Search Results

Article

Snippet

Author

Tags

Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards: One Week Left To Vote

There's only one week left to vote for the Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards. One of our meetings at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ where you can spot one or two of our members, who will be moonlighting as FMJA judges Our event partner, Fashion Monitor has developed the first ever journalism awards to span exclusively across the fashion and beauty sectors. The awards opened for nominations almost a month and a half ago, and entries have been flooding in ever since. Now, with the closing date looming, we quickly look at what Topshop's Sir Phillip Green said about the FMJAs to show what this award initiative means for the sector and why you should take the time to vote. "From the considered glossies monthlies through to the young bloggers creating exciting content by the minute, our writers have authority and style, and play a crucial role in ensuring that British fashion, and opinion, is at the heart of the global fashion industry," explained the retail mogul. "I am delighted that the Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards have been launched in 2012, and see these as a credible and relevant way to celebrate the vast array of talent in fashion writing that we have in the UK." As the premier members group for fashion professionals, naturally many of our Industry members have been drafted in to offer their expert opinions. As the publisher of Fashion Monitor, our Hannah White has been spearheading the whole project. Fellow Industry members, Courtney Blackman, Nik Thakkar, James Joseph, Lauretta Roberts, Maurice Mullen, Martyn Roberts and Frances Card are also sitting on the judging panel. Winners will be announced at the black tie awards ceremony on Tuesday 2nd July at London's The Brewery. If you'd like to submit any last minute nominations, click here or if you would like to book a table for what is surely set to be one of the most lucrative networking events of the year, click here. By The Industry's features editor, Harriet Bowe Would you like to join Hannah, Courtney, Nik, James, Lauretta, Maurice, Martyn and Frances in the premier members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page.

Harriet Bowe

Courtney Blackman, Fashion Monitor, Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards, Frances Card, Hannah White, Harriet Bowe, James Jospeh, Lauretta Roberts, Martyn Roberts, Maurice Mullen, Nik Thakkar, Sir Phillip Green, Swarovski Crystallized, The Brewery, Topshop

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 [email protected] 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

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

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

Gfw: Industry Members Spot The Future Of Fashion

With one day to go before Graduate Fashion Week, The Industry takes a look at how our members are supporting the talent of tomorrow. Industry members are getting ready to spy the talent about to hit the GFW catwalk – Image courtesy of Paul Harness GFW gave Christopher Bailey and Stella McCartney their first taste of Fashion Week many moons ago, and with so many Industry members at the helm, there is little wonder. Celebrating selected work from over thirty-nine fashion degree courses, the concept was originally conceived by our very own John Walford and is now directed by fellow Industry member, Martyn Roberts. Other Industry London members, Alexandra Shulman and Dolly Jones have got Vogue involved with the event too. As VOGUE.COM were announced as partners last week, news came flooding in that all student looks would be featured in an online gallery on the publication's main site, a space ordinarily reserved for fashion elite. Alexandra, who is a trustee of GFW explains: 'I have always been a huge fan of GFW. It is the most important launch-pad for emerging talent in Europe. And it offers the first and only place where we can talent spot from amongst the 1,000-plus collections on the catwalk and in the exhibition.' The Industry's media partner Fashion Monitor, edited by member Hannah White, is also supporting the event along with the home of rising talent, PHOENIX magazine, where Industry member Hannah Kane sits as editor-in-chief. As an official media partner, PHOENIX will be shooting a live photo shoot with Industry member and stylist Rebekah Roy, encompassing the finalists for the George's Best of British Competition for second year students. This will feature in the eighth issue of PHOENIX entitled 'The Innovation Issue'. Among judges such as Daphne Guinness, Suzy Menkes and Matthew Williamson expect to see Industry members, Sarah Curran of my-wardrobe.com and Marigay McKee of Harrods – as a whole host of Industry members lend their expert eyes to a spot of star gazing. GFW starts on 10th June and runs up until 13th. For Industry registration click here. By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe Would you like to join John, Martyn, Alexandra, Dolly, Rebekah, Sarah, the Hannah's and Marigay in the premiere members group for those shaping the future of fashion? Visit our JOIN page

Harriet Bowe

Alexandra Shulman, Christopher Bailey, Daphne Guinness, Dolly Jones, Fashion Monitor, Graduate Fashion Week, Harriet Bowe, Harrods, John Walford, Marigay McKee, Martyn Roberts, Matthew Williamson, my-wardrobe.com, Paul Harness, Phoenix, Rebekah Roy, Sarah Curran, Stella McCartney, Suzy Menkes, The Industry, Vogue.com

Gfw Announce Partnership With Fashion Gps

Graduate Fashion Week's new event partnership will transform the way we attend shows – Martyn Roberts tells us more. Staging the best in graduate design, rising star Rory Longdon was last year's winner – image courtesy of Paul Harness Graduate Fashion Week's strategic new partnership brings more to their company than simply a big name. Fashion GPS – the web based invitation, scheduling and seating system – is set to simplify, streamline and speed up the processes behind fashion show attendance, within the graduate season and beyond. GFW director and Industry member, Martyn Roberts explains the value in such a well-made match: 'As GFW is the leading showcase of fashion students in the world we wanted to make it as accessible as possible for the fashion industry to attend. GFW is without a doubt the best event to discover new talent, new ideas and new employees. Fashion GPS's new check in system will make this easier than ever before.' Interactive seating charts will enable editors, photographers, stylists and TV crews the convenience of being able RSVP to multiple shows via a single website. The smart phone compatible technology will also let time conscious guests check in on the run simultaneously allowing GFW to minimise queue lengths and monitor attendance. Already partnering with the likes of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, GFW have bagged themselves a UK exclusive; to which The Industry London'er adds: 'We were greatly impressed with their system at New York Fashion Week and we are looking forward to giving GFW attendees the same experience.' GFW will take place on the 10th-13th June 2012. To register for the event click here Get in touch with Martyn 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

Council of Fashion Designers of America, Fashion GPS, Graduate Fashion Week, Harriet Bowe, Martyn Roberts, Paul Harness, Rory Longdon, The Industry

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

Member Interview With Yan To

In a candid interview young British designer Yan To reflects on running his fashion label, both past and present. Industry member and fashion designer, Yan To Although Yan To set up his fashion label with no formal training, he stocks shelves in Harrods and Layers. He works alone in the Leicestershire countryside yet Vogue covered his first collection and since starting up in 2009, this Industry member's business has gone from strength to strength. Yan To tells us more. How did you go about setting up your business? I came into fashion after running advertising departments in regional newspapers and latterly running a media buying agency. I have been a collector of fashion for many years and came into the business to fulfil an ambition that had played on my mind since I was a boy. After witnessing the reinvention of trends, I knew that I had a need to create instead of consume. As a result, my aesthetic is 'thoughtful sensual chic with an edge.' The pragmatist in me insisted that if I was to create a sustainable brand I would need to meet three conditions: Firstly, I had to present new and inventive ideas. Secondly, I would put in an initial cash injection (to cover the first two seasons) but after this the label would have to be self-financing. And thirdly, although I had not been to fashion school, I wanted learn the skills of sampling and pattern cutting and create my own collections myself as soon as possible – this was something I felt I needed to do for my own credibility as a designer. What stage is your label at now? As far as how I arrived here after my fifth collection, it has been a case of ensuring I stuck to my beliefs, learning as fast as I could and not being afraid to experiment and reflect on my many mistakes. As it is my belief that fashion is supposed to enhance the wearer, I was obsessed with the notion of bodycon. This lead me to my involvement with elastics which is now my signature look. I very quickly realised that I could present superior bodycon dresses, each one slightly different and at a price that would be less than half of an equivalent Hervé Léger on the shop floor. I have since been perfecting the looks and techniques whilst trying to build my brand profile. Tell me a little bit about your Autumn/Winter 2012 collection? My Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is named 'Grape' and could be considered an armour for the 21st Century woman in a world drowning in shallowness and envy. It is a sanctuary for the spirit, with pieces showing multi-textures and multi-layers in the same way I perceive woman to be. Autumn/Winter 2012 also sees the debut of the 'cloth-less' dress. This showpiece is created by attaching strips of elastic together, without a cloth base. It was an exercise in achieving the unlikely and has become a dress that has received high acclaim. What do you love most about your job? I love that my creative spirit is given a voice. In fact I pretty much love everything I do. But I guess the thing that captivates me the most is the creation of a collection and seeing it grow on the rail. I have never forgotten how lucky I am to be given a chance to do something I enjoy. Where do you see Yan To in five years? This is a tough question for an 'emerging designer' as I have seen some contemporaries leave their labels and pursue other vocations. For me I am driven by my belief that my techniques and aesthetic can find a place on the world stage. I guess that the next five years will be the judge of whether I am right or not. I work for long periods alone in a midlands hamlet and I realise that for the brand to progress it needs to grow it's business head. As such I have been looking for a business partner to help realise its potential – as it is something that all designers who go on to create sustainable brands have. It's a partnership I crave and need. I also seek recognition for the fact that I am one of very few presenting new ideas in dress construction. All in all, a sustainable brand with a driven infrastructure and market recognition would be a position that I would love to be in come five years. What other Industry members have you worked with? I have worked with several members: Samantha Fearn and Suzy Socker from Fearnhurst PR/Fashion Press Week. Samantha has been a great support to me. Marigay McKee kindly showcased my second and third collections at Harrods and I have worked with Martyn Roberts and Lee Lapthorne, all of which I hope to do so again. Get in touch with Yan To via The Industry Directory By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe

Harriet Bowe

Autumn/Winter 2012, Fashion Press Week, Fearnhurst PR, Harriet Bowe, Harrods, Hervé Léger, Layers, Lee Lapthorne, Marigay McKee, Martyn Roberts, Samantha Fearn, Suzy Socker, The Industry, Vogue, Yan To

Sapphires Model Management Look To Expand In 2012

Industry members, Neely Reyes and Iain Warren, co-director of Sapphires Model Management have announced plans to expand their award-winning model agency thanks to private equity investment. Neely Reyes & Iain Warren Since starting up in 2005, a small loan of £3,000 generated rapid growth seeing the company move from the Midlands to London in May 2011. Less than a year on and they have relocated to the prestigious South Molton Street – only a few steps from Bond Street tube station. To add to this, they are taking on two more members of booking staff and developing a brand new website set to launch in February. We catch up with co-founder Neely Reyes to find out what the money means to their business, both now and in the future. Iain and Neely with new staff Florian and Russell How did Sapphires secure the funding? Through a private deal. How will this space help grow the business? We now have our own photo studio and casting room. We can build models’ portfolios and work with photographers in-house. In addition, clients are welcome to make use of the space to hold their castings. Where do you want to see Sapphires in 5 years? We are very proud of what we have achieved to date. Sapphires Model Management has grown organically up until now and this investment will help to really push the brand to get the recognition it deserves over the coming months and years. We founded this agency just over 5 years ago and we sometimes forget how much we’ve achieved in that space of time...the sky really is the limit for the next five! What Industry members have you worked with? We have worked with a few members, such as Courtney Blackman, Martyn Roberts, John Wolford, Daisy de Villeneuve and Lauretta Roberts. We have made some great contacts through the group and hope to work with new members such as Nina Patel in the near future. Get in touch with Neely and Iain via The Industry Directory. By The Industry's Features Editor, Harriet Bowe

Courtney Blackman, Daisy de Villeneuve, Harriet Bowe, Iain Warren, John Walford, Lauretta Roberts, Martyn Roberts, Neely Reyes, Nina Patel, Sapphires Model Management, The Industry

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

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 [email protected] 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.

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.

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.  

Boudicca, BT, Casio, Christopher Kane, Graduate Fashion Week, Heres, Lara Bohinc, Martyn Roberts, The Industry, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Whistles