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Business of Fashion Takes You Behind the Scenes with Natalie Massenet

What was most interesting about seeing Natalie Massenet is her attitude - so many Businesses lose focus about their customers and their employees, focusing instead on their business, their bottom line.
(Patricia) Field project

The latest step towards the democratisation of fashion comes courtesy of Patricia Field. The celebrity stylist to LA’s glitterati and the creative brain behind Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex And The City wardrobe, has developed a 35 piece collection for high street shoppers.
“Drink Me! Eat Me!”

As you can imagine with a name like Alice I grew up in an Alice themed bedroom – I had an Alice dressing up dress even I thought I look like Snow White.
“Finspired”

This week I chatted with my friend Alex Finlay who “Finspired” me with tales of her first Pitti.
12 Degrees of Fashion

Find out more about 12 Degrees, the pop up sustainable fashion exhibition at Eco-Age. Set up by Journalist Lucy Siegle, Designer Orsola de Castro, Ethical Fashion Expert Jocelyn Whipple and Film Producer Livia Firth.
14 ways to promote a new fashion label online

Last week I commended new fashion label e.g. fashion for its blogger focused online marketing strategy. Here are 14 things every new fashion label can do to promote itself online.
200 Independent Stockists - Charming!

An interview with Sue Hadi who is the Marketing Director for Charming. Charming have just launched with their first season (ss10) and have already racked up over 200 independent stockists!
2011 TFN

We look forward to another year of business networking events in Manchester and London.
60’s mod-diva meets drunken soul sailor…

The world was rocked by the death of Amy Winehouse, so tragic and perhaps not so surprising given her well documented struggle with addictions. The desperately skinny and tattoed body, was the unlikely home of a huge and undeniable talent. Amy was a original and I’m truly sorry we will never get to hear her voice again.
A bold move in an unpredictable economy ……

At the early part of this month it was announced that Mango the Spanish retailer has dropped its prices by an average 20% for spring 12 in order to attract shoppers in the tough economic times.
A chemical reaction...

…happened to me as I was browsing CoutureLab last night..
A Fashionable Film

Bruce Weber’s 1988 film ‘Lets Get Lost’ was re-released last week in London.
A global brand for local people

This week we’ll be going live with ‘The Great British Getaway’ a monster global retail/online campaign that spans 10 countries and 25 stores.
A masterclass in cold weather cool

If there was ever a place to research winter fashion trends it is Reykjavik. The Icelandic people have their own brand of cool nailed and I’m not talking Bjork experimental. It is possible to look sexy, hip and stay warm; being Nordic, chiselled and blonde is simply a bonus.
A new meaning to fast fashion

I take the high street for granted. I realised this on a recent trip to Abuja (Nigeria). Whenever I’m in need of an outfit for an impromptu event, I run to my nearest high street, and find something within an hour. That for me, is fast fashion at its finest. In Abuja I observed a different take on fast fashion.
A personal plea to Zara

Zara does not have an online store. Confused? So am I. I’ve never understood how one of the most successful high street retailers has managed to avoid the allure of the internet. They do have a store for their homeware, but offer nothing in the way of clothing.
A transactional website for Primark

H&M and Zara have announced plans to retail online from next year. But what about Primark?
Affiliate Marketing. How does it work?

The London Fashion Network hosted an event aimed at dispelling the myths surrounding Affiliate Marketing in the blogosphere and ecommerce sector.
Ah ah ah ah Staying Alive!

Monday night isn’t ideal for going out, but how could I refuse an invitation to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation charity dinner, at the Westbury Hotel, Mayfair.
Air New Zealand Fashion Week

Air New Zealand Fashion Week will be going ahead this year, despite the tough economic times that we’re facing.
Alice Palmer - The One to Watch

Alice Palmer is the one to watch. Her work is somewhere between Missoni and Issey Miyake. She’s taken knitwear to a whole new level!
All Saints, The fashion retail Tesco of our times

Last week a breakthrough occurred in the fight against All Saints by the Friends of Portobello Market.
All work and all play

With a new Banana Republic store launch in Milan looming and keeping the rest of the portfolio ticking over, of late, it has been very difficult to find the time to network. Last week I carved out two evenings to do just that and cut loose a little.
An Interview with Ada Zanditon

Ada Zanditon is an ethical fashion designer and she’s showing at London Fashion Week. She interned with Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Gareth Pugh before developing her own luxury eco womenswear collection.
An Interview with Jasper Garvida

Jasper Garvida is one of those designers who is kind and gracious. You know he’s going to be around a long time. I recently styled his lookbook, video and his show at On¦Off during London Fashion Week, and had a chance to interview him afterwards:
An interview with Suzannah Crabb

“I really believe in on-line, and am becoming an expert in all aspects of e-tailing.” - Suzannah Crabb
An Interview with Verónica Moncho Lobo

In March of 2011, Verónica Moncho Lobo launched her own boutique in London’s Belgravia on Elizabeth Street . What's next for her?
And it will be a very Happy New Year.....

As January is packed full of events!
Anna Lou of London

An interview with Anna Lou of London, who started selling in Portobello market in 2004, and now has over 200 stockists!
Annoushka Ducas visits Manchester’s to launch new collection into Harvey Nichols.

Last week I joined Annoushka Ducas of Annoushka Jewellery and stylist to the stars Angie Smith for brunch, as they launched their latest collection from Annoushka Jewellery into Harvey Nichols….
Anyone for ... Fashion or Cricket?

One of the pleasures of being part of The Sorority networking club www.thesorority.org is that I get to spend time with some amazing people…enter Ahlya Fateh Managing Director of the British fashion label Tata-Nata www.tatanaka.com.
Arcadia gets bloggers to Beth Ditto Evans party

I have to commend Arcadia Group for embracing bloggers in the Beth Ditto campaign.
Arcadia online – all under one roof?

Could Arcadia one day follow suit with its brands available from one digital offering?
Are newspapers taking online fashion revenue seriously?

Many of our favourite newspapers have recently redesigned their websites, but are they taking the commercial opportunity in online fashion retail seriously?
Are you happy with your e-commerce platform?

Or are you suffering from post traumatic platform selection stress?
Are you the hidden talent in the North or North West?

If you’re doing some amazing work in the world of fashion or retailing in North or North West and would love to be recognised then enter the Fashion Network competition.
As you get older …….

Yes one of the things you learn as you get older is when and where to pick a fight and another is how to do proper research!
Ask The Expert - Send your e-commerce question in today!

The Online Fashion Position has been very quiet of late whilst I take part in Ask The Expert here at Drapers.
Asositis; Excessive preoccupation with acquiring the qualities of ASOS

Swine flu’s out of the headlines, but there’s something else going around in online fashion retail; I’m calling it asositis.
August..shouldn't it have been quiet?

How lovely to be asked to blog for Drapers - my absolute favourite read! I’ll be posting an update every week (and sometimes more often….) but let’s begin with August..shouldn’t it have been quiet?
Australia and New Zealand - a combination to be reckoned with...

