Review: FashionExpo in Association with Profile Gala Show & Awards

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Yesterday FashionExpo opened its doors for the very first time revealing a unique event that unites designers with production units. Obviously one needs the other and yet for the most part they are viewed as separate entities. Promoting both design and production under one roof not only provides those involved with endless networking opportunities but encourages local sourcing and manufacturing. A positive move in this age of carbon footprint reduction and shorter lead times.

As Wayne Hemingway commented at the gala show: “It is great to see manufacturing in the spotlight.”

 

 

Spread over two days at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the event combined over 60 exhibition stands, with catwalk shows, seminars and workshops from leading industry professionals. The gala show took place Monday night with design guru Wayne Hemingway on the mic and two catwalk presentations from Platform and Profile.

Platform presented creations from nine manufacturers. Showing off their technical skill and ability the participating manufacturers worked closely with in-house and external design teams to present these unique collections.

Meanwhile Profile, now in its 8^th season, highlighted an eclectic mix of up and coming design talent in womenswear, menswear and accessories. Organised by FashionCapital’s sister company Fashion-Enter, Profile is often quoted as an essential platform that bridges the gap between Graduate Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

Particularly strong on the Profile catwalk this season were the accessories. Models innovatively held picture frames around the products showing them off like works of art. And of course there were awards courtesy of the events retail sponsors – Debenhams, Hobbs, Whistles and TopShop.

FashionExpo & Profile Awards 2007…

The Hobbs Award for Accessory Design presented by Nicolas Samuel, Managing Director at Hobbs

Ruthi Orlin (jewellery)

Nicholas added: “Many thanks to Jenny (Holloway) and her team for such a great show.”

The Debenhams Award for Menswear presented by Adam Creasey, Director of Menswear Debenhams

Who Else? Clothing

The Whistles Award for New Designer presented by Amanda Burrows, Brand Director at Whistles
 

“I know we are not supposed to do this but we have a runner-up: Hemyca”

“Over-all winner SugarHill”

The TopShop Award for Most Promising Production Unit presented by Mel Frame, Technical Manager at TopShop
GGS

& The TopShop Award for Product Innovation

Image Studio Productions

Mel commented: "The FashionExpo event was a fantastic forum for networking and building up ideas and this was exactly why TopShop was a participating sponsor."

Hobbs, Debenhams and Whistles will either buy or showcase each winner’s Spring/Summer 08 collection in one of their flagship stores and winning production units will enter further talks with TopShop for possible collaborations.

Well done to all that took part and thanks to City Fringe Partnership, FashionAble, Cutting IT and the London Development Agency for backing FashionExpo & Profile 8.

By JoJo Iles

Images courtesy of Huge PR and Rodney Compton