Introducing Rehmali...

Originally a personal stylist, Birmingham based Maria Rehmali is a designer who creates classic, feminine pieces which women can feel confident in. Rehmali’s creativity stems from her position as a stylist, as she was able to learn what women wanted from the clothes they wear. This inspiration has led to Rehmali’s collections being classic and accessible, with a glamorous and elegant twist. Femininity is a key concept in her collections.

So, firstly, what made you change paths from being a personal stylist to a fashion designer?

From a very young age, I have always been imaginative and creative. My career started as a stylist in well named fashion houses, surrounded by major fashion names. Being surrounded by such inspiration and craftsmanship, was a teaser for me, I wanted to be a part of this culture!!! I was known for my keen eye in pulling together and creating certain looks for my clients and general public. This led me on to designing and sketching my ideas, which acted as a meditation for me, my escape of real life and into the Rehmali world.
My education background is in finance, I have obtained a degree in Accounting. I didn’t do a fashion degree as I had a head start in the fashion industry. My imagination is a reflection on my work to creating and producing garments that my clients love and always want more!!! 

Your designs are classic and feminine, how do you want women to feel wearing your designs?

My women is an everyday lady, there is not a certain class, shape or age that my garments are aimed at, just that you love to wear couture and the love of fashion. My women feel powerful, sophisticated, classy, confident and comfortable with the Rehmali label.



What is your favourite piece that you will be showcasing in the London Fashion Week show?

My designs are realistic to every women’s figure; each garment shines out a certain characteristic. I am passionate about all of my designs and cannot choose which my favourite is as they each have a purpose.
 

What influences your designs?

My influences come from my inspiration in everyday situations. Travelling across the globe has a great input in my designs, different cultures and ways of life, give me a great comfort in how my designs should balance through the different and varitey of women across the world. From colours to fabrics, global climate has a great in packed on how a women feels, 'she should feel confident every time she leaves and enters a room'. Looking at current established designers and the history of fashion also helps me to learn and push myself to create further iconic garments.
 

Where do you see the Rehmali brand going in the future?

Rehmali brand will continue to showcase across different continents for the world to see my passion and love for beautiful, craftsmanship in my garments. My ultimate goal is to open various fashion houses across the global and to collaborate with major fashion names to produce unique and 'never seen before' designs'. Rehmali is here to make a statement and stay!!


And, finally, how does it feel seeing your designs on the runway?

Watching my creativity and my passion on the runway is a truly a dream. To be given the opportunity to be recognised for my talent in design, is emotional but exciting for the response I get back from press and buyers. This is my satisfaction and the true motivation of Rehmali.

Must have tights of this season: Patterned Tights   

         

As the winter approaches, don’t expect the return of black opaques but rather pattered tights which are in fact this seasons must have. We found these gorgeous tights by Fiore on itsocks.com.

  

Fiore have created tights with beautiful detailed flower tattoos offering classiness and edge. With trends such as colour blocking, patterned tights are perfect to compliment a simple outfit and to stand out from the crowd. 

BFC Rock Vault

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces the brand new jewellery initiative ‘BFC Rock Vault’ to support, showcase and promote Britain’s most innovative, fine jewellery talent. Sponsored by the International Palladium Board (IPB) and curated by Stephen Webster, ‘BFC Rock Vault’ will launch during London Fashion Week, February 17th – 21st, at Somerset House.

The ten successful jewellers who have been selected to showcase their AW12 collections within the Rock Vault are Alexandra Jefford, Fernando Jorge, Hannah Martin, Hillier, Husam El Odeh, Jo Hayes Ward, Jordan Askill, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Sophie Bille Brahe and Tomasz Donocik. The designers will feature alongside five concepts created in Palladium by Central Saint Martins students.

Housed in a structure located on the Terrace of Somerset House, overlooking the Thames, the designers will be awarded support towards creating their own unique installation within this dedicated area and will receive business mentoring support. An event to launch this initiative will be held on Saturday, 18th February at the designated BFC Rock Vault space at Somerset House.

This unique showcasing initiative has been developed by the BFC to nurture the creative fine jewellery talent based in London and give these designers the opportunity to further develop their businesses and exposure amongst both UK and International media and retailers.

