Fashion Business Club

Previous FBC guest speaker, Marigay McKee takes to the sky on Saturday 22 May 2010. Kicking off her heels and Roland Mouret dresses, the perfectly groomed Harrods Fashion and Beauty Director dons helmet, overalls and sturdy boots for a worthy cause. Cleverly named ‘Breakthrough Booby Birds’ the aim is to raise £20k for the Breast Cancer charity. Support Marigay now by clicking through to Just Giving.

The FBCtv film of Vogue.com editor Dolly Jones interviewing Harrods‘ Marigay McKee is now on Vogue TV.

Visit Vogue.com to watch the highlights: The Marigay McKee Interview

Marigay McKee in Roland Mouret with Dolly Jones in Roksanda for Whistles

Thursday 25th March 2010 marked another successful Fashion Business Club meeting at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café. Interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones, the fashion and beauty director at Harrods, Marigay McKee is the cake and the cherry on top where all things fashion and business are concerned.

FBC co-founder Alison Whelan chatting with Harrods’ Jason Broderick

Her great eye and style is the reason so many Londoners look as good as they do and her well-groomed appearance is representative of “looking the part”. This meeting in particular was a great inspiration as Marigay is a successful businesswoman, a mum AND a true believer in treating others fairly.

FBC member Helen Clinch of HEMYCA with FBC photographer, Dave Wise

Taking the time to communicate and share is rewarding and garners further commitment from staff. “Positive karma brings a positive attitude. Charm and charisma is the most underused weapon in business today.” Sound like fashion’s answer to Mother Teresa? Maybe, but this saint works hard and plays hard.

FBCers: creative consultant Sim Scavazza with journalist, stylist & consultant, Navaz Batliwalla

She took us on a historical journey and brought to our attention the evolution of shopping in department stores. We have gone from the 80’s being a decade where each store was like a school, the shop staff were the teachers and the shoppers the students. Then in the 90’s we all liked being pampered. Personal shopping became the new craze and department stores were like hospitals. The personal shopper/stylists were the doctors and we were the patients. This side of the millennium it has been taken to another level. The department store community has now become the most important place of all, home.

FBC members Nana Aganovich and Brooke Taylor of Aganovich giving a quick sound bite for FBCtv to co-founder, Courtney Blackman

Marigay let us in to a little secret on what’s hot for next season. Look out for the return of the trouser suit, glamorous dresses and smaller bags for women. Menswear continues with the schoolboy look and has some influences of shabby chic. You heard it at FBC first.

How does she do it all? Truth be told, she has a small army of great friends, staff, a loving family and an agency sent from above called ‘Beck & Call.’

The next Fashion Business Club meeting is scheduled for 27th May 2010 at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ where Joseph Velosa, CEO of Matthew Williamson will be interviewed by FBC member and editor of the Business of Fashion, Imran Amed.

For information on membership, contact Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

Marigay McKee & Dolly Jones

Thursday the 25th is the day! Legendary fashion and beauty director of Harrods, Marigay McKee will be interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones.

How is the business of Harrods changing? What are Marigay’s daily challenges? How does a new or established brand attract the attention of the most famous store in the world?

Find out exclusively at the FBC March meeting at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café at 3pm.

Members, have you RSVPed?: rsvp@fashionbusinessclub.net

Spring is nearly upon us and there’s no better way to welcome the warm weather than by marking our diaries with the up-and-coming FBC event starring Dolly Jones, Vogue.com editor and FBC board member, interviewing guest speaker Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, next Thursday, March 25th at the Swarvoski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Cafe.

Having moved up the Harrods ladder – Marigay went from a senior buyer for perfumery and cosmetics in 1999 to womenswear in 2005, and to fashion director in 2007. Being FBC’s next guest speaker, Marigay says: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be involved with FBC. The arena they provide for discussion of our fast-moving industry is an ideal platform for the development of fresh and innovative ideas.”

