BLOGGERS COMPETITION!!!

Model wears: Jonathan Liang, SS11

To celebrate the BIGGEST A La Mode since we started 5 seasons ago, the team here at LGN Events are offering one lucky blogger the chance to win an access all areas pass to the flagship off-schedule London Fashion Week event. Showcasing the most vibrant, talented and exciting up and coming designers from around the world, the A La Mode show will take place at the beautiful, luxurious Charing Cross Hotel, Strand on 18th-20th February 2011. 


The lip-smackingly sumptuous prize includes:

- An access-all-areas pass to the event over all 3 nights of the event for you and 1 friend including the opportunity to head backstage and interview designers, stylists, models and hair and makeup teams
- Manicures and massages for the two of you
- A bottle of Champagne to top off your evening
- VIP Goody bags* including products from Fruit of the Loom, Perrier, Itsocks.com, Rude health and Yelp.
- Afterparty access
- Front row seats**

 

To win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write some amazing pieces for your blog, experience the glitz and glamour of London Fashion Week, and mingle with some amazing and highly influential fashion people, just head on over to the LGN Events website, choose 3 or more of your favourite designers exhibiting this season and write a blog about them. Simple! When you have written and published your entry on your blog, send a link to sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk to confirm your entry in the competition. The expert team at LGN will review all entries over the weekend after the closing date and announce the winning blogger by Tuesday 15th Febraury 2011.

So what are you waiting for? GET WRITING!!



Terms and Conditions:

- All entries must be received by Sarah at the email address stated by 11pm on Friday 11th February 2011.
- Entrants will be judged by the expert team at LGN and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 15th February 2011.
*  - While stocks last
** - Winner must arrive early to claim front row seats
- No travel costs or London accommodation are covered by this prize so please ensure you will be able to fund the trip and travel there yourself.
- The event will take place on Friday 18th-Sunday 20th Feb 2011 as part of London Fashion Week. Doors open at 7.30pm each night and the show should end at around 10.30pm.

A LA MODE Schedule Feb2011

Just for all of you who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of LGN Events' flagship off-schedule LFW Show in February, I have compiled a little blog post of all the designers exhibiting as a taster of what the guests will be treated to on the 18th and 19th Feb 2011. Excited much?? Yes. Thought so.

FRIDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2011

Annah Stretton

 

This New Zealand based designer has already made a name for herself in her home country where she has established a stggering 30 own brand stores already! Actively campaigning against animal cruelty, Annah is a forced not to be reckoned with. She has also appeared on America's Next Top Model during a go-see challenge. Her designs are elegant and feminine and sure to get the girly girls riled up in London.

Berit New York

Stalwart of vintage fashion design with a futuristic twist, Brit Frady Williams' label Berit New York debuted at London Fashion Week via A La Mode in September 2011. She wowed the crowds with her beautifully constructed and intriguingly unique collection full of bright, shiny fabrics, piping and alternative tailoring.

RAJADANO

Rajadano showcased at the LGN Events' London Fashion Week Closing Party at Jalouse private members' club last September and has rocketed into the off-schedule event this season. With a unique globally cultural design aesthetic, Rana's bag label Rajadano provides a selection of beautiful, intricately embellished clutches and over the shoulder bags for daytime and evening wear.

MAJINJOO

 Being a member of the LGN Events team, I shouldn't morally have any favourites, but I am really looking forward to seeing what this young designer brings to her first ever London Fashion Week event.  Her MA graduate collection was met with huge praise from Susie Lau of StyleBubble and other well respected online fashion commentators. She uses a very edgy, modern mixture of fabrics in her work and if her previous collection is anything to go by, we ca expect to see glitter and exaggerated structural tailoring in February's A La Mode. Excited doesn't even begin to cover it!

I interviewed Jin Joo Ma of MAJINJOO on Sarah London blog in December. Check it out here

UsTrendy Presents RUMPLEMUNKEH

Super cool stylish website UsTrendy ran a competition last year for their most popular seller to win an all expenses paid trip to London to showcase their work at the off-schedule LFW event A La Mode. The winning designer was Rochelle Carino's fabulously fanciful label RUMPLEMUNKEH. Employing the use of a variety of fabrics and taking inspiration from her local surroundings (in LA) as well as Japanese style and Geisha girls, Rumple Munkeh is sure to strike a chord with the glamorous London Crowd.

Rehmali

 

Maria Rehmali is a self taught designer who started out as a stylist for some of Birmingham's most high flying, demanding individuals. She recognised the fact that everyone needs their own version of couture and set out on a one-woman mission to change the fashion scene ro match her vision. Presenting a range of feminine designs and gorgeous leather bags, Rehmali is a hot new home grown designer. And we all love a bit of Brit-talent don't we!

I interviewed Maria recently on Sarah London Blog. Check it out here

Cristina Nitopi



Australian designer Cristina Nitopi is the last name to add to the bill for the opening night of Fashion Week on Friday 18th February. Her designs verging on the avant garde retain feminine elegance and promote a ladylike aesthetic. Cristina's family originated from Sicily and she combines her heitage with the modern fashion scene to create a truly luxurious feel to her collections. Her designs have been exhibited in New York, Dubai and Hong Kong to name a few and her presence at A La Mode will mark the designers first venture into the UK market. If her previous endeavours are anything to go by, Cristina Nitopi is likely to go down a storm at LFW.

SATURDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2011

BEVZA 

 Award-winning Ukrainian label Bevza is the first name to list for Saturday's event. In her own words, "Minimalism. aristocratism, simplicity, sensuality, accuracy are brand identity of BEVZA". One of the top ten most popular Ukrainian fashion brands, the minimalistic image Bevza designs emulate will certainly be a hit with the crowds at LFW - especially given the 60s/70s influence and how fiercely on trend this style is set to be for the next couple of seasons.

Belinda Liu

#This Romanian designer made her A La Mode debut in September, marking her first foray into the London fashion scene. Thrilled with the results of showing with LGN Events' flagship show, she is returning this season to wow the crowds again with her delicate, girly, slightly antique inspired collection. Spanning tailored suits to bloomers and corsetry, Belinda Liu is a label that knows no boundaries.

Vjera Vilicnik

Croatian-born Brick-Lane based designer Vjera Vilicnik will hit LW for the first time this season. She has already taken her designs to the Mayfair Catwalk Show and has secured a sponsor from her home country, but this will mark the beginning of a whole new era for her designs. Classically trained in the art of embroidery, Vjera makes good use of her professional education and employs a modern spin on a very vintage method of design. Her collections obviously emulate her heritage but also take inspiration from her current surroundings in the hip, vintage central on London- Brick Lane.

I interviewed Vjera recently on Sarah London Blog. Read it here

Dima Ayad

Lithuanian born, Dubai based designer Dima Ayad has dreamed of showcasing her work at London Fashion Week ever since she visited the capital one year on her birthday. She is a champion of the female form and is eager to show the UK market that you can still wear elegant, floaty fabrics and show off a beautiful figure without hiding behind dull colours or ill-fitting designs. Dima Ayad is a master of drapery and knows exactly where to place a hitch or a hem. Her collection is eagerly anticipated by the whole of the London fashion scene and has already received a number of previews on various womens fashion sites.

I interviewed Dima Ayad on Sarah London Blog. Check it out here



Gloria Wavamunno

Ugandan designer Gloria will be providing the A La Mode event with a culturally divserse collection which takes inspiration from the designers African heritage. The company was only established in 2009 and is already hitting the runway at London Fashion Week.  Previous collections which she exhibited at 2010 African Fashion Week have explored structured shoulders, bright, vibrant colours with bold silhoutte prints and the full range of skirt lengths meaning this collection will suit every height, shape and size. Perfection!!

Some of Gloria's previous work can be viewed in this article on Bella Naija











Alana Hale

LA based designer Alana Hale has already dressed American Idol judge Paula Abdul and her shoe designs have been spotted on Keri Hilson, so it's a safe bet that her presence at February's A La Mode will attract some of London's tele icons! Her collection is modern and youthful, employing feathers, leather and netting to give a cutting edge appeal to her work.




