Profile 3
09-11-2024
Held at the Lawrence Building at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London, on the 24th March, Profile 3 showcased the latest collections from 79 talented designers. And it wasn’t all just about womenswear, this season the event also incorporated Well Fit Menswear and the Necessary Accessory show.
The Profile event combines a static exhibition with stunning catwalk shows, plus a competition. The prize: selling space in a leading department store – a valuable kick-start to any designers’ career. House of Fraser has supported Profile since the beginning and offers selling space to one lucky womenswear designer. House of Fraser is Britain’s leading retailer in designer brands and recognises the importance of new talent. “We like to develop a relationship that lasts with our designers,” commented Amanda Burrows from the House of Fraser.
Debenhams, who are new to the event, also offered one designer in-store selling space this time in the arena of menswear. Kerry Johnstone, Menswear Design Manager from Debenhams said, “It’s the first time we’ve worked with Profile and it’s events like these that act as a spring board to success for many talented individuals.”
Shortlist of designers that appeared on the Profile catwalk:
F-risk takes denim and smartens it up with clean lines and a tailored fit. This season the collection focuses on dark tough denims that feature pinstripes, stitching details and unique design touches.www.f-riskjeans.com
Daniela Benson presented a distinctive and eclectic collection with lashings of feminine touches. Embroidered flowers adorn tweed bias cut skirts, delicate lace – covers blouses and appears under skirts, while chunky knits and sheepskin add that cosy touchy-feely factor. And all in hues of raspberry, deep pink, red check and lime.
Emmy Kathy-Collins designs pieces that have a relaxed, casual feel with a nod towards 70’s retro and ethnic culture. Caftan open necklines add a casual air to fitted floral shirts, while side zips offer ease and a slight flare to casual smart trousers. It’s Lenny Kravitz meets confident chilled out style.
Elizabeth Lau combines ladylike glamour with an Oriental twist. Consisting mostly of garments that will dress you in an instant, there’s: shirt dresses in beautiful silks, flattering wrap-over dresses, coat dresses with Peter Pan collars, plus slinky black contemporary dresses that will take you well into the night.
www.elizabethlau.com
To Die For showed a range of casual separates aimed at young fashion conscious men. Hoodies, 70’s style zip-up cardi’s, plain casual jeans, long scarves and cosy winter jackets were all layered up resulting in an overall look that’s individual as well as practical.
www.sophiainternational.co.uk
Dewk Boadaciea contrasted soft feminine shapes with sharper more tailored pieces. Drop-waisted dresses, fit and frill skirts and gathered blouson tops are combined with more structured jackets and blouses. Prints are delicate and subtle and the palette pale and neutral, bar the odd addition of black.
www.dewkboadicea.com
Ocha & Garth is all about country gent meets city slick. Ocha & Garth combine a variety of fabrics to create distinctive jackets and coats that were worn over open shirts, printed Tee’s and casual trousers, in tones of moss, khaki, grey and black. Finish the look off with a knotted scarf, reed print bag and jaunty hat and you have a style that marries the traditional with the modern.
www.ochaandgarth.com
Top Tottie is unashamedly about sex and seduction. Mini dresses nipped in at the waist, Juliet sleeved jackets, oversized bows and sheaths of lace arrive in simple black tones. It’s curve enhancing, confident and sexy with a touch of naughty humour thrown in.
Gresham Blake specializes in tailoring with a strong British slant. Pinstripes and fine checks appear on 2 & 3 piece single-breasted suits. Cuts are contemporary and sleek, while contrasting shirts and ties complete the Gresham Blake look.
Dragana creates elegant feminine lines in luxurious fabrics. You’ll find – neat black skirt suits, cropped trousers, opulent silk dresses and smart matching overcoats. Along with details such as pleats, square necklines, scooped backs, lacy embellishments and oversized sequins.
www.draganaperisic.com
Screw You takes regular streetwear favourites like the long sleeved t-shirt and injects some serious attitude. Handprints and applied crystals shout out slogans such as ‘Screw You’ and ‘Bad’ while graphics appear in the shape and form of a revolver print.
www.screwyou.me.uk
Julie Burube takes inspiration from fairies and medieval heroes in this collection entitled Autumn Rapture. Delicate silk dresses arrive in berry tones, while fleecy belted wraps give a real woodland feel. The theme is subtle with a modern, wearable slant.
www.julieberube.com
Carlo Pagnetelli designs classic suits and contemporary coats for men. Pagnetelli pieces include – printed shirts, quality clean-cut suits and tough bomber jackets in a palette of dark muted tones.
www.bv.labels.com
Eve presented a pure white collection with striking flashes of crimson. The female form was wrapped in silky and transparent layers. Pieces included – cowl necked dresses, blouses complete with ruffles and lantern sleeves and a very dramatic full-length hooded coat.
And the lucky winners of Profile 3 are:
Announcing the winner of the womenswear category Amanda Burrows from the House of Fraser said, “Everyone is a winner here today. We unfortunately have to choose one winner, one designer that will fill a niche in our store.”
Elizabeth Lau was named and congratulated and her collection will soon be available to buy from the City Branch of House of Fraser.
Kerry Johnstone from Debenhams followed by announcing the winning menswear collection: Ocha & Garth who will also get the opportunity to sell their collection in a leading London store.
Congratulations to the winners and every success to all the designers that took part.
JoJo Iles