Fashion Business Club

FBC member Imran Amed, editor of The Business of Fashion held the third instalment of his Fashion Pioneers initiative on Friday the 26^th of November. An extra large studio in the lower ground level of The Hospital Club in London was the backdrop, with live streaming on various websites around the globe, including on FBC member DisneyRollerGirl’s site in the UK. FBC members in the audience included Fashion Scout director, Martyn Roberts, founder and MD of Muks, Jaime Cooke, and fashion stylist Rebekah Roy.

FBC members Jaime Cooke and Rebekah Roy

Fashion Pioneers puts the industry’s true visionaries in the spotlight. The ones who had the foresight well before the rest of us and have shaped the way we all see, interact, buy and work in fashion.

Legendary image-maker and founder and director of SHOWstudio, Nick Knight took to the spotlight this time around for very rare live interview.

Nick has been a leading photographer for over 30 years after abandoning studies to become a doctor. He ‘liked the look of the art department,’ and he felt like life was leading him toward image making so he, ‘took up arts to prove something to himself,’ and it quickly became an ‘addiction…a curse and a pleasure’.

‘Ever since I started photography, I wanted to change it’. Nick felt that there was a new medium and that photography as it was, was shifting under his feet. ‘Photography has killed itself off. It references itself from a heyday that doesn’t exist anymore.’ Nick started filming shoots in the 1980s stating, ‘Clothes are designed to be seen in movement’. He wanted to show people the process, to lift the veil on how the media shows fashion, where it is ‘either trivialised or scandalised.’ He wanted to show the process, to give people access to how brilliant fashion is and to understand it as an art form, reinforcing that, ‘The biggest luxury we have left is access.’

Imran Amed and Nick Knight

What does the future of fashion hold? According to Nick fashion shows will evolve into huge consumer events and entertainment is the key. ‘You have to turn it into an event. You can’t just make it live.’ A fundamental revolution is underway. Production schedules will be brought forward to enable consumers to purchase immediately, distribution will change and designers will no longer have to have shows. Film allows designers to have much more control. In a nutshell, the industry is, ‘in total flux. It’s thrilling’.

So what makes a good fashion film? A fashion film has to make the clothes desirable and the message has to be delivered with intensity. There is no need for narrative. The message is imbued in the clothing, and the key is the relationship between the image-maker and the model. ‘You need to have that personal relationship.’ Nick’s secret recipe consists of two people (not a massive crew). One person is the image-maker, the other is the model. Also on the list are one camera and one light. ‘I don’t need a lot of stuff,’ he says, and he is adamant that technology does not have an effect on creativity. It is simply an enabling tool. ‘Technology gives you possibility’.

Imran Amed and Nick Knight

What is Nick’s advice to the budding image-maker? ‘If you really want to do it, you have to work harder than anybody else,’ and you’ll have to be prepared to give up your love life, food, security and be ready to take on board a lot of discouragement, but according to Nick, ‘It’s one of the greatest things you can do,’ and the only tools you really need are ‘your heart and your mind.’ Equipment is irrelevant. If you have something to say, you’ll find a way to say it.

At close, Nick pointed out a poignant industry truth. ‘The fashion industry is so frustratingly narrow,’ going on to say, ‘I’ve tried to articulate an alternative,’ in regards to age, race and shape. ‘Society isn’t well represented in fashion. It should be’.

Congratulations to Imran who says, ‘It was an honour to have such an honest and insightful conversation with an immensely important cultural figure such as Nick Knight, and share it with the global BoF community. There was much to learn from his experience and point of view’. Imran is also ‘excited that Nick Knight was a trending topic on Twitter during the talk’!

FBC member and director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout Martyn Roberts, sits on the panel that will select two finalist for the FAD Junior Awards. The FAD Junior Awards are organised by the not-for-profit organisation Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) that supports young people in an effort to bridge the gap between education and the fashion industry. FAD’s executive director, Maria Aluarez de Toledo, is also an FBC member.

This month twenty-four teenagers from London and Manchester will see their garments walk down the catwalk. The event, which will take place at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on Monday 20th September, marks six years of the Fashion Futures 2 project, an initiative which has seen FAD work with over 650 teenagers.