Australia and New Zealand teaming up doesn’t happen every day. These days, there is a rivalry between the countries, which can be pretty intense at times, especially when sport is involved. Therefore, it may seem surprising that New Zealand clothing retailer, Max, has formed an alliance with Australian fashion designer, Kirrily Johnston.
Ballet-porn and rock’n’roll

Last week I was reminded of why I love London. This wonderful, cosmopolitan city of cultures and contradictions never allows me to stand still. A couple of highlights from last few days have stayed with me and they couldn’t have been further apart in character.
Barking mad fashion

In the last week I have been bombarded by branded emails, ads and magazine headlines stating that the fringed handbag, the riding boot or anything by Coach is the must have accessory for Fall 08. But if you really want to strut your style in this town your best accessory is a dog, and preferably a well dressed one.
Basso & Brooke, Obama & The Pre-Collection

“Pre-collections are so important to offer the buyers an earlier delivery slot prior to the main collection, we wanted to find a balance between fantasy and reality, it gave us the opportunity to explore a more accessible and easy wardrobe for travel, parties, holidays.” Basso & Brooke
Bath...city of fashion?

When I think of Bath, the following springs to mind: Roman Spa, Georgian buildings, quaint streets, rugby loving Daily Mail readers even.… but not fashion? A recent visit to look at the new Banana Republic store location, allowed me to explore the town to understand where fashion sits on the radar… and to my surprise, it is bang in the middle.
Battle of the blogs…………..

Blogs as I know can be very powerful tools they can take someone from obscurity and turn their life round.
Beautiful and Smart....

Caprice talks to me about her successful lingerie business By Caprice www.caprice-online.com
Behind the scenes ….

my look at what goes on behind the scenes at photolink
Being a good retailer does not make you a brand

Many retailers believe they are brands and many brands work hard at being great retailers. But not everyone gets both right.
Bionda Castana - Luxury Shoes for All Seasons

Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman: “We also offer our buyers a range of 30 different fabrics to choose from when it comes to them buying the collection for the up and coming season. This allows the possibility for our stockists to hold exclusives in various colour ways which gives them all a competitive edge and provides an extensive offering to the final customer.”
Blue Sky Thinking

The EFF are recruiting!
Brands could learn a lot from rock fans' loyalty

Rock fans are some of the most loyal people in the world: they wear the t-shirt of their favourite band with true pride, like a badge of honour.
Britain's got retail talent

It was with trepidation that I went up to my CEO’s (Miles Gray) office after being summoned randomly a few weeks ago. I exhaled a sigh of relief as he explained that he had been asked to sit on the judging panel for the World Retail Congress competition alongside a whole host of industry giants such as Sir Philip Green, Sir Stuart Rose and Terry Green from Tesco.
Can Fur be Friendly?

It was reported in the Independent today that ironically, the rise in popularity of faux fur has boosted the genuine fur industry. The days of pain- throwing PETA protests and supermodel campaigns seem quite distant now. It would appear that wearing fur has become socially acceptable once more.
Carbon Footprint labelling

Today I read about the world’s first carbon footprint labelling system, and it’s really got me thinking, not only about the environment (on a global scale), but also its long term effect on other areas, including the fashion industry.
Cathy, Heathcliff and Karl

Last week I was quite shocked to see the weather turn and switch on a seasonal timer. One minute it was all sunny and summery and then bam, rain, cold wind and it was noticeably dark early on. So tucked up at home listening to the wind howl, I watched the recent ITV adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
Catwalk Genius founder Helen Brown optimistic in credit crunch

Leon Bailey-Green talks to Catwalk Genius founder Helen Brown about the recently re-launched site.
Catwalks, cakes and other tasty things

I love going to fashion shows. I like the people watching, the music, the lights and the moment the first model steps out onto the catwalk. If catwalk shows are for the buyers and the media how are designers communicating with their customers?
Celebrities and fashion

I’ve been thinking about advertising and celebrities lately. Celebrity is so thoroughly integrated into fashion marketing. They are already the face of many designer campaigns, they sit in the front rows of fashion shows and they wear designer dresses on the red carpet.
Celebrities embrace ethical fashion

Maybe it’s the sun, maybe it’s the festivals, or maybe celebrities have hearts after all…either way we are loving the fact that more and more stars are embracing ethical fashion!
Celebrity fashion brands analysing online conversations

There seems to be a new celebrity clothing launch every week, and although we’re told who is selling well, we seem to hear more about who’s fashion range has been ditched.
Changing Times

So it’s all change at Ben Sherman, as the news hit that we are going to have a new CEO next year.
Chantelle Znideric asks Leon Bailey-Green about online fashion in 2009

On his own blog Leon Bailey-Green is interviewed by fashion stylist and blogger Chantelle Znideric about online fashion in 2009.
CK store launch party in Manchester.

With a little help from MFN Ck Calvin Klein throw Manchesters party of the season.....
Claire Russell of Shudoo on starting an online business

Leon Bailey-Green talks to Claire Russell, co-founder of Shudoo.co.uk, the fast growing online shoe store.
Coco avant Chanel - 'Coco before Chanel'

… a movie that captures the life of a legend
Colonial Vogue

All-black Italian Vogue recently came out as a response to the raging debate about racism in the fashion industry. A bit of a token, faddy gesture, but I bought it all the same, wanting to help put to rest those rumours that black model covers don’t sell.
Colour breaking through the rain

The autumn/winter 2011 menswear catwalk shows took place in Milan last week and the Burberry show proved there would soon be colour breaking through the rain, and they meant that literally.
Come and have a go if you think you're stylish enough!

Next week sees the start of a new campaign that we are launching in Ben Sherman stores, the search for a Brand Ambassador. It’s a popular mechanic; lots of brands run model competitions and the search for a new face is not that new an idea. But here at Ben Sherman mansions we didn’t feel it appropriate to seek out another model-type, we needed something more inclusive.
Coming to a town near you

It’s now been two years since we launched London Fashion Network and together with the Manchester side we have covered a great deal of topics and helped lots of people along the way.
Cookie Cutters

Sometimes we all know one size doesn’t fit all and in fashion if that was the case wouldn’t life be simple instead of having to do a range or each style in the most popular sizes.
Copy, the underdog

During my time in marketing I spent a couple of years agency side and one of the things I learnt, amongst others, was just how important words are in marketing.
David Gandy stole the show at OFW !

I was asked to attend Oxford Fashion Week http://oxfordfashionweek.com and be on a panel with Tony Mc Gee, fabulous photographer extra-ordinaire; Dolly Jones, glamourous Editor of vogue.com; fabulous Claire Wilcox, curator at the V&A and finally stunning male model Dolce & Gabbana model David Gandy!
Day 2 in the Big Somerset Hoose

London Fashion Week isn’t just about the big names, it is also a vital for younger smaller designers to network and get noticed by the industry. This year I popped down to check out the stands in Somerset House. As i wandered around, there were a few names that caught my eye.
Dazed & Confused founder Jefferson Hack speaks with the Business of Fashion

Dazed & Confused founder Jefferson Hack speaks with the Business of Fashion
Designer Watch - Nancy Van Ostren

Nancy Van Ostren wanted to be a designer since she was 6. Her influences were Barbarella and Flash Gordon!
Diamonds are at your finger tips..!

