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.

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!

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.   

Introducing 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 emergent 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.

You have been hailed as the first female Emirati Digital Artist. What inspired you to initially go into digital Art what how was the experience as a whole?
It was 1996 when I was introduced to photoshop when my cousin was in college studying graphic design, so then I had to have the software and i started playing around and creating my own images and by the time I was 18 I had my own website and I knew I wanted to study Graphic Design, but while I was studying I didn't feel complete I felt graphic design was very limiting for me so I started researching until I discovered the world of digital art and I produced my first collection in 2001, after the artworks sold out I knew I should peruse digital art, so I decided to work on an entire collection of 26 artworks in 2002 and I had my first group show in 2003 in Abu Dhabi's Beach Rotana Hotel.

It was a fantastic experience, I made many mistakes a long the way but i learned so much, and now it feels that all the 10 years hard work is being recognized and appreciated.

You are not just a designer but also manage a range of other successful businesses such as your Grafika store, can you tell us more about that?
I started Grafika as a gift store in 2005, but in 2009 I decided to transform it to a multi-brand boutique and slowly it started becoming a platform for all emerging fashion designers from the UAE and abroad, who get the chance to display their collections a long side established designers from around the world.

I never thought in just 2 years Grafika would become one of the most talked about stores in Abu Dhabi and for that I won the L'Officiel Arab Woman of the Year Award in 2010.

So tell us a bit about your fashion label 'SEEN'?
SEEN is a dream come true for me, I always wanted to have my own label especially that I never liked to wear a dress and someone else might have the same, so finally in February 2011 I launched my line at Grafika and it was an instant hit, then I went ahead to stocking it at Ush Boutique in Dubai, Dar Usha in Dubai, Dar Usha in Kuwait and online at modahouse.com


What makes 'SEEN' unique?

You will never find any of SEEN's pieces made twice, every outfit is unique. I might repeat the cut but not the fabric so no two women will wear the same exact dress.

What can we expect from your London Fashion Week debut?

Black will be the dominating color in the entire show, luxurious fabrics and unique cuts.


You have achieved so much recognition from awards and being invited to judge prestigious fashion competitions. What would you consider to be your career highlight to date?

Winning this year's both the Emirates Woman Achiever and Emirates Woman of the Year Awards.


What advise can you give to other budding fashion Entrepreneurs?
You have to be hands on your business 24/7 its not easy but you must if you want a successful business and don't let your passion for your business control your decisions.

Introducing Azim Khan.....

London Fashion Week is literally round the corner. We are now rounding up everything as well as meeting up with all the designers set to showcase. This week week we caught up with Azim Khan to find out more about his brand 'Ghori'

Why did you think it is important to merge both eastern and western designs?

Well it’s not important, every designer have their own identity to express himself and his brand. I am originally from east but living in west since long therefore I influenced by both sides and that’s influence you can see in my collection because that’s my brand identity.

Why did you choose England to study fashion? 

I always wanted to do my higher degree from England because of its higher education standard and also that’s my parents wish.

What are your influences?

Almost everything, designers get inspired from all different things like: buildings, streets movies, history, animals etc.

It is obvious that education is very important to you, what advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Believe in yourself, make a unique identity and work hard for your goals.

Who is the ideal woman you imagine in your designs?

Lady Gaga and Emma Watson

Describe your brand ‘Ghori’ in three words?

Innovative Sexy wear 

What do you envisage for your designs in the future?

There is huge market for my design because it very different then other.

You tend to work with dark, rich or bold colours a lot; does this contribute to the luxury of your designs?

Yes you are right. I do work with bold and rich colour lot, because of luxury of my design and my heritage influence.

You mention that you want to offer women an identity quite different to others, what identity would this be?

Yes, an identity which gives women confident to look beautiful by showing their feminine side.

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

Wonderful, very much excited.

About Designer: 

Azim Khan is a fairly new but much endowed Karachi-born (Pakistan) London based designer, who has on his portfolio, ample amount of professional experience and all the proficiency that makes him a star to watch out for. An entirely new, unique fashion wears neither totally eastern nor totally western, but a quite different East-West combination.