I interviewed Alana Hale recently on Sarah London blog. Check it out here









Birthday Suits

German label and brainchild of Louise Walleneit Birthday Suits will be gracing the A La Mode catwalk in February. Her collections incorporate an unusual combination of fabrics such as faux hair and silk, creating a very soft yet artistic aesthetic. In her own words, "the ideas and products of birthday suits develop in a transdisciplinary space between fashion, art and research." which provides a great prospect for those attending the event in February








If the lineup has well and truly got you hyped up for A La Mode, drop us a line and let us know! Any bloggers, journalists or reporters wishing to preview any of the designers' work on their websites or publications should contact myself at sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk. All press release, guestlist and photo enquiries should also be directed to this address.

PANTS!

The delightful people at cool heritage brand Fruit Of The Loom are confirmed as official sponsors of February 2011's A LA MODE event and will be providing some very exciting goodies for all the lucky guests at the event! I enlisted the help of a man who is very picky about his pants to test Fruit Of The Loom's men's undercrackers to see how the hold up and whether he would buy them.

So the pairs come in packs of two in some very spunky colours! I personally love the bright green - very fetching and adds a splash of colour to an outfit - and the white pair balances it out for more formal occassions.

My model, Mr Picky, is not one to wear just any old knickers and he likes to know he will be supported from all angles in his pants. He loved these Fruit of the Loom pants and has informed me he will definitely be purchasing them in the future! He loved the colours and the size and shape and was delighted by how sturdy and comfortable they were. The waistband has a subtle imprint of the logo which he liked as it meant they were not plain but was not glaringly obvious branding like certain other brands or pants. My model gave these pants 10/10 all round and is now pestering me for tickets to the show for more! Cheeky beggar....


Fruit of the Loom pants (which also come in womens designs) come in a wide range of colours including Black and Pink, Blue and White, Stripes and ed and Black.

Fruit Of The Loom will be sponsoring LGN Events off-schedule London Fashion Week show kicking off on February 18th and 19th 2011

Check out Fruit of the Loom products by clicking here

See the full line up and more info on the A La Mode show by clicking here

All press and buyers wishing to attend the event should contact Sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk to apply for tickets.

INTERVIEW: REHMALI

Birmingham-based young designer Maria Rehmali will be showcasing her debut collection at London Fashion Week in February. I managed to squeeze myself into her very busy schedule to find out how she gets her inspiration and why she decided to become a designer - check it out below!

Hi Maria! To kick off, can you tell us a little about how you set up the Rehmali brand and what inspired you to become a designer?

At a young age I did not know what I wanted to do, going through college and university, I noticed that fashion was always a big topic more than your final year exams!

Everyone I had noticed had a unique dress style, I knew then I wanted to apart of this culture. As I was always complimented on the way I had always pulled together an everyday outfit,  I decided to go into styling.

 I started to style in a major well-known fashion retailer as a personal stylist; I had many customers coming in through the door from the wealth and fame to just everyday professional customers. They were all seeking my knowledge and expertise in creating a lifestyle for them in the way they would like to been seen in the public eye.

My own creativity to design has come from my clients. There was always something wrong with a cut of a garment or not liking a certain aspect of an outfit etc, so I decided to take evening classes and increase my knowledge of fashion design. From this I had started my Rehmali label.

What is your favourite piece you have designed so far?

 

As I create a collection there is always a special garment that you would call your ‘favourite’, all my pieces are unique and each has their own spark!

I have do have a favourite piece which I am currently in process of putting together.

How exciting! So whose style do you admire?

I don’t have a certain style that I follow but I feel that Oliva Palermo has a great trend sense and a great fashion eye. I admire people who don’t have stylist and can pull garments together themselves, and this is really fashion!

But I do admire designer such as Armani as his a great talent and a believer in his creation.

If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be?

As my designs are very vintage Hollywood but with a modern twist and a hint of film festivals, I would like to dress Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn. With regards to modern celebrities I would like to dress Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox as I feel that they do still carry on the old Hollywood glamour.

Your designs are very classic - how would you describe the “Rehmali woman”?

The Rehmali woman is a powerful, strong minded woman who knows what she want and goes for it, She is very diverse and unique and stands out from the crowd - and always looks fabulous!

Where do you see the Rehmali brand in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I see Rehmali will have on-schedule fashion shows in and out of Europe, also I will have opened stores either in or out of Europe.......

But it does not stop there!

What are you looking forward to most about exhibiting at A La Mode?

At the show I am looking forward to meeting the LGN Events team and also the press and buyers which will help me to make lasting relationships and expose myself and my brand. Also, I am looking forward to showcasing my collection to all of London!

Maria Rehmali will showcase her exciting new collection on the first day of London Fashion Week, Friday 18th February, as part of LGN Events eagerly anticipated off-schedule event A LA MODE. 

Check out the full lineup of the show here: www.lgn-events.co.uk

INTERVIEW: Vjera Vilicnik

I managed to steal a few precious moments of designer VJERA VILICNIK's time over Christmas to ask her about her upcoming London Fashion Week debut and what inspires her. Clasically trained at the prestigious Ecole Lesage, Vjera takes traditional embroidery methods and incorporates them into modern tailored designs.She's a lovely person and is truly one to watch in fashion...

Where do you get most of your inspiration?

 In surrounding life.art.music.movies.people that in some way catch my imagination.

 I have to be emotionally involved with the theme, with what pushes the collection forward in order to fully dedicate myself to the story. Every collection is a love story, a poem, not written, but created, and each collection is handed out to the public as a bit of me. Every season I fall in love with a muse,song,colour or shape, and the collection tells the story of my relationship with the inspiration from wonderful beginning, through raw passion , to the saddest end.

Wow! So what prompted you to start your own fashion label?

 I had a big support from my family and close friends, and their belief in me helped with the sleepless nights and keeping my focus. Having a strong vision also helped. I have many stories to shares, and  I was very blessed that the public responded so well with the collections so far.

Great! Hopefully that will continue at Fashion week! Describe the person you are designing for? 

 The woman in my mind, my muse, is a woman full of contradictions, but they are not really opposed to each other.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

She is a girl becoming a woman that still dances the night away. She is a hard working woman, and a gentle lover. She is always kind, but strong and can hold a conversation on every topic. She loves reading big fat books, and  having coffee with friends.

She lives in a big city, and loves dusk when all the city is bursting with light and adrenalin...               but she dreams of moving to the country side and making her own jam.

 She recognises quality and appreciates creative process. My person is a person that most of all is a real woman but she creates her own world of endless posibillities.

So ideally, which celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs?

I would love to bring back Edith Piaf to life and see how she behaves today. I love Charlotte Gainsbourg, her fragility contrasts with her strength and her loveliness with her awkwardness. Outside of the celebrity world, it is my sister who is a real loving hero of mine, and who I would name my muse.

Edith Piaf who Vjera would love to meet and dress

 

What has been the high point of your fashion career so far?

  Every time I hand stitch the label on the finished garment, I realize how happy I am that the customers recognized a good product and share my aesthetic. Without the lovely Vjera Vilicnik supporters, all this wouldn't be possible and I thank them for that.

Where do you see your designs in 5 years’ time?

 Hopefully I will have my own little shop by then, work on collections with the same passion and grow from strength to strength. It would be a dream come true if designing eventually becomes a steady income.

What are looking forward to most about LFW?

 I can't wait to showcase a new collection, to meet new people and get into the unknown. Being in a new environment scares me, but also pushes me forward and makes me work even harder.

What advice would you give to other aspiring independent designers?

 Work hard! Be sure that being a designer is what you really want, most of anything. There are so many talented people out there, especially in London, so be aware that it will be hard, but even more rewarding.

Vjera Vilicnik will showcase her latest collection at the Charing Cross hotel, Strand on Saturday 19th February 2011 as part of LGN Events off-schedule London Fashion Week catwalk show - A LA MODE. 

Press and buyers wishing to attend should contact sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk. Tickets for the general public are VERY limited but can be purchased here

"Conforming Is The Kiss Of Death" - Interview with ALANA HALE

With February's London Fashion Week now in our sights (so soon!!??), I managed to squeeze in a few sneaky Q's with Los Angeles based designer Alana hale who will be presenting her latest edgy yet hugely wearable AW11 collection at the A La Mode show in February. She's an inspiration to all young designers and a true gem in today's fashion industry showing that if you believe you can make it, that's all you need. Ladies and Gents, I give you Alana Hale...

So living in such a vibrant city, you must be constantly bombarded with ideas! Where do you get most of your inspiration?

Being a creative person I am constantly inspired. It would be a lie for me to give you an easy, straightforward answer on this. What has most inspired me up to this point is old Hollywood icons, renaissance art, wardrobes of European royalty throughout history and old world architecture. That’s just naming a few- the list grows everyday. My inspiration is constantly evolving and that’s what keeps the looks fresh.

What prompted you to start your own fashion label?

I’ve wanted to have my own fashion label since elementary school when I learned what it was. I would play dress up, put together outfits, and noticed every little detail of the other outfits around me. And when one of my mom’s friends, who was an amazing seamstress, offered to make me whatever I wanted to play dress up in, well that was the birth of my life of design. I designed fur and sequin cocktail dresses, tulle ball gowns and wild hats- not knowing I’d one day rework those very outfits for a runway show.

After design school I worked as an assistant designer for about a year and a half and when I felt I had learned all I needed to, I branched out on my own. I certainly hadn’t learned as much as I thought I had but I wouldn’t change a thing. Having my own fashion label is all that makes sense… I can’t see myself doing any different.

Can you describe the woman you are designing for?

The Alana Hale woman is fun, vivacious, sensual, fashion-forward, and confident in a way she doesn’t dress for anyone else but herself. These clothes are for innovators and most certainly no girl who wants to blend into the crowd. 

Alana would love to dress Blake Lively

Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs?

Blake Lively would be the perfect poster-child for Alana Hale. She is the Alana Hale woman: She’s America’s fashion-forward sweetheart with such magnetism that everything she puts on turns to gold. I think Carey Mulligan and Alexa Chung have incredible style and would love to dress them.

And among the “Dream Team” would be Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Anna Dello Russo, and Daphne Guinness. They are on my all-time-best-dressed list because every outfit is impeccable and you can really tell they love fashion.

Stylist Rachel Zoe loves Alana Hales work 

So until Blake Lively wears your designs, what has been the high point of your fashion career so far?

The highlights of my career so far have been when Paula Abdul wore a look from my Holiday Collection on the season finale of American Idol and when Rachel Zoe reportedly said she “loved my collection.” The American Idol finale was immeasurable exposure and for a brand-new designer a huge honour. Rachel Zoe is a huge force in the industry; she has such influence and style. I hold her opinion in the highest regard. 

 

Where do you see your designs in 5 years’ time?

What I see evolving within the next 5 years is the connection with my customer, to establish a bond and loyalty. I want my customers to know me and for me to know my customers. In 5 years time I also see the label’s recognition going up significantly, and to eventually be a household name. And lastly, I see the line going global. Within the next 5 years I want my collection to be available to the Alana Hale woman of the US, UK, France, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong.

Wow ambitious! What advice would you give to other aspiring independent designers?

No matter what critics say, stay true to who you are as a designer. An idea that has earned you criticism, can one day be the very thing you become famous for. I am a very strong believer in staying true to my vision. Conforming is the kiss of death.

I would like to wish Alana all the best with her latest collection at London Fashion Week Feb 2011. Personally I'm SO psyched to see what she brings to the show!

Press and buyers wishing to attend the event should contact sarah@lagenevenorth.co.uk 

Alana Hale's previous designs can be viewed on her website here www.alanahale.com