I checked out Swarovski’s fantastic Pop Up shop this week and had great fun playing at home…
Did Santa Stop for you …

As a child my mum ran a department store so she was Santa’s boss – you can’t imagine the power this gave me at school!
Digital magazines - an on-line alternative or another step towards our digital future?

Every morning, come rain or shine I check my emails. Time is often a factor, so I’ll usually just scan through the subject headings and decide which ones I HAVE to read now and which ones can wait. This morning I was somewhat stalled, by a heading - ‘Get £10 off with our new digital magazine’.
DisneyRollerGirl talks Galliano.

DisneyRollerGirl gives TFN her take on Gallianos recent troubles…..
Do you suffer from email exhaustion?

Black Friday is looming. For people not familiar with the term, the day falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving (27th of November) and is considered to be the biggest day in American retail.
Don Fisher's Artistic Legacy

When companies decide to give something back to the community, it can come in many guises, but not often as aesthetically and some might say, soulfully uplifting as the Doris and the late Don Fisher, founders of Gap.
Double Denim, I just don’t get it!

I know it’s ‘uber trendy’ right now, but I really think that if it’s going to be done, make sure it’s a black denim top and a blue denim bottom (or vice versa), but never a 2 tone denim blue!!!!
Drapers Inspiring Indies and Stitch A/W Parties.

February was full on for TFN, not only did we have trade shows to visit we also had an array of parties to attend and as always we take partying just as seriously as working…
Elle Collections

I’m always excited to see the new Elle Collections and of course I’m always happy when one of the designers I work with gets a mention in it!
EMU A/W'11 Preview

Last Thursday EMU Australia hosted an evening in Manchester, at the exclusive The Place Hotel and Apartments, to preview their A/W 11 collection….
ETHICAL FASHION FORUM: in Hong Kong for Interstoff

We are the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF), and you will find us here every week discussing the latest news, events, coverage, trends and projects in ethical fashion.
ETHICAL FASHION FORUM: Towards a sustainable future for fashion

We are the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF), and you will find us here every week discussing the latest news, events, coverage, trends and projects in ethical fashion.
F.Tape - Online Fashion Resource

Trying to figure which photographer or stylist for your next look book or campaign can be a difficult task. F.TAPE is fast becoming a one stop shop to fine your Oniline Fashion Resources.
Fashion Art Whatever

If you do one thing this month, go and see the House of Viktor and Rolf at London’s Barbican.
Fashion Democracy

Sometimes you feel like you have the perfect product at the perfect price but none of those elusive prefect customers who will fall in love and buy your dresses, or tops and we all know being a designer or tiny retailer isn’t about the product you have to be Jack or Jill of all trades and do the selling and accounts and PR and it’s just a huge amount to juggle.
Fashion doesn't live here anymore?

Since the early 20th century the neighbourhood located between Fifth and Ninth Avenues and 34th to 42nd Street has been know as NY’s Garment district, the centre for fashion design and manufacturing in the USA.
Fashion has gone Thigh High and it’s time to Re-Boot!

Vogues Fashion’s Night Out last week showed us the way. We were thigh deep in the newest trend with Posh in New York wearing the extreme boot version whilst in London we shopped until we dropped for those more modest thigh highs!
Five minutes with designer Eudon Choi

The British Fashion Council and ELLE Magazine Talent Launch Pad winner Eudon Choi talks to myself and MFNs Jordan McDowell on how The Launch Pad is helping further her career.
Five minutes with Holly Fulton

The British Fashion Council and ELLE Magazine launched the BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad winner Holly Futon talks to myself and MFNs Jordan McDowell on how Launch Pad is helping further her career.
Five online fashion stores for Mary Portas’s shopping tribes

According to retail expert Mary Portas we all belong to a shopping tribe.
Forever Fashionable

New York may be going through a heatwave, but if you think we are all heading for the beach or hiding in air conditioned offices then you are very wrong.
From Baywatch to Auckland - New Zealand Fashion Week's line up is heating up

Mid September is when it’s all happening and I’m REALLY looking forward to it.
From Bloomberg to Berardi ...

I was thrilled to be able to spend some time with Sandrine Deveaux the E commerce and Marketing Director of Matches Fashion.
From Dawsons Creek to Miu Miu - Katie Holmes is one busy (and lucky) lady!

A mother, a broadway star, a fashion icon, not to mention the wife of Tom Cruise.
Get networking!

I had the amazing honour to be invited to the Drapers Next Generation Event on the 26th of March at the Soho Hotel.
Gil Carvalho's Back!

An interview with shoe designer Gil Carvalho.
Gisele Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen has finally arrived in New Zealand, although unfortunately only a cardboard cut-out version of the top model.
Going to church with vente-privee and Drapers!

At One Marylebone, the former practising Holy Trinity Church, we all had a wonderful evening attending The 20th Anniversary of the Drapers Awards held in association with www.vente-privee.com
Gothic - the fashion inspiration that never dies.

Gothic: Dark Glamour is the theme of the latest exhibition at F.I.T. (The Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York. The brainchild of fashion historian and chief curator Valerie Steele, the exhibition is a wonderful showcase for Gothic fashion, but not as the mainstream may know it.
Happy Birthday Carnaby!

2010 is an exciting year for Carnaby as it marks the 50th anniversary since its famous heyday in the swinging 60’s. This iconic time, though documented and reminisced about extensively, only lasted 10 years and noone has really investigated the previous history of the area… until now.
Has Gap outlived the gap in the market?

After a fortnight of news that has done little for Gap Inc’s profile - the European Gap design team axed, second quarter sales down by 5% (and it wasn’t good in the first one either), Inditex claiming the crown as the largest clothing retailer in the world and a new Gap advertising campaign for autumn 08 called Create your own Gap (is that
Hemyca - Ecolux and Age UK

Hemyca - Ecolux and Age UK
Henri Lloyds younger brother HL Jeans Co are pioneering new music.

HL Jeans Co have set up a new scheme called HL music and we got the inside goss from what’s happening and what to expect from them in 2011….
Hervia Bazaar host Elle Talent Launch party

HERVIA BAZAAR HOST A STYLISH PARTY TO CELEBRATE THEIR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL/ELLE TALENT LAUNCH PAD INITIATIVE
Hiho Hiho…it’s off to my favourite silver jewellery shop I go……

….Hiho is the iconic silver lining in everyone’s jewllery box!
How Asda’s George clothing will succeed online

As someone who follows the world online fashion you can imagine I am excited that Asda is taking its George clothing brand online.
How can Jordan market her Katie Price Equestrian clothing online?

Not content with regularly appearing in OK! Magazine, launching her own range of books, perfumes, lingerie, bedding, hair straighteners and a rumoured credit card, the nation’s favourite glamour model Katie Price launches KP Equestrian – a range of, you guessed it, equestrian clothing for girls.
How do I know you love me?

This recession is testing the tenacity of marketers. Appeasing various stakeholders within any business is tricky at the best of times but some might say this is the worst.
How do you like your department stores?

This week, I have to mention and congratulate Debenhams - didn’t they do well? Not only were they voted UK’s best department store by GMTV for the third year running, beating M&S, Selfridges and John Lewis.
How much content do you need to sell clothes online?

Blogs, videos, e-books, glossies, configurators and more. Online fashion retailers are creating more content than ever before.
I really want to live in my-wardrobe.com land.....

Interviewing Sarah Curran CEO of www.my-wardrobe.com made me feel exactly like that!
I wanted to be close to Matthew Williamson...

…and at the Fashion Business Club www.fashionbusinessclub.net I certainly, through Joseph Velosa, felt I was…
Icons may die, but their iconic presence doesn't

Thursday the 25th of June 2009 will forever be remembered as the day the King of Pop died but it was also the day my first style icon passed away.
If Carlsberg made festivals……

I’ve just returned from a tiny French boutique festival. Calvi on the Rocks is situated on a picturesque rock pinnacle in the town of Calvi, Corsica, just off the south coast of France.
Improving your online shopping experience: Schway, iStylista and Empora

Which of these online fashion tools does it for you; Schway, iStylista or Empora?
In Web Retail Image is Everything!

When I’m looking at an online shopping site I expect two things - usability and good images. I don’t care if they are mannequin or model shots as long as the quality is there.
Industry adapts to changing trends- make way for ethical fashion!

The increase in awareness and demand for ethical brands, alongside the amount of press and celebrity involvement in recent months, indicate how ethical fashion is moving forward at a fast pace. But how far have we come and how far have we yet to go? We take a look into how the market is changing and ask you where you think ethical fashion is heading….
INNOVATION winners announced at LFW

The winners of the Ethical Fashion Forum INNOVATION competition were announced at a pre-fashion week party held in the watering hole of high profile creatives The Hospital Club, by Dolly Jones editor of Vogue.com esteemed judge of the competition... and the winners are...
Interview with Claire Collins creative director of violetmaylondon.com

Rebekah Roy talks to Claire Collins, creative director of violetmaylondon.com.
Interview with Stefán Orschel-Read Couture Menswear Designer

Stefán Orschel-Read is a luxury menswear designer. I love that you see so many inspirations in the clothes from Dandy, Punk to Goth, creating a unique refreshing style. This menswear collection for Autumn/Winter 2008 was inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, Quentin Crisp and the Belle Epoque.
Is it all in the name?

On the big screen in the amphi theatre at F.I.T. the headline read ‘Turning a passion for life into a penchant for business … the second time around’.
Is Spring here?

I don’t know, maybe I’m talking way too soon, but I woke this morning (before my alarm), caught the sun glowing through my window and contemplated wearing a mac rather than winter coat on the journey to work today.
Is sustainable fashion the ultimate luxury? Angel Jackson - The true it bag!

Angel Jackson is the ultimate luxury bag: you buy it because you love it and you enjoy it more because it’s eco friendly.
Isabella Oliver - Growing their Business

An interview with Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan Arons of Isabella Oliver 365.
It is time to Coat Watch

2009 is the year of the Coat ..don’t doubt it or be fooled by the Indian summer.
It’s about wearing not daring...

….as Paris evolves men’s trends nice and gently
It's smart business when a designer does a t-shirt

I think it’s smart business when a designer does a t-shirt because there are so many people who’d like to own something by a designer but can’t really afford it, but sometimes even owning just a t-shirt let’s join the club.
It's tough out there, but there is potential

The retail industry is under pressure, and with ‘sale’ signs appearing in almost every shop window that I pass, that’s quite clear. Is there hope for the retail industry in these tough economic times? I say ‘yes’ and so does Glassons’ GM James Whiting.
Jamie Murray-Wells talks glasses trends and Specsavers

If you thought online spectacle retailers traded merely on price think again. Glasses Direct, one of the first internet businesses to take on high street opticians, wants customers to buy glasses like they buy shoes – who said glasses shouldn’t be fashionable?
Juicy Tubes and Designer Scarves... A Cure for Breast Cancer?

Fashion and beauty collide again, with Lancome and six top New Zealand fashion designers teaming up, in a bid to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Trust
Keep looking like your character...

TITS & TEETH and the Natural Shoe Store, The Jersey Boys with Medieval overtones! Get ready to Rock.
Lady Double You - Stealth Wealth Footwear - Recession Proof

Michaela Wenkert has work with Mulberry, Hobbs and Bandolino/Nine West Group all before starting her own stealth-wealth footwear brand - Lady Double You.
LFW's ethical highlights

Septembers Fashion Week was a British style anniversary, the fashion pack celebrated the 25 years LFW has been the platform for the most cutting edge design talent in the world.
Lie Back and Think of....

Lie back and think of …….nothing….I was given the most incredible experience the other week in the Bamfords pop up Spa in Lowndes Street.
Life as a guinea pig

Being a guinea pig for Fashion East at Somerset House was an interesting way to start the fourth day of LFW! Mark Hislop Commercial Director needed a pair of heels (with legs attached) to check out the terrain for tomorrow’s fabulous Fashion East show at 13.15 on Tuesday 22nd September.
Lily And Lionel’s Alice Stone on launching a designer label online

Leon Bailey-Green talks to Alice Stone, Designer and Founder of Lily And Lionel.
London a la Mode - UK Emerging Talent

London a la Mode is a pop up showroom representing UK emerging talent.
Louis Mariette & Reality TV

How does being on Britain’s Next Top Model influence your business? You become a house hold name - but does it make a difference?
Luke Store Launch in Manchester

Thursday night seems to be the night for store launches in Manchester and after a quick civilised drink at House Of Fraser 175 birthday last Thursday, The Fashion Network headed over to Manchester Arndale for the Luke Store Launch.
Mad Woman?

The news that the coalition government wish to pressure the fashion industry to use realistic sized models and to kitemark images where airbrushing has taken place, has taken the industry by the scruff of its very skinny neck.
Making a racket about brand protection

Brand protection, sounds like some kind of security firm doesn’t it? I wish I could send the heavies round to some of our accounts and frighten them into sticking to our guidelines.
Making It: Fashion Design

Everybody wants to be their own boss, so how do you make the dream happen? As part of our ‘Making it’ series, last week we invited a panel of industry experts consisting of Upender Mehra, Owner of Liberty Freedom, Steven Cheema, Creative Director of 48HRS and Leesa Bertram, Managing Director of Pretty Disturbia to share their experiences and advise the audience on how to create and maintain a successful fashion label.
MAN Day

It’s a bit quiet in the office at the moment; the women of my-wardrobe are at the carnival that is London Fashion Week. The men are waiting patiently for their day, on Wednesday, for the sixth dedicated menswear day at Somerset House.
Manchester Fashion Network and North West fashion houses offer students a leg up the fashion ladder.

MFN deadicated the month of May to ‘The Making It Series’ - a five part series dedicated to giving the next generation a leg up into the fashion ladder….
Manchester retailer’s unite post riots…..

The aftermath of the riots left Manchester’s retail sector bruised and battered, as profits and footfall are rumoured to have been down by up to 20%. So this weekend people from across Manchester gathered in the city centre to show their support to trade as part of the ‘I love Manchester campaign’
Manchesters new luxury retail space- The Avenue

This week I took a tour round Manchesters latest luxury retail space; The Avenue….
Mark Fast for Pinko.

TFN had brunch with Pinko’s sales team and viewed their latest exclusive collaboration with Mark Fast.
Mary Mary where you goin' to?

This week Mary Portas, the retail guru, went to Orpington to makeover Save the Children.
Media Relationships

On Tuesday 27th July like minded fashion individuals from across London gathered at Sanctum Soho hotel, for the latest edition of LFNs business talks, A Conde Nast Digital Special.
Men do make passes at girls who wear glasses

When I was little I was very short sighted. In those days the only options for spectacles were NHS frames, standard pink, pale blue or white. I had pink ones.
MFN Celtic Christmas

MFN Christmas party sponsored by Bench, Ringspun, Radiator PR and Stitch
Mod Night Out

With the promise of free entry and 3 rooms of the ‘finest underground 60’s funk and soul,’ I persuaded a host of colleagues to join me at the The New Untouchables monthly club night at the 229 Club.
Motasem Wedding Dresses - Stylish...and Re-wearable!

I love shopping for a dress for a special occasion - the event just seems more fun because I’m wearing a new dress, but I’ll wear that dress over and over again just creating more memories. I don’t really like the idea of wearing something just once, so why would I wear a wedding dress only once?
Multi concept stores – a sign of the times?

Walking around New York in recent months I have sadly noticed far too many empty shop windows or stores announcing their imminent closing down sales.
My-Wardrobe.com – Model vs Mannequin, which do you prefer?

Last week online designer clothing store My-Wardrobe.com launched model product images using in house models.
New fashion websites despite the credit crunch

Given the economic climate it’s amazing that a new fashion site is launching this week: Cocosa.com. Bauer media who own Grazia, Pop and Arena Homme are behind Cocosa.
New shows bring new opportunities

We might be in the middle of the worst recession ever but at least the fashion industry in the UK is being very optimistic and focusing on the future.
New York state of mind

New York, traditionally dubbed the home of commercial menswear, provided buyers with a few head-scratchers this week, proving that those incredibly durable stereotypes about each Fashion Week are by no means cover-all descriptions.
New York's alternative Fashion Week

Okay, I should have realised by last week or maybe a few months ago that the hand written invitation from DvF, Marc Jacobs or Zac Prosen hadn’t simply disappeared in the post, but as a mere mortal of the fashion world you live in hope.
New Zealand Fashion Week

New Zealand Fashion Week kicked off on September 16 - and was off literally and figuratively to a flying start.
Niche clothing companies show 40% YOY online sales growth

We are tracking 50 or so online shops (mostly niche brands) including 20+ apparel businesses including Joules, Crew, Hotter, Chukka, Browns and Crombie to name a few.
No more starving designers?

New talent with a commercial product readily available is not a phenomena that often springs to mind in the fashion industry.
No pain, no gain!

Like many of my fellow New Yorkers I am serious about fitness. There is a gym on every corner in this city, running and bike routes all around the edge of Manhattan and Central Park offers lessons in rock climbing and free swimming in the summer. Staying in shape has never seemed easier.
Not such a Topshop?

Parents, brace yourselves! Topshop has finally landed, just minutes away from NY’s student hub, and if your style hungry teenager gets addicted you may be asking Obama for a stimulus package to help cover the credit card bills.
On the road part one - plenty of horses up north

A bleary eyed crack of dawn departure from London’s grimiest armpit King’s Cross found me kicking off a five day road trip traveling the North East and Scotland.
One for the ladies

I recently took a couple of girlfriends ‘oop nurth’ to see the Klimt exhibition which is on at the Liverpool Tate. It’s a real sign of the times and a coup for the city that Liverpool is hosting what is likely to be, the only retrospective of his work in the UK.
One should never give a woman anything she can’t wear in the evening

The last week of summer – or so we have been told, and I can sense the first chill of autumn walking home late at night this week.
Online Fashion 100: so far, mostly good

So last week I published Online Fashion 100, an eBook celebrating the inspirational, interesting and influential people in the online fashion industry.
Online fashion retailers, homewares and SEO

Whether it’s the daily email alerts from Drapers confirming the boom in online fashion, the remarkable year-on-year growth figures for ASOS or Hitwise showing an increase in traffic to online clothing retailers, online fashion is all very optimistic.
Online fashion retailing - Being relevant

The world of online fashion was out for the Drapers Maximising Revenue Through Online Fashion Retailing conference at the Radisson in Mayfair earlier this month.
Online fashion retailing - Trust

In my very first Drapers blog post I talked about the online fashion trust factor, so it was interesting to hear the subject come up again at the Maximising Revenue Through Online Fashion Retailing.
Online fashion retailing and search engine traffic

At the Drapers Maximising Revenue Through Online Fashion Retailing conference earlier this month, ASOS’s Nick Robertson made an interesting comment about traffic from search engines.
Online fashion store Rokit to embrace more blogging

Leon Bailey-Green talks to Holly Watson, Website Manager of Rokit.co.uk, the online shop for vintage store Rokit.
Online shopper behaviour

We recently conducted some research into visitor behaviour when they arrive on shopping websites and their landing pages. It made for interesting reading.
Only the Brave

Diesel’s original tag line ‘Only the Brave’ has never been more true, as it takes a lot of guts to remove product entirely from your above-the-line advertising and replace it with a cryptic slogan, ‘Be Stupid.’
Organic and Sustainable Textile Seminar for Brands and Retailers

MADE-BY, the-not-for-profit labelling organisation for fashion brands, and the Organic Exchange are to host a seminar: ‘The Case for Sustainable Fashion’in London on the 19th-20th November.
Our brand to watch at Stitch this weekend

This weekend we’re all heading down the M6 to London to check out the menswear brands exhibiting at Stitch….
Peter Saville designs range for Umbro

Thursday night was the unveiling of the Peter Saville and Umbro collaboration at Harvey Nichols Manchester…..
Plastic bag afterlife

I spend most mornings in front of my laptop, catching up on news and trying to eat some of my five a day.
Pop Up Shopportunities

Despite the official word from the Government that we’re not in recession (personally I don’t think we’ve seen the worst yet) the High Street is still in a bad way battling against credit issues and the rapid growth of e-commerce.
Pop Up Shops- The opportunities

This year especially has seen an outbreak in pop up shops so TFN gathered at Sanctum Soho house to discuss the opportunities, risks, rewards and actions of taking up temporary lettings in the UK.
Possums - pest or potential?

The snow has been making winter fun, but the cold is not so great. Whilst looking for new additions to my winter wardrobe during my travels around the South Island of New Zealand, I’ve noticed a new trend, garments made from merino/possum mixes.
Press day blues

Wednesday is Drapers press day. It’s the day we send our final news pages to the printer and every so often the team winds its way to our local The Victoria in a bid to soothe away the press day blues.
Primark should communicate its ethical standards online all year round

Primark has recently been subjected to negative publicity surrounding last week’s BBC Panorama investigation and Channel 4’s soon to be aired The Devil Wears Primark.
Project Runway - did they walk the walk?

The billboards are plasted around New York as once again Project Runway fever hits. This time, we are now into season five and the award winning show will be filmed for the last time in the city.
Project Runway Designer Dolls

Has fashion reality TV taken a new direction? Marketing genius? Or retail foe par? Automatically excited and inquisitive I had to have a closer look.
Prophetik - Sustainable Fashion On Trend

London is fast becoming the centre of sustainable fashion. With designers like Ada Zanditon, Nina Dolcetti, Junky Styling, Edun and People Tree leading the way, it’s not surprising that eco designer Jeff Garner of Prophetik, from Tennessee, is showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.
Protecting brand image online

Fashion brands put so much effort into signing the right names and buying the right advertising space to achieve desired brand awareness. But do they protect their brand image online?
Pull out a Breton stripe

The past seven days have been a crazy week in fashion retail. Forget economic wobbles or the eccentricities paraded at Paris Fashion Week. Britain is having a heatwave.
Putting Rio in the diaries of the industry

As international fashion journalists descended on Rio for its fashion week, the question in the air was will the city manage to keep its status as the place to be or will it be one of those (so common) moments in the fashion industry where after a while it disappears as thin smoke in the air?
Rachel Hunter; Model or fashion designer?

New Zealand supermodel, Rachel Hunter, is adding yet another string to her bow. She’s just joined forces with a huge New Zealand department store, The Warehouse, to design a self-titled clothing range, ‘Rachel’.
Rain rain go away....or perhaps stay, stay, stay!

Then we can all buy an umbrella from www.umbrellaheaven.com.
Rakish Heels adds E-Commerce to their Website

Rakish Heels adds E-Commerce to their Website. An interview with Iona Jones of Rakish Heels.
Real or fake? Buying Ugg boots online

It’s that time of year when the favoured sheepskin ugg boots are much in demand. But what do you need to think about when buying online?
RECLAIM

‘RECLAIM’, an exhibition created by a meeting of minds at different ends of the design spectrum, Orsola de Castro & John Teall. De Castro and Teall bought 20 pieces from the lost luggage auction at Heathrow Airport. Without knowing what was inside each suitcase, their challenge was to produce an item from whatever mixed textiles they came across.
Red or Dead and the Licensees

An interview with Julia Massey, Brand President of Red or Dead
Resting your Louboutins and getting a caffeine hit...

..is a necessary evil during the buying season and it is always interesting to learn about a new place to do it and do it well!
Retail Relationships

These days you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the Arndale shopping centre to see the damage that the recession has done to the retail market.
Rio Ferdinand’s Five and Selfridges

Rio Ferdinand had his launch for his A/W collection Five in collaboration with Strut, in Selfridges Exchange Square.
Rob Bostock on White Stuff’s online retail plans

Leon Bailey-Greentalks to Rob Bostock, Home Shopping Business Manager of White Stuff, about web usability, blogs and White Stuff’s online retail plans.
Roland Mouret visits Manchester.

French born designer Roland Mouret stops by at Selfirdges Exchange Square Manchester to talk insperation, spanks and the key to his success.
Sailor way

“I dunno about this climate change but I do know it’s winter for nine months of the year in England so you’re gonna need a good coat son, ” quoth Gerry, my neighbour, an ancient mariner and a reliable source of wisdom in my life.
Salford University 2011 BA Fashion Graduates.

Salford University excel with their 2011 fashion graduates and create an I Phone app for the industry to view the full collection…
Samantha Cameron and the M&S dress-gate

The topic of heated discussion this weekend, in the Sagar household, was that of Samantha Cameron and the M&S dress she wore at the Tory Conference this year. Her humble sartorial tastes turned out to be a lot less humble than previously thought.
Sarah Maskell on Philip Green and launching a lingerie brand

Leon Bailey-Green talks to Sarah Maskell, founder of Oola Lingerie, about working with Philip Green and marketing her online store
Secrets and Sapphires...what great parties to go to!

The third birthday party of Secret Sales www.secretsales.com was a huge success not unlike the business!
Selfridges finally online

According to recent external research, which takes data from Google Ad Planner, Selfridges has a higher number of unique monthly visitors earning £50,000 or more than NET-A-PORTER, beaten only by ASOS, Topshop and Harrods.
Selfridges Spring/Summer' 11

TFN were invited for Breakfast at Selfirdges Manchester Trafford Centre to view the latest in Spring/Summer ladieswear trends and our very own Jordan McDowell popped along…..
Snivelling through London Fashion Week

Being ill is rubbish. My female colleagues may have my symptoms down as little more than low-grade man flu (i.e. a very light cold) but my head feels like it’s in a carpenter’s vice.
So just how do you do that?

Sometimes you just look at a business and you think “how did they do that? Or “what inspired them torisk everything they owned to just pursue a dream and know it would turn out all right?”
South Africa takes out the title, with New Zealand following closely behind

“Super 14” is the largest rugby union competition, in the Southern Hemisphere, taking place annually.
SPOTLIGHT ON BRAZIL AND LATIN AMERICA

Register online for the latest Spotlight on Sourcing events, next Tuesday 21st July, at the Rich Mix...
Spring has finally sprung!

Well if the past weekend is anything to go by, Spring has sprung.
Spring Summer at Harvey Nichols.

Harvey Nichols, Manchester hosted their annual Spring Summer Fashion show at Manchester Art Gallery.
Stitch A/W 2011 Round Up.

From Saturday 12th Feb-Tuesday 15th Katrina, Jordan and I went off to London for the UKs biggest fashion trade shows; Pure, Pure Spirit and Stitch and it was my job to keep and eye on the men…..
Stitch appoints Ted Baker’s media design consultancy for new design direction.

Menswear show Stitch takes new design direction
Support industry designers

Most designers I know work in tunnel vision - they have to be focused and free of distractions to create a new collection. Of course most of them can’t help worrying about their financial situation and how they are even going to keep going. Designers need support on so many different levels.
Supporting the industry from within

Over the decades, the retail industry has shifted and transformed into it’s current guise.
Survival of the Fittest

The current retail climate has created a risk-averse environment and it’s curious to see how brands have coped.
Talking Shoes with Mechante of London

An Interview with Deborah Lyons of Mechante of London.
Tap your Mouse Mat if you have ever worn odd socks

That dreadful “morning after” or the fumble in the dark so as not to wake the sleeping lover or the lazy cat. You rush out pulling down your top and “bobs your uncle” your left black sock is a red and green striped edition that you thought you had lost yonks ago!
Tesco will upset the online fashion retail market

Why am I excited about the impending birth of Tesco’s online fashion store?
The 20 tees of Christmas

For the last few weeks I’ve been receiving daily inspiration from Mr Vintage - not personal inspiration (they’re not that good yet), but gift inspiration. Yes, this is not only timely, but intentional and strangely effective.
The appetite is there……

It has been a very interesting few weeks – the last London Fashion Network was on investment and funding and it was great to see a mixture of people in the audience from members who are looking to start up to people who have an existing business which has grown and they are now feel confident enough to expand further. It wasn’t just looking at the home UK market but people considering their expansion overseas and increasing their online presence.
The Art of Being By Elizabeth Emanuel

The designer Elizabeth Emanuel may have been off your fashion radar for the past decade but she’s back and showing at London Fashion Week!
The Comeback 'Crystal Queen'

The life of a Marketing Manager/Drapers blogger is never dull - one minute I’m in Liverpool examining dodgy fixtures and the other I’m sat next to renowned, fashion jewellery designer J Maskrey , as a fellow judge in the prestigious P&G Grooming Awards.
The devil wears a bandana

Hell’s Kitchen, the celebrity cooking competition that has just come to a close, was fantastic television for more reasons that just the food.
The Doctor will see you now - Manchester Arndales open their Denim Surgery.

