STITCH

Trend Alert: Rompers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Victoria's Secret model, Miranda Kerr, proves you can still be stylish and comfortable in the summer heat. While breezing through the streets of NYC in a button-up navy romper, the newly engaged model showed all of us why Orlando Bloom put a ring on her finger! She completed the look with tan kitten heels and a retro-looking Chloé Messenger Bag

Macy's Designers - Fashion Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Not even the pouring rain kept Chicago's fashionistas from attending the Fashion Focus Designers of Chicago Fashion Show on Tuesday, October 7. The grand finale for Chicago's week of fashion did not disappoint and included designers such as Horacio Nieto, Lara Miller, Tennille White, Yana, Kate Boggiano, Agga B., Evil Kitty, and many more.

The local Chicago designers debuted their Spring 2009 collections to a full house. Many of the designs displayed on the runway were very wearable and showed what we can look forward to seeing added to Macy's inventory.

Some of the highlights you can purchase at Macy's were rose twill jackets with a funky edge, bright silk dresses, ruffled tops, ethnic embroidery,'50s-inspired bikinis, embellished long-sleeved blouses, leather and cotton dresses, fun club attire, and mustard mini dresses and ball gown skirts.

Designers were not shying away from accessorizing their outfits. There was everything from draping necklaces and glittering brooches to bracelets, chandelier earrings, and even bedazzled sandals.

It was a perfect (and wet!) end to Chicago's Fashion Focus Week, leaving the crowd wanting more and looking forward to next year's shows.

Original article written for Factio Magazine

iPhone Gets Fashionable

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:47:00 +0000

We live in a world where information is right at our fingertips and the new iPhone application from style.com is a prime example.

The new application is designed to enable the fashion obsessed to have full access to the runway, no matter where they live.

The application (which is available only for iPhone) will initially offer videos and photos from couture collections in July. It will then be updated regularly beginning September 5 with the New York ready-to-wear collections.

Jamie Pallot, the editorial director of Conde Nast Web sites, told the New York Times that the morning runway shows will be available by the afternoon and the evening shows should be available by the next morning. Talk about quick turn-around time!

Pallot has tested an early version and you can expect features such as; a welcome screen listing new shows on one menu and blog items on another, ability to open a window that shows the looks in a grid, you will be able to enlarge images and even be able to reveal the model’s name and a concise review of the show by tapping on any of the photos from the shows.

The hope is to eventually be able to include photos and videos from hundreds of shows in New York, Paris, London and Milan.

Image courtesy of the nytimes.com

Nina Garcia's Style Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Nina Garcia, former Elle fashion director, author of Little Black Book of Style and Project Runway judge has just released another style guide.

The One Hundred, features the chic pieces that no woman should be without.

Garcia told The Daily at Saks Fifth Avenue, "It was just one of those inspirations that happened at a moment where I was moving, I was pregnant, I was packing."

She went on to say that she was inspired while trying to pack for a move as her house was being renovated and she wondered how she was going to do it all.

"What am I going to do? I'm changing seasons, I'm changing sizes, I'm changing apartments. What am I going to pack? And all of a sudden, it hit me. There are some things that I always wear, will always wear, that are never going to change, no matter what size I am or what season it is. So that's where the idea of The One Hundred came about."

On top of publishing her new book, Garcia has recently taken a new position as the fashion director of Marie Claire. She is excited to begin her new gig because she believes the magazine is passionate about women's issues.

Image courtesy of StylePhile.com

Man Behind the Models Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:03:00 +0000

The man who started one of the most recognizable modeling agencies in the world, Jerry Ford, died at the age of 83 on Sunday in Morristown, N.J.

In the 1940s modeling was seen as more of a hobby than a profession. But when Jerry Ford implemented some of his ideas he changed the face of modeling forever. He introduced a payment system for models where they would be paid for their work in advance and then later would recoup his fees from various clients.

He is also credited with creating the first contracts for models to represent specific brands exclusively. He negotiated the first such contract for Lauren Hutton to represent Revlon in 1974.

"Before Jerry came along, there were only robber barons who were out there running modeling schools," Carmen Dell'Orefice, who has modeled with the Ford agency for 60 years told the New York Times.

Ford also managed the early modeling careers of Jane Fonda, Candice Bergan, Brooke Shields, and Ali MacGraw. The legend who died of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, will be sorely missed.

