Isabella Blow and Gerry DeVaux arrived today at the Rumi Bar (Kings Road) to commence the screening process for the Profile 6 applicants…..it’s all systems go for this major fashion event this season. The retailers are arriving tomorrow; House of Fraser, Hobbs, Debenhams and Whistles are bringing both buying and designer teams to review the collections.The final figure for designer applicants was almost 175…..the highest ever for just 80 places. In particular we have had an excellent turnout for menswear this season so many thanks for everyone that has applied. Naturally not all will be selected but then there’s always February 2006 for Profile 7.
Both Isabella and Gerry were delighted today. Isabella commented “I had no idea that any organisation was doing something so worthwhile for the fashion industry – it has my 100% support. Overall the calibre was high and there were some collections that really stood outâ€.
Gerry particularly centred on the menswear designers and said ” It is notoriously difficult to find the right calibre for menswear but there were some Profile 6 designers that have got it just rightâ€.
On Accessories both stated “It was nice to see such a wide variety of talented designers. Accessories should be creative and flamboyant and that’s exactly what we saw todayâ€
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Susanne Tide-Frater (Creative Director), Marigay McKee (General Merchandise Director Fashion and Beauty) and Mark Briggs (Visual Merchandise Display Director) at Harrods with Lord Stone of Blackheath. When we have such support for Profile 6 on 20th and 21st September at Vinopolis is it clear that Profile has really gained momentum this season for all quality retailers looking for new fashion labels. We are delighted that Harrods will be sending a team of buyers and in-house designers to meet the new names of the rising fashion stars.
Vickie Hassett is now a new fashion journalists on FashionCapital…a big welcome. You must read her wonderful articles on: “This season’s must have accessorie, for your pet!” and “Beach Watch 2005”. Please click here to view.
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=4917/
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5016/27/
The new trend boards for Autumn 2006/7 are now underway from our guru Caroline Shaw who has been busy in Hong Kong and China working on next seasons design trends and collections. Caroline has such depth of knowledge on colour, fabric and silhouette – its wonderful to be working together on FashionCapital. Also many thanks here to Trendstop too – we can tell by our stats that the information provided by Jaana Jatyri (MD of Trendstop) is exceptionally well received. We are also delighted that Trendstop will be taking a trade stand at Profile 6 too.
I have been invited to attend an international study tour to Toronto, San Francisco and New York from 1st – 8th October by the London Development Agency. I thought that this could be a good opportunity to invite feedback, response and suggestions from our 70,000 unique users on www.fashioncapital.co.uk. What intervention would you like to see with such international cities? I have provisionally organised a meeting in New York with a fashion company to see if we can organise a UK buying office in New York and we are looking into the viability of a designer exchange programme too….any more ideas??
Finally a big welcome to the new designers on www.fashioncapital.co.uk boutique. Romain kapadia and Urbanknit. This is excellent timing as www.fashioncapital.co.uk will be on a plasma screen showcasing the designers at the Profile 6 event. I know that there are approximately 45 other designers who are finishing off their boutiques ready to go live…sooner the better and maximise your publicity at the Profile event.
The count down for Profile is well and truly on. Make sure you reserve you tickets now for the two day trade event that has all the latest hot designers that are at the very cutting edge of fashion. Click here to register on line.
http://www.lffonline.com/Profile/Profile6/Profile6PreRegForm.htm
Please remember that entrance to the Gala event and aftershow party 8 pm on Wendesday 21st September is strictly by invitation only and only ticket holders will be permitted access.
See you there!
Until next week.
Jenny Holloway
Industry Advisor
