Thursday 26 September 2013

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: #PURE34 LONDON (DAY ONE), KENSINGTON OLYMPIA, 04 AUGUST


Full of glitz and glamour, the first of the three-day event sparkled with promise from the moment you entered the Kensington exhibition venue. Stylish guides in identical coral tunic dresses from The Pretty Dress Company, topped with wispy chignons, and a signature, cascading right tendril, warmly greeted each and every visitor, while simultaneously keeping discreet, watchful eyes on badge security.

Once the complimentary giftbags with the all-important show information had been dispensed, the frosted glass doors opened and - like Alice through the looking glass, straight into a fashionista's delight - you were transported.

My practice-run for London Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2014; someone probably should've forewarned the Stage Managers of the Womenswear, Spirit, Footwear & Accessories catwalks, of a resident stalker at each show...but since no-one did, I revisited each until my little heart was content, even momentarily setting time aside, amidst chin on the floor fashion lust, to learn some things - but alas I'm skipping ahead...

Prior to my first stage indulgence of the day, Rino & Pelle were my starting block, for suede and leather jackets of various rich shades and colourwashes that stopped you in your tracks. A mint green suede number seduced me initially, beginning a litany of surprises throughout the day. Adamant that every label exhibiting would display buying prices on par with the wealthy borough's local house prices; I was beyond shocked to find what appeared to be €48.50 on the tag, and naturally assumed either the figures meant something different in the apparently Italian language, or the conversion rates must have gone up again...

Deciding this truly was a Wonderland; I continued to marvel at the offerings from exhibitors like the deceptively named FEVER, the comfy, beach-ready Komodo, and the traffic-stopping Silvian Heach, whose variety of all-weather fashion, footwear and accessories would make a sexy little swan out of the skinniest ugly duckling

Pondering how some of the patterns, simple fabrics and lines would work flatteringly on the 'larger' sizes, that the brand's rep promised me their global stores carry; I went in search of the National Hall stage to find myself a cushy viewing spot ahead of the Spirit catwalk, scheduled to begin shortly. My first indication of how truly grand the scale of this event was, I had no clue at this point, that the event took over both of the entire National and Grand Halls in the seemingly endless space. Imagine my shock when I realised that the number of vendors and 'zones', required the (almost) equally large Gallery floor space above as well! Again I digress...For the moment, I parked up comfortably in front of the stage where the teen and young adult fashion trends of SS14 were about to be premièred, with surprisingly little obstruction, considering the number of fellow press in attendance.

A beautifully bright and sunny Sunday afternoon; the placement was perfect for the only stage with a naturally lit backdrop - the setting actually adding a youthful energy to a show jam-packed with breathtakingly beautiful designs. Kicking things off with a bang were Glamorous. The vampishly sexy label with an edge, were one of the few family-run stands that I would take a shine to by the time three days were up.



Instantly recognising some familiar faces - and signature walks - each gorgeous gal in the spotlight hit the mark with every single movement; so much so, that I literally started hearing a pretentious photographer's 'BOOM' with every pose. Giving new (better) meaning to UNK's song 'Walk It Out', a new phrase was coined in front of my very eyes - these mesmerising Hot Mamas would henceforth be known (to me), as the 'BOOM Girls'; not just for the duration of the event, but forevermore (check the facebook album below for proof with your pudding).

The Style London were up next, with an excellent variation in prints, fabrics, and materials justly befitting their name. Just when you thought you had Neon Rose pegged as a teen brand favouring prints, out comes smart, yet simple, and playful designs that would translate easily from the office to the evening with the simplest of touches

Statement block colours were complimented with strong African tribal prints and bold colours by Mia Nisbet, Moniyang London, and CM.; with Stroppy Cat bringing a beautiful touch of vintage 70s London to stripes and polka dots. Soho Tees made willing Fashion Victims of us all; when the 'BOOM Girls' gave us a show in true 90s Gap-esque style; delivering one (hundred) classic Kodak moment(s) in under 60 seconds flat. Pastels, girly florals and aztec prints on bodycon dresses were next, from nishe, and Pussycat London.



Bariano's orange and cream collection with gold piping marked a change in style, as we moved into gorgeous eveningwear. Flowing Grecian lines juxtaposed heavy ruching with chiffon, until The Pretty Dress Company took over the catwalk with pre-Mary Quant hemlines full of 1930s to 50s film star glamour. Chi Chi were a teenage prom girl's dream, before Forever Unique closed the show in bold blues, golds and bronzes that were sexy, and seductive in the most ladylike of Fashions...
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A short while, and several wrong turns later; the #Pure34 Pocket Guide (and Google Maps) both failed my misdirected feet. By the grace of friendly vendors, wind trajectory, and a spotlight that (arguably) resembled the North Star, I eventually found my way to the earlier-mentioned Grand Hall Stage in the nick of time for the Womenswear Catwalk.

Unlike the younger, more obvious bodies of work on the Spirit Catwalk, the more mature collections were eyecatching with an entirely different kind of allure. Split into six 'trends to watch' on the glitzier, spotlit stage, and clearly targeting the grown ups; the sophistication of 'Desert Elegance' translated into wide and flowing maxi-dresses and jumpsuits in a spectrum of beige through bold bursts of colour - both with, and without prints and large bejewelled embellishments. Think that scene in Sex & The City 2 - where the girls emerge, crescendo-high, and photoshoot-fresh from the sand dunes; atop camels all in heat-induced slo-mo - a Vogue video-centrefold brought to life. Then take out the jaded cynicism of the film, so that only the fashion remains...Now, you're cooking! Ok, let's move on....

'Post Urban Traveller' was all about textures. Stone and wood colours made oversized jackets, separates, and dresses chic in unfamiliar ways. 'Blue Nouvelle' mixed marls and tie-dyes with stripes, paisley and deeper echelons of the shade, contrasted with whites and creams. Stripes and block colours were the prevalent, sporty fad in 'Cartoon Chemicals'; with borderline neon shades making surprisingly welcome statements about the good 'ole days of the 80s, Hubba Bubba chewing gum, and your first Stabilo Highlighter 4-pack. 'Carnival' gave new meaning to 'a walk on the wild side'; with jungle prints in big, vivid shades. What should, on paper, have been too busy to the eye, stopped just short of the headache / eyesore barrier; particularly when teamed with contrasting voluminous, solid tones that kept the styles classy, and even office-wearable.

'Summer in the Shade' was the final, lingerie-laden, forecasted trend, with in-built, complimentary gym envy, courtesy of each and every 'BOOM Girl' on the strip. Black and gold went farther than Sam Sparro could ever have imagined, joining devastating forces, to leave a salivating audience in a wake littered with spending temptation...


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Dazed from my catwalk binge, I attempted to walk off my high at the mahoosive Darling exhibition stand, where every item they carried gave off the air of young English ladies at high tea - even providing the garden party backdrop. My fanciful fun was not to last however, as Javine Hylton, the only live performer at the entire event, was about to perform a brief set at the invitation of exhibitors, Ruby Rocks. It's always a good thing when an artist reminds you why you liked them in the first place. In the case of Javine, and the baggage that will automatically be associated with her to the end of her days - it was refreshing to be reminded what there was to like in the first place.

Her acoustic set compromised 'Missing You', and 'Real Things'. Call me picky, but I thought prefacing the latter with a statement like "you all know it - it was all over the radio!" Perhaps wasn't the most positive one to make. This here music fanatic was a supporter of hers, pre the murderous 'Don't Walk Away' cover (how many times and ways can I say 'LEAVE THE CLASSICS ALONE' before they hear me), and all that other stuff that shall go unmentioned; but I couldn't name, or even describe her first single if you paid me - it was that long ago...All that aside, she delivered a faultless performance that left us hankering for new material; sounded as amazing as she looked and, was surprisingly friendly in person...




Back to the stands, and a photobooth courtesy of Louche London caught my attention. After a festive chat with the 'Ladies who Louche'; I had just enough time to indulge in the dainty lace and chiffon on display at the Soma stand, where it felt like walking onto the set of Virginia Andrew's Flowers in the Attic movie, only in 3D - with costumes more delicate than the pages of that particular teen craze, could justly articulate...



And that, Dear Readers, is a wrap on Day One. Feel like you were there? If that doesn't do it, then the Event Albums surely will!

See the spectacular looks from the Spirit and Womenswear Catwalks, the stands mentioned above, and the rest of #Pure34, including Javine's performance, on the ESP Facebook Page - don't forget to 'tip' your writer with Likes and Shares galore!

Let your voice be heard in the Reader Stage - better known as the comment box below! In the meantime, Day Two is on the way...

ES ;)

Wednesday 18 September 2013

#ESPNEWS: MAKE UP ARTIST ERYCA FREEMANTLE COMES TO OLYMPIA BEAUTY, MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER


Press Conference @ Olympia Beauty Show 23rd September 2013 @ 2.30pm

AWOCC & OLYMPIA 2014

The AWOC campaign has been founded to provide the beauty industry with increased knowledge on how to cater for and work with and reach all women of colour.  The aim of the campaign is to see change and growth. With a growing 55% ethnic diversity sector in the UK, in particular in London there is an estimated £300 billion pounds to benefit from for luxury beauty brands. AWOC aims to brands in their offering for all women of colour. AWOCC provides the beauty industry with increased knowledge on how to work with all women of colour, with specially designed accredited and certified industry. This will encourage change and enable the industry to work confidently with all women of colour, the All Women of Colour campaign is spearheaded by Eryca Freemantle.

In THESE recessional times, brands and establishments should look at different ways to maintain and improve their profit margins. Making products lines more inclusive for all women of colour and establishments being able to cater and provide services for all women of colour will bring in customers and can only be good for business. AWOCC is also supported by Minister Jo Swinson, Minster of equalities at the Home Office. 

Eryca Freemantle

Eryca is a makeup, product developer, trainer and grooming pioneer. She has been in the beauty business for 30 years, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. She is makeup Industry Intelligence. Eryca willingly shares her journey, from a major car accident, leaving her with no multiple scars on her face to becoming one of the leading consultants in the world. Eryca has worked and writes for leading magazines, Pure Beauty, Style Magazine, Spell Magazine, Expert Beauty UK and clients include celebrities and dignitaries across the world. 

She sits on the panel and board of experts for London College of Fashion and is known as the Global Beauty Ambassador for WOC in European. She works alongside The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) to promote increased development awareness of women of colour in the beauty industry. She is also the Pan African Ambassador and Assessor for (CIBTAC), Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, known for its high educational standard in aesthetics and holistic therapies. 

Eryca is currently working with the UKTI (United Kingdom Trade & Investments) as an international beauty case study for the UK government, working with representatives from Brazil, Spain, USA, South Africa, West Africa, India, Japan, and France, who require her expertise to improve their makeup and skincare needs for women of colour. 

Eryca Freemantle has gone from strength to strength, promoting awareness globally about makeup, training, self esteem, confidence and diversification in the beauty industry. 

If you would like to get further information or attain press accreditation for the event please contact Aneka Johnson at Fetch Management on +44 7939 392 908.

Announcement

1. To celebrate Olympia's 10th year anniversary (2014) Olympia and Eryca will be focusing and concentrating on the AWOCC in depth with Olympia. Eryca intends to bring in champions from USA and Africa and have a panel discussion on the progress and availability of products for AWOC worldwide.  This will include world famous makeup artist and celebrities attending the show next year.  Names to be announced near the time.

2.  Olympia Beauty will be working with Eryca Freemantle on projects in Africa.  They are working on a few projects that will be announced very soon.

3. Eryca Freemantle is still challenging manufactures in UK to work with her to create makeup lines for AWOC. She believes she can and will together lead industry to change. She intends to find the right partner to encourage training and education enabling the beauty industry to provide makeup for our now global village.

4. Eryca Freemantle is now a contributor to Good Hair Good Skin a new website aimed particularly at WOMEN OF COLOUR.  The site is luxury, elegant, consumer friendly and the new place to find products and knowledge for WOC.



Friday 13 September 2013

'The ES in the P' Blog is 2 Today - What a CRAZY Ride!


The second birthday of this here 'lil domain' in the grand blogosphere of things, snuck up on me good and proper. I realised the milestone in conversation at the first birthday party for jewellery boutique +JeDeCo OXO last night - a lovely affair, full of friendly, welcoming designers that I was glad to meet, after reviewing most of their collections during Jewellery Week this past Summer.

It's been a bumpy, addictively interesting ride; the ESP blog has not only created connections, avenues and opportunities that would otherwise, never have presented themselves, and today is no exception!

My very first London Fashion Week in February gave me the chance to interview a childhood icon of mine. Caryn Franklin MBE was gracious enough to give me some 1-2-1 advice on how to approach my first outing, guidance which I have carried over into many other instances since then...

The incomparable Caryn Franklin MBE
As the first day of my second foray begins, I'm also extremely honoured to add the advice of another longtime idol that I met at the start of this month. The wonderful Hilary Alexander was kind enough to advise me on how to get the most out of a catwalk show during a reception I attended at International Jewellery London:

"Don't try to watch the shoes, clothes and bags at the same time - they're all flashing by; I think when you're at a fashion show, it's good to focus on one thing. Decide and say 'Right, I'm going to focus on...the shoes'. 

I think you need to look at colour, shape, inspiration...You just have to watch, write down what you see; is it red? Are more people using green? Is it more gold, or more silver? What do the inspirations look like? Are they 1920s? 1930s? Do they look Victorian? And over time, as you go around the stands, you'll notice that you're writing the same keywords over and again.

Use your eyes, and memory, and notes...and don't rely on a mobile phone!  A pen and a piece of paper...is going to be more valuable to you in the long run, when you want to actually examine what you've seen."

Yours Truly with the GREAT Hilary Alexander, Fashion Forecaster, Trendsetter, ICON!
Well now, if that wasn't an inspirational moment to start off the next season, and the next year with, then I don't know what is!

I just want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has ever read, or contributed their time to this humble space of mine over the last two years - like stitching to a hemline, it would not be what it is, without you!

I'm off to my first show of the SS14 season now - Fashion Scout's 'Ones To Watch' at Freemasons Hall, notepad and pen at the ready...

Have a great day all - and stay with me for another 365, you ain't seen nothin yet!

Much Love,
ES ;)

Wednesday 11 September 2013

#ESPspotlight on: phannatiq, LFW SS14 DESIGNER SHOWROOMS, ESTETHICA WEST WING

urban  | london | attire

.....london inspired ethically produced attire for those  who don’t do shiny

autumn/winter 2013-14
refraction

photo:  stephen berkely-white | hair & make-up: arletta kremer |
models: abitha  pallett, sebastian barz
phannatiq are delighted to announce the launch of their aw13-14 collection, refraction; a characteristically savvy offering in exquisite cross town style

further drawing on their love affair with the vistas of london’s urban decay, refraction takes inspiration from the hi-vis, low profile people who hold our cities together

growing from their signature, androgyny infused womenswear, phannatiq are thrilled to introduce menswear to the collection for aw13-14 as well as jewellery by Nancy Mc for phannatiq

across the collections, phannatiq’s urban disruption patterns; collaged using images  of london and screen printed on hand dyed fabrics, adorn many facings, while also providing unexpected reverse, and trim detailing

phannatiq’s new direction for cross-genre attire continues with classic cuts, bold shapes and sassy anti-fit, and is agrown-up yet playful sartorial segue for the world’s pavement population

organic, unbleached bamboo, silk and cotton and harris tweed form the basis of the collection  with the elegant addition of panels  and trims using fig tree bark, recycled leather and locally felted cotswold wool

phannatiq’s materials are typically well credentialed; in line with phannatiq’s quality and sustainability standards, but for aw13-14, phannatiq are proud to announce their textiles are produced using only nat- ural plant dyes, and that they have eliminated the majority of chemical waste from the textile manufacturing process

currently in its fifth season and proud to be born, designed and manufactured in london, phannatiq is the brainchild of designer Anna Skodbo

a passionate fan and observer of style and self expression, and having been brought up within sustainable living communities, it is with uncontrived conviction that she implements traditional methods with no compromise on modernity, and presents refraction, an ethically conceived and produced collection for aw13-14

phannatiq are also pleased to be presenting their short film, exclusion, in the canon  cinema at somerset house, partnering with really creative media, and showcasing the talents of freerunner Mitch Lee this season, phannatiq is excited to be partnering with firefly tonics, who will be providing refreshment in the form of their new PET range; a delicious take on natural refreshment in a new bottle for grabbing on the go

sales contact / press contact
twitter / website


#ESPspotlight on: RE PRESENT SWEDISH FASHION COLLECTIVE, LFW SS14, 15-17 SEPTEMBER

Business Sweden and The Embassy of Sweden have partnered up with Make Lemonade agency and Varg PR to initiate a new project for London Fashion Week, showcasing a collective of Swedish fashion designers. The project, named Re present Swedish Fashion collective & Showroom, will launch during London Fashion Week in September.

The three day exhibition and showroom showcasing each designer’s SS14 collections in central London, will be open for sales and press appointments during the 15th-17th September. There will also be an opportunity for members of the general public to visit the showroom, more details to be revealed closer to the launch date.

The aim with the initiative is to raise brand awareness for each member of the collective internationally and within the UK, as well as enable each designer to independently establish new connections and a network that will help build long term relationships with buyers relevant to their brand.

The showroom will be situated in the beautiful Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, well known for its forefront of cultural experimentation since its formation in 1946 and presentation of important debut solo shows by artists including Damien Hirst, Juergen Teller and Hannah Sawtell.


Participating brands include: 

ALTEWAISAOME is combining the minimalistic traditional Scandiavian design with the detailed craftsmanship from other parts of Europe. With founders Natalia Altewai and Randa Saome having studied and worked in Italy, they have succeeded in combining the best of both worlds and have already received several prestigious awards since their launch in 2009.

BACK by Ann-Sofie Back is the diffusion line to the high end collection Ann-Sofie Back Atelje, aimed at intelligent, style conscious women. Ann-Sofie Back is one of Sweden’s original bad-boys when it comes to breaking the conventions of fashion. In 2009, she moved back to Stockholm after 12 years in London and combines the work on her two lines with her role as Creative Director at the Cheap Monday denim label.

CARIN WESTER was created in 2003 and quickly became noticed by high  profiled stores because of its androgynous shapes and urban, playful expressions. Today, the collection defends the philosophy of a modern elegance to dress women with sharpness and attitude.

CORNELIA WEBB explores the landscape of our bodies with a Scandinavian sense of aesthetic. Since launching in 2005, the jewellery brand has established itself on the international luxury market creating seductive garments and accessories celebrating the organic elements and the human physique. Cornelia Webb’s on-going enviro-conscious concepts embrace repurposed metals and unique findings from the seaside.

DAGMAR was launched by three sisters in 2005 and its unconventional and sophisticated style has been widely recognized by the  fashion industry throughout Europe, United States and Asia. The brand has received several awards and secured prestigious retailers such as Net-a-porter and Harrods.



Beyonce in DAGMAR AW13 (Photo courtesy of @representshowroom)

MARIA NILSDOTTER graduated from Central Saints Martins in 2007, and  creates wearable art with a playful touch. Her jewellery is characterized by symbolic figures, unexpected twists and thought provoking contrasts.

MASKA is a knitwear label focusing on precious, soft and lustrous materials, dedicated to creating timeless knitwear where yarn and design come together in perfect harmony.

MINIMARKET will be showing RTW as well as their successful shoe range, both available at stockists worldwide – including Europe, US and Asia.

PALMGRENS is a heritage brand founded in 1896. Originally a saddler, the brand has during the years developed into a timeless and most high quality leather brand in Sweden. Collaborations include partnerships with other Re present participants Dagmar and Maria Nilsdotter.

RODEBJER is a progressive international fashion brand offering effortless elegance for all occasions. Creative director Carin Rodebjer, now living in NY, founded the brand in 1999, with a passion for distinct silhouettes and  the  feel, weight and drape of the  fabric.

STYLEIN launched 2001 in New York, while founder Elin Nyström was studying at F.I.T. The brand finds inspiration in the energies of life, and combines femininity and contemporary edge, which gives  the collections a unique and  simplistic expression.

Address: 

The Institution  of Contemporary Arts

The Nash and  Brandon Rooms, 12 Carlton  House  Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
Dates: 15-17th September 2013
Opening hours: 10am  – 8pm

Twitter #representLFW / Instagram  

For further information:

PRESS

Tove Westling  - 0207 323 2115

SALES

Emete Yarici - 07525194129

SPONSORS / FURTHER INFORMATION

Sara Karte - Business  Sweden – 020 7616 4070

BUSINESS SWEDEN

Business Sweden is a merger between the Swedish Trade Council and Invest Sweden, which strengthen and promote Sweden as an attractive, innovative and competitive business partner. With around 500 employees in 57 countries and in every region in Sweden, Business Sweden facilitate for Swedish companies to grow internationally and for foreign companies to invest in Sweden. Business Sweden is owned by the Swedish government and the industry. The shared ownership provides access to contacts and networks at all levels.

EMBASSY OF SWEDEN

The Embassy of Sweden in London represents Sweden, the Swedish government and promotes Swedish interests in the UK.

MAKE LEMONADE

Make Lemonade Agency was founded in August 2012, with the desire to redefine the usual constraints and traditions of the fashion industry. MLA builds long lasting relationships between its brands and retailers as well as working with each of their designers to tailor a bespoke strategy and approach to the UK market. The agency currently represents ALTEWAISAOME, Carin Wester and Maska Knitwear.

