My African Ambassadors Interactive Forum (AAIF) Fashion Show diary...

Yesterday I went to direct a fashion show for the African Ambassadors Interactive Forum (AAIF) with this year celebrating its 4^th year. You can find out more about them and what they do by visiting www.ingo.org.uk

I was up at 6am and took time out to go through my dozens of emails and reply to as many as possible as I knew I would be out for the whole day and not have any internet access. I surprised myself actually by the amount of work I got done between 6am and 8am. By 8.30am I started getting ready and quickly sorted out the last bits and bobs.

I made my way to Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall (Where the event was being held) at 1pm. The attendees were extremely important professional individuals from all over Africa with guests representatives from Ghana High Commission, GTI Capital, Compass Investment, The Money Show, Icon Stockbrokers Ltd, OBE Television, Nigeria High Commission and so much more.

When I arrived I briefed all the models on the schedule and went through the overall day. Soon after one of our fantastic designers, Grace Shannan) arrived with her beautiful traditional pieces which I knew would be well received by the audience.

Above pic: Designer Grace Shannan fitting model:

Our remaining designer Skye Chirape, later turned up with her fantastic funky collection which too caused a bit of a stir in the dressing rooms.

Above pic: Me (left) and designer Skye Chirape

Overall the team consisted of a great bunch of characters and everyone worked exceptionally well together and instantly bonded which allowed a smooth running of the show.

Above pic: Model Esther strikes a pose

The crowd absolutely loved the show with people from the audience immediately running backstage to request for the designers contact details.

Above pic: The make-up Artists, Nadine Leighton (left) and Amita Rallin.

Our two make-up artists Amita Rallin and Nadine Leighton done a fantastic job! The fabulous hair do’s were done by our talented hair stylist Shikena. I would also like to say a big thank you to Dr Anna Vanderpuye, Executive director of INGO, for the opportunity to host the fashion show at her spectacular event.

Above pic From left: Designer Sky Chirape, Me, Dr Anna Vanderpuye (Executive director of INGO), Yvonne Ossei (Director of Fresh Eventz)

I am now looking forward to watching the show on TV once everything has been edited. I will also be posting up some show pics once I get them J Will keep you guys posted!!!

Xx

More miscellaneous pics from the night!!!!!

Links:

www.lagenevenorth.co.uk

www.fresheventz.com

www.graceshannan.com

www.nadineleighton.co.uk

www.fingerprintmodels.com

www.skyetshookidesigns.com

www.ingo.org.uk

A FASHION EVENT FOR YOUR DIARIES...

FaCshion is an independent fashion shopping event set to take London by storm on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February 2008. Consumers can enjoy a shopping experience and the opportunity to purchase independent collections directly from the designer. Trade buyers can source new collections from established designers and meet new designers that seldom have the budget to exhibit at traditional trade shows.

We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Nolcha Fashion Week: London in a bid to support a global network of emerging fashion designers. Nolcha promotes and supports international fashion on the runway, in seminars and trade networking. With the combination of FaCshion and the private exhibitions and showcases hosted by Nolcha, together we aim to provide a foundation to assist the growth of the designer’s brand at an international level. Yolande Letshou, Nolcha’s Fashion Director, says “FaCshion marks a perfect ending to Nolcha Fashion Week: London as buyers and consumers are invited to view, network and purchase from more independent designers.“

FaCshion would like to welcome some the latest exhibitors; Axiom, innovative women’s wear geared towards strong and sexy women that strive for individuality (awarded Best Couture Designer at UUFA 2007); Vanjo, sexy, funky and retro lingerie label for ladies with bigger busts; including trunks and t-shirts for men; Rock ‘N’ Needle, unique custom rock clothing for men and women adorned with ripped hems and studs; Sourced Clothing, independent boutique representing locally sourced collections for men and women; Only One, lingerie wear; and Piedras, unique handmade jewellery created using semi-precious stones and sterling silver.

We are currently looking for fashion designers from diverse backgrounds to exhibit at FaCshion. Please contact us to check stand availability or visit www.facshion.co.uk for more details. We are also pleased to announce recent media partnerships with Selvedge Magazine, Who’s Jack Magazine and Touch Magazine. Partnership opportunities are still available please send proposals to info@facshion.co.uk.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:
Contact:
Event Organiser
Tel: +44 (0) 7946 121 043

Press and Marketing
Tel: +44 (0) 7950 700 703

About FaCshion: FaCshion is an independent fashion shopping event scheduled Saturday 16 February (12:00 – 19:00) and Sunday 17 February 2008 (12:00 – 17:00) for consumers and trade buyers. A selection of creative and diverse designers will be exhibiting the latest collections from couture and lingerie to customised fashion and accessories including handbags, hats, jewellery and footwear at this two-day event. Consumers can enjoy a shopping experience and trade buyers can source new collections from designers that seldom have the budget to exhibit at traditional trade shows.

About Nolcha: Nolcha Fashion Week is scheduled 11–16 February 2008 where fashion ideas start, talents flourish and prosperous businesses will be born. Selected designers unveil their collections to a professional audience of press, buyers and industry figures from around the globe. Nolcha Fashion Week: London will be held in The Penthouse Suite, Mayfair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT. Press contact: rstrong@nolcha.com

LGN Magazine New Newsletter

Hello and welcome to this month’s newsletter informing you of all the latest happenings of the La Geneve North world. You can also view our previous news letter here if you missed it last month!

What’s new?

Our new image Gallery has arrived!.  Our Monthly Fashion and Music event.  New York Street Trends. Interview with Katya Lenovich. Interview with Spa Spocasso CEO. Catching up with Simone Williams. Nolcha Fashion Week London. Vox Pop: Where do you shop?. New Fab Products. Mary’s Column. Our new directory. What not to miss.

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Our new image gallery has arrived!

For those of you who have been attending our range of fashion events and launches, you can now view all the lovely images from the nights at our new gallery section by following the below link:

http://lagenevenorth.co.uk/gallery.html

Also expect to find who we met at other launches and events

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Celebrating the fusion of fashion and music…

Our new Fashion and Music event in association with Fat Talent ( www.fattalent.com) kicked of ending of last month as 3 emerging designers were given the opportunity to showcase their design collections to a music and fashion crowd, at the well renowned Arts venue “In on the Green” in Portobello. The fantastic models were from Clear 2 Model management and sure did leave an impact on the crowd.

To view images from this event see the below link:

http://lagenevenorth.co.uk/fusionshow01.html

If you are a designer and would like to showcase your pieces at one of the shows please email latifah@lagenevenorth.co.uk

Don’t miss the next show taking place on 30th December at Inn on the Green, Portobello.

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New York Street Trends…

Have a peek and see who we spotted whilst out in New York…

Visit: http://lagenevenorth.co.uk/newyork07.html

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Interview with designer Katya Leonovich

One of the designers Gracing the runway of Nolcha Fashion week included Katya Leonovich. We catch up with Katya and find out all about her success and collection.

 

Read it here: http://www.lagenevenorth.co.uk/katyaleonovich.html

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Interview with Maria Murphey- CEO of Spa Spacasso

        

We find out more about her fantastic range of beauty products.

Read it here: http://lagenevenorth.co.uk/spaspacasso.html

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Catching up with Simone Williams

You saw her fabulous collection pieces on the cover of our first ever print publication. Yolande Letshou finds out all about Simone’s new collection and her aspirations for the future…

Read it here: http://www.lagenevenorth.co.uk/simonewilliams07.html

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Nolcha Fashion Week London

After the thriving success of Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC 2007, which was featured on Fashion TV and attended by fashion industry elite including Lord and Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue, Nolcha is proud to debut Nolcha Fashion Week: London 2008.

Nolcha is thrilled to host the exclusive Nolcha Fashion Week: London February 11th - 16th 2008 at the opulent Penthouse in the renowned May Fair Hotel. Be greeted off of the private elevator, take a glass of champagne and enjoy a chocolate delight as you enter a world of sleek design, harmonious tones, luxe fabrics and incredible talent.This intimate showcase allows designers the opportunity to mingle with UK and European press, buyers, stylists and industry figures. Unlike other mainstream fashion events Nolcha understands the strategy to build a successful brand in an international realm.

For more visit: www.nolchafashionweek.com

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Vox Pop. Where do you shop?

Our fashion writers investigate…

View the findings here: http://www.lagenevenorth.co.uk/voxpops07.html

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New fab products!

Change the world 9-5

Eugenie Harvey: She brought you the Anya Hindmarch bag, then she published her book save the world for a fiver, and now…Change the world 9-5. Our editor had the privilege of meeting Eugenie Harvey, co founder of “We Are What We Do”, a new movement inspiring people to use their everyday actions to change the world (www.wearewhatwedo.org ).Eugenie the lady behind these fantastic concepts and learning more about her new book Change the world 9-5 which is all about changing the world at work.

 

Arbonne Cosmetics has arrived in the UK!!

 

About:

Arbonne's skin care products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 and are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line naturally enhances your beauty and well-being with phenomenal products.

