2 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Ana Sekularac

Ana Sekularac

What is your profession?
Fashion Designer.

Who are your clients?
Women of all ages, from all over the world, beautiful, strong and intelligent. Boutiques around the world and in particular Harrods who have been supporting my work since the very beginning.

What does LFW mean to you, your clients and how do you prepare for it?
LFW is like one big meeting place where everybody comes together twice a year, a playground for designers, press and buyers. I prepare my collection well in time, organise the presentation and then I can be relaxed and enjoy, that is the most important.  


What does your LFW schedule look like?
In the run up to LFW I am busy with preparations for the presentation of my new Spring Summer 2011 collection. We just finished shooting the movie ‘The Journey’ and we will be holding a a film screening on Friday 17 SEP 2010. After that it is all about meetings with the press and buyers,which is actually always lovely.

What is your favourite moment in a LFW day?
The presentation of my new collection, meeting everybody and my coffee break

And trend wise what are you looking out for during LFW S/S 11 ?
Shades of White.

3 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Efi

Efi Davies

What is your profession?
I am an International Artistic Director for TONI&GUY.

Who are your clients?
They really vary, from the creative world of ‘Fashion’, to my regular and loyal clientele in our Covent Garden salon.  


What does LFW mean to you, your clients and how do you prepare for it?
I get very inspired working alongside amazing and talented people that produce creative images and I am honoured to be part of it. My clients really appreciate my understanding of future trends and the preparation that goes into it.

Efi backstage at the Giles Paris Fashion Show

What does your LFW schedule look like?
Hectic as always, I just arrived back from New York Fashion Week and I am straight back into hair tests for other designers. I start with a pre fashion week show on Thursday for Triumph and then roughly two shows a day until next Wednesday, then a shoot on the Friday – wish me luck!

What is your favourite moment in a LFW day?
Show time! When I watch the models coming down the catwalk. Oh and of course the after parties, you definitely deserve and need a drink at the end of the day.

And trend wise what are you looking out for during LFW S/S 11 ?
Playful textures, clean shapes with a kind of distraught feel about them.

4 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Jodie Ball

What is your profession?
I am the Fashion Editor here at trend-forecasting company WGSN. I'm responsible for writing daily collection reviews from the big four fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Post-fashion week, I work on our close-to-season trend analysis, covering apparel and accessories. I work on the city-specific trend reports, colour and fabric directions, and key item analysis.  

Who are your clients?
Our clients range from high fashion big-wigs such as Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein, to high street brands such as Topshop and Gap. But even non-fashion powerhouses such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson subscribe to our trends service. What colour will YOUR next mobile phone be? It seems everyone needs WGSN in their life.  

What does LFW mean to you and how do your prepare for it?
Well, my job centres on covering the big four international fashion weeks and I travel to Milan and Paris each season. London Fashion Week is like a pre-cursor! It's easier to manage LFW because it's on home turf and I can get from one side of the city to the other in the blink of an eye (and the screech of a black cab) which really helps when the show schedule is super jam-packed. You can't prepare yourself mentally for the strain of fashion week - there's no Nintendo brain training for trying to remember which velvet shirt you saw at which show on which day! The only preparation I do these days is work out my wardrobe.  

5 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Courtney Blackman

Courtney Blackman MD Forward PR & Co-Founder of FBC

What is your profession?
Well, first and foremost I am the founder & managing director of Forward PR, I’m the co-founder & co-chair of Fashion Business Club & executive producer of FBCtv, and I sit on the board of the Ethical Fashion Forum.


