LEADING MAURITIAN DESIGNER ‘LIDA O’REILLY' RETURNS TO LONDON FASHION WEEK with a BANG

After the success of last season’s show, Lida O’Reilly returned to showcase her extravagant new Spring/Summer 2011 collection during London Fashion week on September 21st at the prestigious Charing Cross Hotel.

The show kicked off at 7.30pm with a bang. Opening the show was the beautiful multitalented singer, model, writer, and role model, Sofia Hayat who shares the same passion for charity as Lida herself. Sofia works to raise awareness for young women who are affected by violence, rape, abuse, and honour killings. Likewise, Lida O’Reilly donated all of her sales to the Ashiana charity in a silent auction after the show.


Lida’s Luxurious collection of floaty dresses were presented to a packed house of celebrities, prominent figures and press who included Julian Bennett, Louis Mariette (of BNTM), Award winning Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji, Ian Carmichael (Hairdresser to the Queen), Celebrity designer Lewis-duncan Weedon, British Actress Rebecca Grant of Holby City, Visit Mauritius, OK Magazine and many more.

The gorgeous collection entitled Yellow as Lida explained “It represents light to me”, consisted of 35 dresses, to show simplicity yet supreme elegance and grace “which only a woman can have”. All 35 pieces are hand made, with lots of draping used throughout the collection to show flowing energy.

Above pic: Lida O'Reilly and Bollywood actress Sofia Hayat

Launched in 2001, Lida has placed Mauritius on the couture map with 30 employees, and is fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a successful international designer. She states “I am delighted to return to London to showcase my new Collection which I know the London crowd will love!”

Known for her passion of haute couture, Lida already has a thriving market back home in Mauritius and has also dressed several celebrities. Lida O'Reilly's collections are glamorous and modern; she blends different cultural influences giving her designs the “metisse and versatile look”.

For further information on Lida O’Reilly visit:

W.: www.lidaoreilly.mu


To view this event gallery visit: http://lagenevenorthevents.dphoto.com/#/album/78f8fg/

For press/buyer enquiries contact:
La Geneve North Events
E: natalia@lagenevenorth.co.uk
W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

Stylish TV Star Olivia Palermo loving the ‘It Socks' Ensemble

Our Fashion Director Yolande had the pleasure in meeting one of the most talked about Fashionista’s, the stunning and ultra stylish Reality TV star of ‘The Hills’ Olivia Palermo! She was in London for Fashion Week and spared a few moments to have a quick chat before popping into an exclusive showroom in Central London.

Olivia was so sweet and and so lovin Yolande’s Veneziana ‘It Socks’ tights which she teamed up with a pair of stonewash denim shorts and Miss Lorini Emerald Green Vintage Blouse.

Of her views on London Fashion Week Olivia expressed “I have always supported young and emerging designers so I love the fact that London Fashion Week has a focus upon this with shows like Topshop Unique.”

Below pic: Olivia Palermo with Yolande


Get your pair of Veneziana tights at www.itsocks.co.uk

London Elite Wowed By Jaw Dropping International Fashion Talent

Friday 17th September saw the opening night of LGN Events ‘A La Mode’ LFW show at the Charing Cross Hotel. Press, buyers and the general public were blown away with the standard of designs exhibited at the show.

The evening opened with a jaw dropping entrance by Dubai based designer Furne One and his coveted brand Amato Couture.

Below pic: Amato Couture

Kristin Knox, the Clothes Whisperer, was seen snapping away as models entered and excited the runway in intricately carved wooden wedges and sculptured carvings adorning the models’ heads, enhancing the beautifully crafted nude shade dresses which sensuously clung to their bodies. The horse headpiece finale was an absolute show stopper and saw the faces of the audience light up.

Berit New York was next to grace the catwalk and her Retro-futurism collection had several nods to a 50’s era. This stunning period inspired collection was followed by Pakistani label KMH Couture who showcased a mixture of menswear and womenswear.

Below pic: Berit New York

Below pic: KHM Couture

The boys were not missed out either as Project Catwalks’ Tom Lipop presented his Mr Lipop menswear collection. The collection was described by fashion writer Tor Brierley as a ‘great collection that had a really androgynous feel to it; slouchy tailoring that seemed perfect for a modern woman, as well as a man.’

Below pic: Mr Lipop Menswear

Z-Mode was next up to provide the audience with a taste of Africa. With celebs such as Rachel Christie as an avid follower, Victoria showed that her collection is versatile with a feminine feel.

Below pic: Z-Mode

The show continued with Malaysia’s finest Jonathan Liang who stole the hearts of many with his draping effects, structured shoulders and gold metallic breast plates. Jessica Hind from MP Magazine commented after the show, ‘I wanted every piece!’ .

Below pic: Jonathan Liang

The final designer of the evening was Nikolo Bertok. Nikolo’s collection featured mens and womenswear; the last four looks of which dazzled everyone as the lights dimmed and glowsticks were at the ready for guests, including one of Bertok’s biggest fans Andrea Faithful, to get fully involved in the light based pieces which used the latest El-Wire light technology.


The whole night was a treat for everyone in attendance who received not only the chance to view these up and coming designers first hand but also receive complimentary treatments from Cucumba therapists and a goody bag containing fabulous Veneziana tights provided by the British based website It socks.com

For press images and further details, please contact Terri Callanan at Theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

IT Socks

Apart from ruined freshly-applied nail polish another pet fear for women is striding along Oxford Street, looking sleek-chic and rip! The dreaded shred in your tights appears! IT Socks is a one stop hosiery haven, stocking over 25 different brands and with enough choice to send your tights in a twist, IT Socks stock nifty little clever tricks which will make you proud of your pins! A celeb favourite and hot in the summer months are the ‘Tan tights’ which make legs appear toned, flawless and accentuate your natural tan. Another hot trend is ‘Tattoo tights’ – which give the effect of Chanel’s tattoo stockings; fabulously cheap and chic, all in one. Projecting the latest catwalk trends through their blog, IT Socks demonstrate how to imitate the hottest trends using their fantastic range of hosiery and with Olympic athlete and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jade Johnson a big fan; if it’s good enough to tickle celebrity toes, we’re definitely in line for our dose of hosiery heaven!



W: www.itsocks.co.uk

Jeff Ihenando - One of the best Stylists Across the Globe

Jeff Ihenando is recognized as one of the best stylists across the globe. He shops exclusively for the top names in fashion such as Kate Moss, Liberty Ross and Naomi Campbell. But rather than the likes of American stylist Rachel Zoe, dressing size zero A-list celebrities in the top trends hot off the runway, Ihenando looks to dress clients essentially in vintage pieces, sourced from his own vintage boutique in London, ‘One of a Kind’.



His love for vintage fashion drove the shop owner and stylist to leave his native country of Nigeria to pursue his dream. His boutique, ‘One of a Kind’ is situated amongst the hustle and bustle of Notting Hill. Ihenando chose the fashionable area because it’s “always been known for fashion and vintage things…I also like the vibe and the cosmopolitan feel”. (www.fazed.com)

One of a Kind is stocked with a large array of colours, clothing, jewellery and accessories, of which Ihenando travels the world to find. He lends special clients pieces from the shop for their sociable lifestyles, but prefers their use as part of editorial shoots, events, television appearences, and campaigns.

When working with celebrity clients, he considers his styling technique as wild, experimenting with a vast wardrobe before then deciding what the individual can carry off, and experimenting further with colour, texture and cut.

His creativity and imagination when it comes to styling means he can co-ordinate pieces and accessories to bring to life any photographer’s vision with a stunning end result.

As far as inspiration goes, Ihenando looks up to the late Alexander McQueen, and regards Vivienne Westwood as his favourite designer, solely for her ability to create “wonderful clothes” that aren’t copies of any other.



But the man himself is a model of inspiration to many fashion followers who have their own dreams of making it in the dog eat dog world that is the fashion industry. “When I first came to England I didn’t have much but I knew what I wanted. Dreams do happen but you need to work hard and do what it takes especially if you want to make it on a grand scale.” (www.fazed.com)



Words by Lauren Briggs / Image source: www.1kind.com

Graze : The Perfect Lunch

Wishing you could fit a personal sushi chef into your lunchbox rather than the same-old damned soggy, over-carbed sandwiches? Graze offers just that, but not quite in the form of a sushi chef, more in the form of a lunch time delivery of a punchy lunchbox filled with a personalised choice of wholesome delights.



Graze offers delicious, healthy, natural food; fresh fruit, delicious nuts, seeds & dried fruits, tasty crackers & olives, as well as some well deserved natural treats. The Graze food range is completely free from artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives and everything is hand-picked from the finest producers. So how does a lunchbox fit in to an envelope? Simple, pick your favourite foods by browsing the online menu, tell Graze how much you love their food range, fill out address details and hey presto it’s as simple as one, two, three! Graze can deliver by first class to any address in the UK, so no more excuses for visiting the chippy on your lunch break…

Luxury Accessory designer Rana Al Soliman brings a touch of the Middle East to Jalouse during LFW

If you swear by the saying ‘a girl can never have too many bags’ then consider Rana Al Soliman a god send. The exceptional handbag designer will be casting an Arabian spell during London Fashion Week where she will be showcasing her ‘Rajadano Agate’ bag collection at the Jalouse London Fashion Week Closing show.



Hailing from majestic Saudi Arabia, this artist and designer has an extensively interesting history in experimenting with various creative mediums. Majoring in graphic design from the American College in London, (The American University), Rana attended various courses and workshops in the US and Europe to further perfect her creative skills. Amongst her array of creative expertise, Rana counts painting, graphic design, Islamic drawing, Venetian glass blowing and flower arranging as favoured indulgences; incorporating the design influence she acquired from these art forms into her leather bag designs.



Rajadano aspires to capture the essence of cultural nostalgia and ethnic beauty and make this accessible to the everyday fashionista. With a select range of 107 serial numbered bags produced in each collection, Rajadano is not only an example of striking design mastery, but indeed a stark symbol of exclusivity. Inspiration for the ‘Rajadano Agate’ collection surfaced from grouping the tradition, mysticism and ethnic heritage of Saudi Arabia resulting in intricately detailed designs using traditional materials and beading to produce a genuinely unique pattern, with adornments of handcrafted leather embroidery and Agate semi-precious stones.



The ‘Rajadano Agate’ collection comprises of four different styles. An assortment from evening clutches to everyday shoulder bags, and in keeping with the Agate inspiration, the collection combines metallic leather with earthy tones and comes in three shades of brown, metallic colours of gold, silver and bronze alongside the classic black and white leather pieces. Embroidered with various Islamic patterns in silver and gold coloured thread, festooned with an array of differently coloured Agate stone, each Rajadano creation depicts an inimitable facet of style personality; a perfect embodiment of cultural enchantment.



Rana Al Soliman will be showcasing her outstanding ‘Agate Collection’ at the Jalouse Fashion Rocks LFW closing show which will celebrate another spectacular season of LFW and is being held at upmarket celebrity hotspot Jalouse on 22nd September 2010.



For more information on the show please visit:



http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/event_detail.aspx?ID=528&q=Jalouse%20Fashion%20Rocks



For more information on the Rajadano Collection visit:



www.rajadano.com

Zed Eye graces the catwalks at London Fashion Week with inspirational designs that truly paint their own picture

Nigerian Born uber talented designer Ngozi Pere-Okorotie, creative head behind Zed Eye brings her fashion flair and alternative design mastery to the ‘A La Mode’ London Fashion Week September 2010 catwalk.



The London College of Fashion graduate, who takes inspiration from fashion goddess Vivienne Westwood, hails from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, currently residing in Earls Court, London. It appears the inevitable for such a fashionably talented woman to end up in the fashion capital; Ngozi originally studied to become an accountant. Her passion for designing beautiful garments stems from sweet childhood memories of her mother’s fashion academy, which means Ngozi was constantly surrounded by clothes, and encapsulated into the world of fashion long before she embarked on her successful career as a fashion designer. One life-changing moment that stands out to her is learning how to use a measuring tape at the tender age of six.

Famed for her stand out piece; the three quarter sleeve floral print summer jacket, which has already rouged the wardrobes of top celebrities including Kelis, Shengei (The Noisettes), celebrity hairdresser Tara Smith and renowned British designer Henry Holland, Ngozi sang high praise for her spring/summer 2010 collection. “I love the three quarter sleeve floral print summer jacket so much and it has been the best buy within the Tribal Romance spring/summer 2010 collection and also a hit with several celebrities.”



Ngozi’s editorial in Pride Magazine – a publication celebrating women of colour (Gossip Girls – June 2010) displays her level of creative ambition, as she gave African prints a high-fashion twist with vintage English styling. Her passion for using heavy, tribal prints to create juxtaposed and alternative fashion themes speaks volumes about the evolution of fashion from the mainstream, alongside the fact that this talented designer is set for catwalk success.

The ‘A La Mode’ Catwalk will take place at the lavish Charing Cross Hotel located on the Strand on Saturday 18th September 2010 during London Fashion Week.

Attracting press and fashion industry alike, Ngozi will be presenting her highly anticipated designs at the “A La Mode” show from 7.30pm.

Press and buyers wishing to attend the show should email Terri at Theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

Upper Street

Personalised t-shirts? Check. Design your own jewellery? Check. Design your own shoes? Come again? That’s right, Upper Street are calling upon aspiring Manolo Blahnik’s and Christian Louboutin’s to unleash their inner footwear desires at upperstreet.com. Headed by incontestable shoe-obsessive siblings Katie Chandler and Julia Grinham, Upper Street is what shoe heaven would look like (if there was one!) Allowing you to create your very own personalised pair of designer shoes and have them delivered right to your door, Upper Street cuts out the fluffy middle-lady who would fuss and overly-caress your feet and bring out two left feet rather than your dream heels! Upper Street has been mothered under the watchful eye of London based shoe design maestro Rose Fior who has previously worked for Paul Smith and Emma Hope. Merging design, quality and individuality, shoe-shocked siblings Katie and Julia take great pleasure in providing women with feel-good shoes which are not the result of mass production, but delicately tended to by the wearer themselves. With a fantastic array of colours, materials, styles and utmost importantly heel sizes to choose from, Upper Street isn’t a mere lunch break online affair, but will have you locked to your laptop screen for hours, breaking your inner design diva into a healthy sweat! Receiving notable mentions in top fashion publications including Marie Claire and Tatler, Upper Street is surely making shoeprints in the fashion world and set to be the perfect Christmas stocking filler with their beautifully wrapped gift cards.



Visit www.upperstreet.com

e.l.f Cosmetics

Sounding like pint-sized make-up, e.l.f is not to be underestimated for its pout-power potential! Sitting high on makeup artist lists, e.l.f cosmetics (that’s eyes, lips, face) was launched in New York in 2004. Hailing from the Big Apple these make-up bag miracles are backed by Scott –Vincent Borba; the mastermind behind Hard Candy cosmetics and pride themselves on revolutionising the beauty industry, turning heads away from more expensive brands with its unique approach of online branding and making premium quality cosmetics affordable.



Catering for absolutely every beauty need imaginable, e.l.f is both a make-up artist’s and make-up fanatics dream come true. Crossing the Big Pond and calling Britain home since 2007, e.l.f is run by welsh sibling duo Neil Phillips and Jo Westlake from the e.l.f. UK head office in Swansea and boasts leading beauty editors' endorsements from GMTV, This Morning, Hello!, Marie Claire, Glamour, Grazia, The Times and several others.



www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

Our Fashion Week Model from Last Season with Karl Lagerfield in New York

With the Fashion Weeks kicking off we were thrilled to receive this picture of our Fashion Week Model 'Alexius Diana' posing here with the one and only Karl Lagerfield



Look out for her during New York Fashion Week! We miss not having her this season.

Cucumba-The Urban Pit Stop

Innovation is something Cucumba wears like a dress! The unique concept behind this quirky treatment haven makes it one to watch out for. Almost like a restaurant for the vain and obsessive self-grooming folk, Cucumba provide a host of tailored time-capped treatments which sit perfectly with your body and budget.



Treatments include the ‘Topup’ – a stress busting remedy which takes less than ten minutes, but leaves you feeling like you’ve had the luxury of a ten hour lie-in! Another favourite with Paris Hilton is the ‘Cucumba Spray tan’ which promises you the ‘Costa del Blackpool’ look using the unique method of aromatherapy spray-tan. Providing a revolution in beauty and massage therapies and on a mission to turn this over-worked and stressed out nation into relaxed and pampered glamazons, Cucumba was born in 2003 and aims to provide an antidote for the common misconception that you need to take a whole day out of your life for some spa lovin’!



Visit www.cucumba.co.uk

Trend of the Day!

We spotted this gorgeous lady at Fashion Night's Out yesterday in Selfridges and had to snap her up!

Dosen't she look gorge!!!!!!!!!!!!



x

Boogying down with Matthew Williamson!

Here's our Fashion Director getting down on the dance Floor to Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' track with designer Matthew Williamson .after a verrrryyyyy lonnnngggg day! what a great way to end the night :)!



www.matthewwilliamson.com

Miss Diana Vickers at Fashion Nights Out

Whilst at Fashion Night's out we spotted the gorgeous Diana Vickers at the Mulberry gathering at Selfridges London.
We all fell in love with this grey futuristic jumper she wore!!! Now that's what we call 'FABULOSITY' in the words of Kimora Lee Simmons, lol





Diana Vickers being interviewed by press and that fab jumper!