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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Counting Down to London Fashion Week!

And the countdown to THE fashion event of the year begins once more. That’s right, London Fashion Week 2011 is just around the corner, a mere ten days away!! (cue excited squeals). Held in the neo-classical surrounds of Somerset House, London Fashion Week 2011 is sure to be an Aladdin’s cave of fabulous autumn/winter treasures. It’s time to start sorting through those ‘old’, 2010 winter wardrobes and make room for the sheer fashion delights of the autumn/winter 2011 collections. London Fashion Week 2011 promises to be full of delightful surprises, both big and small, exhibiting designs by the old time greats, as well as ushering in collections by newer, less renowned designers.

Elizabeth Lau’s new collection is definitely one to look out for this season. Her approach to fashion and design is fresh yet unmistakably British, with signature attributes including surprise details known only to the wearer, hand finished embellishments, Liberty of London prints and love heart motifs. Simply Fabulous!

Another British designer who you simply cannot miss is Maria Grachvogel. With such a deep and comprehensive understanding of the woman’s body and form, the Maria Grachvogel label is a secret of many of the world’s most stylish women including Angelina Jolie, Marie Helvin and Yasmin Le Bon. But alas don’t despair, Grachvogel’s new collections will be showcasing on the first day of London Fashion Week for all to see and marvel. A rare treat not to be missed.

Also watch out for Annah Stretton, whose name and collection is sure to be on the lips of many throughout London Fashion Week! Alana Hale, is another designer whose autumn/winter 2011 collection should not be missed. Born and bred in L.A., Hale’s designs evoke a sense of edgy glamour, incorporating everything from feathers to netting and leather. Needless to say her autumns/winter 2011 collection will not disappoint. Both Stretton and Hale will be showcasing their autumn/winter 2011 collection as part of the eagerly anticipated “A La Mode” International Catwalk Presentation ( www.lgn-events.co.uk).

Zed Eye returns to London Fashion Week

London, UK, (February 2011)London College of Fashion Alumni Ngozi Pere-Okorotie will be returning to London fashion Week to showcase her new Autumn/Winter 11 collection from her label Zed Eye.

Zed -Eye returns with a collection that reflects the liberation of the Twenties combined with the elegance of the Thirties, juxtaposed with the femininity and romance of the Fifties.

The flirting and courtship follows on from ‘Tribal Romance’. Fabrics and textures such as tweed and chiffon; cotton and silk combine in varying shades of blue to create exceptionally versatile and wearable pieces which puts a modern spin on the roaring Twenties, recession hit Thirties and retro Fifties.

This is another timeless collection set to amalgamate Zed-Eye’s exquisite designs and tailoring skills with fashion highlights from all 3 decades.

Celebrity Fans of the label include Kelis, Shingai (The Noisettes) and more.

The contrast in fabrics, texture and designs is a key concept that can be found in Zed Eye’s designs. Her new collection will be showcased during London Fashion Week at the LGN Events’ ‘A La Mode Catwalk Presentation’ on Sunday 20th of February 2011 at the Charing Cross Hotel, The Strand.

For more information on Zed Eye visit website- www.zedeye.com

For appointments at her Greenwich showroom contactyolande@lagenevenorth.co.uk

Press and buyers wishing to attend the show should emailjoy@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

The Fairy Tale continues for Fashion sisters Ida and Mirna Litovic as they debut their new collection during London Fashion Week.

London, UK (February 2011) It is just another page in the fairy-tale for fashion designers/sisters Ida and Mirna Litovic who will unveil their luxurious new A/W 11 collection during London Fashion Week at the lavish Charing Cross Hotel on Feb 20, 2011.

The Croatian based sisters will be showcasing their

eighth collection since their successful debut in 2006

at the Cro a Porter Fashion show in their native

country of Croatia. Their uses of rich materials

decorated with thousands of beads, glam-rock, and

some trivial things have grabbed the attention of the

Croatian fashion scene.

The fashion duo whose previous collections are known

for repeatedly being set around a theme say their

designs are for the ‘everyday woman’. Their Ready-to-

wear designs provide a fairy-tale for the average

woman making them feel good about themselves.

Themes from previous collections have ranged from

phantom to Africa offering femininity and style to the

already wearable collection. The jovial pair says their

world is ‘happy, playful and different’ this is apparent

in their collection.

The Fjaba brand, currently sold internationally,

passionately express their mission to “create and

design life in [their] own colours and art.”

Attracting press and fashion industry alike, Fjaba will be presenting their luxurious show stopping

designs at their LFW solo catwalk show hosted by LGN on February 20th 2011 at 1.30pm.

For more information on Fjaba, visit http://www.kayflawlessukfashion.org/

Press and buyers wishing to attend the show should email Claudia at

fashion@lagenevenorth.co.uk

W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

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

Introducing Luxury designer Luna Sky...

We caught up with London Based designer Luna Sky to learn more about this up and coming Luxurious Brand...

Above pic: Luna, The lady behind the Brand.

Label Name: LunaSky 

Year Established: 2009

Tell us a bit about your label and background? :  

Luna: LunaSky is a london based designer label that aims to create a beautiful life style for modern elegant women. It presents one of a kind dress for all special occasions and events as well as everyday life. Each garment is designed with passion and  made with luxury fabric to complement the female figure with a touch of class.

What inspired you to launch your label? 

Luna:  I grew up in a family with strong roots in fashion. My grandmother is a fashion designer and my family own a fashion and accessories company. I have strong love and passion for fashion since I was a little girl. I love beautiful things and I always think every girl deserves to be a princess. My vision is to create a beautiful and elegant lifestyle for modern girls and make them feel special about themselves.    

Who is it targeted towards?  

Luna: My targeted clientele are elegant, feminine women who have their strong identity and know what they are looking for in the way of fashion, instead of following the trend.

Where do you get inspirations for your designs?

Luna:  I have been living  in fashion capitals including Tokyo, Milan, Paris and HK, I am always inspired by chic and elegant women who effortlessly transform the old-time classics into modern glamour in their individual styles.

If you could choose any celebrity to front your campaign who would it be and why? 

Luna:  It would be Emma Watson because she is very elegant and sophisticated, she reminds me of Audrey Hepburn.  She is a girl who looks so pretty and soft yet has her strong character.

You will be showcasing your new collection During London Fashion Week in February. What can we expect?

Luna: The theme of my  My A/W 2011 collection is ' La Vita Bella - Beautiful life', it is a fusion of classic romance  featuring black and white  exquisite evening gowns and cocktail dresses embellished with chiffon floral, ruffle, lace, sequin drapery and Swarovski crystal.

For more information on LunaSKy visit http://www.lunaskyfashion.co.uk/

Catching up with Sally Ellis of emerging Label SVE

We quickly caught up with the designer behind the Amazing British emerging label SVE! Award Winning Designer and Founder Sally Ellis most recently opened her first boutique so we caught up with her to get more of an insight on her journey...

Who would you say the SVE Label is targeted at?

Sve was originally aimed at 20 - 40 year olds but since opening my first boutique it is open to all ages. I have had a 16 year old to a 80 year old buy from me so it has really shown me my clothes really don't have an age limit, it is a high end label as all the garments are one off bespoke pieces having its own unique individual style.

Your collection often includes black. Why is this?

Black is the main colour because its always been with me. When studying at university a monochrome colour palette just worked for me, it complements a women's form so well and it is such a timeless colour, if you buy Sve you will wear Sve all year round that's what I want, I don't want to be stuck in the back of the wardrobe after one wear, black is classic and elegant and that's what my customer wants.

SVE is now a Brand. How hard was this to create?

Creating a fashion brand is never easy, it's blood sweat and tears I still haven't reached my goal and I know its going to take a few more years from now to get to where I want. The bit of advice I will give to anyone wanting to be a fashion label is never stop trying, you have to push yourself to the limit you will never get any where without trying every door, enter competitions, network and try and work in the industry first. It's all about learning and believing in yourself. I did and still am doing all of this and I am 25years old with my own fashion label and beautiful boutique. The only way is up.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge so far is everyday, everyday is a massive challenge for me, I work 24hrs a day 7 days a week you have to if you want to be someone and be a success in the fashion world it is one of the hardest industries to be in and I have only just started and had a tiny taster of what my future could be like and I'm really excited, nervous, but most of all ready for the next chapter with Sve.

You recently opened your boutique in Tarpoley, As an emerging designer what steps did you take to make this happen?

I opened my boutique on the 1st december 2010 I knew where I wanted to open it it was just the timing but in my heart that time was right so I went for it. Fate has played a huge part in my life and fate again stepped in and helped me achieve my dream, it was open within 2 weeks. Sourcing all the materials myself and stocking the shop with all my clothes was the hardest thing I've done but the greatest vision I have ever seen.

Do you plan on opening any more boutiques. If so where?

My dream plan is to open more boutiques yes, but one step at a time I would love to have a store and studio in Paris one day which I am in the process of learning French for and london is probably an obvious one.

What can we expect from SVE in the future

Sve's future is very bright and I have high expectations for it, I hope to see Sve on the red carpet this year and Paris next year and who knows after that watch this space!!!

For more info visit: www.svefashion.com