Who are your clients?
Forward PR looks after a varied gamut of fashion clients that range from ongoing long-term monthly clients to short-term project based ventures: -Art of Being by Elizabeth Emanuel – iconic British designer to Princess Diana returning to London Fashion Week with a Little Black Dress collection. - Beautiful Soul – upcyclers of vintage kimonos into multi-functional dresses, skirts, tops and outerwear. Sold at the V&A. -Drapers Fashion Summit 2010 – two-day event providing comprehensive and exclusive insight from top industry leaders within fashion. FASHION.MUSIC.STYLE – London-based, globally distributed fashion and indie music magazine. - Prophetik – sustainable men’s and womenswear label from Tennessee, designed by Jeff Garner. - Magenta 8 – specialise in coats, capes, jackets, boleros in baby alpaca. Rebekah Roy – renowned fashion and celebrity stylist working across fashion, music, editorial and television. - Sapphires Model Management – ethically focused and award-winning model agency based in Soho. - S.C. Vizcarra – 85-year-old luxury, hand-woven handbag label managed and designed by London- based Rita Nazareno. - WGSN Global Fashion Awards - the first awards to recognise innovation in fashion across all disciplines from around the world.

6 Days to LFW: F&S speak to In-House fashion insider Jojo Provatidou

What is your profession? 

Foremost, I am the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Fox&Squirrel. Besides the everyday running of the company I am responsible for our personal styling sessions and alongside fashion photographers Venetia Alkema and Lefteris Pr I produce Fox&Squirrel's fashion reports. I am also the Events' Manager of Schon! Magazine here in London and contributing assistant stylist for >bmm Magazine in Milan.

Who are your clients? 

My clients at Fox&Squirrel vary from young creatives that come to London to study or for leisure to fashion conscious professionals that need to catch up with the latest trends and don't have the time, the patience or the means to do so by themselves. It is a great process as I get to meet so many interesting individuals, and because London is forever evolving I keep on discovering so many new places. 

7 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Choolips

What is your profession? 
Designer & Founder @Choolips 


Who are your clients? 
asos.com and boutiques 


What does LFW mean to you and how do your prepare for it? 
In terms of seeing shows I select which ones I would like to attend, but in the end its all about having a bit of spontaneity to it too. As far as Choolips is concerned everything is prepared months before so I guess LFW is the time to have a bit of fun while working. 


What does your LFW schedule look like? 
We will be opening Choolips' Showroom. Much looking forward to that! Otherwise I will be attending the YCFE - Young Creative Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year/British Council awards ceremony, Esthetica and few select shows as time is tight. 


What is your favourite moment in a LFW day? 
When I discover pieces where I can see that the designer has worn his heart at his sleeve, pieces that really speak a truth. 


And trend- wise what are you looking out for during LFW S/S 11? 
I will keep my eyes out for surprises and for hints of something that gives a future glimmer amongst the audiences as much as the shows.

8 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Leila

What is your profession?

I'm the Fashion Editor for Who's Jack magazine.


Who are your readers?
We have a great relationship with our readers, typically 18 to 30 year old creative professionals, interested in all aspects of fashion, music, art and life. I generally cater for readers with a high street budget but with a strong interest in trends and designer fashion, which is a great challenge for me to unearth quality style for budget prices.

9 Days to LFW: F&S speak to fashion insider Ioannis Dimitrousis

What is your profession?
Foremost I am a Fashion designer/ Creative director for ioannisdimitrousis, but I am also a stylist for several magazines and I do some fashion consultancy as well.

A dedication to Knitwear

With knitwear set to grace boulevards, avenues and streets Fox&Squirrel hunted down Alex Feechan, designer for the 'about-to-launch' knitwear brand Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio. We leave you with the interview. To accompany Alex's answers Jojo, Fox&Squirrel's in-house stylist, has selected images of her favourite Clan Douglas designs.

Space In Between present INTER-ALTER

Space In Between present an exhibition of work by contemporary artists and designers - exploring the boundaries between the two practices - as part of London Design Festival 2010.

Natasha Hoare on Yi Zhou @ Hoxton Square

There is something strange going on in Hoxton Square. No, not the emergence of actual grass. No, not a badminton tournament. Rather the beer sodden square is playing host to a small cinema screen with strange wailing and chopping noises emanating from speakers. The reason for this interesting intrusion, which follows that of sculptor Marc Quinn for White Cube, is that chinese, multi media artist Yi Zhou is in town. Thanks to 20 Hoxton Square, her unique, witty and haunting films, which blend 3-D amimation, Illustration and film, are being shown both in the gallery and the scrubby environs of the square.

Rodrigo Passos De Guimaraens

With just a little over a month for the launch of Fashion Weeks Fox& Squirrel thought it would be ideal to start getting you in the mood. We leave you with a film made by a dear Brazilian friend Rodrigo capturing all the the preps before a fashion show in Brazil, undeniably an emerging fashion destination.

Penelope Sacorafou on FBC event featuring Michael Herz & Edward Enninful

Michael Herz interviewing Edward Enninful

Though I have always written with pride about Fox& Squirrel's activities this time I write with butterflies in my stomach too! JoJo and I have just come back from an inspiring event organised by FBC featuring Michael Herz, creative director of Bally and Edward Enninful, one of the world's most sought after stylists and creative director of i-D Magazine. The interview was incredibly inspiring. There was an additional twist to the whole event too  as Fox& Squirrel's photographer Venetia Van Hoorn Alkema was appointed FBC's guest photographer!So a very big congratulations to her too.
I leave you with the story that was the FBC event featuring Michael Herz and Edward Enninful accompanied by some of Venetia's pictures.

'In Her Shoes Again', 'Tell No-One Boutique', 1 Kingsland Rd

A welcome transfer from the hallowed halls of Liberty to the slightly grubbier banks of Kingsland Road, In Her Shoes is a witty and eye catching show of illustrations and products from the fair hand of young illustrator Daisy de Villeneuve.

Her illustrations are deceptively simple graphic representations of all the things that make the world a little bit more stylish. From shoes, dresses and hats, to perfume bottles and portraits, these images document the artist’s belongings, obsessions, friends and fashions.

Her thickly outlined paintings convey a child-like naivety and acute sense of colour and pattern which render her work sweetly disarming.The boutique Tell No-One which hosts the show in the perfect venue for this plethora of homage’s to the material and bonus features include her range of scented candles and notepads. Fashion fans take a peek; Daisy’s hand-made aesthetic of cute will go a long way.

This blog post was written by Natasha Hoare for Fox&Squirrel.

Natasha Hoare on Alice Neel Exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery

The Whitechapel Gallery’s new show of the paintings by Alice Neel struck me as a slightly strange choice of show for a gallery with such a forward thrusting curatorial line. Her figurative oil paintings from the 1930’s – 1980’s stand outside of mainstream art history and criticism. Whilst the big American muscle of her heyday in the 1950’s was in Abstract Expressionism, she was producing a stream of portraits of the cerebral celebrities of her day. Coming so soon after their Elizabeth Payton show, in which wistful watercolours of Jarvis Cocker et al adorned their walls, I wondered if the Whitechapel hadn’t come over all celebrity worshipful.

I am extremely glad, however, that they have decided to give this travelling show a European home. Fresh from exhibition in Huston, Alice’s paintings are beautifully wrought canvas’s which tell the story of the past 100 years of American domestic culture. From labour movements, to Harlem, the Upper East Side and the domestic space, each reveals the turmoil, strain and joy of the times with an honesty and directness. Their lightness of touch and deftness of form is testimony to her incredibly individual and developed painterly skill. Each figure is a transient and immediate rendering of the inner psychology of the sitter – she never sketched or prepared her images, instead marking straight onto the canvas the blue outlines of the figures.

Sunci's Diary Post No2

Whilst Kastel awaits the arrival of Ben Moore, of Art Below, we at the exchange are entangled in a thought provoking mission. My artist visitors and fellow 'exchangees' are preparing an installation in the centre of our village. I cannot spill many details on this other than it includes an effigy of the Virgin Mary and an animal. Now bearing in mind that this is an exceptionally Catholic town, our installation is bound to cause an out roar even from the laziest of laymen who barely open both of their eyes. To think that such an installation would go unnoticed in multicultural London; here I hope the reaction to be a real kick.

Other news on my artist residency exchange programme includes a visit from four Asian lady artists, the first Asians to ever visit Kastel! My dames include a film maker- photographer from Taiwan, Monica Sun, and three Korean post grad studends from Goldsmiths. PR Jihyun Lee, theatre director Kyung Min, and producer Min Son were quickly inspired by Kastel and were more than keen to share their expertise with me on ways that Kastel could become a European cultural hub. My guests fell in love with a little amphitheatre, built in the 70s, that has never been used. Its character is remarkable. It comprises of a ceiling that is 70 meters high, a 50 meter long stage and auditoriums both north and south of the stage. Just like many things in Croatia, the amphitheatre has fallen victim of political spite! But these days are over and my Asian visitors are already proposing plans to bring it to life.

Another development in Sunci’s Exchange programme includes the first ever proscenium arch theatre built in Europe by the Venetians. This is located on the island of Hvar, south of Split. The theatre houses a youth centre, DOM MLADIH, and a beautiful gallery that holds art shows. Sunci’s residency exchange is now in talks with the institution. DOM MLADIH plays house to number of cultural events, including the Split Festival of New Film, which is also the oldest film festival in Croatia. The festival receives thousands of applications and and selects about 100 to screen during September. This year its the festivals 15th year running and my Korean ladies have decided to volunteer for which. All film lovers out if you are interested in volunteering get in touch with me.

And finally, in a real Sunci fashion I organised a big dinner for my guests. Food is always the best way to immerse oneself in a new culture. I hired a fisherman who went out to sea and caught kilos of fish for us. We cooked these on a fire and sat by the sea. Friends came round bearing wine (the essential!) Passer bys gathered around, boys showed off their guitar skills and charmed my guests with these. It did not take long to start dancing about.The highlight of the evening was the exposure of a real cultural difference between Croatian and Korean lifestyle. My Korean friends were slightly bamboozeled by 'swimming', an activity that is held on a par with liberation in Croatia. According to my guests much of the Korean coast is fenced off and strictly guarded. I await my next guest shortly and will update you with all the news from that exchange. In the meantime keep dancing, singing, eating and drinking!

Where Beats This Human Heart

The art scene in East London is often referred to as underground, suggesting its young and non-commercial nature. This week art in the East End was literally taken underground when the dynamic curatorial trio 'Space In Between' hosted its latest exhibition,'Where Beats This Human Heart,' in a WWII bunker.

It is unbelievable how a space such as this has remained undiscovered for so long. My fascination to experience a true bunker made me wonder whether, unavoidably, the sheer magnitude of it would over power the art work that I had initially been invited to see.

I was quickly assured that was not the case.And, surely 'Where Beats This Human Heart' was a prime example of how art and architecture challenge one another, and, how in this polemic relationship absolute harmony can also be established.

I leave you with some images that capturthe exhibition's highlights.

Middlesex University at Free Range Day 2

Venetia confirmed her attendance early in the morning. Professional photos are available for Middlesex University Fashion Show, we are sure that just like us you are relieved to find this out! The show was delayed by about an hour, most frustrating but definitely worth the wait.

The 2nd day of Free Range fashion show found Fox&Squirrel disagree on several collections. We have summed up our opinions here for you.

Squirrel thought highly of Katrina Ferrari's collection. She thoroughly enjoyed the layering of the clothes and the delicate detailed finishing touches. Squirrel also enjoyed the combination of jersey and chiffon that Katrina used. Fox on the other hand could not see past the navy blue and black colour combination...

Charly Jacobs, has unfortunately a name to live up to. His efforts definitely paid off. Though we think metallic leggings should no longer be used to compose a certain look we adored his structured designs and his combination of linen and chiffon. We are fans of linen, particularly in the summer.

