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

5 Mins with LA Designer Alana Hale...

We caught up with edgy LA-based designer Alana Hale who will be taking to the stage at LGN Events’ off-schedule London Fashion Week show “A La Mode” in February 2011...Read on to find out more


Where do you get most of your inspiration?

Being a creative person I am constantly inspired. It would be a lie for me to give you an easy, straightforward answer on this. What has most inspired me up to this point is old Hollywood icons, renaissance art, wardrobes of European royalty throughout history and old world architecture. That’s just naming a few- the list grows everyday. My inspiration is constantly evolving and that’s what keeps the looks fresh.

What prompted you to start your own fashion label?

I’ve wanted to have my own fashion label since elementary school when I learned what it was. I would play dress up, put together outfits, and noticed every little detail of the other outfits around me. And when one of my mom’s friends, who was an amazing seamstress, offered to make me whatever I wanted to play dress up in, well that was the birth of my life of design. I designed fur and sequin cocktail dresses, tulle ball gowns and wild hats- not knowing I’d one day rework those very outfits for a runway show.

After design school I worked as an assistant designer for about a year and a half and when I felt I had learned all I needed to, I branched out on my own. I certainly hadn’t learned as much as I thought I had but I wouldn’t change a thing. Having my own fashion label is all that makes sense… I can’t see myself doing any different.

Describe the woman you are designing for? (What does she do? Where does she live? Etc)

The Alana Hale woman is fun, vivacious, sensual, fashion-forward, and confident in a way she doesn’t dress for anyone else but herself. These clothes are for innovators and most certainly no girl who wants to blend into the crowd.

Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs?

Blake Lively would be the perfect poster-child for Alana Hale. She is the Alana Hale woman: She’s America’s fashion-forward sweetheart with such magnetism that everything she puts on turns to gold. I think Carey Mulligan and Alexa Chung have incredible style and would love to dress them.

And among the “Dream Team” would be Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Anna Dello Russo, and Daphne Guinness. They are on my all-time-best-dressed list because every outfit is impeccable and you can really tell they love fashion.

What has been the high point of your fashion career so far?

The highlights of my career so far have been when Paula Abdul wore a look from my Holiday Collection on the season finale of American Idol and when Rachel Zoe reportedly said she “loved my collection.” The American Idol finale was immeasurable exposure and for a brand-new designer a huge honour. Rachel Zoe is a huge force in the industry; she has such influence and style. I hold her opinion in the highest regard.

Where do you see your designs in 5 years’ time?

What I see evolving within the next 5 years is the connection with my customer, to establish a bond and loyalty. I want my customers to know me and for me to know my customers. In 5 years time I also see the label’s recognition going up significantly, and to eventually be a household name. And lastly, I see the line going global. Within the next 5 years I want my collection to be available to the Alana Hale woman of the US, UK, France, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong.

What advice would you give to other aspiring independent designers?

No matter what critics say, stay true to who you are as a designer. An idea that has earned you criticism, can one day be the very thing you become famous for. I am a very strong believer in staying true to my vision. Conforming is the kiss of death.

For more info Visit:
W: www.alanahale.com

New Zealand Designer and Author to Debut at London Fashion Week

Immediate Release:-

London, UK (December 2010); 2009 New Zealand Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year, Annah Stretton, will be showcasing her Autumn/Winter 2011 collection on the catwalk during this season’s London Fashion Week.

Having showcased at Air New Zealand Fashion Week since 2002 and at the last four Australian Fashion Weeks, Stretton is consistently re-inventing herself and bringing fresh and stunning feminine looks to the runway; something which is sure to attract the attention of the British press this February.

Annah’s achievements in philanthropy and fashion are exceptional; in 2008, she was awarded the honour of becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Fashion, Business and the Community.
In 2009, Annah, who has also just released her second book published by Random House, Wise Heart, was also invited to serve as an advisory board member for New Zealand Global Women; a network of recognised and accomplished senior female leaders from a wide range of national and international disciplines and industries.

Annah Stretton’s autumn/winter 2011 collection can be viewed at the Charing Cross Hotel, The Strand on Friday 18th February 2011 from 7.30pm as part of the eagerly anticipated “A La Mode”. Don’t miss these fabulous creations this season! Stretton is sure to be a name on the lips of many this fashion week!

Press and buyers wishing to attend should contact sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.annahstretton.co.nz
W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

5 Mins with Australian Designer Cristina Nitopi...

We caught up with Luxury Australian based designer Cristina Nitopi on her inspirations and leaving her psychology career behind to pursue Fashion...

Above pic: Model wears one of Cristina's creations during Hong Kong Fashion Week 2010

* You originally had a career in psychology, what made you leave this career path and turn to fashion?

* Since I was in high school I always wanted to become a psychologist but what you wish for at school and what you see in the real world do not always match and that is what happened to me. I studied psychology for so many years and it was not until I started working in this area did I notice psychology was not for me. I noticed that text books and having a university degree does not always make a person it is something the world teaches people. I turned to spirituality and meditation for direction and I noticed I had alot of creative energy I trusted in the images I saw and this has helped me with designing.

* How did you break into the fashion industry and was it an easy transition?

* I always wanted to travel to New York but I was not much of a traveller. So I thought of having my first fashion show in New York. Of course not knowing what I was going up against I searched for Usa Fashion Shows and Couture Fashion Week appeared to me first. I informed the producer I was a new fashion designer from Sydney Australia and I wanted to expand my brand overseas. I told him I always wanted to visit New York and having my first fashion show in New York would be a dream come true. I presented my first collection to the producer Andres Aquino and he noticed I had potential and offered me an opportunity to have my first fashion show in New York and since then my career expanded and made the transition easy.

* You were born and raised in Sydney Australia, but your family originate from Sicily. Which would you say has had the greater impact on your designs and why?

* My Sicilian background has made a huge impact on my fashion career and designs just being Italian says it all. Most of the high quality fabrics are produced in Europe and I suppose my style is very european naturally and I combine. People always refer me to as the sicilian designer from australia.

* What has been the greatest influence when it comes to designing your pieces for this season?

* Meditation always inpsires me when I prepare for a new collection. Actually meditation is the only source I turn to for inspiration for all my collections.

* How would you describe your pieces for this seasons collection?

* I would describe this new collection as fun, wild and conservative

* What’s your favourite piece in your collection and why?

* I never have a favourite piece. So much of my energy goes into designing new collections I can never choose a favoiurite piece they are all equal to me.

* What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

* I have to say the most memorable moments of my career so far was when I had the menswear shows in New York

* What do you hope to achieve in the coming years as a designer?

* I hope I will always have the creative energy to create new collections and I am hoping to open more stores around the world.

Don't miss Cristina Nitopi's London fashion Week debut show in Feb 2011.

For more information visit http://www.cristinanitopi.com.au / www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

Image credit: http://www.life.com

Top 10 Ukrainian Designer BEVZA to Debut This London Fasion Week

Immediate Release :-

London, UK (December 2010); Svetlana Bevza, the mastermind behind the Ukrainian womenswear label BEVZA, will head to London this February to show us exactly what women want from a runway show.

Famed in the Ukraine for her LWD, a BEVZA staple, the label encompasses the notions of minimalism, modern sleek silhouettes and effortless chic.

This lux label is no stranger to the catwalk and has showcased at Ukrainian Fashion Week since 2006. Having also showcased numerous times in Russia, Svetlana is now set to take her label to London where she is sure to attract the eyes and glare of the British press.

BEVZA’s autumn/winter 2011 collection will be exhibited at the Charing Cross Hotel, The Strand on Saturday 19th February 2011 from 7.30pm as part of the eagerly anticipated “A La Mode” London Fashion Week catwalk show.

Press and buyers wishing to attend BEVZA's Catwalk Presentation should contact Sarah at sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk
W: http://www.bevza.com/en

Style of the day!!!!!!!!!

Our style of the day has to go out to this lovely ensemble worn by stylist and Vintage shop owner Savannah Marie Aaron.

Below she wears a super gorgeous vintage 80s VALENTINO mini BILLOWY tent dress. PUFF SLEEVE. super soft cotton. soft ribbon details.

Visit her shop at: http://www.shopebv.com/

Hollywood Glamour Hits London Fashion Week

Immediate Release

London, UK (November 2010); Edgy LA-based designer Alana Hale will be taking to the stage at LGN Events’ off-schedule London Fashion Week show “A La Mode” in February 2011.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Alana Hale has fantasized about becoming a designer since a very young age. Marketing a line of clutch bags by the age of 9 and working for the family glove business at 15, she has always been surrounded by fashion. Following this she attended FIDM in Los Angeles and studied abroad in the fashion capital of the world, Paris, before returning home to work as an assistant designer for an LA-based contemporary womenswear company.

Alana started designing under her own label two years ago and recently launched her signature collection at her Holiday 2010 Fashion Show in Los Angeles. Having dressed Paula Abdul for the American Idol Season Finale in 2010, Alana's collection has quickly become a favourite with celebrities and stylists alike. She is currently developing a jewellery line with ice-skating and fashion extraordinaire, Johnny Weir and is credited with "spot on creations that leave you salivating for more!"

Incorporating feathers, netting and leather and using classic on-trend colour palettes, Alana’s work evokes the edgy glamour Tinsel Town is known for.
Alana Hale can be seen at the Charing Cross Hotel, Strand on Saturday 19th February 2011 from 7.30pm as part of the eagerly anticipated “A La Mode”. Don’t miss this glamorous addition to London Fashion Week!

Press and buyers wishing to attend should contact sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk
W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk
W: www.alanahale.com