Fashion Business Club

FBC member Maria Lau is hosting an exclusive online summer sale with 50% off RRP on Maria Lau Jewellery. The sale will include pieces from Spring/ Summer ‘09 ‘A Skin Less Ordinary’ and ‘Dark Tales’ from Autumn/Winter ‘09-10 as well as one-off limited edition pieces handmade by Maria Lau.

What is your fashion background?
I gained my Masters degree from the Royal College of Art in 2003, in Mixed Media Textiles, and I’ve always been interested in creating unconventional fashion accessories using unusual materials or shapes inspired by the body. I have worked with Hussein Chalayan, Michiko Koshino, DKNY London, as well as creating bespoke jewellery for clientele in Harrods and Selfridges. I love the drama of fashion, and have been able to collaborate with other independent fashion designers, creating one-off pieces for the catwalk.
As my work is cross-boundary between jewellery and fashion, my photoshoots have been a great medium for me to explore the drama within my fantasy worlds and heroines in order to create a universe that upholds jewellery as a fashion statement in its own right. My jewellery label ‘Maria Lau’ sells in select fashion jewellery retailers Kabiri and Johnny Rocket, London which showcase my work to the fashion discerning consumer.

How would you describe your style of Jewellery?
Maria Lau jewellery is elegant, luxurious jewellery with a twist. There are bold statement pieces as well as more simple demure designs in each collection. Hosiery, believe it or not, has been a dominant feature in my work; something so ordinary in everyday life that I manipulate into something so desirable. These  materials are handcrafted and entwined with semi-precious stones and minerals, hair-like fringing – all juxtaposed with a casual-style of wear such as silver-plated keyring enclosures, necklaces which slip over the head and adjustable soft straps so the wearer can adapt the jewellery to suit their look. I love to retain some playfulness and surprise in my collections, so in the ‘Magne’ ranges you can play with magnetic hematine beads to ’stick-and-stack’ necklaces and bracelets. I would say my customer likes to make discoveries and not follow trends!

How does being part of FBC have a positive affect on your business?
Being part of FBC has exposed me to another fashion dimension in London. FBC sees all kinds of professionals working in the fashion industry come together and mingle, whilst providing members with a knowledgeable platform on which they can promote their business. The range of speakers have been fantastic and  for up- and- coming designers like myself being able to listen to and speak with these fashion personalities is a great learning opportunity. I am sure that  the high calibre of speakers helps to create a well-established roster of members ensuring that at FBC one is always surrounded by like minded and inspiring people.

For more information visit www.marialau.co.uk

Lauretta Roberts at WGSN

FBC member and digital development director of WGSN, Lauretta Roberts has launched the Global Fashion Awards and FBC finds out more:

Tell us about the Global Fashion Awards.

They’re the first awards to recognise innovation in fashion across all disciplines and across all geographies. We have categories ranging from influential designers through to best visual merchandising and marketing campaign. It really is open to all from the high end to the high street from New York to New South Wales!

There are 16 categories in total and our judging list contains some of the biggest names in fashion globally as well as some fantastic up and coming talent. There are names such as Saks, Selfridges, Macy’s, Gap, Myer and Banana Republic from retail, designers such as John Rocha, Nicole Fahri, John Bartlett, Albertus Swanpoel and Tracy Reese, as well as Mawi Keivom and Nicholas King. And of course we have great industry figures such as Fern Mallis who established New York Fashion Week and the wonderful fellow FBC member Harold Tillman CBE from the British Fashion Council. That’s just scratching the surface; there are plenty more.

It’s just great to unite the industry in this way and the response has been so warm – we’re delighted!

FBC members Lauretta Roberts & Harold Tillman CBE

What is your involvement in the Awards?

Well, it was kind of my idea; I floated it past our very dynamic CEO Susanna Kempe one day and the next thing I get an email instructing me to get on with it. It’s a collaboration here at Emap between WGSN and Emap Networks, which runs our conferences and events such as the World Retail Awards so they are perfectly placed to realise this event for us. My role is to control content – so I conceived the categories and criteria and helped secure judges (though I have to give due credit to our amazing event producer Martin Fearnley who just hit the phones and secured us some fantastic names – he’s been a godsend!).

I’ll oversee the judging process and will also encourage those companies and we really feel require recognition to take part. Am also working on – again with Martin – striking up some media partnerships globally.

Why did you set it up?

Because there seemed a big hole there to me and I felt that WGSN being the world’s leading trend and style forecaster was in the best position to fill it. I can’t think of another organisation with the global reach and influence across fashion design, buying and retail who could credibly do this. But I am somewhat biased! There are some fantastic awards that celebrate success regionally or in specific areas such as design but none that do it on a global scale in this increasingly global business.

Why are Awards such as this important to the industry?

Because they recognise innovation and those who propel the industry forward and they shine a spotlight on true talent. Clearly people agree as within 24 hours of our site going live we have more than 70 entries. It goes to show that the appetite is there for an event like this. I do think it’s the uniting of the industry from a global and sector perspective that has been so appealing. And who wouldn’t want to get in front of those judges?!

How can FBC members get involved?

Enter! These awards are open to businesses large and small so check out the categories and have a go. Also there are nomination only categories such as the most influential designers and the global style icon and they can put forward their favourites free of charge. For the larger businesses, we have many attractive sponsorship opportunities.

If anyone has any ideas of how they would like to be involved they can drop me a line, I’m interested to hear. We really want as many people as possible to join in the celebration!

www.globalfashionawards.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

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

Sapphires Model Agency wins the unofficial prize for best collaborations this year – at least the one’s we know about. We love the spirit of agency directors, Ian and Neely who attend our FBC meetings from Birmingham without fail and will always drop us a line with new and interesting information about their business.  

After the success of their recent event with Harvey Nichols, Sapphires have been working with famed yellow department store, Selfridges to provide models and photography for their summer press shoots and in store displays.

Just two years old and their client list already includes House of Fraser, New Balance and Superdrug. Sapphires are a boutique agency offering a truly bespoke package with a down to earth  outlook and recession friendly prices. 

Do you have a campaign, event or look book to shoot? Neely and Ian work out of London and Birmingham and can visit you at your office or atelier. Visit: www.Sapphiresmodel.com to view some more of their models, or ping Neely on neely@sapphiresmodels.com

Sapphires is definitely the place to find a gem.

Alison Whelan 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

FBC member Victoria Holt and her sophisticated, 1950’s inspired intimate apparel company, Fred&Ginger are exhibiting for the first time at London Fashion Week for the autumn winter 2009/10 season.

Victoria is grouping up with a handful fellow designers and will be showing as part of The Lingerie Collective.

I met up with Victoria, who arrived at my offices wearing very lovely shoes and carrying vintage red suitcase (the official Fred&Ginger transporter) filled with her beautiful new collection.

Victoria Holt

Victoria spent years as senior designer at Jenny Packham and launched Fred&Ginger in 2007. Her luxurious, complementary men’s and women’s ranges are stocked all over the globe including Selfridges in London.

Fred&Ginger is wholly designed and manufactured in the UK using French silk satins, crinkle chiffons, Chantilly lace, and Swarovski crystals for the girls, with the addition of English cottons and Swiss jersey for the boys.

See Fred&Ginger at The Exhibition at London Fashion Week
Stand U50
Natural History Museum
Saturday 21st February – Tuesday 24th February 2009
10am – 6pm
To make an appointment with Victoria, send a note to: contact@fred-and-ginger.com

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman

On Tuesday evening (30th) the inaugural Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards took place at the London Marriot Hotel in Grosvenor Square. The Awards celebrate the success and achievements of women working within the retail industry.

Gok Wan and Lauretta Roberts

The hilarious Ruby Wax had everyone cracking up as compère, Gok Wan sat in the audience, and our newest FBC Member, Lauretta Roberts, Editor of Drapers, presented the Young Female Retailer of the Year Award.

Lauretta Roberts presenting the award.

We sat at the Drapers table with Lauren Cleak, PR Director and Ruth Cozens, Art Director of my-wardrobe.com and Sue West, Retail Operations Director at Selfridges.  FBC Member, Claire Collins, Founder & Director of accessories label, Violet May London was also at the event, carrying one of her famous (see Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia and Elle McPherson!) gold python purses.

Claire Collins of Violet May London

 

Courtney Blackman Vice Chairman & Co-Founder

We love good news here at FBC, so were very happy to hear from our member, Victoria Holt. Her divine collection of lingerie and negligee is now stocked in top London department store, Selfridges & Co…yay! Not only that, but they are selling like hotcakes with £2,000 worth of stock being sold in just three days!

Victoria enjoyed success as senior designer at international fashion house Jenny Packham before launching her own brand, Fred & Ginger. This season she was inspired by the glamour of 1950’s screen sirens and combined this with design details derived from the surrealism of Alice in Wonderland. The result…elegant and subtle designs in luxurious French satins, chiffons and Chantilly lace.

Victoria we salute you and may Fred & Ginger live on!

Sarah Hardy Editor