The participants are invited by a panel led by Stephen Webster comprising Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Brad Mills, Chairman of IPB; Caroline Broadhead, Central Saint Martins’ Programme Director; Catherine Nieto, Grazia Fashion and Accessories Editor; Francoise Tessier, Browns Fine Jewellery Buyer; Jos Skeates, EC One; Katie Bain, British Fashion Council; Lara Bohinc, Designer and Cartier Consultant; Liane Wiggins, Matches Head Buyer; Maria Lemos, Rainbowwave; Olivia Richardson, Liberty Head of Buying; Sarah Mower, MBE BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and contributing editor for US Vogue.com; Valery Demure, marketing and sales, jewellery and accessories agent.

Stephen Webster, comments, “As a London jewellery designer and a craftsman, it gives me great pleasure to be curating Rock Vault, an area dedicated for the first time to the rising stars of the UK jewellery industry under the umbrella of the BFC. Together with a panel of experts, we have selected what we believe to be the best representation of young talent. Over the last 10 years, jewellery has become an integral part of both men and woman's wardrobe. This meteoric rise has meant jewellery designers have been crying out for inclusion within the established fashion platforms. Rock Vault finally offers such an opportunity. We are all very excited to realise this vision.”

Brad Mills, Chairman of IPB, comments, “We are proud to support London Fashion Week. This partnership opens a series of projects entitled Palladium Visions, which we will undertake in 2012 with some of the world’s most visionary designers, artists and jewellers to promote Palladium as the must-have, contemporary precious metal of the future.”

The International Palladium Board (IPB) is dedicated to establishing Palladium as the contemporary precious metal of the future. Palladium is a beautiful lustrous white metal, desired by jewellery designers and owners for its unique features – rarity, lightness and strength. In 2009 Palladium became the most recent precious metal to be hallmarked.

For more information please visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com/rockvault

Picture credit: BFC & The Quest For It

Introducing Us Trendy...

Us Trendy is a website offering emerging designers a platform to promote their brands. It showcases current season trends and pieces that could just not be found on the high street. Us Trendy ran a competition for the most popular seller on their site to win an all-expenses paid trip to London to showcase their work at A La Mode fashion show.

Firstly, where did the name ‘Us Trendy’ come from? 

There are three concepts that helped in the creation of the UsTrendy name. 

First, we wanted to create a site for the people…where they have the power to decide what they like without being told what to like and what's in or out. Second, one of our biggest motivations was designers and how we could assist them.  Finally, there were big companies that had the word "I" and " My" in their names (like I-tunes and Myspace). 

Our platform is for "Us”…hence “UsTrendy”

Your website offers emerging designers a platform to promote their brands, why do you think this exposure is so important? 

The fashion industry tends to be a cut throat industry where a few select people decide who makes it and who does not. I knew so many talented designers that were struggling to make it so I created a platform to help them achieve their dreams and get them the recognition they deserved. 

Can you tell us a bit more about how your website works? 

UsTrendy is a platform that allows designers from around the world to create a store on our site and sell their products directly to consumers. We also provide assistance such as major marketing, promotion, media/pr, and additional methods to help them advance their lines. 

For customers, we provide an interactive ecommerce shopping platform where they can find unique items from all over the world.

 

How did you go about selecting Kami Shade to participate in London Fashion Week? 

The people choose her.

Why do you think it is vital for your product range to originate from all over the world? 

There are many different fashions and styles throughout the world. Each culture and country has a distinct style that influences fashion.  A worldwide collection enables us to provide an incredible experience for each customer.  They can sit in their living room and shop for a unique item from a designer in another part of the world!

The Us Trendy website integrates the shopping experience with the blogging experience with the ‘Us Trendy Fashion Community’. Why do you think this innovative idea appeals to your customers? 

We empower the consumer, allow them to be in the driver seat, and provide a unique shopping experience. But most importantly at end of day - we have great products that people want!

  

And, finally, how does it feel to be supporting another designer with showcasing their collection during London Fashion Week this February? 

It feels amazing! When we started UsTrendy our motivation was to help designers and to open doors for them that they may not have otherwise had access to. It feels great to see it come to fruition. 

Introducing Kami Shade...

The fabulous Kami Shade offers women sexy, yet sophisticated, clothes.The designer has signature party dress and swimwear pieces. Kami Shade creates clothes which flatter and compliment women, so it is no surprise that the brand has a strong celebrity following including Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Sharon Stone, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Danity Kane, Lauren Conrad and Jessica Alba. 

Your move from San Francisco to Los Angeles seems like a defining moment in your career as a designer, would you agree?

