Profile Round 7

{mosimage}Welcoming this seasons catwalk designers to the stage was Gigi Morley, the accessory loving TV Presenter had cut short her own birthday celebrations to ensure the 7th instalment of Profile went without a hitch. (Plus the opportunity to check out some unique and desirable designs proved quite a pull!)

Once again, Profile was supported by four key retailers: House of Fraser, Debenhams, Hobbs and Whistles. All of which put their money where their mouth is – so to speak – by offering winning designers retail space within their stores.

Katherine Bird, last season’s accessory winner is about to have a selection of her spring designs unveiled to the British buying public via Hobbs. She said of Profile: “I would recommend Profile to other designers as I think it is a brilliant platform for new designers.”

Profile 7, meanwhile, attracted an array of glittering gala guests, including the likes of Lord Stone who promptly invited compere Gigi over to the House of Lords for afternoon tea! On with the show and it was drama and excitement all the way with twelve distinctive designers bringing their very latest creations to life.

Highlights included an elegant take on vintage silhouettes by Haunt, paired with, I must add, some rather fabulous shoes by Stuart Wiseman. Smooth 70s players, think Shaft meets Lenny Kravitz, by Emmy Collins and sleek, contemporary chic fashioned into halterneck dresses and backless shirts by Kalika’s Aarmour.

Profile 7 Competition Winners:

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House of Fraser Womenswear Award presented by Helen Wooley: Haunt

Debenhams Menswear Award presented by Jonathan Lovett: British Eccentric

Hobbs Accessory Award presented by Nick Samuel: Cheet

Whistles New Designer Award presented by Virginia James: Britta Boyer

 

 

    

Comments from the retailers and winners were as enthusiastic as ever from: “It has been fantastic to see Profile grow, we chose our winner for their great mix of commercialism and creativity,” said Helen Wooley from House of Fraser. To – “long may Profile continue,” from Debenhams winner British Eccentric.

Of course Profile wouldn’t be Profile without a few words from Director and Chair – David Jones. “That was a great job well done. I am standing here for the 7th time and that’s all due to the quality and enthusiasm of all the designers.” And after he thanked all involved David concluded with a strict instruction to “go party,” well – it would be rude not to!

Profile 7 Gala Show & Awards was held on 13/02/2006 at Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street, London E1.

By JoJo Iles