Rachel Zoe Comes to Bravo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:24:00 +0000

One of the most well-known and ingenious stylists, (and my personal favorite) Rachel Zoe, is finally giving us non-celebrities a glimpse into her chaotic fashion world.

On September 9, The Rachel Zoe Project will debut on Bravo and the docu-drama will no doubt leave our tongues wagging for more!

The show will follow Zoe and her fashion team as they style only the biggest name celebrities, models, and other high profile clients. Every week we will get to watch Zoe run from shops to meetings with designers to editorial shoots and runway shows.

So get that Tivo ready because between The Rachel Zoe Project, Gossip Girl, America’s Next Top Model, and Project Runway it will be the best fall fashion season yet!

Image courtesy of UK's Daily Mail

Go Green For Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:49:00 +0000

With autumn's cool breeze on the way you not only have to start pulling out your long-sleeves and jeans but you should also up-date your make-up drawer to ensure you get the right amount of coverage for the cooler weather.

While out purchasing your favorite make-up, why not try going green for the upcoming season. Purchasing eco-friendly products not only will help our environment but it will also be good for your skin.

There are a lot of eco-friendly products on the market to choose from at the moment. However, do your homework before purchasing them because a lot of the products are actually not 100% organic.

There is one skin line, Suki Pure Skin Care, that not only has a large variety of eco-friendly products but it is 100% organic. Founded by Suki Kramer, who suffered from sensitive skin and chronic eczema, expect this line to be extremely soothing on your skin.

Kramer's collection recently launched an extension, Suki Color. So now you can purchase organic products from her Tinted Active Moisturizer and Cream Eye Definer to Pure Cream Satin for your face and lips.

For more information: visit www.sukicolor.com

Orginal article written for Factio Magazine

Image courtesy of www.sukicolor.com

Designers Help To Raise Money For Solar-Powered Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Daughter of Isabella Rossellini, Elettra Wiedemann, has recently founded JustOneFrickinDay.com, an organization that is raising funds to build the first solar-powered hospital in Kigutu, Burundi.

So far the Burundi Solar Project has designers Chris Benz, House of Diehl, Rogan, Rag & Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Giambattista Valli signed up to create an energy-inspired, limited edition t-shirt to be sold on Wiedemann’s website.

All the t-shirts are made from 100% organic cotton and are available in men’s and women’s at $60 a pop. To make the shirts even more special, there are only 100 available in each style.

The designers have already made sketches of their t-shirts and Chris Benz’s will have two African flamingos, Rogan’s is in a black and white African print, and Phillip Lim’s is an image of Africa rendered in light bulbs.

Amazingly, to equip the hospital with solar power for the entire term of its existence only $450,000 needs to be raised! If you would like to help out the cause the shirts will be available beginning August 25 at JustOneFrickinDay.com.

In other news….

California designer, Geren Lockhart, will be launching her first Spring 2009 collection at New York Fashion Week on September 3 from 6-8 at the Bowery Hotel.

The buzz is that Lockhart will present an installation, which will give a nod to Vanessa Beecrft and her collection of deep colors and wovens was inspired by travels to Capri, Buenos Aires and Sydney.

Wiedemann image courtesy of Papermag.com and Lockhart image courtesy of Gen Art Pulse

Bandages as Fashion?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:16:00 +0000

According to many designers bandages can be used to add a little flair to an otherwise boring outfit, even if you don't have a cut to cover.

Alexandre Herchcovitch, Brazilian fashion designer, first introduced his line of boldly patterned Band-Aids last month at the Opening Ceremony in New York and Los Angeles. At $10 a pop, he sold over 100 boxes within a week!

However, he is not the first designer to introduce this small adornment. According to the New York Times, Marc Jacobs sold $2 packages of bandages with catchy phrases such as: "Ouch!" and "Boo! Boo!" in a box that said "That's Gonna Leave a Marc." Check out more of Marc's band-aid designs on eBay.

If bold patterns and catchy phrases don't make you want to run out and buy some band-aids, then maybe German designer, Fabian Seibert can help. He spares no expense and decorates bandages with Swarovski crystals. You can purchase his band-aids at www.suelzkotlett.de.

Image courtesy of likecool.com

Fashion Week News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:15:00 +0000

New York Fashion Week is quickly approaching and all the designers are preparing for the most important week of the year.

