The Fashion & Textile Museum are launching their 2010 Business support programme for London based accessory or jewellery designers which also includes the opportunity for the designers to sell their product in the Shop@FTM!
Application deadline February 17th 2010
Cost £400+ vat
For more information contact FBC member Alison.Lewy@newham.ac.uk
The Fashion and Textile Museum are thrilled to announce that they are working in partnership with Clothes Show London, with its new residency at Earls Court 25-27 June 2010, to launch a competition to find the Young Accessory Designer of the Year.
Alison Lewy Commercial Director, Fashion and Textile Museum and FBC member welcomes this opportunity to support aspiring design talent in this way: “FTM is thrilled to be working in partnership with Clothes Show London to launch this new competition which reflects the ethos of the museum to support young design talent. The winner will have a unique opportunity to receive a package of high-level, professional industry led support from the FTM to ensure the on-going development of their business, as well as exposure for their brand.”
Competition Brief
The prestigious new award in partnership with the FTM, challenges designers to create an accessory product that encompasses the FTM’s brand values and is suitable for sale in the FTM’s shop (Shop@FTM) and the FTM’s online boutique.
Entrance criteria
The competition is open to aspiring designers who have been trading for fewer than three years.
The Prize
The winner will have the opportunity to receive the following:
• To showcase their product at Clothes Show London
• To launch and sell the winning product in the Shop@FTM
• Six months business support with industry advisors to help grow their business and make it sustainable
• To attend a professional CAD short course at the FTM
• Invitation to the Private View of the forthcoming Horrockses Fashion exhibition
All entries will be judged by FTM’s Commercial Director, Alison Lewy and Managing Director of Clothes Show London, Gavin Brown. The winner will be announced at an impressive awards ceremony in Clothes Show London’s spectacular Fashion Theatre at London’s Earls Court on Saturday 26th June.
Deadline for Entries
15th April 2010
Winner announcement at Clothes Show London on 26th June 2010
To enter visit www.ftmlondon.org to download an application form.
It’s not hard to spot an FBC member (or several) on a daily basis at Fashion Week, so here’s what everyone was up to this season:
On day one I ran into two FBC members at 180 The Strand, who both happen to be fashion stylists, Anne Look and Francesca Marotta. 180 The Strand was home to On|Off, run by FBC member, Lee Lapthorne.
Over at Vauxhall Fashion Scout (VFS), run by FBC members John Walford and Martyn Roberts, FBC member and fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy started the week by styling one of seven shows and presentations.
FBC member and MD of Felicities, Alison Lowe (right) was back and forth from VFS to On|Off, where her clients were showing.
FBC’s membership director, and handbag designer, Rita Nazareno of S.C. Vizcarra was spotted pre-show at VFS with FBC’s administrative assistant, Laura McCluskey; and I saw the following FBC members in no particular order either at the BFC tent or On|Off:
Hatty Stevens, MD of Harriet Maria Creative Consultancy and Jimmy Ho, world domination visionaire
Angelika Huwiler – newly employed at Prada and FBC’s press director, Myka Volney
CEO of koodos.com, Miriam Lahage and Alison Lewy, commercial director of the Fashion and Textile Museum
Hannah Weimers, senior consultant at Angle Plc. and Navaz Batliwalla, freelance stylist, writer and consultant
Lauretta Roberts digital development director of WGSN and chairman of the Fashion Summit 2009 (right, with Drapers editor Jessica Price-Brown and commissioning editor Ana Santi)
FBC members Harold Tillman, Alexandra Shulman and Dolly Jones were spotted on lots of front rows, FBC member and MD of FCC, Frances Card was everywhere, and FBC member, fashion stylist and journalist, Gretchen Owen was at FBC members’ Daniela and Annette Felder of Felder Felder’s catwalk show, along with FBC board member, designer/illustrator/author, Daisy de Villeneuve.
FBC’s fashion designers didn’t disappoint. Bryce d’Anice Aime did a catwalk show, Michael Herz, on behalf of Aquascutum, did a presentation, and Nathan Jenden did a show just two days before his big FBC interview.
Victoria Holt, FBC member and founder & creative director of lingerie label, Fred&Ginger exhibited at Somerset House. Apparently they were not supposed to have show cards in the Lingerie Boudoir, so here she is committing an illegal maneuvre with her Vogue card.
Surprise, it’s FBC committee member and fashion designer, Regine Mowill!
See you all on the 26th of November where Browns buying director, Erin Mullaney and fashion designer, Jonathan Saunders, will be interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones.
Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman
London’s Fashion and Textile Museum held their launch party and private view of the new Undercover: The Evolution of Underwear exhibit and there were so many FBC members there, it was like an actual FBC meeting. FBC’s Alison Lewy is the museum’s commercial director, so instrumental in making the exhibitions happen, and Alison Lowe managing director of Felicities, looks after the PR for the museum and she and her team were there in force.
Alison Lewy will filmmaker Jako
Alison Lowe
Burlesque showgirl, Immodesty Blaize announced the winner of the Triumph Inspiration Award, where UK students competed for the best conceptual showpiece sets. Two FBC members sat on the judging panel: Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com and Martyn Roberts, co-director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout.ÂÂ
Martyn Roberts and Biljana Poposka
Victoria Holt with Immodesty Blaize
FBC’s own underwear purveyor, Victoria Holt, CEO and creative director of cult lingerie label, Fred&Ginger was naturally in attendance, as was fashion label Motasem’s director, Sabina Ali; John Walford, co-director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout; and fashion stylist and blogger, Rebekah Roy.
Sabina Ali
John Walford with fashion stylist, Alexia Somerville
After the Fashion and Textile Museum, we headed to 24 Kingly Street where we met up with FBC board member and fashion illustrator, Daisy de Villeneuve for G-Shock’s secret summer party.
William Tempest, Blue Mae, Rebekah Roy and Rebecca Kingsland
Daisy de Villeneuve
If you would like to join FBC, download an application form from the FBC website’s ‘HOW’ page, or send an email to: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net
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
London’s Fashion and Textile Museum has just launched an exhibition dedicated to Swedish Fashion and in conjunction, the Ambassador of Sweden, Staffan Carlsson hosted a panel discussion called ‘Facing Fashion’s Future’ at the Residence on Portland Place. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden welcomed the group of 40 or so designers, students, and industry insiders to the talk and FBC members dotted the audience. Alison Lewy, Commercial Director of the Fashion and Textile Museum; Angelika Huwiler, Press Officer of Zovala Ltd; and Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council and Owner of Jaeger were all there. I sat beside the very charming and talented, Jacques Azagury (and got the inside scoop on the eponymous fragrance he’s launching – look out for jasmine in March).
Alison Lewy and Harold Tillman
The panelists spanned from media to design to education and of course the state of the economy was discussed, along with business infrastructure, the parallels between London Fashion Week and the two, yes two, Fashion Weeks in Sweden, and how the credit crunch will effect design. A lot of topics were touched on in a short time, but definitive thoughts were that consumers are not going to want “safe†designs, smaller companies have the advantage to adapt quicker to change and be more innovative in a downturn, and that Swedish fashion isn’t all about clean lines and function – there is some serious creativity being spun out from our Scandanavian neighbours to the north.
Angelika Huwiler with a representative from the Swedish Embassy
The audience got the opportunity to question the panel, but my favourite came from FBC’s Angelika Huwiler. She posed it straight to Crown Princess Victoria and asked her if she supported Swedish fashion, which of course she does, but can’t always wear the more creative pieces on “official†business. She made an open plea to Sweden’s designers to please keep her in mind when they’re designing their collections.
Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder
FBC’s mission is to bring bright-minded, fashion business professionals together to listen, learn and do business together – and we love hearing the success stories.  FBC member, Alison Lowe, managing director of PR firm Felicities, has just won the account for the Fashion and Textile Museum through FBC member and commercial director of the museum, Alison Lewy.
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“FBC gave us the fantastic opportunity of tendering to the Fashion and Textile Museum. I met Alison Lewy, commercial director of FTM when she gave a talk at the FBC meeting in July of 2008, which lead us to winning the account. Thanks, FBC!â€Â Alison Lowe, managing director, Felicities
Congratulations, Alisons and success to you both in the coming year!
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Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder
 
FBC members were busy last week setting up for, and executing major fashion events. First up was a tribute to Bill Gibb at the Fashion and Textile Museum. The old guard was out in hoards to relive the 70’s fashion icon’s fantastic gowns, stunning knitwear and sleek leather suits. I ran into former model, Jan de Villeneuve and she talked me through the mini collection of knit pieces that she had lent to the museum for the exhibition.
Alison Lewy
FBC member and commercial director of the Fashion and Textile Museum, Alison Lewy looked stunning in a Bill Gibb creation, clutching the new book by Iain R. Webb: Bill Gibb: Fashion and Fantasy.
Iain R. Webb
The author himself was tucked away in a side room for the entirety of the event, signing books for old and new fans.