For many young people the FAD experience gives them a realistic insight into an industry they are passionate about, while for others the project has a more personal effect. Through fashion they develop self-esteem while also gaining valuable experience and transferable skills to support them in the future.

The talented finalists were originally selected from over 130 young people who participated in Fashion Futures 2 workshops earlier this year. In July they spent a week at an FAD summer school, held for the first time at The University of East London, supported by tutors, technicians and
student mentors and the 16 – 19 year-olds had just five days to create their final designs for the catwalk.

Karmen- Marie, FAD participant

David, FAD participant

Alongside FBCer and Vauxhall Fashion Scout Director Martyn Roberts on the panel sit Naomi Dominique, design director at River Island, Susan Aubrey-Cound, director of multi channel cevelopment at Marks & Spencer.

FBC wishes all contestants the best of luck!

Neely Reyes (centre) and Ian Warren (far right) with models and staff

FBC‘ers turned out in their fashion finery on Wednesday night as fellow members and managing partners of Sapphires Model Management hosted their London launch party in the Billiard Room of the Sanderson.

The event was packed thick with with the industry’s finest from Sapphires’ Neely Reyes and Ian Warren to models, fashion stylists and editors, film directors, designers and artists.

Daisy de Villeneve & Neely Reyes

Amongst the guests were FBC members: Rita Nazareno, FBC membership director & special projects manager of S.C. Vizcarra; Daisy de Villeneuve, FBC board member, illustrator, designer & writer; Courtney Blackman, FBC co-chair and MD of Forward PR; Giovanna Velasquez, founder & creative director of Magenta 8; Rebekah Roy, FBC blog edior, fashion stylist & creative director; Daniella Steadman, FBCtv’s new producer and executive producer of fashion & beauty at Love; Frances Card, merchandise manager at Matches & Drapers blogger; Sam Fearn, MD of Fearnhurst PR & founder of Fashion Press Week; Martyn Roberts & John Walford of Vauxhall Fashion Scout; myself, Anne Look, fashion stylist and blogger; and Rachael Sardelich, head of fashion & beauty at Morgans Hotels.

Rebekah Roy & John Walford

The two-hour event, commemorating the opening of Sapphires’ Soho office, spilled over into nearly five hours as guests chatted to background music mixed by internationally renowned DJ, Jeffrey Louis-Reed and sipped cocktails made from Aussie Spirits’ Vodka O & Kinky Rum, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Guests countered the cocktails with Mojito, chocolate-banana and coconut-lime cupcakes from Sweetie Darling’s (the Mojito cupcake was possibly the best). The VIP gift bags were overflowing with beauty products, drinks, sumptuous vouchers, a lovely handwritten scroll from Neely and Ian, and even clothes!

DJ Jeffrey Louis-Reed with Anne Look & Rachael Sardelich

Neely and Ian were delighted at the overwhelming turnout. “We’re very grateful to have the support of so many leading industry figures,” says Neely, “Sapphires’ move to Soho is a big step for the company and we can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes us.”

Congratulations, Neely & Ian!

FBC members are invited to attend Indian Premier London Fashion Week from Monday the 10^th to Wednesday the 12^th of May.

FBC members Ian Warren and Neely Reyes, owners of Sapphires Model Management are providing 40 models for the event exclusively, and referred fellow FBC members Martyn Roberts and John Walford, directors of Vauxhall Fashion Scout for the production.

Neely says, “Sapphires are very excited to be providing models exclusively for this event and even more thrilled that Fashion Scout were secured to produce the event. India is a rapidly emerging fashion market and we are very glad to be part of such an important event to the country, and what will soon be the rest of the world. Fashion Scout is London’s biggest producer and we absolutely love working with John and Martyn.”

India’s top fashion designers will partake in 18 catwalk shows and 25 designer exhibitions over the 3 days. This is the first of what is planned to be a twice yearly event going forward.

FBC’s Martyn Roberts comments, “Fashion Scout is pleased to be producing Indian Premier London Fashion Week’s event. We are looking forward to seeing a selection of top Indian designers as modelled on fellow FBC members’ Sapphires Model Management.”

Elle India and Asian Woman magazine are media partners, MAC is supplying the kits and the makeup is being done by the London School of Media Makeup.

Monday 10 – Wednesday 12 May
Bloomsbury Ballroom
37 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA

If you would like to attend, RSVP to Raksha:  raksha@iplfashionweek.com

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 board member Daisy de Villeneuve partnered up with Vauxhall Fashion Scout (run by FBC members Martyn Roberts and John Walford) and Vogue.com (edited by board member Dolly Jones) over London Fashion Week to draw live from the catwalks of David Koma, Hermione de Paula and William Tempest.

Visit Vogue.com to see Daisy’s exclusive sketches and to see what she thought of each designers’ collection.

For appointments please contact FBC member Martyn Roberts or  info@vauxhallfashionscout.com / +44(0)7730 426 777

10:00 – 19:00
Fri 5th – Mon 8th March
Ilan Engels Gallery
77 rue des Archives
Paris 7003

As the city prepares itself for London Fashion Week, FBCers are gearing up, preparing themselves for the week ahead.

FBC co-chair and MD of Forward PR Courtney Blackman is launching Prophetik’s first fashion show at London Fashion Week.  Courtney also represents the jewellery label LeJu who is exhibiting for their sixth  season at London Fashion Fashion.

During London Fashion Week FBC editor and fashion stylist Rebekah Roy is styling several shows including Merit Award Winner William Tempest, Alice Palmer, Jasper Garvida, menswear designer Stefán Orschel-Read and Prophetik. She’s also been busy styling lookbooks with FBC members Jaime Cooke of Muks and Helen and Myra of Hemyca.

Prophetik will be opening the season at Vauxhall Fashion Scout run by FBC members and co-directors, Martyn Roberts and John Walford on Friday the 19th of September at 1:00pm.

To request at ticket request for Prophetik contact Sophie Gardner at: prophetik@forwardpr.com

FBC board member, Daisy de Villeneuve is teaming up with FBC members, Martyn Roberts and John Walford, co-directors of Vauxhall Fashion Scout (VFS) for London Fashion Week, which kicks off next Friday, the 19th of February.

Daisy will be lending her illustrative talent to three of VFS’s key shows: David Koma, Hermione de Paula and William Tempest.   Daisy will be backstage and front of house, capturing the excitement in her trademark faux-naif style. “When Martyn and John asked me to illustrate at some of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s shows, I was definitely keen. I’ve never drawn from live catwalk before and thought it the perfect opportunity,” says Daisy.

For more details about VFS and to find out the show schedules, click here: Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Prints of the above image titled Killer Heels by Daisy de Villeneuve are available for purchase at Eleven Fine Art.

FBC’s media partner, Drapers hosted an amazing party at DreamVault to note a landmark year in British fashion. 2009 marks 25 years of the British Fashion Council and London Fashion Week, 100 years of Selfridges and 125 of Jaeger, amongst other noteworthy fashion anniversaries.

Harold Tillman

We were all given a commemorative book titled Drapers Great British Fashion and both Drapers editor, Jessica Price-Brown and FBC member and chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman spoke about the industry’s heritage, the milestones, and the exciting future of British fashion. Attended by some of the most influential people in the business, FBCers were no doubt in great supply.

FBC member and former CEO of koodos, Miriam Lahage

FBC member and senior account director at EdenCancan, Jonathan Kirkby with My-Wardrobe brand partnerships manager, Antony Hawman

FBC members Frances Card of the Frances Card Consultancy with vente-privee.com’s UK country sales manager, Bunty Stokes

FBC members Lauretta Roberts, digital development manager at WGSN and chairman of the Fashion Summit 2009 with Stine Brogaard, Swarovski’s marketing operations manager

Liberty’s creative director Tamara Salman with Fran

Tamara is not yet a member of FBC, but she did attend the infamous Alexandra Shulman/Dolly Jones meeting, and she will be a member come January after she’s been our guest speaker – it will be on the 28th, if you want to save the date.

FBC’s Martyn Roberts, co-director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout was also there, but managed to elude the camera.

Agenda’s will be going out soon for the next meeting on the 26th of November where Jonathan Saunders and Erin Mullaney of Browns will be interviewed by FBC board member and editor of Vogue.com, Dolly Jones.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman