fashion garden – diary

Hi Everyone,

 

Well, it’s finally over! We can’t believe it happened and all finished. We are still in the process of thanking all those involved and clearing up problems. However, we have learnt that fashion shows are a lot of stress and hard work, but definitely worth it! Oh, and we have also learnt the hassle of driving in central London…Hayley!! I think we were mad for doing so much in a team of two, but we also couldn’t have done it with out the support from all the organisations, LFF and our fantastic volunteers.  Special thanks to Bianca Anderson, who was our third hand for the days leading up to the event.

 

05/05/05 was manic for us. We arrived at Kingly Court at 8 am, so see that already our lighting and sound guys had arrived and put up the lights for the show. Next was the catwalk setup and access to the backstage area, held in the fab Bar Umbaba, Ganton Street (well worth a visit). Unfortunately the first problem we had to deal with was the stage, it was originally far too long, but that was resolved soon enough ready for rehersals.

 

 

The exhibition opened at 11 am to Kingly Court visitors. Decked out in beautiful pastel accessories and antique style furniture from The Pier, the room looked incredibly welcoming and perfect for chilling out and admiring the work from six of our designers.

 

Setting up the venue, was an event in itself! Once we had transferred the wonderful plants and outdoor accessories from Homebase into the courtyard, we had to empty the building from tourists and budding shoppers, as the event was ticketed! People arrived early unexpectedly at 6 pm while we were still setting up the press bar! Our helpers were fantastic though and did a great job at ensuring that hospitality was maintained and all were having a great time.

 

 

The exhibition was opened to the press and the guests at 7 pm, an hour later than planed. Daisy De Villeneuve was fab, and did a great job of cutting the ribbon to the flash of cameras. Next door to our exhibition was the Levi’s accessories and footwear exhibition, displaying fantastic photography from LCF students who used Levis’ autumn/winter Midsummer Nights Dream theme into their work. This was where the second bar was held and created a great ambience for spring celebrations.

 

Backstage was buzzing with the sounds of frantic designers, hairdryers, excited models and panicking organisers. Luckily second year Fashion Studies students from the Arts Institute at Bournemouth took over the control of the area and did a great job of making sure the models were on the stage in time. The models looked fantastic, with amazing hairstyles from Toni & Guy and natural, but effective make up, designed by the LCF.

 

The show started at 7.30pm with a collection from Nino Nou, the crowds were enthralled throughout and the atmosphere was alive with glasses clanging, chatting and funky sounds from the stage.  The show ended with a prize draw with prizes from a selection of outlets in Kingly Court, who very kindly donated gifts and vouchers. An appearance on the catwalk was made by Hayley and I (cringe!), unfortunately though, we were not looking as glamorous or gorgeous as the other girls!!

 

 

Have a look out on the Fashion Capital site for a full event write up. Also please check out the event photographs captured by Elisenda Russell, one of our Fashion Photographers featured in the Fashion Garden exhibition. 

 

It has been a fantastic experience for us both and we have fully appreciated the LFF support and all of those who have contacted us through the various websites and following our diary. We have been asked when the next ‘Fashion Garden’ will be already. We would love to do it again, and are looking into the possibilities of future appearances in the fashion calendar. Please keep a look out!

 

Hayley and I are both graduating in July and looking forward to working together to complete future Fashion and PR events. We currently have a few events lined up for organisations as a result of Fashion Garden. Our dream is to eventually start up our own PR and Event Company specialising in Fashion Events. So hopefully this will not be the last you hear of us.

 

Thanks again

 

Sarah and Hayley xxx

 

P.S Our email is still active, should you wish to let us know your opinions and thoughts on the event.