His cuts are daring and sexy. There is something on his design that set him apart from each designer. All he needs is a set of fashion-forward and bold designs, smart mix of fabulous colours, meticulous techniques and luxurious materials, plus a wave of quality that you could not find in other designers, both locally and regionally.

Catching up with Omar Mansoor

What would you say your biggest achievement has been so far as a designer?
Dressing Royalty from the Middle-East

Your designs often have such intricate details, howlong does it take to create?
It takes from Six to 12 weeks to complete one ensemble.

Where do you get inspirations for your designs?
I am inspired by any aspect of art, culture or drama. my themes have been derived from Cosmopoliton culture, to George Seurat's Paintings to Sculpture to even Theatre.

Your dresses are available for hire on www.girlmeetsdress.com. Where else can we get them from?
notjustalabel.com and noblivity.com

Your last collection combined neutral colours like nudes with vibrant colours like blues and reds. What colours can we expect from the new collection
Colours and I are a match made in heaven! This time the experiment lies from Lilac to shades to Olive Green colours.

How do you prepare for such a busy period like London fashion week?
I work without looking at the clock. The shifts can be as long as fourteen hours.

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5 Minutes with Model Leah from Last Season...

We quickly caught up with Leah of Top Model UK who graced our London fashion Week catwalks last season...Read on

Name: Leah Location: Malta

Designers you walked for last season: Amato Couture, Jonathan Liang , Kate Williams

Who was your favourite designer last season and why? I can't say I had a favourite designer.. They all had specific features in their line of clothing which appealed to me

What were some of your overall career highlights last year? Well deffinately walking at London Fashion Week

What are your views on the trend ‘curve’? I think it is great that the trend is to have curves as this after all represents the average woman.

What are your tips on keeping fit? It's the little everyday things that help keep one fit such as walking up the stairs rather than taking the lift.

What can we expect to find in your handbag? My purse, mobile, keys and some makeup up essentials

What is your must-have beauty item? Foundation

What is your fashion must have this season? army boots

What are your interests outside modelling? Mental health, going out with friends

To book Holly or find out more about her management TMUK visit www.topmodeluk.com

5 Minutes with Model Holly from last season...

We quickly caught up with Holly of Top Model UK who graced our London fashion Week catwalks last season...Read on

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Name: Holly Location: London/Wales

Designers you walked for last season: Berit new york, Z-mode, Kate Williams, Zed Eye

Who was your favourite designer last season and why? Zed Eye, because the fashion was different and edgy with alot of use of bright colours which I loved.

What were some of your overall career highlights last year? Walking in A la mode and a photoshoot for a hair salon, it was very satisfying seeing my photo displayed in the salon.

What are your tips on keeping fit? I believe that you should eat 3 healthy meals a day, exercise frequently, especially cardio and now and then you should allow yourself a treat for all the hard work!

What can we expect to find in your handbag? lipbalm! A mirror, chewing gum, paracetamol, mobile, purse and perfume!

What is your must-have beauty item? My night cream and my lipbalm!

What is your fashion must have this season? Super high heeled ankle boots and converse trainers! Oh and skinny jeans :)

What are your interests outside modelling? Surfing, going to the gym, hanging out with friends and family, science, reading and buying alot of clothes!

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To book Holly or find out more about her management TMUK visit www.topmodeluk.com

5 Minutes with Model Rosie from last season...

We quickly caught up with Top Model UK contestent Rosie who graced our London fashion Week catwalks last season...Read on

Name: Rosanna Location: London

Designers you walked for last season: Z-Mode, Malam, Berit New York and Lida O'Reilly.

Who was your favourite designer last season and why?
Richard Nicoll. I loved his line of blue velvet maxi-dresses.

What were some of your overall career highlights last year?
Walking for the A La Mode shows during London Fashion Week and having my images published in Lumine Style magazine.

What are your views on the trend ‘curve’?
I'm looking out for the brocade trend seen at Balmain and Cavalli.

What are your tips on keeping fit?
Going to a high energy gym class. Something like aerobics is great because it's fun and the routine is already worked out for you.

What can we expect to find in your handbag?
My blackberry, MAC lipsticks, a copy of Grazia magazine and thousands of hair grips!

What is your must-have beauty item?
At the moment it's Soap and Glory's 'Heel Genius'. Ideal for when you've been wearing heels all day!