Visit here for more info: http://www.arbonneinternational.co.uk/index.asp?lang=eng

Mary Kay’s new fragrance Bella Bellara

The exuberant floral fruity eau de parfum captivates immediately. The senses are first treated to a delectable medley of apricot and red nectarine. At its heart, dew-covered rose petals and Moroccan jasmine unfold, while a delightful mix of creamy blond woods and cool moss linger.

For more info visit: www.marykay.co.uk

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Mary’s Column:

This month our girl about town, Mary Bello discusses ‘dating rules in the workplace’.

Read it here: http://lagenevenorth.co.uk/marybello.html

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Our New Directory: Get your business listed

Our new directory is here!! Here you can view a list of shops offline/online where you can buy a fantastic range of merchandise and so much more.

If you would like your business listed in this section please email info@lagenevenorth.co.uk with the subject heading ‘directory’.

What not to miss…

Fashionably fabulous nights out…

So they say Thursday is the new weekend… If so why not head over to AMIKA - London (Bar & Club Awards Best New Club 2007 ) for a fantasatic night brought to you by Morava London.

“Calling all fashionistas across the capital. This, and every Thursday we're doing something special. A night dedicated to people in the fashion industry and fashion enthusiasts alike. Amika has quickly gained popularity in the London club scene with regular attendance by celebs and established people. Within it's first year of being open they have received the prestigious award for Best New Club in London 2007 by the London Bar & Club Awards.



All ladies are comp before midnight on our guestlist and we do discounts for group and table bookings. As usual we'll also be giving away a prize this Thursday; the best dressed person will receive a 2-for-1 flight to New York. So put on your best clothing and show everyone how it's done.”

If you would like to get in touch or send in a guestlist email guestlist@moravalondon.com or call/txt Seb on 07904 648 554 or Ben on 07868 609 264.

Ghana Fest 2007…

Brought to you by Fresh Eventz entertainment, GhanaFest Fashion Evening is London’s first fashion show dedicated to African female designers.

A unique couture show with an African twist, the evening will display an array of high fashion garments from the contemporary fashion scene, combined with innovative African inspired designs.

The collections will include womenswear and menswear of spring /summer 2008.

GhanaFest will be taking place on Sunday 2nd December at the Rich Mix in Brick Lane.

 

For tickets and more info visit www.fresheventz.com

 

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Feel free to forward this Newsletter to other members.

Click here to unsubscribe

Goodbye until next time,

La Geneve North

 

Change the world for a fiver…yes a fiver

Today was a hectic but very interesting morning. I went the Make Your Mark at work Toolkit seminar where I met the lovely Eugenie Harvey, co founder of “We Are What We Do”, a new movement inspiring people to use their everyday actions to change the world (www.wearewhatwedo.org ).

You may have already come across the organisation as they developed the famously fabulous reusable cotton bags with Anya Hindmarch which sold out within an hour of going on sale on it’s first day at Sainsbury- Yes I actually searched high and low to get one but they were all gone :(.

Above pic: Anya Hindmarch hands over the first We Are What We Do bag at Sainsbury's. Photograph: J Sainsbury

When I first heard about Eugenie’s book “Change the world for a fiver” my first thoughts were “REALLY???!!!???. But after meeting her and finding out more about the idea behind it I immediately realised how possible this is. You will have to visit their website to find out more. I am not going to give too much away.

"Every person in the country uses an average of 167 plastic bags every year. That's 10 billion bags all together*. A plastic bag takes up to 500 years to decay in landfill. There is an alternative. It's called a shopping bag."
From Change the World for a Fiver

I managed to have a brief chat with her before she jetted off and she gave me a copy of her fab new book “Change the world 9-5” which is all about changing the world at work- . I know what’ll I’ll be spending my Sunday afternoon reading :)

Above pic: Me holding Eugenie's book "Change The World 9-5"

This Christmas will see one of her publications on every Virgin airline flight so look out for it all you Virgin fliers out there!!

For More information or to purchase one of her fab books visit :

http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/online-shop/index.html?action=catalogue&category=books&sub_category=books

Nathaniel Peat scoops 2 awards at Enterprising Young Brit Awards…

The Enterprising Young Brit Awards finals took place on Tuesday. The award recognises people who have turned their dreams into reality.

My friend Nathaniel Peat was one of the finalists of this national event and Tuesday saw him leave the award with 2 magnificent prizes. The prizes were given out by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, and Gordon Brown PM crashed the event at the end.

Above pic from left: Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Nathaniel Peat (middle), Alistair

Nathaniel, who is a training pilot and has a masters degree in aeronautical engineering, launched The Safety Box last year in a pro-active bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, and the fact that youngsters carry knives and other weapons to protect themselves.

The Safety Box is a programme targeting young people in school, raising their levels of attainment and respect by teaching them conflict resolution, verbal diffusion, aggression management, assertion tactics, safety awareness and personal confidence. Nathaniel came up with the idea by drawing on his life growing up in Tottenham, and the fact that a lot of his acquaintances from that period have seen their lives go down the drain.

He explains “What I am trying to do now is to reach out to youngsters, and get them to believe in themselves and raise their levels of self-esteem.”

For more information on Nathaniel’s company visit:

http://www.thesafetybox.org/

Other links:

Make Your Mark - http://www.makeyourmark.org.uk/

Congratulations to designer Grace Shannan for winning an award for “Best Traditional Designer”.

The UK Urban Fashion Awards took place on Friday in Bayswater. The aim of this annual awards ceremony is to recognise the designers and creators of fashion who have made outstanding contributions to the industry that year. This year saw self taught designer Grace Shannan, scoop up the award for best “traditional designer”.

The label, Grace Shannan, was named after her daughter Shannan and captures “the essence of style, sophistication and elegance”.

“The Grace Shannan woman knows she has style, class and of course ‘Grace’”

Photo credit: Noco Photo- Emerzy

For more information on Grace Shannan please visit: www.graceshannan.com

Vintage bikes, Snoop Dogg’s Cadillac and all that good stuff :)

Today I went to style the shoot for upcoming Marshall Arts clothing label Grapple Wear in a secret location in Hayes.

I was up at 7am (Ouch for a Saturday-I know) and made my way to Paddington train station to catch a train to Hayes. One of my carrier bags snapped which made my journey rather nightmarish!! Why I decided to dash the remaining bits and bobs in a carrier bag I really don’t know. I shall blame it on waking up early on a Saturday morning when I am usually in bed having a long lie-in.

When I got to the shoot, our fantastic fashion photographer, Belal Ashraf was waiting to greet me by these large gates. I started to wonder about this secret location. As I walked into the premises I was left amazed. I spotted my dream car immediately!! This cute pink …urm, well I’m not good with defining cars, I’m more about the visuals. One thing I can confirm was the fact that it was an exclusive vintage car.

Below pic: My dream car- SPOTTED!!

After a brief browse of all the luxury cars I went to meet the designer, our model and make-up artist for the day.

Above pic: Some bits n bobs from the shoot.

Above pic: Our model and Make-up Artist for the day

I ran through the looks with our photographer and before you knew it we were shooting in front of Cadillacs and vintage bikes.

Overall it was a fantastic shoot and a pleasure to work with Belal Ashraf ( www.belalashraf.com ) once again. We ended the shoot by all getting into acclaimed Hip hop rapper, Snoop Dogg’s, Cadilac- But SSSShhhhhhhhh don’t tell no one (lol).

Below pic: Taking over Snoop's Cadillac:

P.S: I will post the images shortly so come back and check them out.

Don't miss the Make Your Mark Retailer Forum 16th November 2007

Make Your Mark Retailer Forum 16th November 2007

What is a retailer forum?

The Retailer Forum is an event for young people (14-30). Whether you are studying Retail, an Entrepreneur, work within retail, want to start a retail business or if you just have a retail idea!

Attendees will be able to sign up on the day for the following Retail Surgeries:

• Turning your ideas into reality

• How to write a business plan

• Project management

• Retail career choice's

• Learning and development within the Retail sector

• How to study retail, and how to get where you want to be

• CV help

• Finance

And many more

There will also be the chance to take part in networking event(s) and hear from guest speakers from the retail industry.

Event is FREE to attend - But you must register.

To register go to http://makeyourmarkretail.eventbrite.com

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email securing your place and the agenda for the day.

There are only 200 places available so register NOW!

Registration on the day is from 9:45-10:45, this is an all day event, Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Make Your Mark Retailer Forum is in partnership with Retail trust and supported by Skill smart retail, Arc Retail, Hawk Training, Go Mad thinking and Ielevate.

Venue: Tiger Tiger, 29 The Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP

Time: 10am - 4:30pm

Nearest Tube Station Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square

Images from the ‘Italian Couture’ Shoot have arrived!!

Today I received the images from the Italian Couture shoot I styled. They were absolutely superb!!! I loved all of them and am absolutely spoilt for choice!!!

Caitlin, our photographer, has done a fantastic job.

I got to also thank the whole team who worked on the shoot as everyone really done a great job and it’s clearly evident in the end result!!

Below is a preview…

The final selected images will be on the La Geneve North website – www.lagenevenorth.co.uk

Links:

www.lagenevenorth.co.uk

www.nadineleighton.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/cjphotography55

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gooba55

www.4seasonshop.co.uk

http://www.maelalenendavey.com/