Fashion Business Club

I normally round up FBCers at London Fashion Week, but decided to do Paris this time to mix it up. So, who was there and doing what?

Daniela & Annette Felder

Twin FBC members/designers Daniela and Annette Felder of FELDER FELDER went to Paris as part of the BFC’s London Show Rooms with an opening brunch hosted by American Vogue & Style.com’s Sarah Mower. Excellent.

Bryce Aime AW2010

FBCers Martyn Roberts and John Walford of Fashion Scout assembled the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom and FBC member Bryce Aime was amongst the ten designers on exhibit.

Giovanna Velasquez and me both wearing Magenta 8

FBCer and creative director of Magenta 8, Giovanna Velasquez exhibited for her first time at Atmosphère’s, and FBC member and fashion and fine art photographer, Vanessa Warren went along to help set up and photograph her stand – très  FBC.

The On|Off showroom at Galerie Cadain

FBC member Lee Lapthorne showed his own collection at the Haynes Showroom and had his On|Off showroom filled with twelve British designers; and Lee and his team threw their heavily attended Custard Party. Highlight: Lee rocking out big time to the live music.

Jaeger London (owned by FBC member Harold Tillman) showed at Hotel Castille and FBCers Ashish Gupta of Ashish and Jonathan Saunders also had showrooms as part of the Brits in Paris initiative.

Gabriella Piccinni, FBC member and vice president of international business for Diane von Furstenberg was in Paris…conducting international business on behalf of DvF.

Aganovich AW2010

…and last but not least FBC members Brooke Taylor and Nana Aganovich of Aganovich exhibited in Paris per usual, and a treat for us – they’ll be back in London for the next FBC meeting with our guest, Harrods‘ fashion and beauty director, Marigay McKee, who will be interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones.

25 March 2010

3:00pm

Swarovski Crystallized

Details: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

FBC member Neely Reyes Founder and owner of Sapphires Model Management alongside fellow FBC member Lee Lapthorne of ON/Off, are judges for the Internet search engine Ask Jeeves.

They are looking for talent  to create even more wardrobe options for iconic butler, Jeeves.

Jeeves is traditionally known for his suited attire, but in the run up to London Fashion Week Ask Jeeves and Nolcha fashion business services are asking all budding designers to send in their ideas for a new fashion forward look for their brand ambassador.

The winning design will be modelled by Jeeves on the Ask Jeeves homepage and supported by a theme design which will be added to the Ask Jeeves theme gallery.

The judging panel will look at all the entries sent in and select four finalists, with Ask Jeeves users selecting the final winning design.

Neely says: “I‘m excited to be judging the Dress Jeeves competition. The UK is filled with design talent and Jeeves makes the perfect model! I can’t wait to see what the entrants envision for the iconic British character.”

The competition launches on 10th February and runs to the 28th of February. For more information visit at www.uk.ask.com/dressjeeves from 10th February 2010.

Lee Lapthorne FBC member is a textile designer,  curator, catwalk show producer and creative director of The Doll and On|Off .

What’s happening at OnOff?
LL – At our new venue (Victoria House, WC1B 4DA) we have 16 catwalk shows and presentations this February 19 – 22nd, and 26 exhibition designers and artists. Our official party on 20th will feature none other that Neneh Cherry (last season Soul II Soul wowed the guests by performing live with Caron Wheeler) and a succession of secret gigs planned sometime over the event in aid of a charity working with children who survived the Haiti earthquake.

What are the highlights?
LL – We are really excited that J Maskery is following Pam Hogg’s successful come back steps in choosing On|Off to launch her new collection. And it’s our selection of debuting designers including On|Off Presents…(Friday 19th at 19:00hrs) that we are most excited about. Known for discovering and launching Mark Fast, Hannah Marshall and Richard Sorger, this season’s collections are focused and successful. Hosting Roksanda Ilincic’s show, known for her refined and beautifully crafted demi-couture pieces, is a huge honor for this season. Moreover, included in our exhibition are show pieces from Alexander Koutny’s Victoria Secrets catwalk show collaboration. Oh and not forgetting our limited edition travel wallets, this season designed by the renowned illustrator Richard Gray.

How long have you been producing shows for?
LL – I’ve been producing shows since 1996, but I am known for the creative shows I produced for Preen, Red or Dead and Robert Cary Williams (his famous ice dress, and the horse show were highlights). I’ve produced and directed shows that span the full spectrum of fashion from, to name a few, shows for Gucci, Hackett, Graduate Fashion Week, ‘Make me a super model’, ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and more, recently directing the vast Clothes Show Live and London main theatre shows.

