Half term last week so sorry there was no newswire sent out last week. Actually I did try to assemble a newswire – they take longer than you think – but it was either saving the three legged cat from becoming a two legged cat with the dog smiling menacingly (and three boys whooping with delight) or a newswire….I hope you understand!

The saying goes that a week in politics is a long time but that’s nothing compared to www.fashioncapital.co.uk and the LFF!  Daily our work changes at a dramatic rate. It goes without saying that we were all upset about the LFF Bluewater boutique closing. This was a project that was set for three months but it became so successful it remained open for almost 12 months. At its close on 31st October there were over 40 designers showcasing their work. Regrettably £11,000 a month business rates payable on the unit was just too much – it’s a ridiculous sum to pay and part explains why the high street is dominated by the big retail players. Again, can I just reiterate and sincerely thank the Bluewater sales team Nalini the Manager and the rest of the staff, Ruth, Claire and Melvine for their expertise and dedication in making the boutique such a success.

Nalini

There appears to be a public backlash against the retail giants with stories such as the Women’s Institute voting to support local businesses and embargo the out-of-town sites now emerging. This week, John Caldow refused to let Tescos’ articulated lorries rumble by his house every day so he sat outside on a chair, in the middle of the road, with a cup of tea! There’s that British spirit for you! Only two weeks ago FashionCapital reported on the homogenous UK high street with it’s Store Bores article…click here to read the full article:

https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5193/27/

Other news now; we have our first designer exchange link under way with Netherlands. Diagonal Design an established quality knitwear label managed by Paul H.L. Slangen is now being networked with Anuk Harvey who produces outstanding designer knitwear.

We are now just waiting on Jochem Geheniau, who is sifting through the other designers that have applied, including Rebel Dogg, to ensure that we match the designers carefully. What other initiative could offer such a cost effective method of entering into an overseas market such as Netherlands? It’s just great when a project comes together.

More International news. We have also linked up with Toronto Fashion Incubator and Susan Langdon and we are hoping to set up a similar networking experience with Toronto. In addition the 250 members of the Toronto unit will soon be showcasing their work on FashionCapital too. For further reading about TFI please click here

https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5216/27/

And the final piece from international shoes is from Singapore. We are pleased to confirm that Hywel Davies has been promoted to Programme Leader – Fashion Design at Lasalle-Sia College of the Arts in Singapore.  Hywel will soon be reporting live from Singapore on Fashion trends so keep your eyes peeled.

The FashionCapital remit is also about education and learning and we are delighted to be starting our new six weeks intensive Delivery Day with Langley Park School for Boys today. Thanks to teacher Ellie Miles who has been co-ordinating the course. We have had to modify the concept of Delivery day to this outstanding secondary school which will also incorporate an overview of how to make a garment. This will incorporate guest speaker Mel Everett (free lance pattern cutter, grader and lecturer) to work with the 30 students and provide one pattern for both ladieswear and menswear to make a finished garment. Also Melenka and Me will be providing an overview of “How to be a successful designer” and thanks also to Julie Anna Designs for allowing the students to attend a manufacturing unit. Click here for a full report on the new initiative.

https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5214/27/

We have been working with the Mayors office on the Kulture2couture fashion event on Saturday 26^th – Sunday 27th at St. Olave’s College Building, Tooley Street, London SE1. This is a new event on the fashion calendar so please make sure you mark your diaries to attend. www.kulture2couture.com

Stéphanie Coudert
Défilé Haute Couture Automne Hiver 2004/2005

    
And finally a quick update from Profile 6….congratulations to Hunki Dori who secured £40,000 worth of business…that is amazing. Rufus are now in talks with Adidas (can you imagine how huge this could be) and Isis Cashmere also received substantial orders. As time has elapsed more and more designers have had orders confirmed and networked with contacts. Full credit to the talents of the designers themselves.

Rufus Profile 6

Until next week