Marigay McKee

As an ambassador for Harrods, Marigay has built up a reputation not only in the UK but in ‘fashion-able’ and ‘beauty-full’ circles, worldwide. She’s leads more than 2,000 employees, oversees over 1,000 fashion brands and lines, and represents almost 50 per cent of the elite store’s turnover. Dolly, who is excited to introduce Marigay to FBC members next week says: “She has become an icon of the international fashion scene herself and has made one of the most high profile jobs in fashion all her own. Hopefully we’ll be able to give some insight as to what it’s like to be her to the FBC audience.”

And insightful it will be.  FBC members will get the scoop on how Marigay started off in the industry and how she has managed to achieve a retailers dream job at one of the most esteemed department stores in the world. From challenges that she’s come across – and overcome – to the new projects that lie ahead for the brand, Marigay will share that intimate world of Harrods, behind the golden ‘H.’

Alison Whelan, FBC co-founder and co-chairman says: “The Harrods brand and Marigay are a formidable buying team when it comes to fashion and beauty- and what better time is there for Dolly to interview Marigay than straight after this season’s shows? Let’s get ready for an inspiring talk about what makes Harrods tick.”

FBC at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢

RSVP ladies and gent’s, this is definitely one FBC event not to be missed! The meeting will be held Thursday, March 25th at 3:00pm at the Swarvoski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Cafe on Great Marlborough Street.

The Vogue.com Street Chic team will be present photographing what FBC members are wearing. You have a little over a week to plan your ensemble!

RSVP: rsvp@fashionbusinessclub.net

In association with media partner:

Kate Moss is on our media partner, Vogue.com’s site wearing a William Tempest dress accented with recycled mosquito netting. The image was created for Sport Relief to highlight awareness about malaria and that a £5 donation can buy a preventative net.

The image was styled by FBC’s blog editor, Rebekah Roy! Rebekah says, “I was happy to come on board as the stylist for the shoot.  It’s important to work on projects like this. Kate and her team were great, and of course I love working with William, it was a good day.”

See Rebekah at the next meeting on the 25th of March, when Vogue.com editor and FBC board member, Dolly Jones will interview Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods. 3:00-:4:30pm at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

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

Board member Daisy de Villeneuve’s books and notebooks are now on sale at the Ultralounge in Selfridges! Published by Pocko, Daisy’s hugely popular He Said, She Said features her cool and stylish felt-tip drawings coupled with typewritten, humourous observations about friendship and love.

Daisy studied fashion and fine art in New York and Paris, and received a B.F.A from Parsons School of Design. Referred to as London’s ‘Queen of Cool,’ Daisy’s art has featured in numerous fashion magazines, galleries, unique exhibitions, Topshop shoeboxes, clothing, housewares, Oyster cardholders in conjunction with the British Fashion Council, and most recently she has appeared in advertising campaigns for Gap Europe and for Uniqlo – a project that was secured by fellow FBC members Neely Reyes and Ian Warren of Sapphires Model Management.

Daisy in ads for Gap Europe and Uniqlo

Daisy will be at the next FBC meeting and is happy to sign FBC members’ copies of her books.

25 March, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Swarovski Crystallized Concept Store & Café

Harrods‘ fashion and beauty director Marigay McKee will be interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones.

Membership enquiries: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

VOGUE.COM UK and Fashion Business Club (FBC) create Media Partnership

After four incredible years, Fashion Business Club (FBC) has finally met its match. FBC is thrilled to announce its new media partner: VOGUE.COM UK.

“I’m really pleased to formalise our relationship with Fashion Business Club having worked closely with Courtney and Alison over the last 4 years. The FBC has become a respected hub of fashion ideas and inspiration – I hope VOGUE.COM UK can help it to grow even more.” Dolly Jones, VOGUE.COM editor and FBC board member

Re-launched in spring 2008 under the direction of Dolly Jones, VOGUE.COM UK added a number of exciting new features to the site including VOGUE TV, which began streaming the latest and most popular catwalk and fashion-related videos to their readers. Additionally, the site doubled the number of news stories on the site per day, included a calendar feature to download upcoming fashion events, and added high-profile bloggers to their already fashion-clad site. VOGUE.COM’s new frontend design is used globally across different language versions of the site in order to increase accessibility and suit more international readers.