Lucy Kennedy, undoubtedly put the best show on, or at least Fox thought so. Her pieces were well accessorised and a story definitely unfolded on the catwalk. Know it all Squirrel thought her designs were too influenced by Christopher Kane and Balenciaga.

The menswear as a whole stole the show the second day at Free Range. Fox&Squirrel agreed on the loose skinny velvet trousers created by Rachel Tyler. We also loved the olive green colour she used. Hannah Ellis maintained the high standard of menswear. Pastel colours dominated her colour palette. Her collection will appeal to Ivy league preppy cool boys- admit it you all love them!

Claudia McIntosh was our final favourite menswear designer. We adored her suede track suits and thick cotton sweat-shirts. She definitely one that Nike or Adidas should snap up for her street wear collection. 

On a closing note we would love to request a pair of Zainab Vandu - Chikolo's knitwear. Thick knits in pastel colours. We loved how she combined them with fluo orange leggings and African print shorts.

So here is who you should keep an eye out for!

All images were taken by Venetia Van Hoorn Alkema. Copying images without the permission of Fox&Squirrel is strictly prohibited.

Winchester School of Art at Free Range

Our bad luck persisted today as both Fox&Squirrel photographers were unable to accompany us to Winchester School of Art fashion show at Free Range. We equipped ourselves with a little Nikon and managed to snap some pics for you guys. As Fox&Squirrel were seated front row we were able to avoid getting the back of people's heads into any images! Arriving at Free Range we were greeted with yummy passion fruit cocktails, if that was not enough we were also served delicious canapés. You know you are going to see a good show when you are greeted in this manner!
Samantha Bushell opened the show with her ethno inspired knitwear. Her designs were big and bulky, whilst the dominant colours were yellows, reds and blacks. Opening the show was not Samantha's only triumph of the day she was also awarded best knitwear of the year. At stark contrast Jun Wu's urban dandies followed Samantha's ethnos. Ironically, Fox& Squirrel especially loved his fur rabbit gillet and the usage of suede shoes to accompany his suits. As the urban dandies left the catwalk Nathalie Coote's models graced the catwalk.
We were fond of the feather details that adorned the shoulders of her cropped jackets. Though today's great weather forbade us to think of winter wardrobes we could not help but drool over Wai Yung Lau's black chiffon pleated capes. Very Scottish Widow like- that is an air of mystery!
We were quickly reminded that summer was here with Gemma Landing's use of pastel coloured linen creations. We loved her high waist trousers and linen tops. Exquisite high waist trousers were also produced by Virginia Handley. We loved the pleated detail around the waist. Her suede high waist shorts did it for us so we nominated her as our favourite designer of the show.
On a closing note Fox&Squirrel would like to congratulate Lisa Jordan for pushing down the catwalk a properly completed collection. Well accessorised and her story, theme and subject were evident. There was a start and a finish to it.

                                                    

Images taken by Fox&Squirrel. Copying these without the permission of Fox&Squirrel is strictly prohibited.
Please read from left to right:
Virginia Handley, Gemma Landing, Jun Wu, Lisa Jordan,Virginia Handley, Jun Wu, Wai Yung Lai.

WilliamVintage & his sale!

On the 25th of May we were invited to attend a vintage sale organised by William Banks- Blaney for WilliamVintage. William's event was unlike any other vintage sale we have been to. Housed in a beautiful 18th century mansion that overlooks Fitzroy square William set up rails of beautiful haute couture vintage clothes transporting us to bygone eras. William guided us through his self made maze telling us the history of the gowns and their designers.
Available to buy were Oscar De La Renta gowns when he was still junior designer for Jane Derby, designs by Simonetta & Fabieni, Richard Tam a designer of the late 1950s who dressed Jacqui O and Pat Nixon and the list really goes on and on. We had our little camera with us and here are some of the dresses we fell in love with.