Africa on the Catwalk

PRESS RELEASE: 25th June 2012

Africa on the Catwalk will take place on the 21st of July 2012, 1.30pm at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall as part of the Africa Utopia Festival of events which in turn is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

In collaboration with creative director and show producer Ola Shobowale and Arise magazine fashion director, Sabrina Henry, we present a selection of exciting fashion designers who originate form Africa or are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Venue: The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1
8XX
Date: Saturday 21 July 2012
Time: 1.30pm
Admission is free to all, with no ticket or pre booking required.

Press, bloggers, industry guests, please send RSVP to Africaonthecatwalk@gmail.com

Africa Utopia Pop Up Retail Space
There will also been a Pop up space and window display though out July within the Southbank Centre Terrace Shop, Where a selection of accessories, bags, jewellery, stationary, homeware etc, will be on sale to the public from the following designers Eva Sonaike (Nigeria/UK), La Petite Congolaise (Congo/UK), UrbanKit (Nigeria/UK), Chiji (Nigeria/UK), Sweet Design Studio (Ghana/UK)


Bestow Elan (Ghana/ UK)     
www.bestowelan.com                     
Chichia London (Tanzania /UK)www.chichialondon.com

Eki Orleans (Nigeria/UK)     
www.ekioreleans.com                     

Madam Wokie (Sierra Leone)www.madamwokie.com

Kezia Frederick (UK)       
www.keziafrederick.com                 

Mo saïque (Ghana/ UK) Shoe Sponsorwww.mo-saique.com


Accessories:
Ugo Boutique (Nigeria/Uk) Bags
wwww.ugosboutique.com
Aiyda ( Eritrea/UK) Jewellery & hand bags
www.aiyda.com
Mifani (Ghana/UK) Shoes
www.mifanishoes.com
Joansu (Ghana/UK) Jewellery
www.joansu.com/

  
 

 

For Africa on the Catwalk press/blogger/industry enquiries and to R.S.V.P please contact :
Ola Shobowale 07808762956 / Africaonthecatwalk@gmail.com

For Africa Utopia press enquiries please contact:
Miles Evans 0207 921 0676 / miles.evans@southbankcentre.co.uk
Lara Delaney 0207 921 0917 / lara.delaney@southbankcentre.co.uk

For more information on Southbank Centre's Africa Utopia Festival visit:
wwww.southbankcentre/africautopia

Africa Utopia is produced with support from Arts Council England and Mastercard 

 

Note to Editors:

AFRICA UTOPIA 1 to 28 July 2012
Africa Utopia is a month-long festival of music, theatre, film, literature, dance, fashion, talks and debates programmed by Southbank Centre in conjunction with renowned Senegalese singer and human-rights campaigner Baaba Maal, as part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World with Mastercard and London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

African Utopia is co-curated by renowned journalist and broadcaster,Hannah Pool (Guardian Newspaper, BBC, Arise Magazine etc.) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/hannahpool

Africa Utopia - Southbank website
wwww.southbankcentre/africautopia

Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World
1 June to 9 September 2012
Southbank Centre’s summer 2012 site-wide Festival of the World with MasterCard opens on 1 June 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee Weekend, and closes on 9 September 2012. As London welcomes the world this summer, Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World will include inspirational projects from the UK and around the world, which showcase the power of the arts to change the lives of individuals, communities and whole societies. The site will be transformed with art installations including a giant ‘robot’ sculpture; a colossal baobab tree made from fabric;
‘Rainbow Park’, a multi-coloured beach; and an exhibition in the Royal Festival Hall of the thinkers, artists and communities who have inspired and contributed to the Festival. The reopening of the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, weekly food markets, and a pop-up cafe complete the Festival landscape. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/world

Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sits in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain. Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, travelling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the conversation on The Heart of
Commerce Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

Arts Council England
Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2011 and 2015, we will invest £1.4 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk

About the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival
The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Spread over four years, it is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people. The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad will be the London 2012 Festival, bringing leading artists from all over the world together from 21 June 2012 in this UK-wide festival – a chance for everyone to celebrate London 2012 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, fashion, film and digital innovation. Principal funders of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012
Festival are Arts Council England, Legacy Trust UK and the Olympic Lottery Distributor. BP and BT are Premier Partners of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival. For more details visit www.london2012.com/festival.

UK’s leading support organisation for women in business present ‘An Evening with Secret Millionaire Caroline Marsh’

UK’s leading support organisation for women in business present ‘An Evening with Secret Millionaire Caroline Marsh’

At Embassy, Mayfair

29. Old Burlington Street
Mayfair London W1S 3AN

Thursday July 5th

6.30pm-9pm

 Limited tickets are available here; http://www.forwardladies.com/networking-events-london/an-evening-with-secret-millionaire-caroline-marsh-2220

Following the launch of Forward Ladies, the North of England’s largest women’s business support organisation with more than 13, 500 members in London in March 2012, the group invite members and non members to An Evening with Secret Millionaire Caroline Marsh, at the sumptuous Embassy, Mayfair.

Caroline Marsh is one of Britain’s leading female property investors and an inspiration to many. In Autumn 2008 the entrepreneur was catapulted into the media limelight, when she was featured on prime-time Channel 4 television as a philanthropic 'Secret Millionaire.'

Caroline’s own journey towards financial freedom was kick-started by a multi-millionaire property investor and serial entrepreneur who she heard speak at a business conference and was so inspired, that she set her sights on having him as her personal mentor. 

Within six months, Caroline was given a privileged invitation to join Platinum Property Partners and her life was changed forever. Caroline will share tales of her Secret Millionaire journey, property investing and how adjusting your mindset can lead to success. 

Forward Ladies (www.Forwardladies.com) was founded in 2000 in an effort to support and empower all women in business - from long established independent business women and micro businesses, to high ranking decision makers at international corporate organisations and business women with 7 figure turn-overs.

Etta Cohen, founder of Forward ladies said; “We are delighted that Jessica Huie has joined us to oversee the London franchise, and are confident that this latest offering ‘An Evening with Secret Millionaire Caroline Marsh ’ will be as well received as the previous Max Clifford event.”

For further information and interview requests and press tickets contact Jessica Huie Jessica@jhpr.co.uk 07985 424 772

get the look of Sacha Parkinson at T4 on the Beach with GetTheLabel.com

Visit www.GetTheLabel.com

NEW SUMMER FRAGRANCES CREATED FOR “SEX AND THE CITY®” PERFUME & BODY COLLECTIONS

– HBO® Officially Licensed Summer Fragrances & Deodorant sprays Join  

“Sex and the City” Day and Night Collections Introduced in Fall 2011 –  

Two new summer fragrances – “Sunrise” and “Sunset” – are being added to the signature “Sex and the City” fragrance and Body Collections, which were first introduced last Fall.  Inspired by the iconic HBO series that uniquely captures New York City’s glamour and chic sensibility, these perfumes, as well as the original collections, were created by Givaudan under a licensing agreement between HBO and JTG Trading Company who will manufacture and distribute the collection in select countries throughout the world.  This newest collection is now available the HBO Shop (www.store.hbouk.com) and at Etos stores in the Netherlands on the 25th of June. 

Top Givaudan perfumers Oliver Gillotin and Marypierre Julien developed the new fragrances for HBO.  Gillotin is known for designing fragrances for Taylor Swift, Ed Hardy, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Dior and Givenchy; while Julien has created scents for Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Victoria’s Secret, Tocca, Anthropologie and Hello Kitty. 

“Sex and the City Sunrise” – the crisp-sparkling perfume for a summer day in the city 

Created to evoke the feeling of a laid-back brunch in a sun-drenched outdoor café in Manhattan, “Sunrise” has fresh top notes of Mandarin Oil ORPUR®, Italian Bergamot, White Peach and Watery Red Fruits that delight and tease the senses.  This indulgent scent reveals mid notes of Rose de May, Violet Leaf, Star Jasmine and Lily of the Valley for a soft and flowery touch, while White Cedar, Cashmere Musk and Sandalwood in the base note add to the fragrance’s aromatic complexity. Price: £ 22.50 

“Sex and the City Sunset” – the sensual and mysterious scent of the vibrant nightlife  

Capturing the soft and warm beauty of sundown reflected in the iconic skyline of New York City, “Sunset” features classic top notes of Blood Orange, Violet Leaves, Freesia and Green Apple that give the fragrance its feminine and floral bouquet.  Blended with mid notes of Vanilla Orchid, Muguet and Sugary Plum that tempt with their sultry and delicious appeal, the base notes of Musk, Woody Amber, Benzoin and Tonka ground the fragrance with a memorable finish. Price: £ 22.50 

JTG Trading developed the distinctive packaging that complements the stylish fragrance composition as well as the flair and feeling of the Sex and the City series.  The new perfumes are encased in luxurious glass bottles with accents of yellow, gold and orange, and topped with elegant crystal inspired caps.   

“Sex and the City” Deodorant sprays  

The “Sex and the City - Sunrise” and “Sex and the City - Sunset” eau de perfumes are also included in a collection of deodorant body sprays. Price: £ 5.00 

“It’s amazing how Sex and the City continues to have worldwide appeal, and these fragrances keep alive the magic and allure created by the series and New York City,” said James Costos, vice president, Global Licensing & Retail at HBO.  “We’re extremely pleased to be partnering again with Givaudan, the global leader in the fragrance industry, as well as JTG Trading Company whose expertise will help deliver this new collection select countries around the world.” 

About JTG Trading 

JTG is an independent wholesaler in A-branded perfumes, skincare and high-end cosmetics. A large part of the customer base consists of major retail chains. Since its establishment in 1997, it has grown to be recognized as a leading company in Europe.  Not only is JTG active in Europe, but also in Asia, America and Australia. The company has a dedicated team of professionals and a highly advanced inventory control system. This makes it possible to consistently provide the best service for their customers. 

About Givaudan 

As the leading company in the fragrance industry, Givaudan develops unique and innovative fragrance creations for its customers around the world.  Givaudan’s focus on passion for building successful partnerships with its customers, helped by a deep understanding of their brands and their consumers, sets it apart from other companies in the industry. With 82 operations in 45 countries, Givaudan has 25% market share and this industry leadership position is underpinned by a sales and marketing presence in all major markets.  

About HBO Global Licensing & Retail 

HBO Licensing & Retail officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network’s award-winning programming.  With products created around classic series like the The Sopranos® and Sex and the City® to current hits like True Blood® and Entourage®, items include fashion apparel, jewellery, digital and CD soundtracks, games, books as well as  

purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail  

exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands.  Merchandise can be exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands.  Merchandise can be hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City.  HBO Licensing & Retail products are also sold internationally across Europe, Asia and Australia. 

Official HBO Licensed Product. ©2012 Home Box Office, Inc.  All Rights Reserved. HBO and related trademarks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.  

Obscure Couture

 'We don't follow trend books. We follow our instincts'

Obscure Couture are a new, directional womenswear label based in Glasgow’s East end (BAAD, Barras Art And Design to be precise). The fashion duo Lyndsay Pagan & Jennifer Coyle launched the brand on the 15^th of October 2010 creating street/stage wear for the introverted extrovert. Taking a stance against mass-produced, faceless fashion, Obscure Couture's limited edition, individually numbered collections are all hand-made with love in the UK.

Lyndsay and Jennifer want Obscure Couture to be accessible to all which is why they create not 1 but 2 collections each season; Couture & Ready To Wear. They create their signature Couture range using only the best quality fabrics they can get their hands on; from the most pampered Japanese Kobe leather to the most delicious French lace. Their Ready To Wear collections are a more accessible, everyday wear range whilst still being anchored by the same principals and aesthetic defiance as their couture range.

“We create statement garments for women who aren't afraid to stand out, proud, from the crowd!”

Obscure Couture released their new AW12 collection “The Lithium Party” during London Fashion Week in February, surprising audiences with an entirely different, yet equally as impacting theme. This season saw the duo take a step away from neon and embrace a more refined and mature approach, mixing gold and silver amongst pastels. Confining to their rule-breaking reputation, Cole and Pagan completed the look with fuchsia wigs, illustrative head pieces (Jenivieve Berlin) and two-tone baby blue and pink lips. Furs and chiffons were particularly favoured fabrics and of course, there was the addition of the shocking colour-pop frills, prints and accessories inspired by the Victorian patterns of fashion’s past along with a model with a syringe headdress next to the gleaming slogan ‘Love Is The Drug’.

 

Us Trendy presents ‘Kami Shade’

Kami Shade' established herself as a fashion designer in July of 2004. Born in the diverse and eclectic town of Berkeley, California in 1979. Kami Shade’s family hailed from the background of the Music Industry including successful and notable Singers so it was only natural for her to follow in the footsteps of her family’s musical background. Always known for going against the grain and setting herself apart from the norm, Kami Shade’ developed a passion for another industry, Fashion. In 2000, Kami Shade’ then embarked on a journey back to her roots of California and decided to expand her passion of designing and making clothes.

She has successfully produced some of the most notable fashion events in Los Angeles and been featured in the fashion industry's top magazines including Vogue, Elle Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Apparel News & The Los Angeles Times to name a few.

Us Trendy, a website offering emerging designers a platform to promote their brands and sell their merchandise runs a competition for the most popular seller on their site to win an opportunity to showcase their work during London Fashion Week. Most recently (Feb 2012) the fabulous Kami Shade won the Competition and made her London Fashion Week debut last month. Offering women sexy, yet sophisticated, clothes, Kami Shade showcased her signature party dresses. ‘Kami Shade’ was a collection featuring mini-dresses that wouldn’t feel out of place off the catwalk and on a night out. The show’s strong point was that the designs were completely wearable and versatile for many tastes. Most exquisite were the embellishments, resulting in our new-found obsession with the LSD – the ‘Little Sequined Dress’,

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.