Fashion Business Club

Joel Plaskett

FBC member Alison Lowe, MD of Felicities, represents IML Concerts who is working with Canadian musician Joel Plaskett and Jools Holland throughout the summer.

Tonight (10 May), Joel will be playing at Borderline and lots of FBC members will be there to support: Courtney Blackman, Rebekah Roy, Gabriella Piccinni, Regine Mowill and of course, Alison.

All FBC members are invited to attend. If you would like to, please RSVP to Alison: alison@felicities.co.uk

7pm

Borderline

16 Manette Street – off Tottenham Court Road

W1D 6JB

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

FBC member and managing director of Felicities, Alison Lowe extends an open invitation to visit the Felicites showroom during London Fashion Week from the 18^th-22^nd of September, 9am – 6pm daily.

See collections from Afshin Feiz, Harriet’s Muse, Jacob Kimmie and brand new label, e.g…

e.g… is aimed at the metro-sexual woman and the collection is heavily influenced by 80s power-dressing. Check out the SS2010 collection on their website: e.g… and enter to win £500 worth of e.g… clothing!

Alison looks forward to meeting you during Fashion Week. To drop in, the address is: Studio 5, 11 Plough Yard, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3LP

…and to make an appointment, contact Alison’s team on: info@felicities.co.uk

FBC member and managing director of Felicities (a boutique PR agency), Alison Lowe has been growing her business at a steady but remarkable pace since launching it in 2003.  Alison’s experience extends from B2B to fashion and she’s worked with some amazing clients including fellow FBC member Lee Lapthorne at On|Off, House of Fraser and fashion desinger, Afshin Feiz.

In the last 6 months, Alison has won accounts for 11 new designers, and Felicities recently held a launch event for one to commemorate her new bespoke range, The Jewelled Spine by Catharina Eden. “We  are really thrilled to be working with Catharina as she launches this fabulous new bespoke collection,” says Alison.

View video here:  Catharina Eden

The Felicities showroom will be open during London Fashion Week (18th – 22nd September) from 9am-6pm each day.  If you would like to stop in, send an email to: info@felicities.co.uk

Felicities

Studio 5

11 Plough Yard

Shoreditch

London EC2A 3LP

Meet Alison at the next FBC meeting on the 24th of September at Il Bottaccio, 9 Grosvenor Place.  FBC member and head of womenswear design at Aquascutum, Michael Herz, will interview Nathan Jenden, creative director for Diane von Furstenberg and Nathan Jenden, followed by business networking.

For more information on becoming a member, contact Rita Nazareno:  membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

 

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.

We work in an industry that’s outwardly focused and always finding the right outfit to wear to an event can be challenging – with added pressure if it’s your own do.  That’s where FBC comes in handy.  FBC  board member, Daisy de Villeneuve recently had two of her pictures (one of long black gloves and one of a red handbag) shown in a pop up gallery on Mayfair’s Mount Street.  As one of the evening’s key figures, Daisy was expected to do a fair amount of schmoozing and posing for the cameras, so getting the right outfit was essential.  Daisy is a great fan of Diane von Furstenberg, and it so happens that the brand’s international business director, Gabriella Piccinni is an FBC  member and was more than happy to arrange for Daisy to pop into the shop to choose a dress to wear.

Gabriella Piccinni and Daisy de Villeneuve

Daisy went for a classic wrap dress in a geometric print, and Gabriella was there on the night to support, as was FBC member and fashion stylist Rebekah Roy (accompanied by her client, William Tempest) and FBC press director Myka Volney…and Rebekah was wearing a borrowed outfit from Nico Didonna, a label looked after by FBC member Alison Lowe of Felicities.  

Myka Volney, Daisy de Villeneuve, Rebekah Roy and William Tempest

Access to fabulous clothes – just another reason to join FBC.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

 

Leon Bailey-Green, Miriam Lahage and Nicky Hambleton-Jones

Back in April The Independent published the Online Fashion 100, compiled by online fashion retail consultant, Leon Bailey Green.  The list featured a handful of FBC members, and last Wednesday evening a celebration took place where the 2009 Online Fashion Star was announced.  FBC member and CEO of online retailer, koodos.com, Miriam Lahage took the prize.

Navaz Batliwalla

Frances Card with Antony Hawman of Drapers

Other FBC members in attendance included freelance fashion stylist, journalist and consultant, Navaz Batliwalla; fashion consultant, Frances Card, fashion stylist and blogger, Rebekah Roy; Felicities managing director, Alison Lowe; and Drapers editor, Lauretta Roberts.

Lauretta Roberts

The event was sponsored by Fashshot.com, and Nicky Hambleton-Jones announced Miriam’s victory.  Well done, Miriam!

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. 

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

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