Clothes Show Live London!!!!!!!!

The weather was gorgeous today and just in time for Clothes Show Live which was taking place at Earls Court.

I made my way down there in the afternoon to see in particular designer Zi of Zed Eye’s new collection pieces.

For those of you who have never come across this brand, Zed-Eye's contemporary designs have graced the covers of numerous International magazines and have been worn by the likes of celebrities who include Naomi Campbell and Tasmin Egerton. Her pieces will be available to purchase online via http://www.myasho.com/ as of next month.

Zed Eye’s collection, ‘Tribal Romance’, caused a stir as women fought for the last of her gorgeous yellow dresses with sequin detail. Having sold out the day before also showed just how in demand this dress was! The fabric was of gorgeous quality and I’ll def be bagging myself one when it comes back in stock!

I fell in love with her fitted print jackets and the gorgeous floral print used throughout.

Below pic: me in the fitted print jacket

Below: Kelis with designer Zi of Zed Eye with the same jacket!

This designer is certainly one to watch having impressed Henry Holland who stopped by her boutique style stand and British Fashion expert and presenter Caryn Franklin.

Below pic: Henry Holland with Zed Eye designer

So being someone who loves big bags, I came across a brand called C Grand London who specialize in handmade leather accessories. They’re bags were just so amazing and I was so impressed with the quality of they’re handmade bags!!! You can check them out and see for yourself at http://www.cgrandlondon.com/

Below pic: Me holding one of C Grand London’s supersize leather bags!

Whilst I was there I bumped into so many familiar faces and people I have worked with including the below model who I must say looked striking in her dress, which she made using traditional Ghanaian Cloth. I actually didn’t believe she made it until she show me the pictures on her camera of her making it step by step! It’s quite amazing how creative.

After spending time trying to stop myself from buying everything I made my way home to screaming football fans upset because England had lost the game.
xx

Emerging designers to showcase their new exceptional collections at the LGN Movida Catwalk Show and Summer Soirée

LGN Events will be hosting their summer soiree and Catwalk show at the exclusive celebrity nightspot Movida, in central London, on Thursday 17 June 2010.

For Immediate Release

Don’t miss the chance to see four exceptional emerging designer collections at this exclusive summer fashion extravaganza hosted by LGN Events.

Emerging designers showcasing their creations include the award winning Kerry Knowles, Chantal Gibbs-Jones, Leeanne Ripley-Garret and Rae-Emily Smith of my Fair Lady Lingerie.

Kerry knowles integrates luxurious modern tailoring with creative exploration. Kerry graduated from london college of fashion in 2010 with an MA in Fashion Design and Technology; her collection 'permutation' was unique in mixing mens and womenswear. The transformations of the concept garment allowed adaptability for each sex, with its minimal style and tailoring with great attention to detail.

University of Northampton Fashion Graduate (08) Chantal Gibbs-Jones will be showcasing her latest collection 'All about the Cupcake' - "A collection that indulges those with a sweet tooth to enjoy the naughtiness of the decadent cupcake without the added calories. Fresh cupcake and polka dot prints in sugary colours create cute and flirty 1950s inspired silhouettes that bring out a unique feminine identity.

Leeanne-Ripley Garret was inspired by Artists such as Edvard Munch, Edgar Degas and classic fairytales mixing the two elements together she developed an understanding of expressing the emotions that both of these elements create developing a unique collection of garments that are deep and meaningful with a fantasy feel about them. Growing up watching fairytales including Disney Classics such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, Leeanne expresses “I had a vivid imagination as a child and ultimately thought that life would evolve as the fairytale happy ending, in harsh reality life is far from the world of fairytales. I am also greatly inspired by tarot cards as they have given me hope and inspiration throughout my adult life. Feelings and emotions are a large part of this collection and a need to be shielded from hurt and pain creating barriers of emotional protection.”

Rae-Emily Smith is a 21 year old lingerie designer from The Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Her label My Fair Lady Lingerie was established last summer just after Rae had finished her first year on the world-renowned Contour Fashion course at De Montfort University. The brand sells lingerie and nightwear and is aimed at strong, forward thinking women who want to add some elegance to their lives.

Top make-up Artist, Anna Orkiszewska will have her team of experienced Hair and make-up artists making up the exquisite models backstage.

Guests attending the event include buyers, press, journalists, PRs and other fashion professionals and enthusiasts.

Come and support today’s young UK designers at this exclusive event!

MO*VIDA, built beneath the London Palladium in the heart of London, has won numerous nightclub and party awards, and has played host to some of the worlds’ top celebrities.

For complimentary Guestlist please email all names to:
info@lagenevenorth.co.uk

For press/buyer queries, please email Terri at:

Theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

For further information please visit:

www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk/events.html
http://www.kerryknowles.co.uk/
http://www.chantalgibbsjones.co.uk/
http://www.myfairladylingerie.com/

The Everyman SATC Experience…

I finally watched the new SATC 2 movie on Wednesday night but not at any ordinary cinema or in any old style but at an exclusive viewing put together by Everyman Cinemas and in true glamour style! The Belsize Everyman venue was transformed into a sumptuous and lavish setting filled with a stylish crowd all out to enjoy Manthattan’s most infamous society girls, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

Above pic: Me and a Friend

The cupcakes on display caught my eye and I knew I had to have one. These gorgeous, bespoke, intricately detailed cupcakes were brought in from the renowned Primrose Hill Bakery with each representing a character from the show. I went for the one engraved Carrie as she is my favourite character after all.

The venue was beautifully visually merchandised and really made me feel like I was in Manhattan! The gorgeous display of Sex and the City inspired photography around the room was put together by a selection of London College of Fashion students.

I must add that the comfy sofas, yes sofas within the cinema definitely took the experience to another level! I really did feel at home and just fell in love with the whole concept. There I was sitting on this comfy sofa with a glass of champagne watching SATC, I mean what a perfect fit!

The service was first class with friendly staff offering you the ultimate cinema concierge service. It was my first time visiting the Everyman cinema and I certainly see myself visiting it more regularly. This place is definitely a must see!

Venues in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Islington, Baker Street, Oxted, Reigate, Walton and Winchester will be taking part in the SATC2 season which goes on until 10th June. Everyman’s aim is to create a high quality and friendly atmosphere with fantastic customer service. For more info visit www.everymancinema.com

The Everyman Media Group
The Everyman Media Group currently have eight venues across London and the South, located in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Baker Street, Islington, Oxted, Winchester, Walton and Reigate. All our venues offer quality and style, allowing customers to watch films and have a glass of wine, whilst relaxing on our comfy chairs and sofas. www.everymancinema.com

Miss and Mr East Africa Rehearsals

So yesterday I popped by the Mr and Miss East Africa rehearsals at club Volts. My friend is currently doing the PR for this event so invited me down to have a quick peep at what there is to come!

Above pic: Me at the rehearsals wearing a Topshop summer denim dress

For those of you who haven’t heard of this competition, Mr and Miss East Africa UK pageants are unique pageants that promote beauty, philanthropy and entrepreneurship amongst young East Africans in and outside of the UK. As well as uniting East Africans through a common culture, Mr and Miss East Africa UK pageants are voices for African children currently working with various East African Children’s charities that care for orphans affected through HIV/Aids and abandoned children. The pageants also carry out a regular Feed The Street Children Programme through THE SHOUT CAMPAIGN founded by Pauline Long.


It was great popping by because I learnt a lot about East African people and culture. The contestants were then filmed for a talk show that comes on, on Sky called ‘Sporah’s Show’.

I fell in love with the below Maxi dress. The designer (as pictured) managed to put it together within 1 hour!!! Her label will be launching shortly so will keep you in the loop!

And in typical British weather style the rain came pouring down as I left the venue  Flip Flops in the rain was certainly not a good look!!!!-lol

To find out more visit:
www.misseastafrica.co.uk
x

Street Fabulosity!!!!!

I fell in love with this lady's style and had to snap her up! Both her bags were vintage. The blue one was in fact previously owned by her mother, you gotta love it!!

XxX

Thorpe Park Madness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I went to Thorpe Park today after a friend managed to convince me to come. I agreed under the condition that I don’t have to go on any rides (As I absolutely hate all those scary rides) and can just chill and enjoy the weather.

The Ensemble:

I decided to wear denim shorts, my H&M Madonna vest top and my Topshop boots and Kate Kanzier bag. My jewellery was a combination of 4 Seasons Shop pieces (http://www.4seasonsshop.co.uk/ ) and my favourite Christian Dior Bracelet. There I was ready to go to Thorpe Park on one of the hottest days of the year!


The Experience

The weather at Thorpe Park was consistently gorgeous and I kept saying “it feels like were on holiday in the Mediterranean!!”. So there I was relaxing enjoying the weather until I heard “Yolande you have to go on that ride with us!”, OMG my worst nightmare!! I explained I had not come to go on any rides but to have a relaxing day out with friends. All of a sudden everybody couldn’t recall me saying that and convinced me to go on this swinging type ride claiming it was not scary at all and they had all been on it previously. Anyway to cut the long story short, I went on this ride and all I can say is OMG, how traumatizing!! It really took me half the day to get over this ride and I felt so SICK! . After that it was certainly a wrap!!! I can’t believe how people get really excited about scary rides, I just never quite got it –lol


There was another ride called the SAW which everyone was excited about and off course I did not even attempt it this time round. Whilst my friends got on I stood to the side and had this nine year old girl come up to me and try to console me?????!!!!! She was like “ It’s not a scary ride you know? I’ve even been on it twice”- yeah thanks but no thanks was what was going through my mind.

Anyway seeing Peter Andre got my mind off that scary ride. He was so lovely to speak to and genuinely polite! I was extremely impressed. Then a wod of girls came howling down out of nowhere and that was it! Security started getting out of control and so forth.

Also at Thorpe Park today was Miss Frank and Flawless.

Above pic: Peter Andre

So later that evening I saw my mum and told her about me going to Thorpe Park which she found to be hilarious. I’m just not that kind of person-lol I told her about the incident with the nine year old and she was like “Well when you were little you used to do all those scary rides and you were fine.” Which left me with the thought… what happened…??

Bon nuit
Xx

A weekend of contemporary African Fashion

Showcasing contemporary High fashion from the continent through Zed-Eye Presents ...

A selection of 20 emerging African and African inspired designers will showcase their contemporary collections to a global audience on Saturday 22nd May 2010 as part of the fashion segment of the Africa Weekender. Africa Weekender is a first in the UK enabling you to experience an authentic taste of modern day Africa right on your doorstep. The weekender will take place at Camber Sands, East Sussex which is just an hour away from London.

Heading the Africa weekender Fashion extravaganza is High Fashion couture designer Zi of Zed-Eye designs. Zed-Eye's contemporary designs have graced the covers of numerous International magazines and have been worn by the likes of celebrities who include Naomi Campbell and Tasmin Egerton.

During the penultimate weekend in May (21st-24th), a 72-hour entertainment extravaganza packed with engaging activities for all the family will bring a new zest of life to the UK’s favorite family holiday park. From fashion, dance classes to fencing, traditional therapeutic treatments to African language workshops – there is something for everyone.

With the preparation for the World Cup in South Africa and the excitement of 17 African nations celebrating their 50th year of independence – all eyes are on Africa. What better way to exemplify this narrative than to provide a platform in which those from the Diaspora, and friends, can come together to party and celebrate the evolution of the countries that make up of one of the most resilient continents in the world.

Award winning Celebrity hairstylist, Desmond Murrey will be heading the backstage hair team. Desmond has manifested himself as one of the most versatile and artistically accomplished hairstylists in the UK. He has won numerous awards for his hairdressing as well as his photography skills. Throughout the years Desmond has become a sought after educator and has conducted seminars all over Europe and the USA. Desmond has a countless number of television appearances to his name, and has gained a huge celebrity clientele.

Fashion Stylist and high street PR expert Arieta Mudja will be lending her expertise backstage with the styling and boutique set up. She has styled a variety of people from Boy bands like Triple 8 ad Blue to TV presenters like Myleene Klass, June Sarpong, Zezi and supermodel Agyness Denn and LILY ALLEN. Arieta Mudja has styled Paloma Faith, Keri Hilson, Kelis, Solange and will soon be appearing on Britain’s next top model this year. She also styled Deola Sagoe’s Spring/Summer 2007 on line look book and did the same for other up and coming African designers in the UK like, ZED EYE which she is also a creative
Director

Celebrity make-up artist Jo sugar will be heading the backstage make-up team. Jo was the head make up artist on Make me a Supermodel: Extra, categories. having done Ivana Trumps make-up in St Tropez for HELLO! Magazine, she has also done Suzanne Shaws make up for HELLO! Magazine and Scott Henshall and his models for the premier of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

La Geneve North Events will be overseeing the backstage management of the fashion show. Since its launch La Geneve North (LGN) Events have directed and managed Catwalk shows for numerous high profile clients and at venues such as The Charing Cross Hotel, Olympia, The Mayfair Hotel, The Park Lane Hotel and the O2.

Events directed by La Geneve North Events have been featured in various prominent publications such as Cosmopolitan, Glam Media, The Independent and Time Out London to name a few, and opened many doors for emerging UK and International designers.

Designers who would like to position their brand, showcase their talent, access new audiences and take advantage of an outstanding new opportunity in the fashion industry by showcasing at Africa Weekender needs to contact fashion@africaweekender.co.uk

To book tickets visit http://zedeye.express.iristickets.co.uk/

- Ends -

For further information contact:
fashion@africaweekender.co.uk
Pr@africaweekender.co.uk
www.africaweekender.co.uk

Notes to Editor:
Prices:

* £10 discount until April 16th

Based on 3 people (1 Bedroom) or 5 people (2 Bedroom) sharing self-catering apartments for the whole weekend:
Club: £155pp
Classic: £135pp
Standard: £115pp
Price Includes:
• 3 nights accommodation
• A free FULLY CHARGED t-shirt or tank top of your choice (£19.99 RRP)
Visit: www.GetFullyCharged.com to view range
• 1 complimentary meal voucher (African Cuisine of your choice)
• Access to selected workshops
• Access to 18 showcases
Passes to all Parties