years mentoring from fashion and media experts, are FBC members and labels, Hemyca, Knock On the Door, Viking Wong and Yan To who presented their collections and shared their aspirations for their business to a panel of industry experts The winner will be announced during FPW.

Fashion Press Week in partnership with DIARY will be taking place Wednesday 18th May to Thursday 19th May at One Marylebone, 1 Marylebone Road, London NW1 4AQ.

The event will showcase the AW11 collection launches from a variety of leading retailers and designer brands in a stunning location with a number of fantastic features lined up at the event. Brands include Marc Cain, Austin Reed and Thomas Sabo amongst many others.

Press should register to attend at www.fashionpressweek.com

The show is open from 10am – 8pm on 18th May and 10am – 6pm on 19th May.

Following the success of November’s debut show, leading international law firm, Mishcon de Reya will again be sponsoring a gallery supporting emerging and ethical brands under the Fashion Discovered and Fashion Fair brands. This season Mishcon de Reya in association with Fashion Business Club, launched a competition to search for designers who fall under the Fashion Discovered and Fashion Fair guidelines to offer complimentary space within the event as well as win a year’s mentoring from a wealth of fashion, media and legal experts as well as an annual subscription to DIARY. Shortlisted brands include the talented Ivana Basilotta, inspirational Hemyca and fashion forward Viking Wong.

In addition, to further support their sponsorship at Fashion Press Week, Mishcon de Reya will be hosting Cafe Legal, a pop-up coffee shop at the event where brand directors and CEO’s can meet with the legal team to discuss any matters ranging from intellectual property, real estate, corporate issues and employment law.

For more information about the brands participating and the event itself please visit www.fashionpressweek.com.

Enquiries

Danielle Nathan

E: Danielle@fashionpressweek.com

T: +44 (0) 207 317 2788

SECOND ANNUAL WGSN GLOBAL FASHION AWARDS ANNOUNCE OPEN ENTRY

Pamela Reynolds — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:49:51 +0000

SECOND ANNUAL WGSN GLOBAL FASHION AWARDS ANNOUNCE OPEN ENTRY

WGSN will once again honour fashion’s most inspirational and innovative at the second annual Global Fashion Awards in New York City. The Global Fashion Awards were created by WGSN in 2010 to recognise and reward those who are pushing the boundaries of fashion, propelling the industry forward and setting the style agenda on a global scale. The second annual WGSN Global Fashion Awards open entry launches today and is a call for all individuals and businesses working across the fashion industry around the world. Entries can be made online via www.globalfashionawards.com.

“The WGSN Global Fashion Awards celebrate the fashion industry as a completely connected, global platform. In order to be successful in this universe, one needs the talents and expertise of a wide variety of players, from designers to business leaders, retailers to editors and marketers to models – it takes a whole village…but a very chic one”. Fern Mallis, Founder of New York Fashion Week

The shortlist will be announced in London at a party on the 20th of June at the St Martins Lane Hotel and the winners will be announced at a ceremony that will take place at the Global Fashion Awards’ larger and more fabulous new venue, Gotham Hall in New York City on the 20th of October in front of an audience of fashion’s most influential industry insiders.

“As a creative company, we are constantly looking for new experiences. Getting in contact with new realities, markets, cultures and interesting people is our every day basis. Since WGSN has clients all over the world, the Global Fashion Awards exposure and event was great for us and our clients who joined us on the journey”. Fernanda Pigatto, Institutional Relationship Manager, La Estampa

This year’s categories will again encompass all major business and creative disciplines in fashion including design, retail (off and online), buying, visual merchandising, store design, marketing and ethical practice. The WGSN Global Fashion Awards are the first and only awards that recognise these achievements on a global scale.

The winners will be selected by an expert panel of judges, made up of some of the most prominent people in the fashion and style industries, including designers, buying directors, stylists, merchants and marketing executives. The judges’ panel was carefully selected by WGSN to ensure impartiality and global expertise. The 2011 panel includes:

Chee Au, Chief Creative Officer, Shanghai Tang

June Haynes, Senior Vice President of Retail, Valentino USA

Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz, Creative Directors, Bally

Orsola de Castro, Founder and Curator of the British Fashion Council’s Estethica

Dolly Jones, Editor, VOGUE.COM UK

Simon Kneen, Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Banana Republic

Averyl Oates, Buying Director, Harvey Nichols – Menswear, Womenswear and Accessories

Jana Ririnui, Founder and Director, Academy of Freelance Makeup

William Tempest, Founder and Designer, William Tempest

Daisy de Villeneuve, Illustrator, Designer and Writer

Rebekah Roy, Fashion & Celebrity Stylist

“The landscape of the fashion industry has become more transparent and open. The Internet and social media have fostered new relationships, opportunities and means of operation for fashion businesses and exposed the fashion marketplace to a new global consumer. As the largest and foremost style and design forecaster, WGSN is charged with finding and honouring the world’s idea-makers – the ones whose actions and influence inspire the fashion industry and the broader consumer market”. Susanna Kempe, CEO of WGSN

For more press information on the WGSN Global Fashion Awards and to register your interest, please contact Courtney Blackman. Email: courtney.blackman@forwardpr.com Phone: +44 20 7839 5059

About WGSN

WGSN is the global authority on style and design. The company identifies and analyzes current and future style trends and provides its customers with state-of-the-art online tools that that can be used to create commercially successful products and services. WGSN defines and shapes wining style and design for over 36,000 customers globally. WGSN customers include many of the world’s leading apparel, style, design and retail companies including Levi Strauss & Co., Adidas, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, Benetton Group, and Marks and Spencers, among others. WGSN is head quartered in London and has offices all over the world including Milan, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, Los Angeles, Melbourne and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.wgsn.com. Follow WGSN on Twitter: @wgsn.

The Business of Blogging March 31 2011

Pamela Reynolds — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:16:55 +0000

At Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ on March 31, FBC hosted another sell out meeting where Fashion Editor Navaz Batliwalla (Disneyrollergirl) conducted an inspirational and succinct interview with Fashion Editor Sasha Wilkins (Libertylondongirl) highlighting the business evolution of two exceptional bloggers. From initially blogging anonymously to finally taking the bold step of sharing their identities and profiting from their skills – resulting in authentic brand partnerships and selective affiliate marketing. Interested and would like to know more?

For all our members and guests who attended the sell out meeting – we hope your enjoy a refresher from FBCtv – and for members who missed the meeting, we hope you enjoy and are inspired by two exceptional women.

Blog written by: Bukie Aje-Lloyd

BEAUTIFUL SOUL PRESENTS ‘PAINTING BY NUMBERS’ AW 11 COLLECTION

Pamela Reynolds — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:00:15 +0000

A JOURNEY THROUGH AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN:

With this striking AW 11 Collection, Beautiful Soul takes us on a romantic journey through an English country garden. Painting By Numbers explores the eternal appeal of English tradition, providing an escape from London in a collection reflective of artistic heritage and fresh, vibrant colours and shapes that inject a breath of fresh air into autumn/winter.

Beautiful Soul founder and designer Nicola Woods combines elements of vintage and eco-luxury fashion with a carefully considered construction process based on environmentally sustainable practices and fair trade production. Since launching her label in 2008, Nicola continues to gain media recognition through her involvement in major fashion exhibitions and the numerous awards she has won including the 2010 Future 100 Award, Ethical Fashion Forum’s INNOVATION Award. She also features in the Vogue April 2011 issue.

Beautiful Soul is stocked in the V&A, My Sugarland and via their own e-commerce offering: www.beautiful-soul.co.uk.

Click here to watch Beautiful Soul’s AW 11 Collection video, Painting By Numbers.

Blog Written By : Bukie Aje Lloyd, FBC London

FASHION PRESS WEEK 2011

Pamela Reynolds — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:06:30 +0000

Leading business law firm Mishcon de Reya (MDR) in partnership with Fashion Press Week (FPW) is offering Fashion Business Club (FBC) members an incredible opportunity to showcase their AW 11 collections to a host of UK press across a two-day event as well as winning a year’s mentoring from fashion and media experts.

This incredible opportunity cements MdR’s commitment to supporting up and coming fashion designers and offers FBC members the chance to showcase their collections free of charge in the MdR space. Fashion Press Week will be taking place in May 2011 at One Marylebone, London and will preview a variety of high street, designer brands, boutiques, emerging talent and industry favourites. Press across fashion, consumer, lifestyle and trade media are set to attend.

For the second season running, MdR will be sponsoring an area at the event supporting emerging talent and ethical brands. To help choose the best up and coming talent, MdR has recruited a panel of industry aficionados ranging from designers and journalists to business mentors who will pick the brands who will show in the area and select one overall designer to win two mentoring sessions across the next twelve months. Our elite panel includes the following fashion, media and business experts:

Lauretta Roberts, Creative Director, WGSN Boutique– providing editorial direction and assistance editing collections for media

Alison Whelan, Co-Founder of Fashion Business Club – providing a gateway to the most elite fashion business network

Sara Berman, Fashion Designer – providing expert industry advice on running a fashion label

Suzy Socker, Managing Director, Fearnhurst PR – providing strategic PR counsel on maximising your editorial presence

Helen Croft, Legal Director, Mishcon de Reya – providing legal guidance on running a business

To qualify for a space within the gallery, designers must fit into one of two categories: Fashion Discovered and Fashion Fair. Fashion Discovered will be dedicated to celebrating fresh talent from the UK who have been trading for a minimum of two years whilst Fashion Fair will showcase the UK’s most fashionable, ethical brands.

For more details please contact Suzy Socker at Fearnhurst PR on 020 7317 2783 / suzy@fh-pr.com

The Business of Blogging

Alison Whelan — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:53:27 +0000

Navaz Batliwalla (DRG) and Sasha Wilkins(LLG(

Yesterday’s Fashion Business Club (FBC) event was a meeting of minds and experiences between Sasha Wilkins (Liberty London Girl LLG) and Navaz Batliwalla (DisneyRollerGirl DRG).

Wilkins started blogging in 2007, inspired by Belle de Jour, the anonymous sex blogger who had won awards for her online writing as early as 2003 when traditional media and online forums alike started speculating on her identity.

Liberty London Girl was originally launched as a journal reflecting her wide range of interests and experiences. To this day the LLG blog has kept this unique tone – a recipe for ‘Delicious Green soup to keep you healthy‘ alongside pictures of Posetta Baddog the Dachshund. What has changed however, is her popularity and following, resulting in a serious amount of blog power. LLG historical stats show nearly 5,000 hits in the first year compared to 125 000 monthly unique hits in 2011.

The tipping point in LLG readership was a November 2009 Daily Telegraph article listing her alongside 24 other fashion blogs. Syndicated worldwide, it had more impact than an earlier, shorter print mention in Grazia‘s barometer and praise in Paris Vogue. By 2009, the fashion blogosphere had moved from being a tight-knit community with a handful of hardcore bloggers knowing each other, to an expanding network of blogs of varying quality mostly focused on personal and street style photography.

LLG is a multi-channel brand encompassing blog advertising, a media consultancy in the form of LLG Consults and licensing. Yesterday, just prior to the FBC event Wilkins received email confirmation on her signing with literary and talent agency Curtis Brown.

Revealing their identity was one of the hardest decisions Wilkins and Batliwalla made as bloggers. Their rationale however was similar; motivated by all the opportunities missed. due to personal requests for anonymity. Wilkins notably regrets being stuck in the US without the means to buy a Milan plane ticket and sit alongside Garance, The Sartorialist and Bryan Boy on the D&G SS10 front row, the show where bloggers became stars. Going public meant being able to put a face on a brand and raise its profile. Known for having the courage of her opinions, Wilkins acknowledges that it is a ‘nicer version of LLG now it her face on it’.

Alison Whelan, Navaz Batliwalla and Sasha Wilkins

This nicer version doesn’t include undeserved praise. LLG isn’t for sale. Most of the freebies she receives or is offered are either turned down or sent back, especially if they aren’t a good match for her readership. Amongst the best pieces of PR, she names a custom-made Barbour for Posetta (‘get me through my dog – smart’) and an Angel Jackson Continental clutch & iPad case she was gifted after a year long reciprocal relationship with the brand. The bag sold out over night after she posted a picture on her blog. Relationships with the press can be successful, but only if both sides have done their homework. Refuting the traditional ‘PRs bad, bloggers good’ paradigm, LLG points the finger at bloggers behaving badly, expecting payments or freebies for posts. Both Wilkins and Batliwalla agree however, that sold out bloggers are unlikely to gather faithful readership. What makes the difference online is a unique tone. For that reason LLG rarely blogs press events – ‘What’s the point of covering something already rehashed online by everyone else or to blog clothes six months before they hit the racks?’

As seasoned fashion editors, both Wilkins and Batliwalla share tips and industry news with their readers that few other bloggers have access to. This authoritative voice however doesn’t give them the insight to predict how their blogs and brands will evolve in a world moving quickly and in unexpected ways. Everything LLG and DRG are doing is being done for the first time – there is no road map, they are writing the instructions book as they blog along – with great humour, integrity and authenticity.

Guest Writer - Lucie Goulet.

All photography by Michelle Bobb-Parris