Munib’s – diary

 

Emure Womenswear by Munib Ur-Rehman.

 

Diary – Part Deux!

 

Well guys here we are after seven mild, rainy, and sunny days, and all this happened in a week, wow, British weather turns out more varying styles than the amount of times we blink! Ok that’s an exaggeration, but it was worth a shot.

 

  

So this week I was glued to the US Open Tennis, and the Williams sisters are mixing boho with tennis wear. What is going on? Is boho going to be with us for a while yet? Venus Williams was sporting beaded jewellery and over sized ethnic earrings whilst playing tennis, and the way both the sisters hit the ball it makes me wonder if all we are watching is a high energy fashion show. But you gotta give it to the ladies of tennis, they sure know how to mix sexy sports gear with glamorous jewellery. Guess the headbands and shorts look is out then! We have also this week been inundated with the final test match between England and Australia, and again I think its time they or whoever is responsible spice up cricket gear. Its just white clothing, dodgy trackie bottoms with a voluminous t-shirt. Think they need a Burberry makeover right now!

   

 

It’s vital as a designer to be aware of what’s happening around you. The latest events, music, art, and of course what’s the hottest place in town right now is always fab for inspiration. It always helps to be innovative and unique. Fellow fashionistas as some of you may know that there is hardly any time to party when you have a collection to make and orders to meet. But it’s good to attend a few key events and make good useful contacts. Sometimes it helps to take a break from fashion every now and then, because too much thought process will lead to a creative block, and who has the time to have a creative block, I sure don’t!

  

This week I have been concentrating on my new A/W 05/06 stock and getting it ready for the shop floor. It’s been a busy old week. And the amount of time I’ve spent whizzing around to get the order done is crazy. But I am feeling confident. I had a great summer in terms of sales and success, and I want to build on that. At the moment I am a one man team, but I have a network of people around me to help and aid me in all sections of my business. I have a business manager when I get stuck for financial solutions and also how to fill out the dreaded tax return form. I have my glam squad of stylist/hair/makeup who are amazing, and my manufacturers who are always on hand to help me out. And the LFF are always there when I need advice.

  

My suppliers in general are understanding and easy to negotiate good business with. What’s important here is great communication and mutual respect of each others work. You have to have an open mind and politeness goes a long way. And abit of charisma too! Your suppliers are the backbone of your company, and without them you would have no product to sell to any buyers.

  

My S/S 2006 collection is nearly completed and I can’t wait to unveil it. You will get the exclusive pictures on my official website soon. I enjoy the design process right to the end when I see the finished product. I’ve trained in design and pattern cutting and both of them skills put together makes life a lot easier for me. It’s good to be versatile as a designer. You need to understand garment construction efficiently before you can put together a collection of garments that are beautifully cut.

  

Right now we have New York Fashion Week going on. I’ve already seen some of the collections, and my favourites so far are Nicole Miller and Diana Von Furstenburg. The trend seems to be heading towards a clean, feminine, pretty look, which suits my ‘Emure’ label brilliantly.

  

Diana Von Furstenburg ss 06

 

Kenneth Cole ss 06

 

Marc Jacobs ss 06

 

Sarigueron ss 06

 

United Bamboo ss 06

 

Whilst out and about this week I’ve been focusing and seeing whats happening on the High Street. And exclusively for this article I am going to talk about Menswear. I as a man love to buy appealing, well fitted clothing. I was in Oxford Street the other day and I noted down a few of the trends coming through. Most of the top retailers are going into the biker look with the combination of prep and vibrant prints. There are the usual printed, distressed tops and jeans but I noticed the cowboy look, and the smart suit prep look. I noticed a lot of waistcoats, and this truly inspired me to re-think my A/W 05/06 wardrobe. Velvet, corduroy, pinstripes, cardigans, and heavy sweaters were everywhere. I feel you can have your own individual look if you style it well. The biggest mistake I saw this week was a lady wearing a white sparkly halter neck dress over a cardigan. Maybe she was in between work and club hopping but it looked awful!! It was fashion suicide!!

  

Keep tuned in to further diaries and articles as I am working on some exciting new features which I am doing to help all fellow professionals be more aware about various parts of the fashion and retail industry. So for now I say ciao, aurevoir, and adios. Have a great week!!

 

 

                                  !! TOP FASHION LABELS OF THE WEEK !!

 

1)      Nicole Miller

2)      Diane Von Furstenburg

3)      Temperley

4)      Marc Jacobs

5)      BCBG Max Azria

 

By Munib Ur-Rehman of Emure Womenswear.

www.emurefashion.com. rayemure@yahoo.co.uk.