Fashion Business Club

Sammy & Marcelo at Sapphires Model Management

FBC members and managing partners of Sapphires Model Management, Ian Warren and Neely Reyes are holding a London Fashion Week model scouting competition. Have you ever fancied being a scout for a day?

Model scouts are some of the most important people in fashion and are always on the hunt for the next big face to grace the catwalk and magazines. For a model scout even a trip to the supermarket can turn into a successful days work and many of the biggest names in the modeling industry have been spotted simply shopping or wandering down the street!

To be a good model scout you need to be chatty and confident with a good sense for fashion and an eye for timeless beauty.  As you can imagine, you will be approaching gorgeous boys and girls with what might sound like a strange request so it’s important that you are friendly and well presented!

To enter the Sapphires Model Management Scouting Competition, in 250 words, tell Sapphires Model Management what makes you the perfect budding model scout. The most creative answers will be posted on the Sapphires website and the winner will get to spend a day during London Fashion Week learning what it takes with the Sapphires team.

Entries should be sent in to: contact@sapphiresmodel.com

Good Luck!

Last week, I was fortunate enough to have a first glimpse of some of the Young Gun 2010 entries as I was part of the sifting team who were starting to compile a shortlist of finalists. It has clearly been another year of talent amongst the UK’s entrepreneurs. The competition is still open so I do hope we will attract some talent from the fashion sector Young-guns for the key eligibility criteria. Previous finalists from the fashion sector have included mywardrobe.com, Myla and Sweaty Betty.

I also caught up over a couple of G&T’s with Neely and Ian, founders of Sapphires Model Management following their recent launch party. Having met the pair some time ago before they moved to London as they were just starting out, it is fantastic to see them making a mark in the sector. They are two individuals with a thought-provoking story and vision for their business. The move to London has got off to a successful start and through their hard work, I am sure this will long continue.

We hosted our second event for Rockstar Group mentoring at our offices last week. Founded by Jonathan Pfahl, Rockstar helps businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to SME’s fast track the growth of their business through access to a team of experts. One of the most inspiring and energetic speakers that I have heard was Tom Minter. He is a wise twenty-something year old whose abundant experiences in running his own business are worth listening to by all entrepreneurs. He was one of the founders of Budda Bag and having exited that business in 2007 he is now CEO of Socks for Happy People. Never has a business been so aptly named after a CEO! His enthusiasm for the idea behind his business is definitely infectious – all stockists should have a video of him talking about his business as a sure way of closing sales.

Another fabulous Fashion Business Club event was held last week, as we were presented with two talents in Edward Enninful (creative director of iconic fashion magazine i-D) being interviewed by Michael Herz (creative director of womenswear at Bally). It was a pleasure to meet the lovely Sam Fearn of Fearnhurst PR. She is the mind behind Fashion Press Week, which it seems is set to be a huge success in November at the Saatchi Gallery. I look forward to following the launch which will serve as a convenient one-stop show for editors to view key Spring/Summer 2011 collections.

One thing that I have taken away from last week is the importance of new business talent in the UK. New, creative ideas create successful businesses and jobs – surely they are key to future financial success and economic recovery and as such should be a priority in being supported by the government and banks?

FBC member, Natasha Frangos is a partner at chartered accountant at Haysmacintyre

FBC members were invited to an afternoon tea and vintage shopping event by FBC member Rachael Sardelich, fashion and beauty director of the Sanderson and St. Martins Lane hotels. Sapphires’ Neely Reyes, Fiona of Morgans Hotels, FBC co-founder Courtney Blackman and Ian Warren of  Sapphires Model Management.

Emma, Rachel & Estella from Mathew Williamson (CEO Joseph Velosa is an FBC member).

Rachael Sardelich with stylist and FBC Blog editor Rebekah Roy enjoying the handbags!

Also in attendance were FBC members Anne Look, fashion stylist and Amishi Dhanuka of Amishi/Blue Lotus.

Fresh off of the inspirational words of FBC guest interviewee, Edward Enninful at  Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™, FBC members Bunty Stokes, UK sales manager of Vente-Privee, Courtney Blackman, FBC co-founder & co-chairman, Neely Reyes, managing partner of Sapphires Model Managment, Rebekeh Roy, fashion stylist & FBC Blog Editor, Sam Fearn, MD of Fearnhurst PR & founder of Fashion Press Week, Frances Card, merchandise manager, Matches, Mark Bage, creative director of Coggles, Victoria Todd, editor of Fashion Monitor and myself all made our way to One Marlyebone to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Drapers Awards.

FBC members Anne Look, Courtney Blackman, Neely Reyes & Rebekah Roy with Joseph Wan

We were greeted in style by waiters and waitresses wearing pink ties and pink and white fedoras. Swirling pink lights ran up and down the surrounding walls and stained glass windows below high-arched ceilings made it the perfect venue to honour one of Britain’s best-loved fashion industry events.