What is your fashion must have this season?
I liked the use of luxe fabrics this season and am looking forward to wearing neon brights in Spring.

What are your interests outside modelling?
I love theatre and looking for inspiration for my work as a fashion writer.

To book Rosie or find out more about her management TMUK visit www.topmodeluk.com

5 Minutes with Model Lizzie from last season...

We quickly caught up with Top Model UK 2010 winner Lizzie who graced our London fashion Week catwalks last season...Read on

Name: Lizzie Location: Northamptonshire/ London.

Designers you walked for last season: Amato Couture by Furne One. johnathon liang, Z-mode, Valery Kovalska, Malam.

Who was your favourite designer last season and why? Amato Couture by Furne One, because his designs were very extravagant and the handcraft of jewels onto the garments was incredible.

What were some of your overall career highlights last year? My London Fashion Week Debut.

What are your tips on keeping fit? to have a healthy diet, and to stay active.

What can we expect to find in your handbag? Vaseline for lips, Perfume, purse, ipod, glasses, hair brush, gloves.

What is your must-have beauty item? Vaseline for lips! It keps your lip soft and moisturised and gives a gloss effect at the same time!

What is your fashion must have this season? Faux Fur, I love the wintery look.

What are your interests outside modelling? Drama, fashion, art.

To book Lizzie or find out more about her management TMUK visit www.topmodeluk.com

Catching up with Award Winning Romanian designer Belinda Lui...

We caught up with Award Winning Romanian-based designer Belinda Liu 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 self-titled label ' Belinda Liu' 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?

I am thankful for the London experience. First of all, I have noticed how important it is to showcase in a foreign country. Fashion is supposed to have little barriers and be the same everywhere, but still every location has its own specifics. And then it was not just any foreign place, it was London which to me is the cradle of peachiness in fashion. There are a lot o professionals around the world but there aren't many professionals that manage to be that cool at the same time. I have witnessed this with regards to London organizers, press, hair stylists, make-up artists, photographers etc. This attitude of people around makes one feel more relaxed and confident. This was important to me.

What are some of your favourite things about London?

A lot of energy is wasted in the world in conflicts about race, sex, religion. Social pressure on these topics is huge in jurisdictions I have been to and lived in. I was a Chinese in Romanian and a Romanian in China. In crucial moments modern people prove to be narrow minded, rigid and absurd. Pick a simple topic like the role of women in family and society in a conversation in a European capital and you'd be horrified. But London must be the world promoter of tolerance. So many races living together, working together and interacting like this was the normal way. You may take that for granted if you live in London but coming from outside it is a special feeling of normality for me. People probably only start to judge you if you are out on the street and not hip enough. I like watching people on the street. It is a good feeling to be there. I also love people in London being so open about sports and art, particularly music.

Tell us a bit about your new collection:

This collection is very imposing: long , sexy dresses with even longer trails, lace and transparent materials. I tend to call this collection dark, because I mainly use black, and the woman wearing one of those dresses is sumptuous and luxurious. An appearance that becomes the centre of focus whenever and wherever she wears the dress. The transparency and luscious look causes a solid visual impact to the viewer.

You have just launched your bridal collection and lingerie line. Can you tell us a bit more about that and what inspired to launch them?

I needed to do something pure and glamorous. The collection reflected the mood I had when I started it. I also felt the need to react against an increasing trend of people treating marriage superficially. This time I somehow needed to show a more conservative approach to it. This is why I used ivory white and a lot of embroidery, trails, crinolines, silk, satin, tule. I had a man dressed up as a bride. This was my way to fight against bluntness in Romania with regards to homosexuality. Social pressure is so high that gay people are still afraid to admit their sexual orientation even to their families, not to mention peers etc. Fashion is such a powerful instrument... and I am not afraid to use it! Also it seems that this collection was a lucky one. The night I showcased I also received the award for the best young Romanian fashion designer in year 2010.

What future plans do you have for the label?

I would like the Belinda Liu label to expand internationally. I intend to travel and showcase more abroad in the near future.

Don't miss Belinda Liu’s return to London during London Fashion Week. For more information visit www.belindaliu.com / www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk