Fashion Business Club

Today kicks off The Drapers Fashion Week. What initially started as a two-day event, The Drapers Fashion Summit, has now been extended to four days of insight, information and inspiration. Fashion Business Club (FBC) is proud to be a part of it and here’s what’s in store:

Monday, 15 November 2010 – WGSN Live

FBC member Lauretta Roberts is the digital development director of WGSN and today offers an exclusive trend day with WGSN’s global experts in fashion and style to identify and shape buying decisions for 2011, providing essential insight for strategy and exclusive consumer and product trends for next season.

Alice, Bunty, Courtney, Dolly, John, Mark, Harold

Tuesday, 16 and Wednesday 17 November 2010 – The Drapers Fashion Summit

The Drapers Fashion Summit is being held at London’s May Fair Hotel, with two days of visionary speakers from across the fashion world. Fashion’s elite will be joining together in a creative forum to debate and discuss the key themes and issues that are having an impact on the industry today. Along with Mary Portas, Ed Vaizey and Caroline Rush, FBC members who are speaking include Alice Stone, founder and director of Lily and Lionel; Bunty Stokes, country sales manager for Vente-Privée; Courtney Blackman, FBC co-founder and managing director of Forward PR; Dolly Jones, FBC board member and editor of VOGUE.COM; John Buni, managing director of Tailor Made London; Mark Bage, creative director of Coggles, and FBC member Harold Tillman CBE, chairman of the British Fashion Council and owner of Aquascutum and Jaeger will also be contributing. “It’s the Summit’s 10th anniversary and it’s fantastic that so many FBC members are lending their time and expertise to help make it great.” Courtney Blackman, FBC co-founder & co-chairman.

Thursday, 18 November 2010 – Fashion Study Tour

As one of the fashion world’s most influential cities, this is an opportunity to take in some of London’s most inspiring stores with WGSN guides.

For more details, visit: The Drapers Fashion Week

FBC is very pleased to have been an official partner of the inaugural WGSN Global Fashion Awards. The awards were conceptualised by FBC member Lauretta Roberts, WGSN’s digital development director, and executed to perfection by a WGSN team from around the globe.

The awards ceremony took place on the 18th floor at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on the 10th of November. Hosted by Nigel Barker, one of our proudest moments was when FBC member Harold Tillman CBE was recognised for his 40 plus years in the industry with the John Rocha designed, Waterford crystal trophy marked with Outstanding Contribution to Fashion. The award was much deserved as Harold is chairman of the British Fashion Council and owns two of Britain’s most iconic heritage labels: Jaeger and Aquascutum.

Nigel Barker, Harold Tillman and Barney’s Simon Doonan

FBC blog editor and celebrity fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy was responsible for nominating her longtime client, London-based fashion designer, William Tempest in the category of best Emerging Brand or Retailer. With a shortlist that included strong brands from around the world, William came out on top and won the award. William also was charged with dressing FBC co-founder Courtney Blackman, who wore a one-of-a-kind William Tempest dress to the awards ceremony, then changed into a piece from his SS11 collection for the after party. Courtney was representing the Global Fashion Awards through her PR agency, Forward PR and was there in the capacity of official FBC envoy.

Sarah Curran (2nd from right) with her team: Luisa de Paula, Fiona McIntosh, Jean-Marc Bouhelier and Lauren Stevenson

The winners of the Global Fashion Awards were selected by an expert panel of judges, made up the most influential people in fashion and style, including FBC board member and editor of VOGUE.COM, Dolly Jones, who was present at the ceremony in New York along with FBC members Sarah Curran, founder & CEO of my-wardrobe.com and executive headhunter, Orlando Martins of Oresa Limted.

Congratulations to Lauretta Roberts for creating a truly amazing event. We’ll look forward to the 2011 Global Fashion Awards!

Visit the GFA website for full details and results from the evening: WGSN Global Fashion Awards.

See Lauretta on the 25th of November at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ for the next FBC meeting, where she will interview the legendary Yasmin Sewell. For details contact: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net or press@fashionbusinessclub.net

FBC member Michael Herz stepped down from his position as head of womenswear design at Aquascutum (owned by FBC member Harold Tillman) on the 4^th of March after a very successful ten-year run, and was immediately, and not surprisingly, snapped up by another luxury label that’s been around since the 1850’s, Bally. Michael will be taking the reigns as the new creative director for womenswear, while his menswear counterpart from Aquascutum, Graeme Fidler will also be shifting over to head up the menswear.

Everyone at FBC is very happy for Michael and we caught up with him to get a few words, “I find it really exciting. It is so different to what I’ve been doing, but not. The role is multi-faceted, pulling all aspects of what I’ve done before into one position. Bally has a strong support system in place, which is really important to have…and seeing as the company is headquartered in Switzerland, it’s great, because I really want to learn to ski!”

We can’t wait to see Mr. Herz’s first collection for Bally, and to see him on the slopes of Zermatt.

FBC member and former head of womenswear design for Aquascutum, Michael Herz, has resigned from his post along with menswear designer, Graeme Fidler.

With a decade under his belt at the luxury heritage label (after stints with Marc Jacobs and Alber Elbaz), and resounding positive reviews after his AW2010 collection, it is clear that Mr. Herz will be missed at the brand that was purchased last year by fellow FBC member Harold Tillman and run under the directorship of Belinda Earl.

What’s next for Michael?  There is lots of speculation. Stay tuned to find out. For a creative talent as big as his, it will no doubt be big.

Read what our media partner Vogue.com has to say: Vogue.com

Lauretta Roberts (in Jaeger) and Harold Tillman

The two-day Fashion Summit 2009, chaired by FBC member Lauretta Roberts, happens on the 17th and 18th of November, and a VIP reception, held at Taman Gang has officially kicked it off!  A whole host of FBCers dressed up to help Lauretta celebrate what will be the biggest event in fashion this year!

Rebekah Roy, Keely Stocker, Frances Card, Antony Hawman, Bunty Stokes

FBC member and chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman was there along with FBC members Rebekah Roy (fashion stylist); Frances Card, MD of FCC and Drapers blogger; and Bunty Stokes, country sales manager for Vente Privee…who got photographed with Drapers’s Keely Stocker and my-wardrobe’s Antony Hawman.

Chris Davidson and Lee Lapthorne

FBC’s Lee Lapthorne, Director of On|Off came along with Chris Davidson, and FBC member and head of consumer PR for EdenCancan, Jonathan Kirkby was there with Nick Ede.

Nick Ede and Jonathan Kirkby

FBC members and co-Directors of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, John Walford and Martyn Roberts got photographed with fashion designer, Anne Tyrrell upon arrival.

John Walford, Anne Tyrrell, Martyn Roberts

FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones wasn’t able to come along, but we got three Vogue.com ladies in her absence: Jessica Bumpus, Lauren Milligan and Julia Neel.

Jessica Bumpus, Lauren Milligan and Julia Neel

Who’s the odd one out?  It’s Aquascutum’s head of menswear, Graeme Fidler.  He’s the only non-FBC member in the photograph below with Aquascutum’s head of womenswear, Michael Herz, and Gabriella Piccinni, international business director for Diane von Furstenberg.  Come on, Graeme, join the club already!

Courtney Blackman, Michael Herz, Gabriella Piccinni, Graeme Fidler

FBC member and founder & creative director of Fred&Ginger, Victoria Holt, popped along with Jenny Packham (she was Jenny’s senior fashion designer before founding Fred&Ginger).

Victoria Holt

We had our own FBC corner, where William Tempest snuck in as an honourary member for the evening and chatted all things FBC with stylist, journalist and consultant, Navaz Batliwalla; VFS’s Martyn Roberts; fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy, FBC board member, designer, illustrator and author, Daisy de Villeneuve and me.

Navaz Batliwalla, Martyn Roberts, William Tempest, Rebekah Roy, Daisy de Villeneuve, Courtney Blackman

The party was a huge success and at one point was so crowded, you couldn’t really move!  Congratulations, Lauretta!

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

Photographs by Christopher Dadey

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

From the buzz of London Fashion Week’s Somerset House to the relative calm of Belgravia’s Il Bottaccio, the fash pack decamped to FBC on Thursday 24^th September. Aquascutum’s head of womenswear, Michael Herz interviewed guest speaker Nathan Jenden – creative director of Diane von Furstenberg and his own label – about the challenges of designing for two labels, the attitude of the runway and the merits of London vs New York and Paris.

Nathan Jenden & Michael Herz

Born in London, Jenden studied at Central St Martins and the RCA and worked for John Galliano and Kenzo in Paris where he found the formal codes of French fashion didn’t quite resonate with his own less-strict ways of doing things.

Setting his sights on New York, he was offered jobs by Richard Tyler and Tommy Hilfiger before working for downtown designer Daryl K in 1998. Three years later an opportunity arose to work for Diane von Furstenberg whose 70s wrap dresses were starting to regain cult status. Jenden’s first introduction to the Belgian socialite happened at a Vanity Fair dinner. Finding himself at a table breaking bread with Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger and Harrison Ford, he decided this was to be his future (well you would, wouldn’t you?). In his first season as creative director, he brought models-of-the-moment Erin O’Connor, Alek Wek and Devon Aoki to add some much-needed edge to the DVF runway.

Nathan Jenden

Despite his close relationship with von Furstenberg (“she’s my friend and I will always be hers”), Jenden decided he needed to tell his own story and create a collection under his own name. In 2006 he launched his label, which is now a permanent fixture on the London Fashion Week show schedule, while he continues in his role at DVF. It’s a juggling act of the highest order as DVF is based in New York while Nathan Jenden is designed in London. Why not produce both collections in New York? Jenden acknowledges the difficulties but maintains the importance of keeping both labels separate. “I did my first two shows in New York and it was just crazy. Its important, the separation of the two brands. They have nothing to do with each other.”

Nathan Jenden & Michael Herz (centre) with FBC Co-Founders Alison Whelan & Courtney Blackman

Quentions from the floor brought up the subject of the recent popularity of static presentations and fashion films to promote new collections. Jenden is a firm fan of the fashion show format. “I have a vision of what I want the show to be – the attitude, the mood. The show is the show, the fairy dust on top of the collection. It should be fun, it should be upbeat. People are finding different ways to do fashion shows, doing films, doing it online, but I think watching twenty fit girls will always be better than watching it on a phone.”

Navaz Batliwalla FBC Member & Guest Editor

Photos by Dave Wise of Dave Wise Photography

Rebekah Roy at London Fashion Week, February 2009

As London Fashion Week nears, FBC members get busier and busier. FBC member and fashion stylist Rebekah Roy is one of our busiest members each season, and this season is no different. On Friday the 18^th, Rebekah is styling the Ones To Watch at Vauxhall Fashion Scout (VFS) – run by FBC members Martyn Roberts and John Walford. Styling a show for one designer is no small feat, so pulling together the looks for four designers, Ada Zanditon, Dean Quinn, Hermione de Paula and Marko Mitanovski, is a challenge, but if anyone can do it, Rebekah can.

“I’m looking forward to all the shows that I’m working on. It’s really an honour to be surrounded by such talented people and of course London is known for that. The Ones To Watch has become an important show, as new talent needs to be seen and get the exposure and support that it deserves. We had some great talent last season so we’ve set a high standard.”

Ada Zanditon with FBC member Sim Scavazza at the last FBC meeting (photo by Dave Wise)

On Saturday the 19^th, Rebekah is styling Jasper Garvida’s presentation at On|Off – run by another FBC member, Lee Lapthorne, and styling knitwear designer, Alice Palmer’s show; and on Sunday evening it’s a presentation by Harriet’s Muse.

Rebekah’s busy Fashion Week finishes on Monday night with the hugely anticipated William Tempest show to which Rebekah comments, “I’ve known William since he first graduated and last season I styled his show for the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award. This season is his second show and I’m very excited about styling it – the clothes are just as amazing as last season. The one thing that I know with William is that he’s in this long term – he’s only 23 now so I can’t wait to see what he’s doing when he’s 40!”

For more details visit:

Vauxhall Fashion Scout

On|Off

See you just after Fashion Week on the 24 of September at Il Bottaccio, 9 Grosvenor Place where Nathan Jenden of DVF and Nathan Jenden will be interviewed by FBC member and head of womenswear design at Aquascutum, Michael Herz.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

FBC member and head of womenswear design at Aquascutum, Michael Herz, is guest editor for the .Cent Magazine A/W 09 issue! The magazine hits stores 17/09/09 and also includes an incredible list of contributors to make the issue one you absolutely must have.

See Michael interview fellow fashion designer, Nathan Jenden of DVF and Nathan Jenden on the 24th of September at Il Bottaccio, 9 Grosvenor.  If you’re interested in attending and are not a member, send an email to: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

See you there,

Myka Voney Press Director

Nathan Jenden

On the 24^th of September, just after Fashion Week, Fashion Business Club (FBC) will welcome Nathan Jenden, creative director of Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) and Nathan Jenden as our guest speaker. The meeting will take place at 3:00pm at Il Bottaccio, 9 Grosvenor Place. A few minutes walk from Hyde Park Corner, Il Bottaccio was voted Coolest Reception Venue 2009 by the COOL Venue Awards – perfect for FBC.

Nathan will be interviewed by FBC member and head of womenswear design at Aquascutum, Michael Herz who says, “an Englishman living abroad, showing his own line in London is an interesting concept. Interviewing Nathan will show FBC members what it’s like to work on a global scale for two internationally renowned labels.”

As creative director of DVF since 2001, the British-born designer received his BFA at Central Saint Martins, and his masters from the Royal College of Arts. Nathan previously shared his talents working at Daryl K, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenzo and John Galliano, before landing one of the most coveted roles in fashion at DVF.

The AW2009 Nathan Jenden Collection: Frostbite

While continuing to work for DVF, in February 2006, Nathan launched his own label during New York Fashion Week. His first collection, Angel Heart, was noted for its stunning jet beaded jackets, ruffled puff-sleeved shirts, and form fitting trousers, and was praised by fashion critics and consumers alike.

Members, don’t forget to RSVP: rsvp@fashionbusinessclub.net

Interested in applying for membership or attending as a guest? Send a note to: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

See you there!

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder