London Fashion Week Has Something for The Eco-Fashionista

London Fashion Week will address the growing movement of cutting-edge designers committed to working in a eco-sustainable way with BFC Estethica.

Prophetik

Made by Scandinavians - Camilla Wellton

Estethica, now in its ninth season has evolved to become the hub of London's ethical fashion industry. The success of this initiative, the strongest of its kind internationally, is evident in its rapid growth from its first season of 13 designers to 37 designers in this season’s Estethica collective.

All Estethica designers adhere to at least one of the three Estethica principles of fair-trade and ethical practices, organic and recycled materials and are selected for both their ethical credentials and design excellence. Fifteen designers are new to Estethica this season, these include ‘rescue and recycle’ luxury eco-bag brand Lost Property of London, which takes abandoned everyday fabrics and transforms them into fashionable yet practical accessories. The label works to improve the lives of impoverished communities in developing countries whilst recycling all waste and vetting suppliers for ethical integrity. Its current collection is made from recycled coffee sacks and lined with iconic Liberty Art Fabric. Also new this season is the Centre for Sustainable Fashion which is an initiative showcasing four designer collections.

List of Estethica Designers September 2010:


Installation
Christopher Raeburn

Junky Styling

Accessories
EFF Innovation -Ahilya
Issi
Lost Property of London
Nina Dolcetti
Pachacuti
Sonya Kashmiri
The North Circular


Jewellery
Joanna Cave
Leblas
Little Glass Clementine
Made By The People
Michelle Lowe Holder
Oria Jewellery
Sagen


Ready-to-wear
Ada Zanditon
Camilla Welton   
Emesha
EJF
From Somewhere
Goodone 
Henrietta Ludgate
Ivana Basilotta
Junky Styling
Karamene
Lu Flux
Makepiece

Little Glass Clementine

MAXJENNY
Minna
Monsoon
Oxfam
Partimi
Prophetik
Righteous Fashion
She Died of Beauty
The Centre for Sustainable Fashion

Estethica sponsor Monsoon believes the importance of fair-trade and ethical fashion has been integral to its business heritage. For the first time Monsoon will be presenting a new Spring/Summer eco-range, in line with the young designers who represent the future of eco-fashion, which it has supported for the last eight seasons.

Leblas

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Lipop London (Series vol. 6)

The polished, dynamic duo of Lipop London is composed of designer Tom Lipop and business partner Eser Aydemir.  Tom expresses his design passion ... a history that includes Sky One's Project Catwalk, and designing for several labels, in addition to being influenced by the history of British fashion. Eser applies his formal business training, an Msc in International Business Management, to manage and promote the business.

Lipop London debuted their collection, ‘Battle of the Sardines’, at Brighton Fashion Week 2009. They will show Lipop’s New Collection as part of London Fashion Weeks Off Schedule Show ‘A la Mode’.

Here's what they had to say:

How did you get into fashion?
I've always been into designing and sketching and love architecture, I came across CP company and Stone Island whilst working in a little boutique in Brighton when I was 15 and loved everything about it, The detailing, the functionality and overall aesthetic, It was this that convinced me I wanted to go into Fashion and design a kind of architecture for the body!! I joined College and did graphics and photography before going to Uni and Studying Fashion and Textiles.

Did you go to school for training?
I went to University and did a Ba in Fashion and textiles specializing in Menswear for three years, before working for fashion houses such as House of Holland, Nathan Jenden, Griffin Laundary and Kate Halfpenny London.

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?
We like to say that were modernizing classics. I love a simpler looking garment not too overworked but with a really technical cut and a great aesthetic. Technical fabrics inspire me immensely with the new technologies as well as things like your everyday food blender. I love it when you have the basic function, but you can add an adapter here and remove a part there and you have a new function. Something similar to what CP company did in the 90’s with the transparent coat that changed into an inflatable chair.

Do you prefer certain materials?
I love to work with wools, cashmere and felts as well as technical fabrics like polyurethane nylon and waxed laminate cottons.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?
We design for anyone who has an appreciation of quality and likes how they feel in our garments. I wouldn’t say it’s a specific type of person, but someone who wants a garment to last a long time and will pay that little extra so they can wear it over and over again. Kind of like a child and his favorite toy!!

To learn more and see the Look Book, go to: Lipop London

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok

Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall

Fashion's Night Out Milano Style

Vogue Italia is hosting Milan's Fashion Night Out.

The event is on 9 September and packed with giveaways, tees, a "Night In" at a museum and exclusive products ... jewelry, bags and shoes (Oh My!!!).

for more info on the event and to print mini guides, go to VFNO

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Flik Hall (Series vol. 5)

Within a year after attending Central Saint Martins, Designer Flick Hall started her own label.  She uses it as a vehicle to express her love of print design and contrast.

Here is a look at designer Flick Hall:

How did you get into fashion?
My initial love for fashion design was cemented at a young age, where I found the idea that “you could be any one you wanted to be” and tailor your dress sense accordingly quite propelling. I think that loving fashion is more of a way of life, whether you choose it or not it sometimes finds you.

Did you go to school for training?
I went Central Saint Martin’s, but I would say working in the industry yourself is the best training you can get.

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?
Inspiration is everywhere, a blank wall or an intricate pattern, a forgotten object that bears a story...
I find the complexities of human nature and general occurrences in everyday life unearth the most interesting ideas for me.

Do you prefer certain materials?
I’m obsessed with texture and the illusion of texture. I love fabrics such as Leather, Raffia, course wools, Mohair. Having a background in print design I am fixated by prints that create three dimensional illusions and capture the eye in a way that you feel you want to reach out and touch the image when it is in front of you.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?
I design clothes for strong and elegant women who aren’t afraid to wear bold pieces. I want her to feel confident and powerful in my clothing, and keep my pieces in her wardrobe for years to come.

Flik Hall will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week. To learn more about Flik Hall, go to: Flik Hall

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London

Fashion News

London Fashion Week Events

• BFC/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation: Programme launching on 9th September - Inspiring and supporting collaboration between fashion and the arts.

• Value of Fashion Report: Announced on 16th September

• London Fashion Weeks:

Women: 17th - 22nd, September

Menswear: 22nd, September

Exhibition: 17th - 21st, September

Armani Celebrates Fashion's Night Out, NY & LA

Giorgio Armani celebrates Fashion’s Night Out with four celebrity-helmed events on September 10 in New York and Los Angeles.

New York:
Giorgio Armani New York
760 Madison Avenue at 65th Street, NYC, 212-988-9191

Giorgio Armani fashion icon Lauren Hutton shares legendary stories with actress/writer Joan Juliet Buck.
7:00-9:00pm

Armani / 5th Avenue
717 Fifth Avenue at 56th Street, NYC, 212-339-5950

Supermodel Bar Refaeli shows how to strike a pose and joins guests in front of the camera for their own personal photo.
8:00-10:00pm

Los Angeles:
Giorgio Armani Los Angeles
436 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-271-5555

Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson hosts an exhibition of his favorite red carpet looks and discusses his Armani odyssey with fashion expert Steven Cojocaru.
6:30-8:30pm

Emporio Armani Los Angeles
9533 Brighton Way, Bevelry Hills, 310-271-7790

Star DJs, The Super Mash Bros. spin an explosive set of music and video mash-ups.
8:30-10:00pm

Giorgio Armani will also be supporting this project around the world by hosting a series of events and cocktail parties in Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Asia. In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, Giorgio Armani and international editions of VOGUE are coordinating evening activities in their respective world fashion capitals.

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok (Series vol. 4)

Nikolo Bertok is something special in the making.  He moved to London to study fashion. His graduate fashion show, at Middlesex University, will take place this academic year.  Bertok uses ecological and environment-friendly materials in his designs.

Here's what Nikolo has to say:

How did you get into fashion?
I started as a sales assistant in a shop of fine fabrics when I was 15, and so I embarked on a path in fashion very quickly. I did a lot of typical assistant- running duties for designers and companies as you could see in the popular movie The Devil Wears Prada.

Then I decided to become a designer in my own right when I was 16-17. I said to myself  that I got amazing experience just in one year and met a lot of interesting people and designers from around the world as for example Jean Claude Jitrois in 2007 and his collection which I saw backstage and found truly inspiring.

My mother always dreamed of becoming a Fashion Designer, but she didn´t. So in a way I am making her dreams come true for myself.

Did you go to school for training?
I did [a] degree in Arts and I am now finishing my second degree in Fashion at MDX University.

What do you do for inspiration?  How do you get inspired to create a collection?
This is very personal for me doing a collection. I get inspired by emotions and experiences in my daily life. Trying to be a bit different from other designers. I would like to be part of the process of moving the fashion into a new futuristic aspect.

Do you prefer certain materials?

Organic materials are the finest, but I use PVC to create an astonishing look too. The combination of them both leads to the winning result.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?
My designs are for people who are not afraid to show their real and strong personality. People who want to feel different and special, to discover the undiscovered and be always a step ahead of others.