Manchester’s Arndale are currently work with their retailers on their new concept “The Denim Surgery”.
The Ethical Fashion Network & The Ethical Fashion Social

Learn more about the Ethical Fashion Network and Ethical Fashion Social, where you can gain access to resources, stay updated on the latest news, promote your business or project, promote events, share ideas and link with other people in fashion from press to buyers, suppliers, manufacturers and students.
The Fashion Business Club

Working freelance can sometimes be quite isolating. So last year I became a member of the Fashion Business Club and found it was a great way to meet more fashion professionals.
The first lady's seal of approval

Barack Obama may have become the first African American President of the United States only seven weeks ago, but in the current economic climate where unemployment is at its highest since the 80s and every day more American families leave their homes and move into a motel , the Barack excitement may be dwindling.
The Fridja Steamer

I met Ben Fridja at London Fashion Weekend. He had a very colourful stand of delightful steamers. A good steamer is a stylist’s best friend and I just wanted to know what made Ben get into this steamy business.
The Gift of Giving

Christmas (for those who celebrate it), is a time of giving, and what better gift to give than one that benefits many.
The Industry - an interview with MD, Courtney Blackman

The Industry - ‘Network & Expert’
The Joys of Paris. The Land of Lilliput. Stuck in the Metro Doors and my Hunch from Notre Dame.

There was a sort of calm on Thursday for the opening day of Premier Classe. It was slow on arrival but it gave me the opportunity to rush through and see clearly what was on offer. The impression was that the accessory area was smaller but the footwear sector had grown.
The launch of Lavenham

One thing that I love about being a buyer is getting the opportunity to work directly with a designer to design and create an item as an exclusive piece for the my-wardrobe.com customer.
The launch of my-wardrobe MEN Facebook

Recently we men of my-wardrobe have diverted our use of Facebook away from just procrastination and posting quirky Youtube videos on our friend’s walls (admit it – we’ve all been guilty of this at some point).
The London Fashion Week brand wagon

Another London Fashion Week bites the dust and what a week it’s been, so many brands and labels clambering for attention and that’s just the high-end ones who are part of the schedule.
The marvellous new Fashion Confidential site

FC has a marvellous new site… no not Frances Card… But Fashion Confidential!
The Melbourne Cup - horse race or fashion event?

It is one of the biggest days in the Australian sporting and social calendar – a day when the best horses, trainers, gamblers and women take to the tracks.
The Middleton Midas Touch

The stores in the Kings Road were delighted this week when Kate Middleton and her sister decided to go shopping. What was particularly interesting to note, was how the retailers that she shopped at responded at their unexpected stroke of luck.
The most famous fashion book of all...

I jumped at the chance to go to a preview screening of The September Issue this week and it didn’t disappoint. What a wonderful peep at the characters in the most famous fashion book of all.
The 'mystery' of search engine optimisation

There’s a lot of mystique and sophistry around search engine optimisation as well as a lot of in-bound phone-calls from ‘experts’.
The North West 2011 Fashion Recruitment Series

This May The Manchester Fashion Network host their graduate recruitment event. Ideal for graduates looking to break into the fashion industry and for companies who are looking to fill placements, graduates, or junior level roles.
The online fashion trust factor

Independent fashion retailers have embraced the internet to offer fashion lovers more choice than ever. But the most popular online stores are those of our favourite high street retailers, proving branding is key for online fashion stores.
The questions you should ask….

At the moment I have been out and about looking round the North and found some amazing small niche retailers / independents who have great stock and not the usual High Street looks all the great ideas and products which make independent’s the main back bone of fashion.
The red carpet doesn’t tell us everything about Maria Grachvogel..

Well known for her red carpet success’s Maria’s collections really do take women from day to evening throughout the year and for all seasons…
The Return of Salon Evening with Luella Bartley

“We all care about fashion, culture and literature and we want to elevate the debate about these things we love – which, too often are dismissed as trivial and superficial (fashion) or excluded from the canon for being ‘domestic’ (female fiction).’ -Pamflet
The rise of the Hunter welly

I might be the only person who hasn’t yet bought a pair of wellies to wear in the snow, but when I do, it will have to be a pair of Hunters. Like the Havana brand of flip flops, it has risen to the top of the rubber style-stakes, having successfully been adopted by every type of fashion-conscious consumer, with virtually no market competition.
The Royal Warrant ….

Over the last six weeks we have had literally thousands of emails about the Royal Wedding and any PR link you could possibly make with it – we had made a conscious decision not to mention the Royal Wedding on our three blogs as we thought people would be so over it and also constantly having it in their face via the news media.
theOut of my size – but they do fit, honestly. theOutnet.com’s appeal

theOutnet.com certainly stands out from some of the conventions of great shopping experiences.
They've got 'nothing to hide', and it seems that neither do their staff

The same colours, the same style, the same staff and the same uniform. The key difference - they’re painted on. I had to find out more.
Thinking of perfect capsule wardrobe...

Looking forward to an early summer getaway also brings about thoughts of the perfect capsule wardrobe.
This blog is two years old... thank you

This blog on Drapers Online started in May 2008 with a post about The Online Fashion Trust Factor. What a couple of years it has been!
This week in pictures

We take a look at some of our favourite and most inspiring images in ethical fashion from the past few weeks…
Time for Tea

February Vogue declared that ‘the tache is back’ thanks front-row fashion show attendees, Hamish Bowles of American Vogue and REM’s Michael Stipe. I don’t think it ever went away in the world of Mr Johnny Vercoutre, proprietor of Time For Tea, a 1940’s tea house on Shoreditch High Street in East London.
To Dip or Tie?

Today I spent my lunch hour shopping. Yes, shopping - and I really shouldn’t have. The problem with me and shops is that I just CAN’T leave empty handed.
Tomorrow's Africa event chaired by Colin McDowell

Tuesday evening at the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green is the finale Spotlight on Sourcing event of the series, with a focus on AFRICA. The seminar will be led by an expert panel, chaired by Colin McDowell, one of the most respected fashion commentators today. There will also be a marketplace featuring key brands, designers and organisations based in Africa, as well as live music and networking…
Tour de Fashion

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year and I couldn’t wait to get on my bike to work. I ended up wearing a summery skirt with a pair of baggy running shorts underneath.
Trade VS Celebrity

Last week an invite to a well known brands store launch dropped into our inboxes.
Twitter Fight Club……….