Definitely. San Francisco was never established as a 'Fashion" City. It's mostly geared towards independent designers and hobbyist which was great for getting your business started but what happens after that? I knew I wanted more than just a hobby. Designing and running my own company has always been my passion and when I hit the highest points in my career in the Bay Area, I knew that I still wanted more. Los Angeles was the closest I could get to New York so I headed to Hollywood!

Which celebrity has been the most exciting to see wear your designs?

I would say out of all the Celebrities who have worn or purchased my pieces including Sharon Stone, Lauren Conrad and Rhianna, I would say a lesser known actress, Julie Andrews. She had a guest spot on Fox's Hit TV Show 'House" and wore one of my gowns in a NY Fashion Week Segment on the show. The show aired across the world it was my 1st time ever appearing on National Television. It was surreal to see something that I created for millions around the world to see.

What is your favorite piece that you are showcasing in Fashion Week and why?

My favorite piece would definitely be my Milano Sequin Dress Collection. The vibrant color, the sparkle and shine of the sequin and the way the fabric and the design on the model will be absolutely breathtaking. But also, look out my Textured Leather Dresses with my signature Galese Cuts. Not to be missed!

Your designs tend to use a lot of sequins, why is this?

Every woman wants to be the center of attention. Simple black is safe, but sequins will definitely turn heads at any event

Can you describe your customer base in three words?

Confident, Powerful, DIVA

What do you see in the future for Kami Shade?

What's Next for Kami Shade'? Expanding My Empire Internationally. The United Kingdom is my second biggest market from the United States. Making these signature pieces available for everyone to touch and feel the power of these garments. I'm deeply connected with my brand so the sky is the limit. My passion is to make my clients feel beautiful and confident whenever they step out in a Kami Shade' garment.

How does it feel to be showcasing during London Fashion Week?

It's Amazing. I have came up with so many talented Fashion Designers in my career in San Francisco and Los Angeles. We have all been through the highs and lows of the business. I'm sharing this moment for all aspiring Designers across the world. It can happen, It is possible. Keep Working Hard on your dream. This is not just for me, its for all of us upcoming Fashion Designers growing in the industry!

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER - Paris Couture Week

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

Paris Couture Week

24 January 2012, 18.30 CET

Alexandre Vauthier’s Spring/Summer 2012 Couture Collection juxtaposes soft fabrics dipped in luxurious pastels against structured jewellery encrusted with Swarovski Elements.

 The romantic theme was prominent with the floaty, silk dresses and the nude colours. The cuts were deep V's to expose the chest and stomach, and inverted V's to display the thigh. Pure elegance.

“To reach the extreme sophistication of my new collection, the use of Swarovski Elements is essential : their colours are so unique and amazing, that they enhance the summer and romantic trend of the collection.”

-Alexandre Vauthier

www.swarovskisparkles.com

www.swarovski.tv

    facebook.com/swarovski    

twitter.com/swarovski

Introducing Obscure Couture...

Welcome to obscurity! Bold, extrovert and inspiring, Obscure Couture’s appearance in A La Mode is certainly not to be missed. The brand is based on the philosophy of creating handmade pieces with a unique look that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. With celebrity appeal already, namely in the form of X Factor’s Little Mix, the future looks very bright for the brand! Obscure Couture creates pieces in limited numbers so that customers truly know they are wearing special, non-mainstream pieces. Expect the unexpected with this brand!

Fistly, welcome back to London Fashion Week. How does it feel to return?

It's vey exciting, we really feel we are growing with each show, it's great to get to the stage where we know what to expect and how to deal with the roller coaster that is LFW!!! Each season we grow as a brand and as designers "The Lithium Party' for AW12 is our strongest collection to date.

 

 

Why do you think it is important to have two seperate ranges: couture and ready to wear?

Couture is a wonderful thing, we get to unleash our full creativity, show our full potential as designers and generally show off...  Ready To Wear allows us to reach a different market, it allows everyone to have some Obscure Couture.  The RTW ranges are more wearable and more accessible to everyone. We really enjoy designing for both they are so different but still anchored by our seasonal principals.  

 

 

Obscure Couture’s clothing is very bold and distinctive; do you think this reflects the personality of your customer base?

Yes, definitely.  The Obscure Couture woman is bold and strong, confident.  We always say we create street / stagewear for the introverted extrovert.  You may not feel bold or confident or strong but when you put the pieces on they empower you and allow you to stand out, proud from the crowd.   

 

 

What would you say the brands philosophy is?