Nikolo Bertok will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week.  To learn more about Nikolo, go to: Nikolo Bertok

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode
Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London

My Latest Bag Temptations

I am a definite fan of bags by Prada (the leather's like butter!), Bottega Veneta, Armani and such.  However I recently became fixated with bags from first one, then a second label not on the typical fashionista's must-have list.

First, there are specific details that I look for when I search for a bag (or happen upon one).

My list of bag preferences include:

1. Top handles ... I've noticed that the longer the strap, the more you tend to feel the weight of the bag.
2. Croc embossed details ... I like the added depth of tones provided with this detail.
3.  Pockets ... I'm a working girl and love quickly finding what I need when I'm on the move.
4. Rolled handles ... They don't cut into the hand/arm as much.

Enough of my issues.  Here are my two recent bag obsessions:

Dooney & Bourke's Pleated Croc Satchel - The resort style handle made me envision flowing skirts, pretty sheath dresses and cropped pant suits on ladies who lunch.

Brahmin's Louise Rose Satchel - This bag totally appealed to my Hitchcock Femme Fatal in pencil skirts and slingbacks or squared-toe pumps.   I originally was drawn to the taupe-colored Almond (first picture - which made me think of Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair) but then fell for Pecan ...  Pure Beauty.  Did I also mention it has several pockets?!

 Posted from my iPhone

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: ZMode (Series vol. 3)

Z-Mode is the label by Lithuanian-born designer Victoria Rangayah.  Rangayah studied fashion in South Africa and fell in love with the country, people and culture, which she says definitely inspires her.

I would say that Z-Mode's style is pretty, delicate and lady-like with a contemporary touch.

"What sets us apart from our competitors is our interesting mix of menswear suiting fabrics combined together with feminine fabrics such [as] silks and chiffons. We love to contrast masculine and feminine details, which gives our garments it’s creative edge."

Here's what Victoria says about herself and Z-Mode:

How did you get into fashion?

My mother’s old clothes were my first point of inspiration to become a fashion designer. After cutting up few of her dresses and later on few of my husband’s shirts I have decided that it’s time to study fashion.

Did you go to school for training?

I have studied fashion design for 3 years at LISOF (London School of Fashion South Africa)

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?

Having spent 5 years in Africa, this culture rich continent is still my first point of inspiration. I also love art and find it very inspiring. Sometimes the colour or the shape of abstract art can trigger my 'creative genius in me'. I also look for inspiration in unusual places like old buildings or even African squatter camps are great for inspiration!

Do you prefer certain materials?

I absolutely love men’s suiting fabrics; I get so excited walking in menswear section in department stores and try to imagine how these fabrics would work in my designs. I love mixing different textures and different fabrics, although silk fabric is still my favorite of all!

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

Z-Mode clothes are targeted to over 25 years old customers; however we do have styles that can be suitable to younger girls too.  Strong minded, confident, sophisticated - those are the characteristics of Z-Mode customer.

Z-Mode will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week. To learn more about Z-Mode, go to:  Z-Mode

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok
Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London

Fashion News

Young Designers Fashion Show

The 2010 Young Designer Show will be hosted by Annaliese Dayes (from Britain’s next top model) and W.Livingston Gilchrist (Playvybz’s Radio Presenter) on Saturday 17th July 2010.

Over twenty innovative young designers showcase their collections the Young Designer Show is a show of inspiration, motivation and networking which aims raise the profile of exceptionally gifted young fashion designers some of them as young as 13 years up to 25 years and beyond.

DSUK One-Day Sale

Summer One-Day Sale
Friday, 23 July
11am - 9pm
Exclusive VIP hour
10am-11am
Advance purchase ticket only £25 on website for early VIP admission

Venue
The Music Rooms
26 South Molton Lane
London W1K 5AB

Transport
Nearest tubes:
Bond Street (Central Line)

Entry on the day
£2
Credit/Debit cards subject to £2 surcharge.

For more info or to purchase VIP tickets, go to DSUK Sale

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Amato Couture (Series vol. 2)

Amato Couture is the brainchild of Filipino designer Furne One, who is based in Dubai.  Amato caters to an elite Arab following.

Thanks to supermodel Heidi Klum, Amato Couture is also reaching celebrity status in Germany ... getting featured in the newspapers and magazines in addition to TV coverage.  Klum put One's label on the international map when she selected him to design the gowns for 18 models to wear in the final round of Germany's Next Top Model.