Brian Reyes has confirmed he will be returning to Bryant Park this season. He will be showing his Spring 2009 collection in the Salon on Wednesday, September 10 at 9 a.m. He told Fashion Week Daily: "I can't explain the sense of excitement and accomplishment it gives me to be returning for Spring 2009. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to present this collection at the epicenter of Fashion Week, and look forward to many more seasons in the Tents."

In other fashion news, there have been whispers that Victoria Beckham would be showcasing her collection this year, but unfortunately it is not in the cards. There was no announcement as to when the former Spice Girl will debut her collection on the runway.

Victoria Beckham image courtesy of askmen.com

New Eco-Friendly Shoe Line To Hit Stores

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Well it definitely seems as if ‘going green’ is here to stay or for a bit longer anyways.

More and more celebrities and designers seem to be jumping on the organic bandwagon and TOMS, a shoe company, has now decided to partner with Whole Foods Market for an exclusive line of eco footwear.

TOMS founder, Blak Mycoskie, thought this new shoe line would be a great opportunity for his company, which currently donate a pair of shoes to children in need for every pair sold.

The company currently sends shoes to Argentina, South Africa, and Ethiopia but is planning to begin donations in the U.S.

Image courtesy of Fashion Week Daily

Ferretti and Chopard Design Couture Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:42:00 +0000

Alberta Ferretti and Chopard have created the WatchCouture. It is a precious white gold and diamond watch that has drop shape diamonds sitting on a chiffon knot.

The one-of-a-kind watch will debut on August 27 at the Venice Film Festival and according to Ferretti, creating a precious watch tied to the wrist by a bow is a synthetic symbol of couture.

However, it is not the first time these two brands have collaborated. Back at the 2007 Venice Film Festival, Chopard’s creative director Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and Ferretti were first introduced.

They became instant friends and went on to create a stunning dress for the Cannes Film Festival that year, which Bar Rafaelli wore on opening night. Later the dress was auctioned off for $486,000 at the amfAR gala.

Elle UK Picks the Top Five Trends For Autumn/Winter '08

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:17:00 +0000

In Elle UK’s August issue they choose the hot new season trends for autumn/winter 2008.

The first big trend of the season is the grunge look. Designers were showcasing the goth look with black eyeliner on the models, black beanies, studded necklaces, ankle boots, and back lace tights.

Gone are the frilly and flowery themes of summer and get your closet ready for the second biggest trend of the season; power dressing. The runway showcased new shapes and sharp tailoring on a variety of different suits. From pantsuits to skirt suits they were all flattering and functional. The colors showcased were mainly black, navy and grey.

The third trend is a flash back to the 70’s. The catwalk was ablaze with flared denims and calf-length skirts with thick tights, silk scarves, floppy hats and print dresses. The clothing had a vintage feel and if you enjoy layering the autumn/winter ’08 season will be the perfect time to bundle up and get ready for the snow!

Another huge trend for the upcoming season will be black, black, and more black. The runway featured clothes with lace, sheer chiffon and tulle paired with skinny leather or PVC trousers. Make sure to get yourself a pair of knee-high boots as they rocked the runway along with crucifix chains and sultry eyes.

The final trend of the season will get you ready for cocktail hour. With high necklines and low hemlines expect the stores to be stocking a lot of classy and elegant dresses for the new season. Restrained and refined was the theme this year that included beautifully constructed cocktail dresses and evening coats in jewel colors. Bright tights gave the conservative dresses a bit of edge and make-up was kept simple and clean.

Club Monaco Opens New Shop In Bucktown

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Club Monaco opened a new shop in Bucktown on July 18, 2008. The flagship store combines the elements of a modern, minimalist loft with Parisian apartment details and will offer the entire men's, women's and accessory collections including their limited edition Fleur de Lys Capsule Accessory Collection.

This is the fourth shop they have opened in the Chicagoland area and carries the usual black and white palette on top of soft Italian cashmere in the brand's coats and sweaters, rich leather hand bags, and beaded jewelry.

There will be a special black and white photography exhibit organized by the Chicago Photography Center which will launch on July 30, 2008 and remain on display for two weeks after the opening event. All black and white photographs will be for sale and proceeds will benefit the Chicago Photography Center.

For more information visit: www.clubmonaco.com

Harper's Bazaar To Publish Additional Publication

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:44:00 +0000

Harper’s Bazaar is set to launch a side publication, Runway Report, available on newsstands July 29.

Runway Report is designed to give Harper’s readers front row access to all the fashion shows so they can view an in-depth report on all the collections showcased during fashion week. The publication will also inform readers about the products they will need to create a fashion-forward fall wardrobe.

The 220 page book is edited by Harper’s Bazaar fashion news and features director Kristina O’Neill and will feature collections organized by city and designers. The publication will remain on newsstands until November 1 and will retail for $6.95.

German Model, Veruschka, Subject of New Book

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:50:00 +0000

The gorgeous German model, artist and actress, Veruschka, is now the subject of a limited-edition, cloth-bound monograph that details her career and impact on the fashion world.

Born in East Prussia in 1939, she was the daughter of a German count and army reserve officer who ended up being executed for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitlar. After her traumatic childhood experiences she moved to Hamburg to study art and then headed to Florence where she was discovered by a photographer at the age of 20.

After arriving in New York the 6'1" model had a bit of a rocky start in the industry, but soon enough people were clamoring at her door to get her photo and she has been on 11 Vogue covers since.

Veruschka no longer models but sometimes will appear on the catwalk (most recently for Buddhist Punk in 2005). She now lives in Berlin and enjoys living a low-key life, however she will remain one of the most beautiful and enigmatic woman to ever grace the runway.

Changes at Two of the Biggest Fashion Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:13:00 +0000

There are a couple of changes taking place in the fashion houses of Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld this week.

It has been announced that to give the Karl Lagerfeld brand more presence in the United States there is a new director of marketing and public relations, Beth Shapiro.

Shapiro was previously the director of public relations for Marchesa and has held positions at several other fashion companies, which include Alison Brood Public Relations. She will be responsible for directing international communication with licensed partners, as well as overseeing all public relations efforts for the Karl Lagerfeld brand within the United States.

Over at Calvin Klein they have recruited the vice president of communications from Oscar de La Renta Ltd, Nacole Snoep.

Snoep has been working at Oscar de La Renta since 2005 overseeing all product categories, as well as celebrity, media placement and special events. Prior to that, she worked in publicity with Michael Kors, Sergio Rossi and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Original clip written for: Factio Magazine on their Runway to Retail blog

Image is from Calvin Klein's fall 2007 collection courtesy of Fashion & Fashion, group on facebook.

Paris Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:51:00 +0000

The Paris couture week is always part fantasy, part theatrics but always done in style and this year the show opened with Dior and John Galliano did not disappoint. His collection was one of old world glamour and French conservative chic that included hourglass gowns, big coats, circle jackets and tulle dance dresses.

For fall 2008, expect to see a lot of the 50s silhouettes; cinched waists with long flowing dresses and a lot of lighter colors that include pale pink, ivory, violet, mint and pea green. On the catwalks all the designers were incorporating the aforementioned colors throughout their collections from Anne Valerie Hash's micro-paneled lace dresses and skirts in ivory and pale pink to Christian Dior's injection of mint and violet in many of his outfits.

If you haven't worn a suit in a while, this would be the season to expand your horizons as the majority of the designers incorporated gorgeous classic suiting in each of their collections. Armani Privé did something unique, he broke up his suits by using light pink tops with menswear fabric bottoms (and vice versa). Alessandra Facchinetti did the Valentino name proud and included his classic suiting but with curved, slightly space-age volumes.

The runway was full of accessories for the fall 2008 season, the most prominent being bows. Alexis Mabille has been using bow ties since 2005 and continued his tradition for 2008 as well. Armani Privé used the bow by tying one under the bust of one of his dresses. Other accessories that were a hit on the runway were brooches, belts, leather jackets and leggings.

There was only the best of materials used in each of the designers' collections which included silk, satin, lace, velvet and tweed with elaborate beading throughout. This year's couture show screamed class and elegance and I enjoyed the throw-back to the 50s. All I know is that after seeing what the designer's showcased, I can't wait to start shopping!

Original clip written for: Factio Magazine on their Runway to Retail blog

Fairtrade Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Latest reports say that more than a million tonnes of textiles are sent to UK landfill sites each year, a lot of which are not biodegradable. Places such as the Fairtrade Foundation are trying to find ways to help cut back on the amount of textiles being dumped in landfills.

Every year to celebrate fair and ethical trading values they have an event called Fairtrade Fortnight. This year such shops as Topshop, Marks and Spencer and Tesco all unveiled new ethical collections.

Marks and Spencer introduced Fairtrade-certified cotton to its Limited Collection, which included a T-shirt dress and a bag, with model Lily Cole fronting the campaign. The retailer will also launch a range of recycled denim.

Tesco unveiled a fair trade denim range that was distributed to shops on March 10 and the women’ range of jeans and shorts will hit shops on April 21. They expect to sell between 15 million and 20 million fair trade garments this year.

Meanwhile, Topshop, one of the most influential brands on the high street, unveiled a 36-piece collection made from fair trade cotton. The range will go into 30 stores and will include everything from T-shirts to woven waistcoats.

Eileen Maybin from Fairtrade Foundation said: “After this year’s successful Fairtrade Fortnight they are planning on doing this again next year to keep the awareness of ethical clothing up.”

Topshop - friend or foe?

Even though Topshop has begun to take part in producing ethical clothing, their methods for making clothing are still surrounded in controversy.

Arcadia Group, which owns Topshop, has been asked to improve labour conditions for the people who make its clothes.

In September, the Times found migrant workers facing deportation when they complained about long working hours, low wages, overcrowded living conditions, poor ventilation, and a lack of sanitation in their workplace.

Yet the Arcadia group refuses to join the Ethical Trading Initiative and work with other retailers, trade unions and NGOs to improve conditions.

To try and get through to Topshop and the Arcadia Group, there have been many protests to persuade the Topshop to improve working conditions. The latest protest took place on March 1.

Rebecca Jones, organiser of the March 1st London demo said: "Topshop still have to sign up to the ethical trading initiative," and "other high street retailers are trying to make changes."

10 people were at the March 1st demonstration, which Rebecca Jones said: "made a big visual impact." Rebecca described Topshop's response as "childlike". She states they tried to set up talks with them in Oxford and they didn't show up.

Rebecca is not sure when then the next protest will be, but there might be more in the future.

Experience or Education?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:55:00 +0000

Gordon Brown has announced 5,000 new apprenticeships in film, fashion, music and design, with the BBC, ITV, the Royal Shakespeare Company and other large companies by 2013.

The new apprenticeship strategy – Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy – will provide young people with five hours of "hands-on" learning per week at school.

The goal is to make sure that students leaving college are better prepared for the real world by having more work experience in addition to their qualifications.

Having work experience is extremely important in making sure you are more employable.

Bronwyn Cosgrave, journalist, author and broadcaster told us: “I recently hired someone who was well educated but had no direct experience related to the task I assigned. I thought the person would be smart enough to figure out how to get the job done. It ended up not working, and I felt very let down.”

Here at Westminster

For the majority of our Arts programmes at the University of Westminster, obtaining work experience in the industry is mandatory. However, there are students who are unable to secure a work placement or don’t need one to graduate.

Ms Cosgrave said: “Having a combination of both is important. Education brings perspective and often develops an analytical mind which is crucial in the field that I work – journalism and strategic consulting. Experience is invaluable. It enables you to learn from mistakes and not make them twice. It also facilitates familiarity - so you can get a job done on time instead of feeling your way around in the dark.”

Many students are worried that after graduation they may not find a job or that the years they invested in going to university might not help them obtain the position they had worked so hard to achieve.

According to Flaminia Giambalvo, a journalism student here at the University of Westminster: “Having a work experience would help get your foot in the door. I know after this course I will get a job, but I’m worried I might not get the job I actually want and having more work experience in my specialisation would definitely make me more confident and employable.”

By all accounts, what this University needs is more work experience that will help us evolve into more employable, better prepared young adults.

Best and Worst at the 80th Academy Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Oscar fashion is always something to look forward to and with the writers strike finally over there was definitely reason to celebrate. The red carpet brought out the best in many of the actors and actresses this year.

Scarlets and blacks were the colours that dominated, with silks, satins and the women dripping with diamonds. It was all about class and old world glamour.

The woman of the night was Marion de Cotillard, who won best actress for La Vie en Rose. She was stunning in a white gown with mermaid fishtail skirt and fish scale detailing by Jean Paul Gautier Paris Haute Couture.

Anne Hathaway, who always looks regal, did not disappoint in a sophisticated one-shoulder scarlet silk chiffon dress by Marchesa. Heidi Klum looked gorgeous in a red silk John Galliano dress, which she kept simple by wearing no jewellery and sweeping her hair off her face.

Another trend on the carpet was the baby bump. Celebs such as Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett all proudly showed off their new figures and strayed from the herd by wearing more muted colours such as maroon and deep purple.

