Fashion Scout Rebrands To Cast Net Global |
Vauxhall Fashion Scout has rebranded as Fashion Scout to encompass showcases in China, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The Industry's Martyn Roberts has prepared Fashion Scout for new markets with a timely rebrand
Industry member and director of Fashion Scout, Martyn Roberts is ready to take on the world, as he announces plans to expand his business internationally. Celebrating with a new logo, the platform now goes by the universal name of Fashion Scout and will include key international markets inside its search for the very best in emerging fashion.
"This is an exciting leap forward for Fashion Scout. The UK produces some of the most creative fashion talent in the world, and Fashion Scout will always show the best of them, but there is also a generation of fantastic new talent coming through from other countries," explains Industry member, Martyn. "Whilst Fashion Scout's aim stays the same – to show the best creative fashion talents – our vision is now global."
After 14 seasons in London and Paris, Fashion Scout has built a reputation for excellence and is regarded as the leading fashion showcase for emerging design talent. Its front rows attract the likes of Suzy Menkes, Angelica Cheung and Susie Lau season-to-season, whilst its influence has propelled the careers of many emerging names onto the London Fashion Week schedule (including Industry members, Felder Felder and Eudon Choi).
Fashion Scout's global presence will initially be reflected with the addition of new international names to the schedule, whilst further growth initiatives include a partnership with Kiev Fashion Days in Ukraine and a new showcase in Istanbul.
By The Industry's features editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Martyn in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Angelica Cheung, Eudon Choi, FAshion Scout, Felder Felder, Harriet Bowe, Kiev Fashion Days, London Fashion Week, Martyn Roberts, Susie Lau, Suzy Menkes, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Fashion Monitor Launches Journalism Awards |
With faces from The Industry punctuating the judging panel, we find out more from fellow member and event organiser, Hannah White.
As Fashion Monitor's publisher, The Industry's Hannah White has been at the centre of the FMJAs
For the very first time, our media partner is honouring the best in fashion and beauty journalism this year. As the leading contact provider for both industries, the highly anticipated Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards couldn't be better positioned. With Industry members already in on the action, and nominations opening for entry today, Hannah White tells us more.
Why did Fashion Monitor decide to launch the FMJAs this year? And how have you been at the centre of its conception?
We decided to launch the FMJAs this year as a direct reflection of our position within the industry. Over the past few years the entire team have been striving to become the must have fashion and beauty tool for the industry and we have now accomplished that. Our central position at the heart of the industry allows us to independently host the awards maintaining impartiality throughout the entire process. I have personally been spearheading the project from the original ideas stage all the way through to launch. Fashion Monitor is now part of Centaur Media and I have been working extremely closely with the events team to create an awards for the industry that is unique in its offering. A key drive behind this was to bring together the fashion and beauty industry so that journalists across the two sectors are awarded side by side.
Quite a few Industry members are on the judging panel, how did you select the judges?
It is a great honour to have so many of the Industry members on our judging panel. Out of 26 judges, seven are Industry members. Courtney Blackman (managing director of Forward PR), Frances Card (managing director of Frances Card Consultancy), James Joseph (editor-in-chief of Stylenoir Magazine), Maurice Mullen (head of fashion and luxury goods at the London Evening Standard), Lauretta Roberts (brand extensions director at WGSN and former editor-in-chief of Drapers), Martyn Roberts (director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout) and Nik Thakkar (the voice behind KARL IS MY UNKLE and director of Nephew London) all sit on the panel. My main aim in selecting the judges was to have a fair representation of the entire industry. Our panel will ultimately determine the winner of each award and therefore their expertise will be relied upon heavily. Terry Mansfield is our chairman and will sit in on each judging panel to ensure consistency throughout the judging process.
Sponsoring the FMJAs is a fantastic opportunity for both members and the wider fashion industry alike. How do you see partnering with the FMJAs directly benefiting their businesses?
The FMJAs provides a variety of unique sponsorship and exposure opportunities for brands and companies. It is important to preserve and reward the great journalism that the UK is famous for and the awards provide the opportunity to do that. Journalists have a direct impact on a brand's commercial success and this in itself highlights a key reason for brands to sponsor and support the key journalists within the industry. The Industry's Frances Card is one of our judges and captured this entirely when she said: "Retailing is incredibly competitive today and great journalism is integral to both the brands and businesses success."
Where do you see the FMJAs in five years?
In five years time I envisage that the awards will be the must have accolade within the industry. I am extremely excited for the prospect of the awards and what they will mean for journalists across the fashion and beauty industry.
How can Industry members nominate journalists to win an award?
Nominations are open now and Industry members can visit the awards website to nominate the journalists they feel should be making the shortlist for each award. Once all of the nominations have been collated we will announce the shortlist to the industry and then our judging panel will step in to decide on the winners!
The FMJAs will take place on Tuesday 2nd July at The Brewery on Chiswell Street, London. Industry members will have the opportunity to purchase a table at the black tie event to celebrate the award winners. Fashion Monitor will be opening table sales in March.
For more information regarding the awards click here or for sponsorship opportunities contact Hannah on hannah.white@fashionmonitor.com or call 020 7970 4236.
By The Industry's features editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Hannah, Courtney, Frances, James, Lauretta, Martyn and Nik in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Centaur Media, Courtney Blackman, Drapers, Fashion Monitor, Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards, Forward PR, Frances Card, Frances Card Consultancy, Hannah White, Harriet Bowe, James Joseph, KARL IS MY UNKLE, Lauretta Roberts, London Evening Standard, Martyn Roberts, Maurice Mullen, Nik Thakkar, Stylenoir Magazine, Terry Mansfield, The Brewery, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, WGSN |
Working Together: Vfs Scouts Mentors From The Industry |
Vauxhall Fashion Scout's latest mentoring event sees The Industry's Martyn Roberts, Courtney Blackman and Hannah Kane work together.
VFS's bespoke mentoring sessions feature special guests from the many different facets of the fashion industry
Industry member and Vauxhall Fashion Scout director, Martyn Roberts has asked fellow comrades, Courtney Blackman and Hannah Kane to share pearls of wisdom at their mentoring event tonight. Experts in their respective fields – Courtney is the managing director of Forward PR and The Industry whilst Hannah is the editor-in-chief of PHOENIX magazine – will offer exclusive insight on press and PR.
Known for their knack of spotting rising stars and sending them skyrocketing, the Industry trio will focus on how emerging designers can best exploit the media. Topics such as contacting press, creating newsworthy stories and garnering those all important column inches sit high on the agenda, which will be chaired Q&A style by Martyn.
"Our series of mentoring events are essential for all new fashion design businesses. VFS has a strong track record of nurturing new designers and helping them build their business," Martyn tells The Industry. "The mentoring events feature experts from across the fashion industry, who are able to pass on years of experience. Press and PR is vitally important for new designer brands and so it is great to have Courtney and Hannah as our special guests."
Run in partnership with the Mayor of London, the event will take at Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch at 7:00pm. For more information click here.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Martyn, Courtney and Hannah in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Beach Blanket Babylon, Courtney Blackman, Forward PR, Hannah Kane, Harriet Bowe, Martyn Roberts, Mayor of London, Phoenix Magazine, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Seoul Man: Eudon Choi Talks To Lauretta Roberts |
Our official review writer, Hannah Kane reports directly from the meeting where Eudon Choi revealed all to WGSN's Lauretta Roberts.
Lauretta Roberts in conversation with Eudon Choi at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™
Originally hailing from Korea, Eudon Choi is one of the most decorated designers working in London. In 2010 alone Eudon went from being a member of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones To Watch group show, to the sole winner of their prestigious Merit Award, as well as the BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad.
A year later he was given the nod of approval by the usually reticent Ms Wintour as part of the VOGUE FASHION FUND at Milan Fashion Week, as well as bagging the Samsung Fashion and Design Fund and the LYCRA® Style Emerging Talent Award at WGSN Global Fashion Awards in New York. It's been a busy couple of years.
The Industry's Donna Ida Thornton chats to fellow member and colleague, Claire Etchell and MD Courtney Blackman
So what is it about this quietly confident man's designs that have the upper echelons of editors and buyers, such as those from Browns and Harvey Nichols, clamoring at the rails? Well, few designers have so elegantly captured the modern design aesthetic of the twenty-tens. A clean and contemporary interpretation of the modern woman's sartorial needs, with assured tailoring skills harking back to his training as a menswear designer in Korea.
Celebrity stylist, Sabina Emrit & Navaz Batliwalla of Disneyrollrgirl take front row seats
After moving to London, Eudon completed the MA in womenswear at the Royal College of Art, and before he had even left the campus was picked up by All Saints as senior designer – the distressed and artfully grungy look a world away from his current designs. Then followed a stint as senior designer for the Miller sisters' Twenty8Twelve label before the launch of his eponymous label.
Eudon enjoys a glass of bubbly with and Abi Ward of DeVetta PR and fellow members, journalist Olivia Pinnock & Charlotte Bramford from Knock on the Door
Eudon revealed at The Industry, that there is a return to the high street on the horizon – though he's currently keeping quiet on naming the other half of the collaboration. For now, his focus is on building the brand.
In an often all-to mercurial industry, Eudon Choi's story is a reminder that there's still mileage in the old adage – talent will out.
By The Industry's contributor, Hannah Kane, editor-in-chief of PHOENIX
All photos by The Industry's photographer, Sam Atkinson
Would you like to join Eudon and Lauretta in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Abi Ward, Anna Wintour, BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad, Browns, Charlotte Bramford, Claire Etchell, Courtney Blackman, DeVetta PR, Disneyrollrgirl, Donna Ida Thornton, Eudon Choi, Hannah Kane, Harvey Nichols, Knock on the Door, Lauretta Roberts, LYCRA® Style Emerging Talent Award, Merit Award, Milan Fashion Week, Navaz Batliwalla, Olivia Pinnock, Ones To Watch, Royal College of Art, Sabina Emrit, Samsung Fashion and Design Fund, Savannah Miller, Sienna Miller, Swarovski Crystallized, TellusFashion, Twenty8Twelve, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Vogue Fashion Fund, WGSN |
Member Interview With Jana Ririnui Of Aofm |
Jana Ririnui tells us how standing out from the crowd has got him in with the fashion pack.
Industry member, Jana Ririnui, director of AOFM
The Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM) has grown exponentially since The Industry's Jana Ririnui set up six years ago. With schools in London, New York and Paris, a presence at every major fashion week and enough editorial to fill a book (two in fact), we find out a little bit more about what has made his business so successful.
How did the AOFM business concept come about?
My colleagues and I really felt that there was a lack of real education surrounding makeup artistry, particularly within fashion. So we decided to come together to create an academy of freelance makeup artists that would be trained by full time, working makeup artists – a premise that is exclusive to AOFM. We've turned the saying 'those who can't do teach' on its head, because we take those that are doing it best and bring them in as guest teachers on our courses.
As the only makeup academy to sponsor fashion shows around the world, we are able to provide on-the-job training that fully prepares our graduates for the fast pace of fashion.
Out of the many, many London Fashion Week shows that AOFM puts on each season, can you name a few favorites?
Bora Aksu, Corrie Nielsen, Fyodor Golan and Fashion Fringe. I choose these designers because I find them extremely innovative, Corrie and Fyodor especially. As designers, they think outside of the box and because of this, our teams get a lot of creative input when working with them. Also it's always great to work with Fashion Fringe because it's an opportunity to work with upcoming talent, which is important for the industry and something that we are always interested in.
In only six years, you've grown from a single studio in Soho to schools in both Paris and New York. How have you managed to harness such rapid growth?
I personally think it's because of our individual concept. We're doing something that no other makeup business is doing, and that in itself has allowed us to grow. The fact that we have more than 50 freelance guest makeup artists working for us pulls in the students who want to learn from the very best. Heading shows at London, New York and Paris Fashion Week has garnered us some great exposure, it's allowed us to establish international contacts and develop one of the largest backstage creative teams in the world. We are unlike any other business in the makeup market, so there was and continues to be room for growth.
Where do you see AOFM in five years?
I can't say too much now, but you will be seeing AOFM in other countries soon.
What other Industry members have you worked with?
Corrie Nielsen is a fellow member and we have headed her backstage creative makeup team for the past two seasons, as is stylist Rebekah Roy who we have done makeup with behind-the-scenes at LFW. We have also worked closely with Vauxhall Fashion Scout, run by members, Martyn Roberts and John Walford. At the moment, I'm currently working with Lauretta Roberts of WGSN. I'm one of the judges at the 2012 WGSN Global Fashion Awards , which Lauretta is the director of. We're also excited to be partnering with the event as their official makeup artists, where we will be doing all the backstage makeup. And of course, Courtney Blackman who as MD of Forward PR has looked after AOFM for quite some time now; she and her team organise the top shows we do each London Fashion Week as well as looking after our events and press.
Get in touch with Jana via The Industry Directory.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Jana in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Academy of Freelance Makeup, Bora Aksu, Corrie Nielsen, Courtney Blackman, Fashion Fringe, Forward PR, Fyodor Golan, Global Fashion Awards, Harriet Bowe, Jana Ririnui, John Walford, Lauretta Roberts, London Fashion Week, Martyn Roberts, Rebekah Roy, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, WGSN |
Government Funds Trade Show Expenses |
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills announces plans to help those exporting make crucial first steps.
Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Spring/Summer 2013 offering in Paris took orders in the first few minutes of opening
"[We] must excel in trade," said business secretary, Vince Cable on the issue of exporting last week. Boosting sales overseas is a topic high on the agenda of the government this year, who are looking to high-growth markets for cash injection.
In order to facilitate this, the BIS have announced plans to help businesses travel abroad, find customers and make the necessary contacts to succeed. More money will be made available for businesses, especially SMEs, to attend trade shows overseas – a sales strategy still widely employed by the fashion industry. This includes exhibition spaces at high footfall locations such as areas at Paris Fashion Week run by Industry members Martyn Roberts of Vauxhall Fashion Scout and Lee Lapthorne from On|Off.
"[We] want to make sure that businesses have the support they need to realise their full potential," explains trade and investment minister, Lord Green.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Martyn and Lee in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Department for Business Innovation & Skills, Harriet Bowe, Lee Lapthorne, Lord Green, Martyn Roberts, On|Off, Paris Fashion Week, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Vince Cable |
Eudon Choi Lets The Industry Into His World |
Lauretta Roberts will interview emerging designer, Eudon Choi for The Industry's next event at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™.
Eudon Choi will take centre stage at The Industry's next meeting
As fashion week comes to a close, The Industry brings one of London's most exciting new designers to the forefront of their next event. Eudon Choi will speak at the upcoming 'Network and Expert' meeting, where he will map his rise to commercial success with Industry advisor, Lauretta Roberts of WGSN.
In only three years, Eudon has swiftly climbed the fashion ranks. Praise for the designer has come thick and fast, with buyers quick to cash in on a vision that is at once luxurious yet practical. Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and Dubai, Luisa Via Roma in Italy, and London's Browns Focus and Selfridges make up an international offering that spans the globe.
Hailing from Korea, Eudon started out life as a menswear designer in Seoul. Later moving to London, he enrolled at the prestigious Royal College of Art and found his niche in womenswear. It was here that he began to merge his experiences in both genders to create a label that offers the best of both worlds. A showstopping graduate collection sealed his fate, with Dover Street Market snapping up and selling his ready-to-wear line without hesitation.
On 31st October, The Industry's Lauretta Roberts will interview Eudon Choi at our venue partner SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™. As director of WGSN Boutique and the WGSN Global Fashion Awards, Lauretta had a hand in presenting Eudon with the LYCRA® Style Emerging Talent Award at last year's GFAs in New York. Her position at the centre of the world's leading trend forecaster will bring Industry members exclusive insight into the inner workings of an emerging label destined for household status.
"Eudon is an incredibly talented designer that has been able to marry conceptual vision with commercial viability. This is a rare find and something that is highly sought after by buyers worldwide," reveals Lauretta. But how did this combination come to fruition? How does a designer go about ticking all the boxes? Have numerous accolades such as Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch and Merit Award, the Samsung Fashion and Design Fund, the BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad and THE VOGUE FASHION FUND been integral to his success? And how has this kind of recognition set him up for the future?
Eudon explains, “It's unbelievably exciting to be a contemporary British label right now. There's a real buzz surrounding young designers and I'm looking forward to sharing that journey with The Industry.”
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to attend Eudon Choi in conversation with Lauretta Roberts? Sign up to The Industry – the premiere members group for those shaping the future of fashion – by visiting our JOIN page. Alternatively, there is a limited number of guest spaces, please contact: membership@theindustrylondon.com for more information. |
Harriet Bowe |
BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad, Browns Focus, Dover Street Market, Eudon Choi, Harvey Nichols, Lauretta Roberts, Luisa Via Roma, LYCRA® Style Emerging Talent Award, Merit Award, Ones To Watch, Royal College of Art, Samsung Fashion and Design Fund, Selfridges, Swarovski Crystallized, The Industry, THE VOGUE FASHION FUND, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, WGSN, WGSN Boutique, WGSN Global Fashion Awards |
Member Interview With Alan Black |
We talk sales, stockists and the new season with Industry member and commercial director, Alan Black.
Alan Black of Liz Black gives us a sneak peak into Spring/Summer 2013
Alan Black represents the business behind the Liz Black label. Exhibiting the Spring/Summer 2013 collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, we find out what this space means to the brand and where they are headed in the future. Find them in the Freemasons' Hall until Tuesday 18th September.
You're exhibiting at both London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week this season, what does covering both cities do for the Liz Black brand?
We believe it is very important to exhibit in both cities. London because this is where people come to see the latest creative designs and where they hope to discover the next big thing, and Paris because most of the orders are placed there and it shows buyers that we are serious about international trade. We plan to continue exhibiting in both cities for the foreseeable future.
What does a spot at VFS's exhibition space mean for the business?
We hope that it will raise our profile and help us to showcase our collection to stockists that, as a relatively young label, we would find more difficult to reach on our own. Initiatives like VFS represent a seal of approval as buyers know that gaining a space there is very competitive. Being able to exhibit in such a beautiful location close to Somerset House has a practical benefit too, as there are so many shows and exhibitions competing for buyers' attention during LFW, and VFS has a high enough profile to attract the best.
Are you able to give us a sneak peak into Liz's Spring/Summer inspirations?
This season's garments contrast the femininity of soft pale pinks and vibrant hot pinks with the simple strength of black and off-whites. We have used ethereal, delicate silks layered with more traditional lightweight wools and jerseys for a surprising clash of textures.
How has Liz built on last season?
We have secured new stockists in Hong Kong and mainland China for our Autumn/Winter 2012 collection and are hoping to build on that and expand further into the Far Eastern market. We are also exploring online sales more seriously, with our own web store now up and running and a collaboration with a Middle Eastern luxury fashion portal going live in the next few weeks.
What's next for the Liz Black brand?
It would be fantastic to show our collections on-schedule at some point in the next year or so, although our immediate focus is on increasing our stockists both in the UK and abroad. We are trying to get our foot in the door of the luxury boutiques around the world and planning to build on the publicity that the label has already received through red carpet appearances and celebrity placements.
Get in touch with Alan via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Alan in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Alan Black, Autumn/Winter 2012, Freemasons Hall, Harriet Bowe, Liz Black, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Scout, Somerset House, Spring/Summer 2013, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Member Interview With Courtney Blackman |
As we look towards Spring/Summer 2013, The Industry's MD, Courtney Blackman takes us through her fashion week rituals.
Photographs of Courtney courtesy of Industry members Donna Ida Denim
If preparation is everything then Courtney Blackman has it covered. As founder of Forward PR – and managing director of The Industry – Courtney doesn't just have herself to co-ordinate during fashion week, but a whole roster of fashion clients making appearances in both London and Paris. We chat to Courtney to find out how she makes it all happen.
You represent a variety of clients within fashion – in what ways will you be working with them at fashion week?
I do indeed. At my PR agency, Forward PR we will be looking after three catwalk shows: fellow Industry member and ascending star of the London catwalk, Corrie Nielsen (styled by Rebekah Roy, also an Industry member and a client of Forward PR); China's superstar designer, Ji Cheng and Singapore-born, London-based Eugene Lin for his debut show. We will also be looking after one of London's largest backstage makeup sponsors, AOFM Pro's London Fashion Week party; The Untitled Magazine's London Fashion Week party, and we look after British singer/songwriter Kate Nash who performed live at Industry members Daniela and Annette Felder's show last night!
We represent fashion and culture magazine, PHOENIX, so will make sure they have primo seating and we'll be promoting their London Fashion Week Pop-Up space in Carnaby, and we'll make sure that our designers/clients who aren't directly involved in Fashion Week (Eden Diodati, Euphorik and Ms Castro on a Motorbike) come to our shows and parties, as networking at LFW is an important task.
How do you prepare your clients for the "Big 4"?
As we're London-based, most preparation is for LFW. I'm not even sure where to start. Maybe one example? For a designer who is showing, it's making sure we have the venue locked in place, hair, makeup, models, all assets for the season: invitations and envelopes, press release, bio and credit sheet for the show, gift items for the catwalk, an organised list of media who are coming backstage… it's an endless list, which could go on and on. I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.
What are your top three fashion week essentials?
An amazing team of people to help make it happen, enough sleep to pretend to be coherent and a good sense of humour. Some of the requests we get through for tickets to shows are nothing short of hilarious.
Each season you present collections on the prestigious British Fashion Council and Vauxhall Fashion Scout catwalks – what kind of organisation goes into a show of this scale?
Having a production book for each venue is key so we know the seating layout and how we can allocate. We also have a whole system of ticket allocation that is kind of complex, but necessary to keep us organised. Oh and lists! We have staff call sheets, backstage lists, production checklists, VIP lists, sponsor lists, party RSVP lists. Come fashion week, we're buried in lists.
How does Forward PR follow up post fashion week?
Immediately after fashion week we distribute images to the media, analyse digital, print and social media from the shows and events, catch up on a bit of sleep and then prepare for Paris. Corrie Nielsen, Ji Cheng and Eugene Lin will all be heading to Paris Fashion Week after London, then it's back to London and right into the press days and preparing for Feburary for the Autumn/Winter 2013 shows. It's neverending.
Get in touch with Courtney via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Courtney in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Annette Felder, AOFM Pro, Autumn/Winter 2013, British Fashion Council, Corrie Nielsen, Courtney Blackman, Daniela Felder, donna ida denim, Eden Diodati, Eugene Lin, Euphorik, Felder Felder, Forward PR, Harriet Bowe, Ji Cheng, Kate Nash, London Fashion Week, Ms Castro on a Motorbike, Paris Fashion Week, Phoenix Magazine, Rebekah Roy, Spring/Summer 2013, The Industry, The Untitled Magazine, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Fashion Week Is Coming: Gearing Up For The 'big 4' |
September is a big month for fashion – The Industry looks at what's on the agenda.
Look out for Industry members at London Fashion Week and beyond
As the summer draws to a close, editors and buyers the world over will be looking towards the trends that we'll be coveting next Spring/Summer 2013. Alongside events, parties and promotions, the 6th of September will kick start an incessant string of fashion collections lasting an entire month.
As always, New York will lead the season, swiftly followed by London on the 14th, Milan on the 18th and topped off by Paris last but by no means least on the 25th.
Industry members will be out in full force, with designers such as Jonathan Saunders, Corrie Nielsen and Annette and Daniela Felder (of Felder Felder) all showing on schedule in London. They will then go on to exhibit in Paris at the end of the month, in the following locations respectively: the Tomorrow Showroom, the Vendôme Luxury Tradeshow and Hotel Lotti. Also keep an eye out for the Industry members exhibiting on the floor at Somerset House and Vauxhall Fashion Scout, namely Sara Ebbett and Liz Black, commercially directed by Industry member Alan Black.
But The Industry isn't just made up of designers. In the coming weeks, we will speak to the editors, buyers, bloggers, PRs, catwalk producers and stylists all attending the 'Big 4' in their various capacities – watch this space to find out what The Industry is up to.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Jonathan, Corrie, Annette, Daniela, Sara and Alan in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page.
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Harriet Bowe |
Alan Black, Annette Felder, Corrie Nielsen, Daniela Felder, Felder Felder, Harriet Bowe, Hotel Lotti, Jonathan Saunders, Liz Black, London Fashion Week, Sara Ebbett, Somerset House, Spring/Summer 2013, The Industry, Tomorrow Showroom, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Vendôme Luxury Tradeshow |
Corporate Sponsorship: The Value Of Social Media |
The Industry looks at how brands are bagging sponsorship in the modern world.
Goody bags at Vauxhall Fashion Scout – directed by Industry member, Martyn Roberts
The expense of staging a catwalk is higher than ever. As London Fashion Week looms, designers large and small are on the hunt to secure corporate funding to cover part or all of their costs. However in the age of social media, are major sponsorship packages still reserved exclusively for the established? The Industry investigates.
As Twitter, Facebook and blog platforms like Tumblr have taken a greater role in the way we consume, Steve Martin, chief executive of M&C Saatchi explains, "social media has revolutionised the way companies view potential endorsees. The greater the individuals profile online, the more valuable they become to potential investors."
Sports and sponsorship agencies have admitted that preceding the Olympic Games, the size of an athlete's following on their various social media platforms has become highly influential in attracting both well-paid and lasting endorsement deals – regardless of whether they took home a gold medal. M&C Saatchi identified Olympic diver, Tom Daley as having the biggest earning potential despite the fact that he brought home bronze for Team GB. Tom currently has 1.5 million followers on Twitter, more than any other Team GB athlete.
Considering that London Fashion Week stalwarts such as Temperley London and Giles Deacon have 6,515 and 8,264 Twitter followers respectively, emerging designers like Mary Katrantzou and Industry member, Jonathan Saunders could soon be sweeping sponsorship packages from under their feet, with followers in excess of five figures.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Jonathan in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Facebook, Giles Deacon, Harriet Bowe, Jonathan Saunders, London Fashion Week, M&C Saatchi, Martyn Roberts, Mary Katrantzou, Steve Martin, Temperley London, The Industry, Tmblr, Tom Daley, Twitter, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Member Interview With Gillian Harding-moore Of Fashion Gps |
We talk to managing director and Industry member, Gillian Harding-Moore about conquering the fashion world.
Gillian Harding-Moore, UK managing director of Fashion GPS
Fashion GPS has revolutionised the way the fashion industry operates. In the past year alone the company's client roster has more than doubled, counting the likes of Chanel, Dior and Marc Jacobs as users. We chat to the The Industry's new member about the web-based 'virtual employee' that has cut out the middle man and become the fashion industry's best friend all in one go.
The Fashion GPS concept is revolutionary – tell us a little bit about how it came about?
Fashion GPS was founded in 2006 when our CEO, Eddie Mullon was asked to build a system to track samples for a leading public relations and production agency in New York, KCD. Soon afterwards Eddie was commissioned by a well known designer to further customise the system for use in-house and the business grew from there. The technology has been constantly tailored, improved and new features have been added through listening to our client's needs. Our CEO is extremely visionary and is continuously innovating ways to help the industry work and connect more efficiently.
Who are you working with at the moment to build upon the brand?
Fashion GPS has lots of strong relationships in the industry. We are proud to say that we are working with the British Fashion Council who have been using our GPS Events system for many events including the British Fashion Awards last year. We are partnered with international management agency, IMG in New York to provide easy check-in and digital seating for all of the fashion shows at the Lincoln Center; Copenhagen Fashion Week and the Danish Fashion Institute. We also teamed up with magazine publisher, Hearst to help manage the Elle Style Awards earlier this year.
What plans has the business got in place for London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013?
We are adding some new functions to the GPS Radar app – it's a new way to experience fashion weeks across the globe. Members of the Radar community will be able to view the runway images shortly after the show, social share them on popular platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Twitter, storyboard their favourite looks and eventually place a sample request from the designer.
Many big names are signed up to your service. How can SMEs utilise Fashion GPS most effectively?
We work with a full range of clients from smaller PR firms and fashion brands to large luxury houses globally. The beauty of Fashion GPS is that we are a SaaS company with a 'pay per month' service. This means that smaller businesses can still benefit from our systems with only a handful of users, then scale up as they grow. Once they start using the system, all of our clients quickly realise the value of Fashion GPS. The result is they start building better relationships with contacts and personalised mailings, manage shows and press days with ease, reduce the number of lost samples and can evaluate all of their credit requests and editorial coverage. Perhaps the most visible benefit is clients can generate and export instant reports that demonstrate the value of their efforts and consequently monitor themselves more effectively.
Where would you like to see the company in five years?
Fashion GPS will continue to innovate, improving its offering and range of products to create an even more efficient 360 degree solution that binds the industry together. In this way, it's very exciting to think where the company will be in five years. We have already secured investment from some notable individuals including Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary and Alex Zubillaga amongst others. This has helped us to expand the business quicker and move into new global markets. The rate of growth for Fashion GPS is super-fast and the global teams work very closely together as a unit to meet the demand and response quickly. It's an extremely exciting company to be a part of, especially seeing as we are redefining the landscape and changing the future of the fashion industry with our technology.
What other Industry members have you worked with?
Fashion GPS is working closely with Hannah White from Fashion Monitor on some great initiatives they're launching in 2012/13. We have also been working with Martyn Roberts as a partner of Graduate Fashion Week, providing registration to the event and industry check-in at the entrance. We also worked with Martyn for Vauxhall Fashion Scout last season.
Get in touch with Gillian via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join Gillian in the premiere members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page. |
Harriet Bowe |
Alex Zubillaga, Ashton Kutcher, British Fashion Awards, British Fashion Council, Chanel, Copenhagen Fashion Week, Danish Fashion Institute, Dior, Eddie Mullon, Elle Style Awards, Facebook, Fashion GPS, Fashion Monitor, Gillian Harding-Moore, GPS Events, GPS Radar, Graduate Fashion Week, Guy Oseary, Hannah White, Harriet Bowe, Hearst, IMG, KCD, Lincoln Center, Marc Jacobs, Martyn Roberts, Pinterest, The Industry, Tumblr, Twitter, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Trust In Fashion: Trust In Industry Members |
Industry members, Rebekah Roy and John Walford join forces in the production of this year's Trust in Fashion charity catwalk.
Bora Aksu Spring/Summer 2012
Following the huge success of its inaugural event, Trust in Fashion is once again bringing the cream of the fashion industry's crop together to raise money for children's charity Rainbow Trust. The event – which provides social palliative care to families with a child that has a life threatening or terminal illness – will take place at London's Café de Paris this coming Thursday 24th May.
Last year the show exclusively featured looks sought from my-wardrobe.com, also a member of The Industry. Once again the organisers have looked to Industry members to produce the event, with John Walford and Rebekah Roy working on the production and styling respectively. As if plucking designers from Industry member, Martyn Robert's Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Rebekah explains: 'We've got some great designers: Craig Lawrence, Zöe Jordan, Bora Aksu, Leutton Postle and Krystof Strozyna, plus I'm working with the same team I work with at London Fashion Week, so we know it’s going to be a good show.'
Word is that tickets are selling fast and it's quickly looking like Trust in Fashion is set to become an annual fixture on the fashion calendar.
For more information on Trust in Fashion click here
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join the premiere members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page
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Harriet Bowe |
Bora Aksu, Café de Paris, Craig Lawrence, Harriet Bowe, John Walford, Krystof Strozyna, Leutton Postle, London Fashion Week, Rainbow Trust, Rebekah Roy, The Industry, Trust in Fashion, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Zöe Jordan |
Member Interview With John Walford |
The Industry chats to catwalk king John Walford, Founder of Vauxhall Fashion Scout and Director of Walford Shows.
Industry member, John Walford of Walford Shows
At the helm of fashion's new and innovative, John is an expert in catwalk production. Now moving his attention from London to emerging markets such as Lagos, we catch up with him to find out what he's up to.
You recently sold your share of VFS to pursue your own projects all over the world – tell us more about these.
At the moment I'm working with various big fashion projects such as Fashion Weeks in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Lagos. I am also developing Bath's Bath in Fashion festival. This is growing year on year and is an exciting and practical way of helping the local retailers. In Ireland I am working with Tatler Magazine to build the profile of designers (both established and less established) in Ireland and abroad. Unfortunately the kind of work I am being offered internationally did not fit into the VFS remit so with much sadness I left.
How does working internationally compare with London? Where do you think the next big Fashion Weeks will be?
An analogy that I always use is that London is like a 25 year old big brother. The other Fashion Weeks may only be five years old so naturally they can not do what the big brother is doing. However when they are older, they will be capable of being bigger and better having had such a strong example to follow.
The next big Fashion Weeks will be in countries that have sturdy infrastructures of designers, fabrics and sales to attract attention. No one has that at the moment and no where looks as if it is going to have it within the next few years.
In your opinion what makes a good catwalk show?
Clients always have different requests so a good show is one that fits their brief. I like a bit of theatricality but the priority for the client is a smooth show that runs well – the two are not incompatible by any means but right now no one wants to spend any extra money without good reason. I think any catwalk that makes the audience look at it with interest is a good show!
Where do you see Walford Shows in five years?
I have always tried to provide a holistic service and therefore increasingly I am doing much more product launches and exhibition designs – this is an interesting sideline that helps some of my clients. In the future I hope to be working in ever more esoteric and interesting areas with a solid bedrock of clients.
Get in touch with John via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe
Would you like to join the premiere members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page |
Harriet Bowe |
Bath, Bath in Fashion, Harriet Bowe, Ireland, John Walford, Lagos, London, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tatler Magazine, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Walford Shows |
Vauxhall Fashion Scout: Apply For Ss13 |
Now in its 13th season, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, directed by Industry member Martyn Roberts, officially opens applications.
Phoebe English on the catwalk at London Fashion Week, Freemasons Hall
It catapulted William Tempest, Phoebe English and The Industry’s Felder Felder to commercial success. Billed by Vogue.com as a 'talent goldmine', Vauxhall Fashion Scout is a treasure trove for emerging designers looking to place their feet firmly on the fashion ladder.
Last season saw the event's biggest Fashion Week ever, with a hotbed of 34 emerging designers showcasing their collections to international footfall of over 12,000. As Martyn Roberts explains, 'Vauxhall Fashion Scout is an integral part of the international fashion calendar.'
Casting its net over both London and Paris, selected applicants will have the opportunity to present their collections on a catwalk, presentation or exhibition platform over the Fashion Week period. Womenswear designers can also apply for the highly anticipated Ones To Watch and Merit Award. Whilst the latter compromises of bursary and sponsorship worth £25,000, all successful applicants will benefit from a year-long mentoring programme. Designed to help emerging talent make the transition from brand to business, leading industry experts will support designers in areas such as planning, production and PR.
Closing date for applications: Monday 30th April 2012
For more details on applying to Vauxhall Fashion Scout click here
To get in touch with Martyn Roberts, visit The Industry Directory.
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe |
Harriet Bowe |
Felder Felder, Freemasons Hall, Harriet Bowe, London Fashion Week, Martyn Roberts, Merit Award, Ones To Watch, Paris Fashion Week, Phoebe English, Spring Summer 2013, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, William Tempest |
Technology & The Global Fashion Entrepreneur |
Industry members unite at Central Working to explore how technology has enabled fashion entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by Industry member Michaela Jedinak’s Joy of Clothes, Industry members Sarah Curran, Founder & CEO of my-wardrobe.com and Lauretta Roberts, Director of the WGSN Global Fashion Awards & Creative Director of WGSN Boutique will be joined by designer David Longshaw to talk about what global connection, social media, software and innovative devices can offer to budding impressarios hoping to achieve success in a crowded and ever-changing creative industry.
The Industry’s Managing Director, Courtney Blackman will be moderating the event.
my-wardrobe.com's Sarah Curran
Sarah Curran, launched my-wardrobe.com in April 2006 and it has become the UK’s leading online retailer of ‘everyday luxury’ designer womenswear and menswear.
Prior to launching my-wardrobe.com Sarah started her career at News International as a sub-editor for The Times Online where she developed an understanding and passion for internet publishing, which would take her to launch her business in the online space.
Now with a 100-strong team, my-wardrobe.com sells collections from over 180 leading global designers.
Lauretta Roberts has more than 15 years’ experience in B2B publishing with a particular expertise in the launching and relaunching of on- and off-line products and events.
Currently a director at the world’s leading fashion trend and style forecaster, WGSN, Lauretta is responsible for the creative vision for its Global Fashion Awards and a number of special content projects. Most recently she worked in collaboration with the Vogue America team to integrate the 120-year Vogue Archive into the WGSN content offering .
Prior to WGSN, Lauretta was editor of fashion business title Drapers where she relaunched the magazine, launched its first content-led website and its highly successful Etail Awards.
David Longshaw
Designer David Longshaw, alumni of Central St Martins and RCA, and winner of the inaugural BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad, began his career in fashion at Alberta Ferretti.
Now concentrating on his own label, David launched over London Fashion Week in February of 2010 and was selected as one of the ‘Ones To Watch’ at Vauxhall Fashion Scout and as an exhibitor with the British Fashion Council.
A talented designer and award-winning illustrator, David has contributed to a number of publications.
His collections include garments, handbags, scarves, jewellery and illustrations and they are sold worldwide in Britain, America, Japan, UAE, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.
The event will be moderated by The Industry’s Courtney Blackman, an entrepreneur working across various roles in the fashion industry. Along with overseeing The Industry’s operations, Courtney is the Founder and Managing Director of London’s Forward PR.
Technology & The Global Fashion Entrepreneur takes place on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
For tickets, click here.
By The Industry's Membership Director, Laura McCluskey
Leader image: Lauretta Roberts |
Harriet Bowe |
Alberta Ferretti, BFC, British Fashion Council, Central St Martins, Central Working, David Longshaw, Drapers, Elle, etail awards, Joy of Clothes, Lauretta Roberts, Michaela Jedinak, my-wardrobe, NBC, News International, Ones To Watch, RCA, Sarah Curran, The Industry, Times Onine, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Vogue, WGSN, WGSN Global Fashion Awards |
Hannah Kane Chats About Phoenix Magazine's New Incarnation |
Industry member and contributing writer, Hannah Kane is the Editor of PHOENIX, an independently published fashion and culture magazine. Just two weeks before the printed glossy hits news stands and the digital site launches, we catch up with Hannah to get a sneak peek into Fashion Week's most forward thinking publication.
PHOENIX cover shot featuring Leah Weller Spring/Summer 2012
PHOENIX magazine is going digital for Autumn/Winter 2012, what inspired you to make this move?
In the past we've had a very basic site, but launching this London Fashion Week we'll have a brilliant new site that more closely reflects the sections of the print magazine. In its new incarnation, PHOENIX digital will feature exclusive web only content such as high profile interviews, stunning fashion shoots, the freshest music, film releases and thought provoking art, brand new beauty trends, in depth features, as well as witty bites of news. It will be also full compatible with mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads.
PHOENIX is in its fifth print issue, where would you like to see the magazine in its tenth?
In the tenth I would hope that the brand identity of the magazine will have crystallised in the minds of the readers, and that our circulation will have grown organically. We already sell internationally on six continents – from Australia to Brazil, Italy to the USA, and China to South Africa, but I'd like us to have a wider UK presence as well. I have lots of ideas for non-editorial avenues we could potentially explore with the brand too.
LFW is just around the corner, what are you most looking forward to?
As PHOENIX focuses on emerging designers, I always look forward to seeing the Ones To Watch show and Merit Awards at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, as well as the Central Saint Martins MA and Fashion Fringe winners Fyodor Golan. Other highlights include for me include Corrie Nielsen for couture drama, Georgia Hardinge for elegant edge, Prophetik for sustainable romanticism, and Ashish for glam. What that man can't do with sequins isn't worth knowing about.
What other Industry members have you worked with?
I've worked with quite a few members of The Industry – in fact, I've probably been in email contact with around 50% of the members, so it's great to be able to put faces to the email signatures at Industry events! Industry member Rebekah Roy is our Fashion Editor so we work together on a day to day basis.
Get in touch with Hannah via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe |
Harriet Bowe |
Ada Zanditon, Ashish, Central Saint Martins, Corrie Nielsen, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, Georgia Hardinge, Hannah Kane, Harriet Bowe, IND Events, iPad, iPhone, Leah Weller, London Fashion Week, Merit Awards, Ones To Watch, Phoenix Magazine, Prophetik, Rebekah Roy, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Member Interview With Alan Black |
Industry member Alan Black is the Commercial Director of luxury womenswear label, Liz Black. Originally from a legal background, Alan talks about how his business acumen combined with Liz's creativity has forged a winning combination.
Liz Black, founder & designer
Liz Black has seen great recognition in just two years, how did you go about setting up the label in 2010?
After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2010, Liz had to decide between setting up her own label straight away or working for another designer first. We both have previous experience of setting up and running businesses (albeit in different industries) so that part of it didn't scare us, and Liz felt that the best way for her to express her own creative ideas was to have the freedom that comes with being her own boss – so we decided to create Liz Black and try to make it work! Liz's training at Central Saint Martins and the experience she gained through working with other established designers, along with my own legal and business background gave us both the confidence to make that leap.
How has Liz Black grown since then?
We started working from our flat in Central London but within a very short space of time we outgrew that with the need for larger cutting tables, sewing machines and freelance help. We moved into our current studio premises in Holborn and quickly acquired the equipment we needed to be able to develop the collections more easily. We have since exhibited our collections in a number of countries and are currently working with PR and sales agents in order to become more established. Liz Black pieces often appear in magazine editorials and online publications and we receive celebrity requests from the likes of Lady Gaga and Jessie J.
Where do you see Liz Black in 5 years?
We have a small number of stockists in the UK and abroad, but our aim is to increase our presence in carefully targeted high-end boutiques, department stores and concept stores. We would also like to achieve recognition from one of the major organisations, for example NewGen, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, BFC etc. and to have shown on-schedule during London Fashion Week within the next five years.
What other Industry members have you worked with?
I met The Industry MD, Courtney Blackman at a legal seminar last year, being a lawyer by background. We also exhibited our collection recently in Germany alongside another UK label, HEMYCA, who was an Industry member and recommended the club to me. I'm looking forward to meeting other members in order to expand our connections in the industry, especially amongst potential stockists.
Get in touch with Alan via The Industry Directory
By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe |
Harriet Bowe |
Alan Black, BFC, Central Saint Martins, Courtney Blackman, Harriet Bowe, HEMYCA, Jessie J, Lady Gaga, Liz Black, London Fashion Week, NewGen, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Member Interview With Hannah White |
Hannah White is the editor of Fashion Monitor - the leading provider of contacts, news and events within the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries.
We catch up with Hannah for an exclusive interview to talk about how Fashion Monitor can help members, its key offerings and Hannah's plans for the future.
1. Fashion Monitor is must-use tool for fashion businesses. What are all the different functions and how can a business leverage them to their full extent?
Fashion Monitor was launched back in 1989 and the service has changed so much over the years, we now also focus on beauty content as well as fashion and therefore are a must-use tool for both fashion and beauty. There are 3 core sections to Fashion Monitor; Contacts, News and Events.
Primarily Fashion Monitor is a hub for all of the industry contacts that you may need, we house all of the media contacts, PRs, brands, creatives, freelancers and bloggers details so that you have everything you need at your finger tips. We now also publish US and international contacts on the site as well and all of our clients have access to both the UK and international content.
The daily news supports the contacts side of the site highlighting the movers and shakers in the industry, latest launches, openings and account wins – our news section is free to use and you can sign up to the daily news bulletin on the site to receive everything to your inbox to enjoy over your morning coffee.
Finally we provide a forward planning calendar of events for the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries this includes press days, parties, launches, openings, trade shows and very importantly show schedules for the main 4 fashion weeks! The events schedule is the perfect way to plan your calendar avoid clashes for your own events and attend events that may be of interest to you. All in all Fashion Monitor is your one stop shop for everything fashion and beauty and a must have for anyone in the industry.
Another main feature for Fashion Monitor subscribers and non-subscribers is our Jobs Page. Over the last year Fashion Monitor has become the premier destination for fashion and beauty jobs and is widely recognised by job seekers and employers alike. Keep an eye out on the site and Twitter for the latest vacancies, you never know when your dream position could pop up.
2. How long have you been at the helm of Fashion Monitor, what have you changed or updated and what legacy would you like to leave?
I have been with the company since October 2008 (this fact scares me a little as time is moving way too fast!). In May 2011 I was appointed as Editor of the product and now look after a team of 10 amazing girls. Since I have taken over we have put huge efforts into the US side of the company, we will be launching Fashion Monitor in the US during 2012 and there are lots of big things to come including an iPhone app. Another main aim of mine was to enhance our beauty section, Shanina McLeod is now our beauty writer and the site has been transformed into a hub for the beauty industry as well as fashion. I would like to leave the legacy that Fashion Monitor has gone international and is a must have resource worldwide keeping the industry in touch and up-to-date with everything fashion and beauty.
3. What are your plans for Fashion Week? Will you be going to all the ‘Big Four’?
Fashion Week is a huge deal for us in the Fashion Monitor office. Next season for the first time I will be in New York for fashion week, spreading the Fashion Monitor word stateside – so look out for me there. I will fly straight back into the thick of LFW and will join the team for all of the shows, parties and presentations throughout the week. We aim to attend all of the events taking place during LFW, tweeting as we go, it is also the perfect place to meet other industry professionals and catch up over a Lavazza coffee! We also hold our International Reception for press and buyers with Vauxhall Fashion Scout, directed by Industry member Martyn Roberts, during LFW at the Freemason’s Hall and this will take place Sunday February 19. Following on from London we will have all of the Milan shows listed on Fashion Monitor and will be reporting the international fashion news. Finally the team will descend on Paris for the last of the ‘Big Four’. Paris is a complete highlight in my fashion calendar. I love the atmosphere and mood surrounding PFW and I find it is the perfect opportunity to catch up with fellow ‘Brits in Paris’ as well as international contacts in town for the big shows. Roll on A/W12!
Get in touch with Hannah via The Industry Directory and follow Fashion Monitor on Twitter: @Fashion_Monitor |
Harriet Bowe |
Fashion Monitor, Hannah White, iPhone, Lavazza, London Fashion Week, Martyn Roberts, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, The Industry, Twitter, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
An Industry Collaboration |
Industry members Martyn Roberts and Courtney Blackman team up for Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Sponsorship Mentoring Event
Vauxhall Fashion Scout Mentoring Event
On Monday the 12th December, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, directed by The Industry's Martyn Roberts, is holding its second event in its new series and it's focused on Sponsorship, featuring guest speakers Jill Askam from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise and The Industry’s MD, Courtney Blackman.
The talk aims to uncover how designers should approach sponsors, how to find the right fit, how to tailor a pitch and how to maximise results. Courtney says, "I've been a supporter of Vauxhall Fashion Scout since its inception and it's been great to watch it grow into this giant independent fashion platform. It's an honour to be involved and help designers to build better businesses."
The event is being held at Beach Blanket Babylon at 7:00pm, supported by the Mayor of London. The event is free to attend for fashion designers, but space is limited to one representative per label and priority is given to Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers. RSVP to event@vauxhallfashionscout.com
Just prior to the talk, also on the 12th, Courtney will be giving a PR Masterclass at 30 Portland Place in conjunction with the Ethical Fashion SOURCE Consultancy. Limited space is available. To book in for the PR Masterclass visit the SOURCE website. |
Harriet Bowe |
Beach Blanket Babylon, Centre for Fashion Enterprise, Ethical Fashion Consultancy, Jill Askam, Martyn Roberts, Mayor of London, SOURCE, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
Donna Ida - Woman Of The Cloth |
Jean queen Donna Ida speaks to VOGUE.COM editor Dolly Jones about the path to denim and retail enlightenment at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™.
Donna Ida
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a lifelong journey, we’ve all fallen in love with a pair only to be let down by a dodgy zip, unsupportive fabric, or a cruel cut that emphasises an errant muffin top.
The crowd at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™
This is where Donna Ida comes in. Over the last five years, the petite and peppy Australian’s eponymous shop has become the Match.com of finding your denim soulmate, with four prime location stores and a hugely successful online shop.
It’s all the more impressive when you consider the fact this is Ida’s first foray into the world of retail, having previously been working (rather unhappily by all accounts) in marketing. “When I opened Donna Ida, I didn’t know anything about retail,” laughs Ida, "all I knew is how I would want to buy a pair of jeans. Great service, a huge selection, and sales assistants not be rude about it if I had a big bum!”
Indeed, it was on the back of “a bad-ish experience in a department store” that Ida decided to open up shop. Understanding these innate insecurities women possess, creating a sincere and approachable customer ethos that reflects it, combined with a passion for the niche, has propelled the brand to success.
Martyn Roberts of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, David Longshaw and Kirsty Ward
“I am genuinely interested in denim, I genuinely love it, and I really, really like helping people,” the Sydney born blonde told The Industry audience. “So for me to get someone to try on a pair of jeans that they previously had thought ‘oh, I can’t wear this, I have a really big bum, I have huge thighs, I’m really short, nothing’s going to fit’, and then to see them put something on and be really happy, it’s fantastic!”
“Was that the intention when you opened the store,” interjected VOGUE.COM’s editor Dolly Jones, “that it’s not just about the best pair of jeans, it’s about helping people find them?”
“Totally, that’s the thing!” agreed Ida, making the astute point that the denim market is such that you can, in theory, buy jeans anywhere and everywhere. “The whole point of difference is getting that product to the people, and getting them to feel good about it. It’s meant to be a positive experience!”
Nik Thakkar of KARLISMYUNKLE with ACCESS-FASHION editor, Sabina Emrit
If keeping customers happy is an art, then Ida is a modern day Michelangelo. Rising at 5am every day (eek!) to be at work by 6am, she responds personally to emails and calls, and is committed Tweeter. “I hate the sell, sell, sell on social media sites. It’s just talking to people in a slightly different level” says the entrepreneur, who engages with over 4,000 followers on everything from juice diets, to shoe envy, dog hair, and George Michael. As a result they buy into the warmth of the woman, and ipso facto, the brand.
So, from the woman known as a “jeanius”, what makes a successful denim brand? Apparently in the UK we’re not big fans of rhinestone sprinkles, all we need is a pair that holds everything in, and gives us good posture. And that comes down to the basic principles of cut and fit.
“It’s all about the cut,” emphasises Ida. “You can only put so many sparkles on something, but it’s that beautiful form that Yves Saint Laurent got right so long ago. That beautifully shaped jacket or that nicely nipped in waist - it doesn’t go out of fashion. Such easy, simple principles.”
Michael Ford of Anastasia & Duck with The Industry press director, Penelope Sacorafou
Laurent himself was a big fan of denim, and his famous quote is emblazoned on the wall of Ida’s Elizabeth Street boutique: “I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.”
Time to renew your love affair with denim.
Dolly Jones & Donna Ida
By Hannah Kane, editor of PHOENIX.
All photos by Sam Atkinson of Sam Atkinson Photography
Get in touch with the newest member of The Industry, Donna Ida via The Industry Directory. |
Harriet Bowe |
ACCESS FASHION, Anastasia & Duck, David Longshaw, Dolly Jones, Donna Ida, Hannah Kane, KARLISMYUNKLE, Kirsty Ward, Martyn Roberts, Michael Ford, Nik Thakkar, Penelope Sacorafou, Phoenix, Sabina Emrit, Sam Atkinson, Swarovski Crystallized, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Vogue.com |
Martyn Roberts Appointed Events Director Of Graduate Fashion Week |
Veteran member of The Industry, Martyn Roberts is well known for being the director of the hugely successful independent fashion showcase, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, and he’s now adding a new string to his bow: Event Director of Graduate Fashion week.
Martyn made his way to the UK from a small country town in New Zealand and his first job in fashion fifteen years ago was at Kim Blake PR where he headed the Designer Division looking after Boudicca, Griffin menswear, Christophe Lemaire (now Creative Director Hermès), Lara Bohinc jewellery, Plein Sud and Whistles.
Martyn then moved on to technology companies including Casio & BT Cellnet PR'ing their products and sponsorship deals including Big Brother. Martyn even secured Christopher Kane's first sponsorship deal.
Twelve seasons ago Martyn founded Fashion Scout with fellow member of The Industry, John Walford. Martyn brought Vauxhall in as title sponsor, which created what we know all know of as Vauxhall Fashion Scout.
Martyn has been a member of The Industry (starting under its old guise) since 2008 and was even one of its first guest speakers. We caught up with Martyn for an exclusive interview:
What does it mean to be Event Director for Graduate Fashion Week? What is your job description?
Graduate Fashion Week is the leading event of its type in the world. The quality of the Graduates on show is amazing.
I am so proud to be chosen to take Graduate Fashion Week forward. It's something I have been working towards for while. My team and I are planning some big changes over the next few years but for next year we are looking to develop some exciting new offerings
As for my job - it is directing everything - the job description itself is 18 pages long.
You’ve just wrapped up your 11th season of Vauxhall Fashion Scout at London Fashion Week to resounding praise. What elements of Fashion Scout will be transported to Graduate Fashion Week?
Excitement and new ways to showcase talent. Vauxhall Fashion Scout is now the only major independent event at LFW and so we have unique experience in developing sponsorship and showcasing new talent
Social media will also play a major role in GFW and it will be the first thing we will develop.
What can members of The Industry do to get involved with Graduate Fashion Week?
There are great mentoring and placement projects that members will be able to get involved with. We will have more details soon.
Also coming along to the actual event in June to see first hand and support the amazing talent coming out of the UK's universities.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?
I think directing two of the UK's largest fashion events is enough for now, but I'll be keeping an eye out for new opportunities.
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Harriet Bowe |
Boudicca, BT, Casio, Christopher Kane, Graduate Fashion Week, Heres, Lara Bohinc, Martyn Roberts, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Whistles |
Francesca Marotta At London Fashion Week |
Industry member, Francesca Marotta has been working in fashion for almost two decades and this is her first show at London Fashion Week. Francesca would like to invite Industry members to her show ‘A la Recherche du Temps Perdu’. To request tickets please e-mail francescamarotta@felicities.co.uk.
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Harriet Bowe |
Francesca Marotta, Vauxhall Fashion Scout |