Daisy de Villeneuve, Anouchka Grose and guest
Next stop was The House of Masquerade, a collaborative event with Absolut Vodka and FBC board member, Daisy de Villeneuve. A two-floor gallery in Shoreditch was transformed into a giant dressing-up box, decorated by our Daisy. Her trademark, edgy pen drawings graced the walls, windows, and a few bits of furniture, and rails of vintage clothing and shelves of hats, scarves and masques were there courtesy of Covent Garden shop, Mint.ÂÂ
James Harvey and William Jukes
Partygoers, including William Jukes and James Harvey from Pernod Ricard UK, the team from Elle Decoration, fashion blogger, Disneyrollergirl, and a man named Chihuahua, were treated to an extensive menu of vodka-based drinks and given full reign to try on anything in the shop, wear it around the party and take photos.ÂÂ
Courtney Blackman and Sarah Hardy: Before
FBC editor and publisher and editor-in-chief of FASHION.MUSIC.STYLE, Sarah Hardy was there covering the event and here we are photographed on the lip sofa pre-dress up, and again in our vintage wares.
Courtney Blackman and Sarah Hardy: After
If you want to check out the shop, the 27th of October is the last day:  68-72 Redchurch Street, EC2.
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Courtney Blackman Vice Chairman & Co-Founder
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A successful Fashion Week has concluded and here’s a little rundown what FBCers were up to. Regine Mowill showed one of the first collections of the week, on Sunday the 14th at the 20th Century Theatre. The show was called Propaganda and was filled to the brim with Regine fans.
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Photographer, Fabrice Lachant was spotted after the Kaviar Gauche show, taking some stills of a model in one of the label’s gowns. The end result is a beautiful compilation of On|Off for fashion156.
Fabrice Lachant at the Royal Academy
Fashion Editor of Dia Dawan, Karolina Kivimaki was seen at just about every show, taking notes, and then immediately on her laptop afterward, filing her reports. A very hard-working Editor. We like that at FBC. Sarah Hardy is normally Karolina’s LFW partner, but was only seen once. She’s been extremely busy launching a new magazine, FASHION.MUSIC.STYLE, for which she serves as both the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief.
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Karolina Kivimaki at the Royal Academy
I sat beside Karolina at one show and we were both wearing patent leather boots, so naturally had to photograph our feet.
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Patent Leather Boots
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Director of US Management, Francesca Marotta was also spotted everywhere, debuting a lovely long mane of blonde hair.
Francesca Marotta at at the Royal Academy
Deborah Henning, and her eponymous colletion of fresh summer prints exhibited at On|Off. On|Off was founded by another one of our members, Lee Lapthorne and celebrated 10 years of existence over LFW with a huge bash on the 15th. FBC member, Alison Lowe, the PR for On|Off and Afshin Feiz, and Managing Director of Felicities proclaimed she was operating on little sleep, but managed to look chic and professional every single day.
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Deborah Henning at the On|Off exhibition
Managing Director of Harriet Maria Creative Consultancy, Hatty Stevens was seen entering the BFC exhibition with graphic designer, Jeannine Saba, and throughout the week at loads of shows.
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Hatty Stevens and Jeannine Saba
Illustrator, Daisy de Villeneuve was on the front row at Afshin Feiz
There was no dress code for our last FBC meeting but then a little black dress may have caused some confusion. Our speaker was Alison Lewy, Commercial Director at the Fashion and Textile Museum, our meeting venue and recent host to The Little Black Dress exhibition.
A series of black dresses from the exhibit.
The museum was founded in 2002 by renowned British designer Zandra Rhodes. Although Zandra is still an ambassador and great supporter of the museum, the building was redeveloped by Newham College in 2006 and now operates as a national skill’s academy for fashion, textiles and jewellery.
FBC members were all ears as Alison explained how the FTM is managed as a business concern. As well as attracting commercial sponsorship, the museum generates income through sales, venue hire, learning skill workshops and the cafe. Collaboration is key and they work closely with the technical skills sector in the fashion industry. A fine example would be Savile Row. Ten companies from the world-renowned location worked with the FTM to develop an apprenticeship scheme.
FBC members and press listening to Alison Lewy.
Opportunities also abound at the Fashion and Textile Museum shop. The retail space is a platform for new designers who have the responsibility of merchandising their own areas. The collections must of course work well together and need to make a profit but no commission is charged and the only fee is the retail rent. Each designer also gets a profile on the FTM website along with an image and link to their own website.
Glamorous designs of the 1970’s form the next exhibition at the museum. Billy: Bill Gibb’s Moment in Time is a retrospective of the creative designer’s work whose loyal client list included Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor.
As for FBC, we can look forward to our next meeting on September 25th with speaker Lauretta Roberts, editor of the fashion business weekly, Drapers. Stay tuned for more details…
SARAH HARDY Editor