Below is a look at Furne One, in his own words ...


How did you get into fashion?

I guess it all started when I was a little boy. I would spend hours marveling at both my mother's and my grandmother's fashionable wardrobes. As I got older, I realized that if I was ever going to be somebody when I grew up, it would have to be someone who designs dreamy dresses that would make girls all starry-eyed.

Did you go to school for training?

Not exactly, I took up advertising back in college; my actual training in fashion was something I got when I went to New York and worked with designer Josie Natori as part of my winning the grand prize in a design competition sponsored by a popular Philippine glossy back in the 90's.

What do you do for inspiration?  How do you get inspired to create a collection?

I draw inspiration from a lot of non fashion related things. Like the four seasons for example. And vintage items like old lace, finely crafted cameos and interesting antique pieces. I've always thought that things that have seen the passing of time are so much more intriguing than something totally brand new. Mainly though, I get most of my best ideas from music, movies and gothic and baroque art,

Do you prefer certain materials?

Lately, I have been quite partial to silk tulle.. It's light and breezy, and extremely versatile. It can simulate softly flowing folds yet it can look frothy if it has to.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

I welcome all kinds of customers of course, but when I'm designing for a collection, I do tend to imagine that I'm creating something for an intelligent, independent woman who knows what she wants, and is confident about everything that she is.

Amato Couture will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week.  To learn more about Amato Couture, go to: Amato Couture

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok
Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London

Firsts at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Paris Haute Couture Week, Fall/Winter 2010-2011, started yesterday, the 5th with Christophe Josee.  There will be a couple of first at this fashion week:

• This will be the first Haute Couture week to include presentations de Haute Joaillerie (Haute Couture Jewelry).   Collections presented will include Boucheron, Chanel, Chaumet, Dior, Mellerio dits Meller and Van Cleef & Arpels.
• Christophe Lemaire will present his first collection for the house of Hermès, replacing John Paul Gautlier.

The fashion week is the 5th through the 8th ... the clothing presentations will end with Valentino on the 7th.  The 8th will be dedicated to the presentations de Haute Joaillerie.

Emerging Designers - A La Mode (Series vol. 1)

UK event management firm, La Geneve North Events has hosted numerous fashion events and product launches for a roster of clients.  Events for this year alone include several catwalk shows as well as a beauty workshop.

One event that caught my attention was the 'A La Mode' International showcase.  It features shows from  emerging designers annually in February and September.

The next 'A La Mode' is set to return for the fourth season during London Fashion Week, in September, with an extended two-night showcase of independent designers from across the globe.

September's event promises to be hot ... showcasing the likes of Jonathan Liang (named Malaysia’s Most Promising Designer); Amato Couture (recently commissioned to design a range for Germany’s Next Top Model by Heidi Klum); and Brighton brand Lipop London (brainchild of Project Catwalk’s Tom Lipop).

I will post a series, featuring the 'A La Mode' September 2010 designers, who were kind enough to answer my questions.

Stay tuned

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok
Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London

Watch More Menswear Shows Live

Here are acces links to some more Spring/Summer 2011 Menswear Shows:

Armani:

Armani is streaming their shows live via the web and iPhone. 

Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2011 show:

Sunday, June 20th at 10.30 am Milan time, 4:30 am EST

Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2011 show:

Tuesday, June 22nd at 12pm Milan time, 6am EST

To view their shows, go to: Live Shows at Armani

Prada:

Prada is showing today at 7pm CET, which is 1pm EST.  To watch it live via web or iPhone, click on the link below.

Dolce & Gabbana:

Their Dolce & Gabbana show was actually yesterday (sorry, I was sidetracked with some personal stuff and overlooked the date). 

But you can still watch the show (with Annie Lennox performing) at:

Dolce & Gabbana Show

PLUS you can catch their D&G show live on the 21st at 3:30pm GMT +1 (11:30am EST):

D&G Show

Enjoy!

Hot Fashion News

New Emporio Armani Pictures

The Armani camp sent the latest pictures of their Emporio Stars/Spokesmodels ... Christian Ronaldo & Megan Fox.

I'm kinda loving the jeans shot of Christian. What do you think? I'm also trying to guess who the tattoo on Megan's arm is of ... I think it's Marilyn Monroe.

Burberry ... For the Guys

Burberry is streaming the live Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Show tomorrow @ 9am EST.  Just click on the image below to watch it.

Tiffany's

Tifffany's has released their new ring finder app for the iphone: