Saturday 30 April 2011

Style of the Week

This week's style of the day goes to this lovely lady. We love her style and the pop of color the blazer brought to the outfit.

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Andrew Majtenyi launches new boots for A/W11

We are just going into Spring/Summer 2011 but the buzz right now is around the Autumn/Winter 2011 trends.


Three times recipient for the prestigious Design Exchange Awards for fashion in Canada, Andrew Majtenyi has just launched a range of funky footwear perfect for giving dull autumn winter outfits a lift.

Since relocating to London, Andrew has taken his brand to a whole new level. His new collection which was inspired by corridors of the British Library ranges from the grey knee high mirror boots to the green ankle boots.
The boots are part of his Autumn/Winter collection which also includes skirts, dresses, trousers and jackets made from customised Andrew Majentyi prints 

Friday 22 April 2011

Style of the Week

Our style of the day goes to Charlie from Girl a la mode who we spotted on the streets of Covent Garden.
We love Charlie's outfit because of the tailored trousers.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

The Zed Eye Presents... Fashion Show and Pop- Up Boutique returns to Europe’s biggest showcase for Afro hair, beauty and fashion

London, April 2011. This May Bank Holiday will see the return of the Zed Eye Presents Fashion show and Pop-Up Boutique at the Afro Hair & Beauty Live show, Europe’s biggest showcase for Afro hair, beauty and fashion!
After the success of last year’s show which was held at the well-known Business Design Centre in Angel Islington, Ngozi Pere Okorite, celebrity stylist and designer behind one of Africa’s most sought after brands ‘Zed Eye’, will be back with her team for another fashion showcase which will involve a number of great African and African inspired designers, not only showcasing but also selling their collection pieces via the Pop-Up Boutique.
The Zed Eye Presents...fashion show and Pop Up boutique will feature a range of established and upcoming designers which include but not limited to Anggy Haif, Re Bhaia, AyiKai Couture, Monsura Boutique, Afro-Chique, Yummi Kouture , Oheme Ohene and Ngozi’s own brand Zed Eye.
Anggy Haif is an eponymous label by self taught Parisian designer Anggy Haif who has an immense creative background, which includes music, dancing and hair styling. Anggy’s designs are extremely creative and pay tribute to his homeland of Africa with the use of materials like Raffia, wild seeds and weaved fabrics.
Re Bahia is a label set up by a mother and daughter team due to their love of fashion. The label abides by the rule less is more and their main focus is on the fabrics which they produce using the ‘Uma’ threading detail.
Ayi Kai Couture is a bespoke label which was established in 2009 by Antoinette AyiKai Amuzu. The label focuses on mixing fashion and culture to illustrate the culture of Ghana.
Handbag designer label Monsura Boutique is known for their beautiful and elegant designs which provide exclusivity, confidence and attitude to its vast costumers.
Since launching in 2008, Afro-Chique has gained recognition from industry officials like Hilary Alexander, fashion director of The Daily Telegraph. Combining vibrant African prints with contemporary designs, Afro-Chique is set to bring a splash of colour to the western streets.
 
Newly emerged label Yummi Kouture is acknowledged for their intricately designed bib necklace. Since the bib necklace came in fashion for S/S 10, Yummi Kourture’s bib necklace has been selling like hot cakes. The label will also be showcasing their clothing range during the fashion show and will be selling the necklaces in the Pop-Up Boutique.
Oheme Ohene which means Queen and King in the Ghanaian language Twi is the label set up by British born Abenaa Pokuaa. She uses the well known Ghanaian fabrics Kente and some she created herself to design western influenced designs which she hopes will give the wearer a sense of glamour.
Last but not least is the highlight of the show Zed Eye. Zed Eye is the brainchild of Celebrity Stylist Ngozi Pere Okorite whose work has been featured on many platforms ranging from Metro Newspaper to Arise Magazine Fashion Week. Her work has been worn by singers Kelis and Shingai Shoniwa( The Noisettes) Praised by British Designer Henry Holland and Fashion and Style Guru Caryn Franklin.
The show which targets young black fashion conscious women will also feature the successful Pop Up boutique from last year. The boutique will be selling products from the showcasing designers in addition to Gloria WavaMunno T-shirts and Dionne Gooding Shoes.
Gloria WavaMunno recently showcased her A/W11 collection during London Fashion Week
at the LGN event’s A La Mode show. Since then the Ugandan based designer has received numerous press coverage about her quirky style which combine African fabrics with contemporary designs. Her contemporary African designs have been worn by the likes of Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba.
Dionne Gooding Shoes is the self tilted label by Dionne Gooding which was founded in 2008. The label offers menswear and womenswear as well as traditional wear and bridal shoes.
The Afro Hair and Beauty LIVE show will be taking place on the 29th and 30th of May 2011. Tickets are now on sale for £10 when brought in advance otherwise £12 on the door.

For more information on Zed Eye Presents Fashion show & Pop-Up Boutique visit: http://www.afrohairandbeautylivefashion.blogspot.com/
For more information on the show visit http://www.afrohairshow.com/
To take part as a designer, please email Yolande@lagenevenorth.co.uk for a full information pack.

Friday 15 April 2011

Rajadano chosen to be part of The100 Most Authentic Arab Brands competition

Fabulous Luxury accessory brand RAJADANO who most recently showcased their new collection during London Fashion Week have been selected to be part of the 100 Most Authentic Arab Brands Competition!
We are very excited and would like to encourage you all to vote for this amazing brand! To vote go to
                                                     www.100authenticarabrands.com

BIG NAMES ATTEND EXCLUSIVE EXHIBIT OF CHARITY ‘HARE’ CANVASES

Big names from the art and entertainment worlds went hare mad yesterday at an exclusive canvas viewing for Michael Van Clarke’s latest charity venture, the HARE styling appeal.
Above Pic: Michael Van Clarke, Nicky Clarke, Paul McKenna

At the Heartbreak gallery in London, the launch event saw celebrities, artists, hairdressers, and contributors such as Charles Worthington, Nicky Clarkes, Faye Ripley, Sunday Girl and Paul McKenna viewing the HARE inspired canvases all cut, coloured and styled to raise money for two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The collectible and unique creations are credited to some of the biggest names in the business including Tracey Emin, Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Jamie Oliver, Stella McCartney, Mr Brainwash, Twiggy, Catherine Tate, Jack Vettriano, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Terry Venables, HRH Princess Beatrice and The Duchess of York to name but a few.
Following the launch event, the artwork will stay on display at Heartbreak until Sunday 8th May. Entry is FREE to the general public. The canvases are being auctioned for charity online from now, and at an exclusive ‘HARE Ball’ at The Dorchester Park Lane on May 26th 2011. A hard bound coffee table book featuring all the HARE canvases will be printed to raise further money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
The HARE Styling appeal was started by designer, Karen Welman and leading hairdresser Michael Van Clarke whose daughter Angelica was given a lifesaving operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital when she was just two days old. Now 15 years old, Angelica drew the hare, which was then printed on the canvases and sent out in order to help raise much needed funds for the hospital that saved her life.
Commenting on HARE Styling, Michael Van Clarke says, “The pioneering work carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital provides hope to extremely sick children and their families. My family knows first-hand the incredible difference the hospital can make and I am always looking for ways to show my gratitude. When we first came up with this HARE styling idea, we weren’t sure how it would be received, but we have been overwhelmed by the response from the recipients of the canvases.”
He adds, “The fundraising potential of these canvases is huge and we are so grateful for the time and effort people have put in to creating them. We are also looking forward to handing over a big cheque to the charity once all the canvases have been sold.”

Karen Welman adds, “Like Michael, my family have experienced first hand the care, attention and dedication of Great Ormond Street and the amazing people who work there. I am incredibly excited about The HARE styling campaign and feel confident that through auctioning these beautiful and special canvases we will raise a fantastic sum for this incredibly important and lifesaving hospital.”
The initiative is part of the wider HAIRraising appeal which has seen some of the biggest names in hairdressing, coming together in a bid to raise money for the hospital. Hairdressing salons across the UK have been taking part in fundraising activities and have raised over £600,000 to date with a target of £1million. 
Nicola Roberts (Girls Aloud)
"I really enjoyed designing my hare for the HARE Styling project. Especially as I knew that the money raised was helping to fund two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which will give lots more very sick children the treatment they need."
Catherine Tate (Comedian)
HARE Styling is a fantastic innovative way to raise vital funds towards two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I was really happy to get out the art box and lend my support.”
For further information or to see a selection of the canvases, please visit www.harestyling.com

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Kids tee up for fundraising

Debenhams is giving kids the chance to wear the latest designer t-shirt from the likes of Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson, Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Pearce Il Fionda and John Rocha to help raise money for other children this spring.

For the first time Debenhams has joined forces with the NSPCC, ISPCC and Children’s 1st and challenged nine of its fashion designers to create a fun t-shirt for kids to be sold in stores and online, of which all proceeds will be donated.

As well as the usual childrenswear favourites designers such as Ben de Lisi, Sadie Frost, Jemima French and Betty Jackson will have developed kids t-shirts for the very first time.


Launching on 4th April, the range is playful, colourful and inspired by children, with each designer using their own handwriting and style to appeal to kids in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for the charities.

Celebrity designer Sadie Frost commented: “We are thrilled to be involved in a project for such a great cause. Jemima and I love involving our own children in our design work, so this was perfect!

“The kids got really into it; drawing pictures, writing stories and talking about how they’d design the tees. It was great to take them along to the photo shoot and see their work in action!”

Designer John Rocha commented: “I am delighted to be involved with this great project – the NSPCC does such hugely important work.

“My inspiration for the t-shirt started with robots and electronics and a child’s curiosity about the world around them and how it works!”

Adam Rose, Divisional Trading Director for Childrenswear at Debenhams said: “We are proud to continually support the vital work of the NSPCC, ISPCC and Children’s 1st, through the launch of this fantastic range of designer t-shirts. We are sure that Mums, Dads and kids will love the exclusive designer styles and snap them straight up, making a stand against cruelty to children.”



The range includes exclusive features such as Ben de Lisi’s iconic ‘Ella dog’ motif, a shooting star from Julien Macdonald and a bespoke Jasper Conran ‘Jack in the box’ for boys and girls.

The Baker by Ted Baker girls and boys tees demonstrate the brand’s iconic use of slogans and graphics, with an urban motif for boys and cute birdsong design for Baker girls.

Meanwhile, FrostFrench’s design uses fuzzy-felt pictures designed by the duo’s own children, and a fun word game motif for kids to play whilst they wear the tees.

Pearce Il Fionda created a gorgeous puppy dog design, which uses angelic details and metallic embellishment, while finally, Matthew Williamson’s tee features cute butterfly and heart prints, reflecting his Butterfly childrenswear range.

Sadie and Jemima, the design duo ‘FrostFrench’, plus Ren Pearce and Andrew Fionda, the designers behind Pearce Il Fionda can be seen in the campaign photography, along with the celebrity ambassadors and children from the charity.

www.debenhams.com/charity-t-shirts

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Essex Fashion Week

New York, London, Paris and Milan watch out for Essex.

When Essex Fashion Week was mentioned during the first season of hit reality show The Only way is Essex (TOWIE), many thought it was a joke. The event which is now in its second season was founded by twins Adam and Simon Ryan as a platform to showcase what the county had to offer.

Founders of Essex Fashion Week Adam and Simon Ryan

   The event was held over a period of three days at the beautiful Fairlop Waters. Day one was assigned to the press, day two for students and the general public and day three was for the stars.
'New Look
First up to showcase on the press day was New Look who were also the headline sponsors of the event. They showcased their new season collection which consisted of bright colours and perfect florals for the Essex summer.

Jessica Wright
The only way is Essex stars, Lydia Bright and Jessica Wright, took to the stage as models during the show and of course we won’t be in Essex if there were noskimpy outfits so the rest of the show was dominated by short dresses, bikinis and shorts.

One off one you
Other brands which showcased include Cherice boutique in Essex, Sweetboy children’s wear and One Off one You the label owned by the twins and founders of Essex fashion week.  

Guests
 The famous Arg!

Our Fabulous Farhana strikes a pose
Nana Pat and our Fashion Director Yolande
The highlight of the day was Essex Born Joey Bevan of Pointed Brown Shoes who created a beautiful dress out of cling film for TOWIE cast member Lydia Bright. Apart from a few kinks here and there the event was a success with a true Essex influence




Tuesday 5 April 2011

Spring/Summer trends

With spring being just a couple of months away I think it is time for the shopping to begin. In with the coats and out with the cardigans I say.
After the dark and miserable winter we have had it is great to see our wardrobe will be spruced up withnsome vibrant colours. Key looks that were seen during the Spring/Summer 2011 shows were lady-like fashions from the 60s and Bohemian form the 70s.
The lady like trend is the easiest way to look feminine and sophisticated. Full skirts create a nice silhouette and great way to edge up the look is by contrasting rather than being predictable.

Wide leg trousers, Bell bottoms and clogs are all items that screams 70s so for this summer roll up the skinny and chuck them at the back of the wardrobe.


Last summer we saw the initiation of jumpsuit and playsuits. Well don’t hang them just yet because it looks like they are here to stay. Opt for one with a loose flowing fabric for a casual look or a tailored look for the office.

This summer fashion is about being daring but know your limit to avoid going over the edge. And Remember to dress for your shape. If it doesn’t suit you don’t buy it!

Bottletop’s 100% cotton T-Shirts

The charity behind the Bottletop bag seen on VV Brown, Livia Firth and supermodel India Wadsworth have launched a new collection of T-Shirts and Vests made from 100% cotton.

Bottletop was created by Cameron Saul (son of Mulberry Founder Roger Saul) in 2002 to help reduce poverty and empower young people through fashion and music. Already they have created jobs for approximately 45 women in Brazil and supported over 35,000 young people in various countries.

The Eco-Friendly T-Shirts and vests are available in a range of prints and colours like yellow, white and blue. Due out just in time for the summer, this is a must have item for festival goers and fashionistas.

The charity is also set to release their third album this summer entitled ‘Dream Service’ by their band known as the Bottletop band. The band includes all stars like VV Brown, Eliza Doolittle and members of Arctic Monkeys, Super Furry Animals and Babyshambles.



The collection will be available to buy from April for as little as £30. For more information visit their website www.bottletop.org.