Where there is business, there is FBC, and we mingled and chatted with industry giants. FBC member Bunty Stokes gave a speech on behalf of Vente-Privee, who sponsored the evening, and Neely Reyes got some helpful business tips from Harvey Nichols CEO, Joseph Wan.

The deadline for entries for the Drapers Awards is August 5th. Details can be found on the Drapers website, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 17th.

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!

An interview with Ian Warren,  FBC member and managing partner of  Sapphires Model Management. Ian is also a prolific writer and will be the guest FBC Blog editor for the July 29 Edward Enninful/Michael Herz meeting.

How did you come to run your own modeling agency?

I come from an online retail background and my career moves have always been in the fashion industry. I knew Neely Reyes (the founder of Sapphires) from university and we spoke extensively about her idea to open an ethical boutique agency. Our skill sets seemed to uncannily mesh; the areas where Neely would need help were my strengths and vice versa. We decided to put our heads together and Sapphires Model Management was born! Five years on and we’re very proud of the agency. We’ve managed to work with Selfridges, House of Fraser, Umberto Giannini, Uniqlo with FBC board member Daisy de Villeneuve, the Drapers/WGSN Fashion Summit 2009 with FBC member Lauretta Roberts, and Harvey Nichols with FBC member Anne Look. We’ve just opened a London office, which we’ll be celebrating next week at the Sanderson, and we have some exciting projects up our sleeve, so stay tuned for more details.

What did you do before Sapphires?

I was the website manager for a big high street retailer that is no longer with us (although I maintain I had nothing to do with it’s downfall!). Although the work was enjoyable, the job was very restrictive. Saying that though, I learned a lot and at the very least I have a story about the spectacular collapse of a fashion brand that will make a great novel someday!

What is a typical day like for a partner of a modeling agency?

Most of the day is spent meeting clients and models, interpreting briefs and organising castings and bookings. We also spend time planning shoots for our models. We are still very hands on at the agency so we spend a lot of time thinking about PR projects with the lovely Courtney Blackman, Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of FBC who is actually our PR. Finally, we always take the time out to make the occasional tweet or status update!

How does being part of FBC have a positive affect on your business?

FBC is a great networking tool and really has helped to expand our business. An FBC membership is like having the best contact book at your fingertips. We’ve referred some really good work to our fellow members and it’s great to be part of something so highly regarded within the industry!

Say hello to Ian on the 29th of July at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ when FBC member and creative director of Bally, Michael Herz interviews superstar stylist and creative director, Edward Enninful. For details: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net or press@fashionbusinessclub.net

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

FBC members, Neely Reyes and Ian Warren of  Sapphires Model Management’s have opened a new office in Soho just opposite Shaftesbury Avenue’s Gielgud Theatre on Rupert Street.

Sapphires Model Management has worked with and provided models for some of the biggest names in the industry: Selfridges, House of Fraser, Uniqlo, Fashion Summit 2009, a project with Harvey Nichols, Dougray Scott, Billy Boyd, and Adam Garcia, and a selection of large publication houses.

Sapphires focuses on new concept of modeling agency, highlighting ethical business practices and high-level customer service.

Says Neely:”Sapphires decision to move to London is in line with the business’ current growth and the perfect way to promote expansion.  Although we have had a presence in London for about a year, we feel now is the right time to make the move in full and we’re really excited about the new opportunities that being in the fashion capital of the world will bring!”

For more information visit http://www.sapphiresmodel.com

Models at Sapphires: Thea, Yulia & Beatrix

FBC members Neely Reyes and Ian Warren of Sapphires Model Management have been invited to the House of Commons in praise of their business success; they were the selected model agency for a catwalk show and celebrity portrait auction with Harvey Nichols; they’ve worked exclusively with Selfridges and the Fashion Summit 2009; they landed a global Uniqlo account placing one their high-profile models, FBC board member, Daisy de Villeneuve; and Neely was recently asked to judge a fashion design competition over London Fashion Week.

Neely Reyes & Ian Warren

Well, they are at it again and have been invited to be guest speakers in the Expert Studio at the Fashion Fusion Expo 2010. Ian says,”We’re really excited to explain to people how an ethical modelling agency works and how the fashion industry as a whole can benefit from an agency like Sapphires.”

They will be talking about how to become a model, ethics in the industry, what to avoid and watch out for when signing to an agency, and health and wellbeing of models. Neely adds, “We’re really pleased to be speaking in the Expert Studio at the Fashion Fusion Expo. As an ethical modelling agency we’re looking forward to talking to people about the reality of working in the industry, health and wellbeing, and how to avoid scams.”

Ian and Neely’s presentation is at 4:00pm on Friday the 12th of March at the Old Truman Brewery.

Tickets to the event are £10 and can be purchased through: www.fashionfusionexpo.co.uk

For details about Sapphires or to book models, please contact: 0844 844 5404 or contact@sapphiresmodels.com

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