What other project does On|Off have coming up?
LL – Due to the success of last season’s On|Off Paris Fashion Week showroom, we are managing our showroom for its second season, displaying the best of On|Off fashion collections for sale to international buyers. We are also producing short industry On|Off.tv films for the website and a unique blog. We are also currently researching ideas for new directions for the brand in support of the industry at large.

What’s your fashion background?
LL – I have an extensive fashion background, starting as a training manager for the Sears group in the late 80’s, to visual merchandising for Top Shop/Man and working in the creative team for shop refits whilst studying for my degree, graduating in 1996. I then won a bursary to study for my Textiles (for Fashion and Architecture) Masters, which I completed with distinction in 1998. In 1997 I worked for Zowie Broach on a pop video for the band Suede, who encouraged me to use my skills in producing and directing fashion shows. In 1998, I produced my first LFW show for Emma Cook and my production career grew from there… In 2001 I was invited back to the University I graduated from to run the MA Fashion Course for the UCE, where I gained the endorsement from Alexander McQueen to change its direction. I have continued to lecture in fashion and textiles at numerous institutions and I have helped to validate new University courses. I have just been appointed as the External Examiner at Central Saint Martin’s for the Textiles Degree course. I started On|Off in 2003, when no other initiatives like On|Off existed, supporting designers to showcase and sell their collections. I continue my hands on approach to support debuting designers showcasing at On|Off, such as Mark Fast and Yang Du. In 2009 I launched my own textiles range of mens fashion accessories with designer Clare Copland and our first collection debuted at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, London. I am currently working on a new fashion event, which will be launched in September 2010.

For more information visit On|Off.

Bryce Aime by The Mofo

FBC member Bryce Aime has photographed previously unseen pieces from his SS2010 collection with cult photographer, The Mofo (yes, that’s what he calls himself), in his signature voyeuristic style.

Bryce mixes 50’s Parisian chic with classic and futuristic body con structure and it’s apparently a collection you’ll either love or hate.  I love.  What do you think?

Bryce Aime by The Mofo

Bryce will be showing his AW2010 collection during London Fashion Week at On|Off (directed by FBC member Lee Lapthorne) on Saturday the 20^th of February, and we’re hoping to see Bryce next Thursday for our first FBC meeting of 2010, a celebration of our 4^th birthday, and a revealing interview with my-wardrobe.com’s founder and CEO, Sarah Curran at London’s Swarovski CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ Concept Store and Café.

See you there!

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

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

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 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

 

One of FBC member, Deborah Henning’s gorgeous gowns graces the cover of the new issue of Sublime (the first international sustainable lifestyle magazine).

 

Positioned as the creative director, Deborah launched Deborah Henning Ltd. in September of 2007, after putting in time at Alexander McQueen and Sass & Bide.

She incorporates high-end luxury ready-to-wear with innovative design, tailoring and excellent finishing, and all of her pieces are made in the UK. The spring summer 2009 collection, entitled ‘Origins of Mankind’ was designed to feature one part of the body with bold prints and an under toned palette.  Deborah collaborated on the collection with textile designer, Didi Bjornerud.

Keep a look out for Deborah come September, where she showcases during London Fashion Week at On|Off – FBC member, Lee Lapthorne’s initiative.

If you would like to get in touch with Deborah, send an email to:  contact@deborahhenning.com

Congratulations, Deborah!

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

 

The finale filming of Season 5 of Britain’s Next Top Model (airing in a couple months-ish) took place on Tuesday evening, and FBC’s Lee Lapthorne was there helping with the production of the fashion side of it.

FBCers Lee Lapthorne and Rebekah Roy, wearing the Azzure headpiece from Louis Mariette

A little shindig with lots of cocktails, canapés and cupcakes was held, and the show’s three judges:  Lisa Snowdon; photographer and creative director, Huggy Ragnarsson; and milliner, Louis Mariette, were dressed to impress (jewelled Sultan’s jacket, leather trousers, pink leopard print shoes) and mingling around.

Lisa Snowdon’s Jimmy Choos

Fashion stylist and FBC member, Rebekah Roy helped style Louis for the show, and was there along with Jodie Kidd, loads of journos and TV people.

Jodie Kidd and Louis Mariette

New FBC members, Jamie de Cesare and Elle Nadal from Chrisanne also worked with Louis to ensure that he would be sartorially bejewelled for multiple episodes.  The series will be on LIVING TV…soon.

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

Photos taken with my BlackBerry