5 Mins with New York based designer Britney Frady-Williams ...

We caught up with Futuristic New York-based designer Britney Frady-Williams who will be returning to the LGN Events’ off-schedule London Fashion Week show “A La Mode” in February 2011...Read on to find out more about her new collection from her label 'Berit New York' and what she thought of London...
You showcased for the first time in London last season, can you tell us a bit more about that experience?

It was a very surreal experience, getting to see my work go down the runway. It was kind of intimidating, as well, but I learned so much just from being there. It was definitely a milestone for Berít New York.

What are some of your favourite things about London?

Everything, haha! The stores, the culture, the history, the buildings – people knowing things like basic courtesy and etiquette! London is my second home. Every time I leave, I can’t wait to get back.

Tell us a bit about your new collection:

I am very excited about it because I am debuting a new menswear line, which is based on combination of medieval, samurai and fantasy styles. The theme for my womenwears collection is medieval fairies meeting Japanese “Mori Girls.” I’ve really been inspired by Mori Girl style lately, and wanted to include it as a prominent feature in the collection. For both men and women, you will be seeing lots of hooded cloaks, capes and full, flowing garments. The colors will be somewhat subdued for autumn, but still shiny and vivid.

What matters to you most as a fashion designer?

To me, it’s about being able to provide quality clothing that connects my vision to the customer. I want it to be unique, and I want it to make a statement to the world.

Whose wardrobe would you like to own for a day?

That is a tough one! There are lots of wardrobes I’d love to dive into, but ultimately I would have to say Tarja Turunen the ex singer from Nightwish. I have admired her style since I was a teen, and I think it is similar to my own.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Well, from my mom, really; she just always said to follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you.

What has been the greatest challenge so far?

So far it has come from seeing critical and artistic success and knowing that my work has been and would be accepted in many circles, but then still struggling with the financial aspect. The whole starving artist lifestyle gets old eventually.

What future plans do you have for the label?

I would like to see Berít New York expand into two separate lines each season for menswear and womenswear, as well as getting my designs into more stores by the end of 2011. There are some plans in development for some new textiles and elements that I want to incorporate into my designs, too, but I don’t want to get too ahead of myself.

Don't miss Berit New York's return to London during London Fashion Week. For more information visit www.beritnewyork.com / www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

Berit New York to Return to London Fashion Week

Immediate Release : -
London, UK (November 2010); Fashion Institute of Technology and Design graduate Britney Frady-Williams will return to London Fashion Week after the success of last season's show, to showcase her new A/W 11 collection from her label 'Berit New York' . The Catwalk presentation, hosted by LGN Events, will take place at the luxurious Charing Cross Hotel on Friday 18th February 2011.

Launched in 2007, the Berit New York label is aimed at individuals who dress with a vintage aesthetic and like to stand out and express themselves. “I always like to add a bit of futurism to my pieces; this is more or less my design signature" designer Britney explains. "Most of my clothing has an edge to it, but there’s also a touch of class and elegance."

Last season saw the New York based designer make her London Fashion Week debut, which was well received with rave reviews and praise for her unique use of contrasting metallics and historical influences with a futuristic twist.

New York Fashion Journalist Courtney Iseman described Berit New York as “…futuristic, funky, fierce and edgy - everything you've been wearing in your action star fantasies, only now realized for real life.”

Her work has been featured in several major magazines including Supermodels Unlimited, Bust magazine, Italian Marie Claire, The New York Times, Time Out New York, Hue: the Alumni Magazine of FIT as well as other national and international press. Her work has also been filmed for music videos and international documentaries on sub-cultural fashion.

Attracting press and fashion industry alike, Britney will yet again be presenting her intricate yet fascinating designs at the “A La Mode” show from 7.30pm on the first day of London Fashion Week.

Press and buyers wishing to attend the show should email sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk
For more information on Berit New York visit http://www.beritnewyork.com/
W: http://www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk/

Watch our Last Season 'A La Mode' LFW show Video here!

LFW September 2010 re-edit from Kerry Rush on Vimeo.

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

5 mins with emerging New York based designer Britney Frady-Williams

We caught up with New York based emerging designer Britney Frady-Williams to learn more about her label Berít New York ,the inspirations behind her collection and showcasing during London Fashion Week...