Obscure Couture is quite organic in its philosophy, we keep things local and collaborate with up and coming, exciting designers, we don't follow trend books we follow our instincts - this ensures true design ethics and means we have literally no limitations when we create.  We also keep all our collections limited edition and numbered, handmade with love in the UK.

This season you will see some extraordinary collaborative head pieces from Jenivieve Berlin Millinery. 

How does it feel seeing celebrities, such as Little Mix, wearing your collections?

It's crazy, so far we have dressed Laura Whitmore, Amelia Lily and Little Mix.  Seeing them in the pieces was brilliant, we were dancing around the living room and screen shotting like mad!!  It's amazing to get requests from such high profile people, it really gives you the drive to keep upping the anti.  We have a hit list for this year so fingers crossed we keep getting this support.   

 

 

And, finally, how do you want a woman to feel in your designs?

We want them to feel truly empowered.  Unique and beautiful, we make piece to evoke emotions, we want our clients to really feel amazing, transform into a different version of themselves.   

Luxurious fashion label ‘SEEN’ by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi to showcase one-of-a-kind designs during London Fashion Week

London, UK; Emirati designer Sumayyah Al Suwaidi is set to showcase her A/W 2012 collection from her label SEEN during London Fashion Week.

Lanched in February 2010, SEEN’s limited edition floaty dresses have already been a huge hit with the ladies in the Middle East and is set to rock London Fashion Week next month!

The designer behind the label, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi has been hailed as the first female Emirati digital artist, starting her journey back in 2001 with a series of digital paintings inspired by the late sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She is an avid entrepreneur, illustrated by her ownership of one of the most famous multi brand stores in Abu Dhabi, ‘Grafika’. Grafika was a platform for emerging designers to showcase and sell their creations to the UAE market, and the world through Grafika’s online page.

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi was then invited to judge the Emirati designer of the year competition by Fashion Expo Arabia in 2009 and Preston University’s fashion designer of the year 2009. By supporting emerging fashion designers in her boutique, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi was inspired to create a label of her own. Her clothes are aimed at women from all walks of life, but ooze elegance, class and luxury. Sumayyah Al Suwaidi’s fashion line has a range of styles: from abayas, kaftans, tunics to dresses and gowns. The philosophy is to create limited edition abayas and one of a kind dresses. No dress is made twice because she Sumayyah Al Suwaidi believes that every woman should be, and feel, unique in what she wears.

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi is a multi-talented and creative lady and won the L’Officiel Award in 2010 for the Arab Woman of the Year under the category "Best new talent". She was also chosen as one of the hottest people of the year 2011 by ITP’s Hot 100 as an entrepreneur. Adding to that, she was also nominated as Emirates Woman of the year 2011 by Emirates Woman Magazine as an achiever. Sumayyah Al Suwaidi was the only Emirati female to be chosen as Olay Arabia’s Brand Ambassador for the total 7 effects campaign 2011.

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi is a dedicated and motivated entrepreneur and designer, so her first time showcasing during London fashion week will be not one to be missed. She seamlessly combines her multifaceted personality with drive and a magical smile. Her passion for creativity will ensure an unforgettable show.

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi will be presenting their quirky, fearless fashion at the prestigious "A La Mode" show hosted by LGN Events during London Fashion Week on 17th Feb 2012.
For information SEEN by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi visit: http://www.seencouture.com

Press and Buyers wishing to attend should contact Joanna at fashion@lagenevenorth.co.uk  

‘A LA MODE’ London Fashion Week Catwalk Schedule A/W 2012

On Friday 17th February the A La Mode International Catwalk returns once again to London Fashion Week! LGN events will be holding this official off-schedule LFW event this season at the Contemporary RSA vaults off the Strand. Read on to learn more about the exciting brands showcasing this season! If this line up does not excite you, who knows what will!

Obscure Couture:

Welcome to obscurity! Bold, extrovert and inspiring, Obscure Couture’s appearance in A La Mode is certainly not to be missed. The brand is based on the philosophy of creating handmade pieces with a unique look that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. With celebrity appeal already, namely in the form of X Factor’s Little Mix and Amelia Lily, the future looks very bright for the brand! Obscure Couture create limited pieces to ensure that customers truly know they are wearing special, non-mainstream pieces. Expect the unexpected with this collection; we are all waiting, in anticipation, for what is to come.

W: www.obscure-couture.com

Rehmali:

Originally a personal stylist, British designer Maria Rehmali creates classic, feminine pieces which women can feel confident in. Rehmali’s creativity stems from her previous position as a stylist, as she was able to learn what women wanted from the clothes they wore. This inspiration has led to Rehmali’s collections being classic and accessible, with a glamorous and elegant twist. Her luxury bag collection caused a stir on the runway last February during London Fashion Week with guests itching to get a hold of one! This year will also see I am sure we will be seeing much more of her feminine designs in the future.

 W: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rehmali/195441140474021

SEEN by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi:

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi’s label ‘SEEN’ was launched in Feb 2010 and has been growing at a fast pace ever since. She has been hailed as the first Emirati digital artist and is an avid entrepreneur shown by her ownership of one of the most famous multi brand stores in Abu Dhabi, ‘Grafika’. By supporting emerging fashion designers in her boutique, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi was inspired to create a label of her own. Her designs offer clients one off, unique pieces as no garment is made twice. This talented lady was chosen as one of the hottest people of the year 2011 by ITP’s Hot 100 as an entrepreneur. Her passion for creativity will ensure an unforgettable show.

W: http://www.seencouture.com/

Luna Sky:

Luna Sky’s AW collection oozes elegance and class. The London based designer brand specialises in red carpet pieces, evening dresses and cocktail attire. Luna Sky’s designs are made for classy women with a keen eye for design and detail. The brand uses luxury and classic materials such as chiffon and lace, whilst integrating feminine details such as sequins, ruffles and Swarovski crystals; it is all about the bling factor! With a celebrity following in the form of Gina G, Celena Bridge and appearances in DANSK and Harper's BAZAAR, it is clear to see that the label will put on a great show.

W: http://lunaskymoda.co.uk/

Us Trendy presents Kami Shade:

Us Trendy, a website offering emerging designers a platform to promote their brands sees them return to London Fashion Week for the third time!! Showcasing the current season trends and pieces not found on the high street, Us Trendy runs a competition for the most popular seller on their site to win an all-expenses paid trip to London to showcase their work during London Fashion Week. This year the fabulous Kami Shade won the Competition and will be making her London Fashion Week debut next month. Offering women sexy, yet sophisticated, clothes. I anticipate Kami Shade will showcase her signature party dress and swimwear pieces. The designer creates clothes which flatter and compliment women, so it is no surprise that the brand has a strong celebrity following
including Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Sharon Stone, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Danity Kane, Lauren Conrad and Jessica Alba. This show will be fabulous!

W: http://www.kamishade.com

Fearless Young label Obscure Couture return to London Fashion Week to showcase their new A/W 12 Collection

London, UK; Glasgow based desirable design label Obscure Couture, is set to showcase their new A/W2012 collection during London Fashion Week next month.

Jennifer Coyle and Lyndsay Pagan, the design duo, met at University while studying Clothing Design and Fashion Design for Industry in 2002. The pair went their separate ways after graduating, gaining vital work experience with leading professionals such as Julien McDonald, Noki, The Scissor Sisters and Goldfrapp. After reuniting in 2009, the label was launched just one year later with ‘Flesh & Bone’ as the debut collection and their ready to wear range offering a more diluted version of their couture collection. Since their inception their unique collections have been well received by customers and the media alike, gracing numerous Catwalks during London Fashion Week.

The handmade garments are made in Glasgow and are limited editions to take a stance against mass production and faceless fashion. This unique approach to fashion designing has had a great reception, with a celebrity following such as Little Mix and Amelia Lily from the X Factor.

Their new collection "The Lithium Party" is set over a 24 hour period of debauchery and explores the intricate and muddled mindset of a beautiful mess.  A blurred vision disrupted by jittered, juddering flashes of sparkling glitter, the sumptuous feel of luxurious furs and the glint of trailed metals.  Perfection, destruction, anger, love, decomposition. It looks through the bloodshot eyes of youth - off the rails and out of their minds.

Obscure Couture designers Lyndsay and Jennifer explain “Get ready to face the world, polished, pristine and slightly pretentious.....We slowly 'digress' to bigger silhouettes, bigger accessories and bigger pupils.  Expect detailed confusion and hurt hearts.  Rich long haired furs shroud floral fantasia, structured highlights and big top dazzle."

Obscure Couture will be returning to London Fashion Week for the third season presenting their quirky, fearless fashion at the prestigious “A La Mode” show hosted by LGN Events on 17th Feb 2012.

For further information on Obscure Couture visit www.obscure-couture.com

Press and Buyers wishing to attend should contact fashion@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.lgn-events.co.uk