Rihanna is searching for Britain’s most exciting new fa shion designers!

Rihanna is searching Britain for the next generation of raw, undiscovered designer talent and has hand-picked Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts to head up the challenge for her.

Over eight weeks twelve unknown designers will be challenged by Rihanna and Nicola to create outfits for a string of musicians and celebrities.  The show will celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity in the British fashion scene. With Rihanna, a fashion icon herself, and Nicola, who created her own Dainty Doll make-up range, at the helm, the show will recognise the increasing influence popstars have on mainstream trends.

The final challenge and ultimate task for the winner will be to design a unique stage outfit for Rihanna’s Wireless performance in Hyde Park in July 2012. The chance to dress one of the world’s most famous women for an event that will attract worldwide coverage is the perfect springboard for the aspiring designer’s future fashion career.

Executive producer, Rihanna said:
“I’ve always had a great love of fashion. It’s a constant source of inspiration in my life, and is a big reason why I’ve grown into the person and artist I am today. I have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage. I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show.”

Nicola added: “I’m so excited for us to get started on finding a new up and coming British designer who just needs a chance, a little bit of help in getting their skills noticed. There are talented people, undiscovered because they don’t have the means, or their circumstances are too far away from the fashion world. This show is here to discover those people and give them a shot. I’m looking for someone who can think outside the box, and who isn’t going to give up at the first hurdle”

To  take part visit www.skyliving.com or e-mail applications@twentytwenty.tv


Applications must be received by Sunday 5^th February.  Filming takes place over 8 weeks in the UK from April 2012.

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.

Must have tights of this season: Patterned Tights   

         

As the winter approaches, don’t expect the return of black opaques but rather pattered tights which are in fact this seasons must have. We found these gorgeous tights by Fiore on itsocks.com.

  

Fiore have created tights with beautiful detailed flower tattoos offering classiness and edge. With trends such as colour blocking, patterned tights are perfect to compliment a simple outfit and to stand out from the crowd. 

BFC Rock Vault

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces the brand new jewellery initiative ‘BFC Rock Vault’ to support, showcase and promote Britain’s most innovative, fine jewellery talent. Sponsored by the International Palladium Board (IPB) and curated by Stephen Webster, ‘BFC Rock Vault’ will launch during London Fashion Week, February 17th – 21st, at Somerset House.

The ten successful jewellers who have been selected to showcase their AW12 collections within the Rock Vault are Alexandra Jefford, Fernando Jorge, Hannah Martin, Hillier, Husam El Odeh, Jo Hayes Ward, Jordan Askill, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Sophie Bille Brahe and Tomasz Donocik. The designers will feature alongside five concepts created in Palladium by Central Saint Martins students.

Housed in a structure located on the Terrace of Somerset House, overlooking the Thames, the designers will be awarded support towards creating their own unique installation within this dedicated area and will receive business mentoring support. An event to launch this initiative will be held on Saturday, 18th February at the designated BFC Rock Vault space at Somerset House.

This unique showcasing initiative has been developed by the BFC to nurture the creative fine jewellery talent based in London and give these designers the opportunity to further develop their businesses and exposure amongst both UK and International media and retailers.

The participants are invited by a panel led by Stephen Webster comprising Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Brad Mills, Chairman of IPB; Caroline Broadhead, Central Saint Martins’ Programme Director; Catherine Nieto, Grazia Fashion and Accessories Editor; Francoise Tessier, Browns Fine Jewellery Buyer; Jos Skeates, EC One; Katie Bain, British Fashion Council; Lara Bohinc, Designer and Cartier Consultant; Liane Wiggins, Matches Head Buyer; Maria Lemos, Rainbowwave; Olivia Richardson, Liberty Head of Buying; Sarah Mower, MBE BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and contributing editor for US Vogue.com; Valery Demure, marketing and sales, jewellery and accessories agent.

Stephen Webster, comments, “As a London jewellery designer and a craftsman, it gives me great pleasure to be curating Rock Vault, an area dedicated for the first time to the rising stars of the UK jewellery industry under the umbrella of the BFC. Together with a panel of experts, we have selected what we believe to be the best representation of young talent. Over the last 10 years, jewellery has become an integral part of both men and woman's wardrobe. This meteoric rise has meant jewellery designers have been crying out for inclusion within the established fashion platforms. Rock Vault finally offers such an opportunity. We are all very excited to realise this vision.”

Brad Mills, Chairman of IPB, comments, “We are proud to support London Fashion Week. This partnership opens a series of projects entitled Palladium Visions, which we will undertake in 2012 with some of the world’s most visionary designers, artists and jewellers to promote Palladium as the must-have, contemporary precious metal of the future.”

The International Palladium Board (IPB) is dedicated to establishing Palladium as the contemporary precious metal of the future. Palladium is a beautiful lustrous white metal, desired by jewellery designers and owners for its unique features – rarity, lightness and strength. In 2009 Palladium became the most recent precious metal to be hallmarked.

For more information please visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com/rockvault

Picture credit: BFC & The Quest For It

Introducing Us Trendy...

Us Trendy is a website offering emerging designers a platform to promote their brands. It showcases current season trends and pieces that could just not be found on the high street. Us Trendy ran a competition for the most popular seller on their site to win an all-expenses paid trip to London to showcase their work at A La Mode fashion show.

Firstly, where did the name ‘Us Trendy’ come from? 

There are three concepts that helped in the creation of the UsTrendy name. 

First, we wanted to create a site for the people…where they have the power to decide what they like without being told what to like and what's in or out. Second, one of our biggest motivations was designers and how we could assist them.  Finally, there were big companies that had the word "I" and " My" in their names (like I-tunes and Myspace). 

Our platform is for "Us”…hence “UsTrendy”

Your website offers emerging designers a platform to promote their brands, why do you think this exposure is so important? 

The fashion industry tends to be a cut throat industry where a few select people decide who makes it and who does not. I knew so many talented designers that were struggling to make it so I created a platform to help them achieve their dreams and get them the recognition they deserved. 

Can you tell us a bit more about how your website works? 

UsTrendy is a platform that allows designers from around the world to create a store on our site and sell their products directly to consumers. We also provide assistance such as major marketing, promotion, media/pr, and additional methods to help them advance their lines. 

For customers, we provide an interactive ecommerce shopping platform where they can find unique items from all over the world.

 

How did you go about selecting Kami Shade to participate in London Fashion Week? 

The people choose her.

Why do you think it is vital for your product range to originate from all over the world? 

There are many different fashions and styles throughout the world. Each culture and country has a distinct style that influences fashion.  A worldwide collection enables us to provide an incredible experience for each customer.  They can sit in their living room and shop for a unique item from a designer in another part of the world!

The Us Trendy website integrates the shopping experience with the blogging experience with the ‘Us Trendy Fashion Community’. Why do you think this innovative idea appeals to your customers? 

We empower the consumer, allow them to be in the driver seat, and provide a unique shopping experience. But most importantly at end of day - we have great products that people want!

  

And, finally, how does it feel to be supporting another designer with showcasing their collection during London Fashion Week this February? 

It feels amazing! When we started UsTrendy our motivation was to help designers and to open doors for them that they may not have otherwise had access to. It feels great to see it come to fruition. 

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!

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER - Paris Couture Week

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

Paris Couture Week

24 January 2012, 18.30 CET

Alexandre Vauthier’s Spring/Summer 2012 Couture Collection juxtaposes soft fabrics dipped in luxurious pastels against structured jewellery encrusted with Swarovski Elements.

 The romantic theme was prominent with the floaty, silk dresses and the nude colours. The cuts were deep V's to expose the chest and stomach, and inverted V's to display the thigh. Pure elegance.

“To reach the extreme sophistication of my new collection, the use of Swarovski Elements is essential : their colours are so unique and amazing, that they enhance the summer and romantic trend of the collection.”

-Alexandre Vauthier

www.swarovskisparkles.com

www.swarovski.tv

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