Photography credit: Justin T. Shockley Photography

What inspired you to enter the fashion world?
It was basically a combination of me learning to sew as a child, modelling from the ages of 13-17, and just wanting to get out of the town I grew up in. I come from a part of the American South that doesn't really give many opportunities to creative individuals, and in all honesty, is sort of a dead-end place. I started with an agency in Atlanta, doing several castings, and through that experience I was able to network with local designers and contacts in entertainment. I was already making my own clothing so I decided to show a few pieces to some of the designers I worked with. They loved them and started booking me as a designer for their shows instead of a model. My experience as a teenager helped me get into the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC where I went straight out of high school and that more than anything else prepared me for the day-to-day realities of being a full-fledged designer.

What inspires your designs and how do you acquire your creative edge?
A lot of different things inspire me, but I would say that movies and history are the two most important. I strongly believe in looking to the past to create fresh designs for the future. Everything has been done in fashion, but it is the designer's own interpretation that sets them apart from the crowd. Colours also inspire me a great deal and I tend to create pieces based off the emotion I get when I work with certain colour combinations. Every colour has a mood to it and by using that to your advantage you can become something like an artist with fabrics as both paint and canvas.

In particular, what materials do you favour and why?
I like using harsh, shiny materials like PVC and Vinyl and mixing them with more natural textiles like cotton or wool. I really like creating contrast in everything that I do and by using harsh and light fabric combinations I feel it makes the garments challenging, dynamic and edgy.

Has your experience in the fashion industry matched your perception of the fashion world?
Any glamorous or idealised perceptions of the fashion industry I had were cleared by the time I was 17, so I like to think I've had a pretty realistic viewpoint. The ups and downs have been a lot of what I expected, and I don't think I would have survived, let alone thrived in the fashion world if my years of prepping and my experience as a teen hadn't cleared me of any delusions. My parents were also very firm with me about business and fashion, and I had to understand at an early age that rejection is just a part of my job and not who I was. That was the turning point for me and I think that understanding has kept my career going.

You're currently freelancing as an events coordinator as well as pursuing your passion to design; how do you manage to balance your time between designing and planning hectic events such as fashion shows and how had your experience of events planning been so far?
I have to manage my time very carefully, but I love doing both jobs, and I think they complement one other. I have acquired a sold crew over the years that always helps me in planning and executing shows and events. The teamwork helps me get things done for the shows, and the same goes for the design company. I would eventually like to concentrate on producing just my own fashion shows, but freelancing has opened a lot of doors for me and really pushed me in ways that designing has not. I hope to devote more time to designing collections and focusing on my fashion, but I also feel very much in my element while working backstage.

How does it feel to be showcasing your designs in London during Fashion Week?
This really is a dream come true! London has always had a special place in my heart, and I have always felt that my work would connect really well to the creativity, history and energy of the city. Being involved with Fashion Week has been my goal since I started down this path, so to actually be showcasing during fashion week is very surreal and I think it will take a few months for it to actually sink in.

If you had one word to describe fashion what would it be?
Symbolic.

Don’t Miss Britney’s show which will be taking place on Friday 17th September 2010 during London Fashion Week at the Luxurious Charing Cross Hotel.

Press and buyers interested in attending need to email theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

Limited public tickets are available at www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk/events.html

For more information on Berit New York visit:

www.beritnewyork.com

Fashion Label Berít New York to showcase at the ‘A La Mode’ Catwalk Show during London Fashion Week

Fashion Institute of Technology design graduate, Britney Frady-Williams will be gracing the ‘A La Mode’ Catwalk during London Fashion Week with her historically inspired pieces from her label Berít New York.



Based in New York, Britney uses rich fabrics and historical patterns and methods to create intricate, fascinating designs for her label ‘Berít New York’. Her work re-imagines everyday living and commonplace objects, envisioning the fantastic amidst the mundane. Noting how modern life seems deprived of the quality and wonder that has enriched humanity since its origin, Brit seeks to reawaken this old world charm for a new generation.

Her work has been featured in several prominent International magazines including Supermodels Unlimited, Bust magazine, Italian Marie Claire, the New York Times, Hue: the Alumni Magazine of FIT as well as other national and international press. Her work has also been filmed for music videos and international documentaries on sub-cultural fashion.

The ‘A La Mode’ Catwalk will take place at the lavish Charing Cross Hotel located on the Strand on Friday 17th September 2010, the first day of one of fashions’ most anticipated events; London Fashion Week 2010.

Attracting press and fashion industry alike, Britney will be presenting her intricate yet fascinating 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

For more information on Berit New York visit:

www.beritnewyork.com