MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

East London Christmas Design Market

Hi All,

If you’re around this Sunday come check out my stand at the East London Christmas Design Market in Brick Lane. Lots of goodies…

x

EVENT DETAILS

Venue: RICH MIX35 Bethnal Green Road (Near Bick Lane)

This promises to be a great event with Designers aross Fashion, Art and HomewareThe setting is the ground floor Cafe and Mezz floor, which will be home to 25 designers showing and selling their work. All across the board, the styles range from High St to designer work for all ages.

Rich Mix also has a resturant, cinema and gallery space for people who wish to make a day of it.Nearest Tube is Liverpool St, and there is a No. 8 bust stop right outside.

Entrance is free Hope to see you all there to support all the designers involved

I'm Back!!!

Hi guys,
I've been away and am looking forward to sharing my travels with you all so watch this space (lol)
xx

RALPH AND RUSSO...

You may recall from one of my previous blogs in March the brand name "Ralph and Russo". This fashion label left guests and celebrities amazed at their debut at the La Dolce Vita event I directed earlier on this year. I thought i'd catch up with the two beautiful people behind this amazing label and bring you the below exclusive interview on what they're about, been up to and what the future holds...watch this space!!

The Duo behind the label "Ralph and Russo"

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your new collection?
Our new collection is an exotic mix of silk kimono sleeve gowns, backless Ombre silk dresses, intricate swarovski detailing, large beaded waistbands and our trademark animal prints.
I love the play on shapes and always incorporate an exotic mix of Italian printed silks. We have also been incorporating feathers into a lot of our gowns recently.

Who do you envisage wearing your designs?
Cosmopolitan women who love traveling and experiencing different cultures. Women who are strong, motivated and embody and confident sex appeal.
Women who appreciate glamorous exclusive gowns and love to get dressed up in Couture.

What 3 words best describe your collection?
Couture, glamorous, sexy.

Do you come from a fashion background?

Tamara: Yes, my mother was a stylist and a fashion designer and my grandmother was a seamstress for one of Australia’s biggest designers. They passed on their knowledge and skills to me at a very young age. My mother taught me to manipulate patterns and I used to watch her for hours and play with her large collection of vintage Vogue patterns. My grandmother gave me my first Tailors mannequin which enabled me to teach myself draping.
Michael: No I come from a business background.

How do you market your brand?
Word of mouth, we have never activately pursued PR although we do have a great marketing plan for the future and word of mouth has been incredible for the brand for our Couture.
We started off with just one client and now sell to hundreds of women in countries all across the world.

Which other designers do you admire?
Tamara: Donatella Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino.
Michael: Dolce & Gabbana

If you weren't a designer what would you have been doing?
Tamara: Styling / Buying.
Michael: Venture Capitalist

Where can individuals purchase your collection pieces?

We sell most of our gowns privately, we have a large number of private and celebrity clients all around the world from the US, Australia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, London, Italy and France. We regularly design couture and made to measure garments for them and design everything around the client, their needs, their personality and the event they are attending.
We also sell a luxury ready to wear collection separate to this to several boutiques in Ireland and England which has also seen immense interest. We plan to launch the luxury ready to wear line shortly. Private clients and Buyers are more then welcome to contact us directly.

What resources have you found invaluable to your business?
Tamara: My staff, they understand the company and what we stand for, they are highly articulate and are masters at bringing the designs to realization.
Michael: Business knowledge and the right contacts.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
For a new label our biggest achievement would be the large growth in sales we have seen, it is very encouraging.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Starting a company in a new country, our support system was very limited at first.

Any thing else you would like to add?
The UK needs a return to glamour, like Christian Dior is to France and Valentino is to Italy.