Last night I would say half the blogging population sat watching a nasty grisly car crash unfold on twitter and just when your jaw had hit the floor it went even further.
Twitter witter ……

Some amazing things can happen due to Twitter and it’s not just a place where you get banal rumblings from celebrities to your mate at work – they can be life changing in the US they are often being used as a tool to get homeless people back into housing etc and from a PR perspective they can be excellent brand awareness and selling tool.
Umbro ex-executive to re-vamp old football brand Admiral

Iconic football brand Admiral to re-launch with new design direction
Under Cover with Squid London

The colour changing umbrella!
University Outfitters meets Urban Outfitters

Teenagers are obsessed with it, adults are bemused by it, just what is so special about Jack Wills?
Unleash your 'Glam Rock' side

It’s still officially summer, here in New Zealand, but as we know, in the world of fashion things move at a pace of their own. In that world, winter is here.
Update my look? I've nailed it!

Most people think someone in my position would find it easy to shop…. I wish it were true. I spend so much of my time in shops, thinking about shops, looking at competitor’s shops, that when it comes to my free time, the last thing I want to do is go shopping. Update my winter wardrobe on the weekend? I’d rather eat last year’s coat! So a quick fire way to update my look at lunchtime and for less than a tenner, is more than welcome.
Vauxhall Fashion Scout Announces Merit Award Winner for AW10

Vauxhall Fashion Scout announces Merit Award winner for AW10 - Hermione de Paula!
Victoria Beckham...grateful?

Well certainly having road tested the Somerset House walkway’s for her last week I was pleased she made an appearance at the Fashion East show(see last week’s BKS)!!
Victoria Holt

Victoria Holt has only been in business for two years but she’s already exploring every possibility of building her brand.
Visiting vente-privee.com

I always enjoy catching the Eurostar as it’s so easy but it is even more enjoyable if you have an interesting and engaging travelling companion. Catching the 6.55am to Paris with Bunty Stokes fitted the bill perfectly!
Vogue-on-Vogue

Living in a major fashion capital has so much to offer and it’s important to take advantage of it.
Vogues Calgary Avansino talks Spring Summer 2011 at Selfridges, Manchester.

We were invited to a very exciting evening with Vogue’s Executive fashion editor Calgary Avansino, who in conjunction with Selfridges showed us what’s hot for SS11
Vote-mania

Americans are off to the ballot on Tuesday the November 4 ( I assume the UK have been plentiful introduced to Obama and McCain) and several retailers have joined the election trail hoping to make a buck or two.
Wardrobe Maths

We are living in an age of extremes:- extreme weather, extreme disasters, extreme political opinion and extreme shopping behaviour. Today CNN reported that the American shopper will spend on designer and cut-price brands – but nothing in-between. High-end luxury and low-end bargain retailers are performing well but the USA middle market is getting squeezed, just like the middle classes are in the UK.
Was it right for ASOS to leave the Drapers Etail Awards empty handed?

Some of you may have been surprised to learn ASOS, the leading online only fashion store, left the Drapers Etail Awards 2010 empty handed.
Waste not want it !

Pardon the pun, but I’ve got beef with Alan Yau the restaurateur. I’ll explain. His restaurant policy does not allow customers to take their food home if they can’t finish it at the table.
We’re all going on a .... ah you know the rest.

The quickest way to survey the fashion chops of the entire UK male population is to leave these shores. Having just returned from an early summer holiday I can confirm that one unexpected side effect of going a long way from home is that you get a picture (well, more a collage) of the entire UK.
Welcome to Brazil

For those less familiar with the Brazilian fashion set up, it is difficult to understand why Brazil holds two fashion weeks – one in São Paulo and one in Rio.
WGSN introduced WGSN Boutique to Manchester.

WGSN, the World’s largest fashion trend forecaster, visited Manchester to introduce a new concept to retailers, buyers and PRs from within the Northern fashion sector.
What is an ‘Ology?

Well we learnt what an ‘Ology was at a great event held in The Soho Hotel by Martin Newman www.martinnewman.co.uk with main sponser Hybris www.hybris.com and media sponsors Fashshot.com www.fashshot.com and the Online Fashion Agency www.theonlinefashionagency.com.
What is the New Couture?

One of the things I love about London is all the designer shops. I’m not talking about big super brands - I’m talking about designers who have their own studios and shop fronts.
What’s happening to email marketing?

Many can see open rates going down and click through rates joining them. So what is happening to email marketing in online fashion?
What's Happening in Manchester City Centre this week?

Whether a store is opening, closing, refurbing or going into sale. MFN brings you this weeks news from Manchester city centre…
What's Happening in Manchester City Centre?

Find out the latest retail developments in Manchester City Centre
What's Happening in Manchester City Centre?

MFN’s lowdown on what’s happening within retail in Manchester.
What's life like at Harvey Nichols..

Definitely! I caught up with Vikki Kavanagh the Leisurewear Buyer for Womenswear at Harvey Nichols who Absolutely loves her job!
What's next for heritage?

Whilst looking through the pictures of our current homepage shoot, I was firstly marvelling about how the model looks composed under layers of twill and tweed, but also wondering where this love of heritage materials had come from.
Where's Victoria Beckham's website for DVB?

Two years ago this month Victoria Beckham launched DVBStyle.com to coincide with the release of her now bestselling book That Extra Half An Inch.
Whispering “white rabbit”

Whispering “white rabbit” in a beautifully renovated church is not something I had ever imagined doing….but I did it with pleasure to gain admission to the launch of the magnificent networking club The Sorority www.thesorority.org
Who is Dai Jobu?

I was walking down Redchurch Street in Shoreditch last Thursday and stumbled upon a large, fashionable crowd, drinking hot cider outside a tiny gallery. This often happens on Redchurch Street on a Thursday night and the gallery in question was The Maurice Einhardt Neu Gallery.
Who is the Star of Online Fashion?

The Online Fashion 100 is seeking votes for is sector ‘Star’.
Who took your online fashion cherry?

You may be surprised to hear this, but until last week I had never bought any fashion online.
Who's Schmizing Now?

My name is Sushma and I’m an America’s next top Model-aholic. Not content with getting my fix in other people’s houses, I have subscribed to SKY and can now overdose in the privacy of my own home.
Why you need PR…….

Okay this is not just because I’m in PR but in this economic climate I have seen how as people are making cut backs and concessions they cut out the marketing and PR budget – it’s like they are viewed as the “colouring in department” so first to go.
Will Simon Fuller’s Fashionair.com get 22m viewers?

Can Simon Fuller’s new web launch Fashionair.com “potentially attract 22m visitors”?
Will the consumer ever pay full price again?

We’re living in interesting times. With the economy in freefall, survival of the fittest is the name of the game.
Will the iPad and HP Slate be in (online) fashion?

The iPad is certainly the gadget of the moment, but what opportunities does it, and the soon to be released HP Slate, hold for fashion retailers?
Wrapped and ready to go.....

Christmas presents are all piled high and waiting for impatient fingers to tear off the Swarovski crystals attractively arranged to dangle off them.
Wrapping up the Season

Wrapping up a buying season that started in December brings a sigh of relief!
Zandra Rhodes Handbag Collection

Zandra Rhodes Handbag Collection
Zoolander ..it wasn’t....

I was thrilled to be asked to host the Ford Models Super Model of the World UK search last Tuesday night at the excellent Il Bottaccio in Belgravia.

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