“We’ve been working with Dolly Jones and VOGUE.COM UK for a few years now and the natural synergy is undeniable. We’re really excited to make the relationship official. It means a lot in terms of our continued growth in both the UK and globally.” Courtney Blackman, FBC co-founder and co-chairman

As VOGUE.COM UK is regularly referenced on FBC’s  blog,  FBC sees partnering with the industry’s most well-respected online fashion resource a clear fit in the continued growth of FBC. Looking to VOGUE.COM for all the latest UK and international fashion news, trend reports, and fashion business updates, FBC co-founders and co-chairs Courtney Blackman and Alison Whelan couldn’t think of a better fit in terms of media partners.

“Dolly Jones and VOGUE.COM UK understood immediately the potential of FBC and continue to champion our growth through this fabulous new media partnership – we are delighted!” Alison Whelan, FBC co-founder and co-chairman

The next meeting will be held Thursday, March 28 at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store & Café from 3:00pm-4.30pm. FBC will welcome guest speaker Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, interviewed by Dolly Jones.

FBC is a business-focused members club, created on the basis of bringing bright-minded fashion professionals together six times a year at an informal venue to listen to inspiring speakers, learn and do business together. The ethos of the club is generosity and the desire to share knowledge, along with at least two-years’ experience in the industry.

Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman founded the club in 2006, and they, along with VOGUE.COM UK editor, Dolly Jones and renowned designer/illustrator, Daisy de Villeneuve make up the Board.

FBC meets six times a year on the last Thursday of every other month from 3:00pm-4.30pm at the Swarovski CRSYTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café. If you would like more information about FBC or would like to cover the event, please send an email to press director, Myka Volney: press@fashionbusinessclub.net

Fashion Business Club celebrates its fourth birthday in January 2010 and has a brand new sparkling partner for the New Year: the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café on Great Marlborough Street.

In 2009, FBC held two meetings at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café (DailyCandy and Jonathan Saunders/Dolly Jones) and it felt just like home. The space is perfect for holding the live interviews, the production of FBCtv, and networking.

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED ™ says, “We are very excited to become part of the FBC partnership, we see the match as being perfect and a great opportunity to facilitate great networking in a beautiful and very fashionable space that is the new Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café.’’

FBC’s six meetings for 2010 will take place in the space and will be filled with bright-minded fashion professionals looking to do business together and share in the experiences of the guest speakers, including Tamara Salman, creative director of Liberty of London in January; and Harrods fashion and beauty director, Marigay McKee in March. The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café is the perfect backdrop for FBC meetings and creates an informal social environment that allows members to casually engage with one another.

“Swarovski has long been associated with recognising new creative talent and we’re very super happy to be inking the deal with Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™, new venue partner for our FBC meetings.” Alison Whelan, FBC co-founder and co-chairman

“The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Concept Store and Café is the one space that our members have been wildly enthusiastic about. The synergy between what FBC does and the way the lounge is architected couldn’t be more harmonious. It was the natural next step to formalise the relationship and we’re really excited!” Courtney Blackman, FBC co-founder and co-chairman

FBC is a business-focused members club, created on the basis of bringing bright-minded fashion professionals together six times a year at an informal venue to listen to inspiring speakers, learn and do business together. The ethos of the club is generosity and the desire to share knowledge, along with at least two-years’ experience in the industry.

The club was started by Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman in 2006, and they, along with Vogue.com editor, Dolly Jones and Daisy de Villenuve renowned designer/illustrator, make up the Board.

Members include home-grown and internationals, well-known and aspiring designers, journalists, photographers, stylists, buyers, brand managers, make-up artists, manufacturers, lawyers, graphic designers, copywriters, retailers, IP specialists, creative directors, PRs, brand managers and more.

Photo by Dave Wise for FBC

-Rebekah Roy Fashion Stylist & FBC Editor