Contact Details:

enquiries@ralphandrusso.com

Beyond Race...Beyond Expectation: Barack Obama

I have not slept for the past 24hrs and my phone did not stop ringing nor did i stop receiving text messages why? ... Because I wanted to witness Barack Obama become the first Black president of the USA. I have been so excited you'd think i lived there- lol I received all sorts of messages as we eargely awaited to hear the winning results. One cheeky message i received read " 2nite all women are shaving their coochie in support of OBAMA...No more BUSH!" - (lol) Well i won't tell you about the other extremely cheeky messages :)

If you asked me 2 years ago if i knew who OBAMA was and that he would be the 1st Black President I would have firstly not known who Obama was and riduculed the idea completely!! Earlier this year if you asked me the same question, I would have answered yes to knowing who Obama was but would have said "I don't think he'll win but it's a step forward"!! Even up untill the day before I still had my doubts as to whether Obama would really win but as they say in life "Anthing is possible!".

I had my Ovaltine hot choclate to keep me warm as i stayed up pleasantly shocked that Obama won!!!

I wish him all the best and know he'll do a good job with the support of the people as the task that lies ahead is absolutely no JOKE!!!

"YES WE CAN"

xxx

Want Michelle's dress? Designed by American designer Narciso Rodriguez. I thinks it's one of those you either love it or you hate it types.

Caprices Birthday / Halloween/Fashion Party and more…

So yesterday I went Caprices Birthday/Halloween and Fashion party at Jalouse in Hanover Square. This exclusive party was covered by Fashion TV, Desihits, OK magazine and others. Goody bags consisted of goodies from the sponsors who were Aspinals, Chelsea Club, Caroline Herrara, Harley Street Clinic and Brazilian Look.

Above pic: Model in Caprice Lingerie

I was loving my headgear which I bought in Brick Lane a while ago and have been dying to wear- Sad I know (lol)

Below pic: Moi in the headgear

I fell in love with my friend Julie’s gorgeous vintage sparkly butterfly top.

Below pic: My friend Julie rocking the gorgeous vintage top!

Caprice looked fab and I must say I have much respect for her as a businesswoman. Her Lingerie line has done immensly well.

Amongst the celebrities were Mica Paris and X-Factor’s gorgeous choreographer Brian Friedman.

Below pic: Me and Mica Paris

Below pic: me and X-Factor’s Brian Friedman

Overall it was a fab night out and do keep an eye out for Caprice’s new reality show “Come Dine With Me” on channel four.

Xx

Links:

www.soireenights.com

Bellinski & Papillion Bleu Breast Cancer Fashion Show @ Crystal

Last night I went to the Crystal Fashion Charity do in support of Breast Cancer Care and in association with Bellinski & Papillion Bleu.

Not sure of what to wear, as I still have a pile of washing from fashion week which I am trying to get through, I decided to go for the “Gold Ambition”. Well that’s what I decided to call it anyway(lol). Sporting my new hair do consisting of a long fringe – BTW it’s the first time I’ve had such a long fringe, I tucked the rest of my hair in a bun and added a bit of contrast to my ensemble by opting for my rouge vintage shoes.

Moi

Upon arrival you had the paps just eagerly waiting to snap those celebrities – It was not a warm evening I tell you and their job is certainly not one I envy (lol).

Fashion TV were filming the event for the night and happened to also snap up my outfit which was a nice compliment :)
As part of the night there was a fashion show featuring the Bellinski and Papillion Bleu collections. Also taking place was an auction of each of the designer ‘s garments.

Below: Our Presenters for the night:

I spotted these two lovely fashionistas (Below) and fell in love with the juicy lip shaped bag one of them were sporting!

The Juicy Bag!
Clicqisse director, Daryl, was all glammed up for the night wearing this beautiful dress she customised herself.

Overall it was an early night for me as I have not been well the past week but I must say the music was FANTASTIC and made me want to stay!!!

Xxx

Links
www.bellinski.com
www.clicqisse.co.uk
www.lagenevenorth.co.uk
http://www.lovegenevieve.co.uk/

Press Release: Love Genevieve launches new Chic Christmas card range

Love Genevieve launches new Chic Christmas card range - Immediate Release - Autumn/Winter 08/09

 

'Love Genevieve' Artist Yolande Letshou has launched a series of fashion inspired exquisite Christmas cards complimenting her current collection which can be viewed at www.lovegenevieve.co.uk.

 

Yolande explains "I wanted the Christmas range to be unique yet simple with a chic feel. My life is surrounded by fashion so for a couple of months I filled my mini notepad with ideas and chose my favourite 3 designs".

 

So far the Love Genevieve cards have proven to be a hit especially in London's hip Brick Lane. Guate Goat Boutique Ltd (where the Love Genevieve range is also currently stocked) owner, Hal Davis has described the cards as "absolutely fantastic!".  Yolande expresses "It's wonderful seeing people's reactions to my cards as they are all my original artworks, I initially sketched all the designs then painted them all by hand, without the aid of any computers etc and just reproduced them onto greeting cards. My grandfather was an artist so I guess that's where my Art talents come from"

 

'The Ugly Betty' card in the range proved to be a popular choice this summer however the 'Mac Factor' card is rapidly becoming a bestseller.

 

About Yolande Letshou

Yolande Letshou is a trained journalist having attained a BA Hons in Journalism at the prestigious Harlow College university Journalism programme.

After several writing roles her passion for fashion soon took over which led to her position within the Fashion Fabrics buying department of well established British department store John Lewis PLC. Her passion for fashion and art fused together in 2006 whereby the idea of 'Love Genevieve' was born which launched its pilot range in 2007. Due to its success Yolande finally launched the full range in early 2008.

 

For more information on Love Genevieve please contact:

 

info@lovegenevieve.co.uk

 Michel Betito - mbetito@lovegenevieve.co.uk for International enquiries

 

Website : www.lovegenevieve.co.uk

 

Yolande Letshou
www.yolandeletshou.blogspot.com

http://www.lagenevenorth.co.uk/
"Reflecting Real Everyday Women"

http://www.lovegenevieve.co.uk/ 
"The new Fashion Art Collection by Yolande Letshou" - Now available via Betty Nine Fashions (Paris), Guate Goat Boutique Ltd (Islington)  Brick Lane and 4 Seasons Shop ( Islington)

http://www.4seasonsshop.co.uk/

 

"Islington's hidden jewellery extravaganza!!"

Melissa Leon: 5 mins with an emerging talented UK Jewellery designer!!

Hi guys,


I few months back I met a very talented jewellery designer called Melissa, so thought i'd introduce you guys to her as her works are AMAZING!!! I mean she is seriously talented and def one to watch out for.I recently interviewed her to get the low down on her jewellery range and what makes Melissa Leon Jewellery pieces a must have...Enjoy! :)

Above pic from right:Melissa's creative assistant, Melissa Leon, a model from my launch mini catwalk.


How did the idea of your business come abouts?

I attended a one-day jewellery making workshop last year – just for fun. Whilst at the workshop I noticed that I picked up the techniques that were being taught very easily. I also really enjoyed myself, so when I got home that evening I went online and order jewellery making tools and a bunch of beads etc. I started making jewellery for my friends and family and by word of mouth I began to get orders…I taught myself other jewellery making techniques and started attending exhibitions and events for inspiration…that’s how the business was born!





What is it that makes your pieces stand out?


I like to create pieces with unique beads or unlikely combinations of materials. For example, I travelled to Italy a few times last year and picked up some gorgeous Venetian glass beads – the kind that you are unlikely to see sold here in the UK. The pieces that I have made with those have been the most popular! I also have a new collection for S/S 09 called Candy Shop Couture - a combination of bright coloured glass, resin and crystal. This was inspired by a bracelet I created this past summer called Candy Cuff – it was extremely popular.
What also makes my jewellery stand out is that each piece or collection has its own story to tell. Customers love to read the inspirations behind my creations


When did you first start designing things and what was it that you designed?

To be honest, I have never been much of a designer. When I started making jewellery I would make pieces from pictures in my head!



What sorts of things inspire you when creating a new collection?


A lot of the time I get inspired by events happening around me, past experiences or the time of year that it is. For example, I am creating a collection for Black History Month along with an exhibition I will hold to display the achievements of young black people in Britain today.





What has been your biggest achievement to date?

With regards to the business, my biggest achievement would be launching my studio turned boutique. The launch was more successful than I anticipated and I also received some press coverage. Also, I was recently commissioned to create 500 pairs of earrings for a Sky Channel women’s event. I had 7 days to do it and my creative assistant was away so I had no help – but I did it!



What has been your biggest challenge?



I am mostly on my own in the business and there is always a lot to do. It is easy to get stressed out, but I have learned I must be more organised and manage my time better than I have been! As everything is hand made, it can get very hectic if there are a lot of orders in one go. There is pressure because I never want to let customers down, as I have a reputation to uphold.


What advice can you give to other aspiring designers?


Look for your niche and build on it! People are always looking for something different, so do research and get feedback. If you are regularly getting good feedback about a certain aspect of your work then stick with it and build on it.



Where can individuals purchase your collection pieces?

My jewellery is available to purchase online at http://www.melissaleon.co.uk/ and also from next month on http://www.bagsofsparkle.com/

Links:
http://www.melissaleon.co.uk/

HANDBAG AMNESTY IS LAUNCHED BY HANDBAG.COM AND CANCER RESEARCH UK

www.handbag.com and Cancer Research UK have announced a new partnership with the launch of the first ever Handbag Amnesty. Taking place throughout the month of September – www.handbag.com’s dedicated handbag month - and climaxing in October, the Handbag Amnesty will give women across the country the opportunity to bid for the designer handbag of their favourite celebrity including just to name a few Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Dame Shirley Bassey, to raise money to help beat cancer.

http://www.handbag.com/ and Cancer Research UK are asking celebrities to make space in their wardrobes by donating one of their designer handbags to the Amnesty. The bags will then be auctioned on eBay from Friday 3rd - Sunday 14th October to tie in with Breast Cancer Awareness month. Open to everyone, all proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK, the largest single funder of research into breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK.

The Handbag Amnesty, however, is not just about celebrities. http://www.handbag.com/ and Cancer Research UK are also asking members of the public to donate a handbag that is still in good condition to their local Cancer Research UK shop. Good handbags always sell like hot cakes in Cancer Research UK’s nationwide chain of charity shops.

Claire Higgins, Head of Marketing at http://www.handbag.com/, says: “As the leading lifestyle website for women in the UK, we are in the unique position of being able to reach more than 1.5 million women across the country. 44,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK so we are very proud to be working with Cancer Research UK to help make a difference - not only by raising a lot of money to fund research into preventing breast cancer, but also by helping to raise much needed awareness of the illness.”

Paul Farthing, Director of High Value Relationships at Cancer Research UK, says: ‘We’re delighted to be working with http://www.handbag.com/ to launch Handbag Amnesty. The auction of celebrity handbags will be an exciting way to raise funds for our vital research into breast cancer. We also hope that by encouraging supporters to donate their own favourite handbag, and other unwanted quality items to our shops, we will be able to raise even more to help beat cancer.’

Other celebrities taking part are:
Alesha Dixon
America Ferrera – Ugly Betty

Annie Lennox ( Below Bag donated by Annie)

Ashlee Simpson ( Below bag donated by Ashley)
Barbara Hulanicki
Beth Rowley

Beverley Knight (Below bag donated by Beverley)
Claudia Winkleman
Dolly Parton
Duffy
Erin O’Connor ( Below pic of Erin's donation)

Fearne Cotton
Geri Halliwell
Heidi Montag – From The Hills
Dame Judi Dench
Julie Benz – From Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Kate Bosworth
Kelly Osbourne
Lauren Conrad - From The Hills
Leah Wood
Lily Cole
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Michelle Gayle
Mischa Barton
Rachel Stevens – S Club 7
Ruby Hammer – Ruby and Mille make up
Scarlett Johansson
Sharon Osbourne
Sharleen Spiteri
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Tamzin Outhwaite
Tracey Boyd
Trinny Woodhall
Zandra Rhodes

For more information please visit www.handbag.com/amnesty

FASHION WEEK EXHIBITION & FLAUNT FASHION WEEK PARTY @ CRYSTAL

So I spent my afternoon at the London Fashion Week Exhibition interviewing and discovering new brands and I must say I was very impressed!! The Eco section has expanded rapidly and the ranges are becoming more and more stylish! It’s amazing the quality of products that can be produced through recycled materials.

Fashionistas spotted:
The PAPS:
I then later headed down to Crystal for the Flaunt Fashion Attraction LFW party.
I fell in love with this gorgeous dress by a Russian designer whose name I actually did not catch (sorry!).

Below: The Russian designer dress that I fell in love with

The night consisted of a fluid fashion show of Eternal Spirit, famously renowned for their decadent styling and unique conceptual collections.

The event was hosted by newly formed girl group, Velvet Kiss from the hit Channel 4 series, Shipwrecked. They also performed their new single “Turn the Speakers up!”

I was so shattered so headed home pretty early :)

Xx

Links:

www.soireenights.com

4th Fad Junior Awards: Such Great Hope for Britain’s design Future!

So today I attended the FAD London Fashion Week show. I must admit despite being ill, it was def worth the trip. Seriously these 16-19 yr olds who took part in the project had really worked hard and created some gobsmacking pieces!

Below pic: The crowd waiting to get into the show

Just to tell you a bit about the project (Which I also mentioned in more depth in a previous blog), FAD specialise in running projects with young people from inner City London. They provide these young ambitious people with the opportunity to gain valuable vocational skills and to experience the workings of the fashion industry via the FF2 project.

These young students showcasing today worked their butts off by attending the intensive FAD summer school at Central St Martins.

The response from the audience was amazing!! The designs were so good that they selected two overall winners ( Kusheda Mensah (17yrs)and Aysha Simpson(17yrs)) as opposed to one as they could not conclude between the two.

Aysha combined masculine jodhpurs with a feminine ‘fanned’ hood, to create her striking all-in-one, securing herself a placement with top UK designer and FF2 judge, Elspeth Gibson. Kusheda impressed the jury with her sophisticated jersey jumpsuit, winning the chance to work backstage at next season’s Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Below Pic: Aysha Simpson bursts into tears of joy and hugs a model in her winning design.

Anne Smith, Dean of Fashion at Central Saint Martins, Designer Elspeth Gibson and Martyn Roberts, Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, presented the awards to the delighted winners. Three special mentions were also made – for creativity, Emily McShane from Our Lady’s School (Hackney); for fashion forward design, Felipe Nascimento from Haverstock Enterprise College (Camden); and for research, Grace Wales Bonner from Graveney School (Wandsworth).

The FAD project is such a great opportunity and I wish I had something like this when I was 16…which was nearly a decade ago- Can you believe how life just flys by cos I can’t???????!!!??

At the end of the show I bumped into my friend Albie Espinola who also came to watch the show.

Below pic: Albie and friends

Well what a wonderful evening …I headed home and went straight to bed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Bye.

Links:

www.fad.org.uk

Stella McCartney injects a bit of excercise into LFW...

Who would have ever imagined or pictured curvy models running on treadmills and beyond when being invited to a Stella McCartney LFW show? I certainly wouldn't have.Well that's exactly what went on today at Stella McCartney's Adidas range London Fashion Week show, which was inspired by the Olympics. How innovative is that?

Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph described the show as "fantastic" adding "Stella McCartney makes it very sexy and feminine"

It's nice to see healthy fit women modeling and showing them how it's done Olympics style :) Don'tcha think?

Below: Pics from the show in courtesy of London Paper.