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

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.

FBC member Bryce Aime will be showing his A/W 2010 collection this London Fashion Week at OnOff on February, Saturday 20th at 11.30am.

For more information contact info@bryce-aime.com

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

 

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