Fashion Business Club

FBC Editor and stylist Rebekah Roy

Viral, cross market, or affiliate campaigns; Online marketing; Social Media; In bound links and lets not forget SEO! All these have become part of our daily language but there is a difference in using the terms linguistically to excelling in them practically.

If you have simple idea of what this is all about but not too sure how to implement it then head on down to the Fashion and Textile Museum on the 14th of July where FBC’s editor and renowned stylist Rebekah Roy will be talking about why you should have an online presence. Alongside Rebekah, digital guru Leon Bailey Green will be presenting top e-commerce tips.

Rebekah Roy is FBC’s editor, Fashion Editor at Fashion.Music.Style magazine, and styles for a wide variety of clients from Nintendo, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Harrods and Virgin to celebrity clients including Kate Nash, Sarah Brightman, The Feeling, Little Boots and Billy Idol. Her dynamic online presence makes her a unique stylist that is able to communicate her ideas across diverse platforms.

Leon Bailey Green has experiences in digital media, marketing, fashion and retail under his belt. Leon has also been a consultant to numerous companies operating in the online fashion sector. He has assisted online fashion businesses with marketing, content, buying and recruitment strategies, as well as overall business analyses.

The talk will be held on Wednesday the 14th of July, from 18:30 to 20:30 at the Fashion Textile Museum. There are a limited amount of places available so to avoid disappointment book your seat in advance by emailing  info@ftmlondon.org.

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.

Suzy Menkes, Zandra Rhodes and the Fashion and Textile Museum hosted the launch of My Favourite Dress, a book dedicated to dresses and the very favourites of Alexander McQueen, Diane von Furstenberg, Amanda Wakeley, Matthew Williamson, Zac Posen, about 75 other people, and one of our board members!

The book, compiled by Gity Monsef, Samantha Erin Safer and Robert de Niet, echoes the exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum by the same name and our board member Daisy de Villeneuve tells the story of her favourite: a turquoise vintage dress from Rellik with a Chinese-inspired print.  “I took part in the book because Samantha and Gity asked me to be involved.  I’d worked with Gity before when I had my solo show at The Fashion and Textile Museum a few years ago.  I still have the dress. I bought it in 2000 and it has come in pretty handy,” says Daisy.

Daisy de Villeneuve & William Tempest

After the event, where we ran into Vogue.com’s fashion features editor, Jessica Bumpus and fashion designer, William Tempest, we snuck out for snacks and drinks with Samantha and Gity.  Not only did they create an amazing book, those gals know how to have fun.

See you on the 28^th, where my-wardrobe.com founder and CEO, Sarah Curran will be interviewed by FBC’s Frances Card at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED^TM.  We’ll also be celebrating our 4^th birthday with cupcakes from Cakehole and chocolate from Godiva!

Will Daisy be wearing the turquoise dress?  You’ll have to attend to find out.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

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

Q: What’s the story on fashion PR Alison Lowe? What’s your fashion background
AL – My background is in PR and Business Development but I have worked with fashion clients for the last six years. I think not coming from the industry has advantages as I can offer a different perspective and can offer a unique service looking at PR on a more commercial basis.

Q: What is the best part about your job in fashion?
AL- Being surrounded by fabulous clothes, accessories and people.

Q. What is a typical day for you?
AL – No two days are the same. It could be that I am preparing for a show; launching a new collection; managing a press day; researching new opportunities; writing releases or just a day in the office doing paperwork and research. The fact that there is no ‘typical’ day is what makes this industry so appealing.

Q: What other projects are you involved in?

AL- Felicities has a range of clients including high-end lifestyle brands, charities and music clients. We are currently working on an open-air concert tour with Jools Holland, John Barrowman and artists from the 80s – a great way to spend summer evening

Q: How are FBC networking events important in your job and the industry?

AL – To run a successful business everyone needs to network. Networking is about developing long-term relationships for mutual gain and creating a lasting impression with people so that they think of you positively when an opportunity arises – FBC provide their members fabulous opportunities to build industry contacts and to keep up-to-date with industry issues.

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. 

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.

 

“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!”  Alison Lowe, managing director, Felicities

Congratulations, Alisons and success to you both in the coming year!

 

Courtney Blackman Co-Chairman & Co-Founder