There were definitely some fashion flops that graced the red carpet this year. One surprise was Dame Helen Mirren, who is always dressed to kill. Her floor-length Georges Chakra number was gorgeous but pairing it with the crystal-beaded shrug and £2.3 million of H Stern jewellery was over the top.

How did the men size up?

The majority of the men this year chose the classic black tie to stroll down the red carpet in. George Clooney, Harrison Ford and Forest Whitaker take the prize for best dressed. They kept it clean and simple and all looked dashing.

One of worst attired men on the carpet was Daniel Day Lewis. He looked like he had just rolled out of bed as he accepted a much-deserved Best Actor Award for There Will Be Blood in a black suit with mismatched brown shoes.

Hopefully next year we will see Hollywood taking more fashion risks on the red carpet instead of seeing the same colour and styles on every celebrity.

Original story written for Westminster Online

London’s position as a world centre for fashion is under threat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:23:00 +0000

This is a recent article I had published on Westminster Online

Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for fashion and textiles is calling for MPs to back a new campaign, “No skills, no fashion,” to encourage fashion colleges and universities to put more focus on pattern-cutting, garment construction and other technical fashion skills.

About 3,000 students graduate from fashion courses each year in the UK and according to Skillfast-UK, top designers and brands say they are struggling to find quality employees because the candidates are lacking the skills and knowledge to turn their creative ideas into realistic designs.

Skillfast-UK’s director of marketing and communications, Louise Wood said: “It is not that the students are lacking in creativity, they are not being given the right technical skills to produce their ideas. The problem is that it is more expensive to have pattern cutting and sewing machines in the classroom versus just having a course on the creative side.”

Which is why the new campaign, “No skills, no fashion” is being launched. Skillfast-UK hopes that this will encourage policy makers and educationalists to address the skills crisis.

The campaign is hoping to tackle the fashion skills problem in a number of different ways. It has launched an online petition for fashion employers (www.skillfast-uk.org), a careers advice website for young people thinking of going into fashion (www.canucutit.co.uk), and a possible “couture academy” for London, to specialise in teaching of technical skills for fashion.

To mark the launch of the “No skills, no fashion” campaign, models wearing toiles (a fashion designer’s first technical “mock-up” of a garment) posed in protest on St Stephen’s Green, in front of the House of Commons.

The models were joined by couturier and London Fashion Week exhibitor Helen David, of English Eccentrics (one of the designers supporting the campaign) and Linda Florance, chief executive of Skillfast-UK.

LONDON FASHION WEEK - PPQ

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000

PPQ’s autumn/winter 2008 show opened to a crowd that included Kimberly Stewart, Lily Allen and Peaches and Pixie Geldof. This was their 10th Anniversary of the ‘Freedom to Party’ Party and the crowd anxiously awaited for the show to begin.

Rich colours graced the runway in reds, golds, purples and blues. Polka dots and tye dye made a few appearances, while studded belts and leather jackets gave the collection a punk-rocker feel.

Luxury fabrics such as black velvet, lace and satin were used throughout the collection. The standout outfit was a multi-coloured satin dress that proved PPQ is still one to reckon with.

Original report was written for Annazbell.com

LONDON FASHION WEEK - INBAR SPECTOR

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Inbar Spector’s autumn/winter 2008 collection debuted at London Fashion Week and proved that this up and coming designer knows how to take risks and create innovative and stylish designs.

Spector’s inspiration was the issue of immigration and the “notion of relocation and carrying your previous life on yourself.” This was evident in the zippers, buckles and heavy-duty combat materials used to create her clothing.

Intricate detailing, corsets, lacing, silk and chiffon were used in many of the outfits, giving the collection a more feminine touch. The standout outfit was a floor-length white dress with ruffles, but never straying far from her immigration theme the dress had a black backing that looked similar to a backpack.

Original report was written for Annazbell.com

LONDON FASHION WEEK - CHRISTOFOROS KOTENTOS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Christoforos Kotentos showcased his innovative autumn/winter ’08 collection to a full house at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Christoforos’s ‘Queens of War’ collection he said “was inspired by the importance of women throughout history and mythology.” According to the show’s handout his collection is a “representation of a powerful woman who is also a modern day warrior fighting for the highest values in life.”

His pieces consisted of intricate details with geometrical cuts and cut outs and also featured drapery and his emblem, the sword. He used luxury fabrics such as cashmere, silk jersey, wool and leather with a colour palette that included black, silver and bronze.

Original report was written for Annazbell.com