VARG PR

Identifying a gap in the market for successful representation of Scandinavian labels, Varg has  focused on growing the best brands out  of Sweden and  Denmark since 2008. Varg PR offers a mix of traditional PR with bespoke brand building solutions for fashion and lifestyle brands, working closely with their clients to build and expand their presence and visibility through a personal and straightforward approach. Varg represents brands such as BACK by Ann-Sofie Back, Dagmar, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, Filippa K and Swedish Hasbeens.


Saturday 7 September 2013

#ESPspotlight on: Natasha Zinko - FASHION SCOUT OFF-SCHEDULE CATWALK, LFW SS14


Although better known for her jewellery designs, I have been in LOVE with Natasha Zinko, since I saw models Rozi and Monica just be Art in her clothing on the Jewellery Show London catwalk in June.

Rozi
Monica


When I learned she would be showing her latest collection on the Fashion Scout stage during LFW SS14, there was simply no way I couldn't include her in this month's #ESPspotlight series, introducing some of the designers that you will be seeing on the catwalks over the next few weeks!



Before we get to the fashion though - Meet the Designer...
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BIOGRAPHY

Natasha Zinko is a London-based Russian designer that graduated with a BA Honours recognition for Jewellery Design at Central St Martins. Natasha’s foray into jewellery design stemmed from her attention to detail. She has a passion for smaller and finer objects and her talent flourishes in hand-made pieces.

NATASHA believes that jewellery is personal and therefore creates one-of-a-kind designs. Each piece is carefully researched and several models are made in a private studio before achieving the final outcome. Natasha uses the finest stones and materials that she sources from trade fairs such as Basel, and from her many trips around the world

Her jewellery is a play on symbols, familiar or proverbial, but given a new translation. Such recognisable icons like skulls and skeletons, crosses, angel wings, cobwebs, hearts, and the evil eye; to name a few; are reworked on gold and precious stones. The result is a sense of irony and a personal meaning for the wearer.

NATASHA ZINKO is synonymous with unique handcrafted jewellery that aspires to make a statement.  

Natasha’s jewellery is entirely hand-made in her workshop in London. She draws inspiration from the buzz and every-changing London landscape. She resides in west London and her boutique in Mayfair’s Maddox street is testament to her commitment to this city.


Interact with Natasha:


ES ;)

Friday 6 September 2013

#ESPspotlight on: Ada Zanditon - LFW SS14 DESIGNER SHOWROOMS: ESTETHICA WEST WING


BIOGRAPHY

Ada Zanditon, born and based in London, is a first class graduate of the London College of Fashion. Zanditon made her London Fashion Week catwalk debut in September 2009 (Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Ones to Watch) and presented her Spring Summer 12 collection Poseisus on the London Fashion Week Digital Schedule at Somerset House.

The vision of the brand is to create elegant, sculptural womenswear embellished with Zanditon's original illustrations. The silhouettes are strong, confident and geometrically cut, featuring origami inspired engineered details.

Each season this is combined with a unique conceptual narrative that explores and evolves Zanditon's signature. The narratives of Zanditon's work come from a scientific perspective on the environment, modern architectural forms and a blending of historical journeys with future fantasy. Zanditon is particularly inspired by the process of evolution and the concept of biomimicry, creating innovation through mimicking a process that has evolved in nature.

Ada Zanditon is passionate about the subjects which inspire her. Each collection aims to bring awareness to the source of its inspiration and support charities who work in conservation. She has worked with various charities including The Bat Conservation Trust & The Seahorse Trust.

Core to the brand philosophy is a sustainable business practise which Zanditon is constantly refining and seeking to improve. A wide range of sustainable textiles are sourced. This is part of her design philosophy, a belief in the strength of diverse systems. All the product is currently manufactured in London.




In 2009 Zanditon received the Masters of Linen – Creativity award in Paris enabling her to produce her first ready to wear collection, following this Zanditon was selected for the British Fashion Council's eco-fashion mentoring programme – working with mentor Bev Malik (Browns, Harvey Nichols).

In September 2010, her SS11 collection was featured in the first LFW on schedule sustainable catwalk show, part of an event organised by Prince Charles and Anna Wintour at Clarence House. At Somerset House Zanditon won the EFF & Fairtrade Foundation's, Innovation award which lead to some exciting Fairtrade collaborations.

In 2011 Zanditon was one of fifteen high profile designers to be part of the Fairtrade Collective, designing a scarf in Fairtrade Cotton that is being retailed on Asos.com. In February 2011 fine jewellers Ingle and Rhode asked Zanditon to design the first ever Fairtrade Fairmined Gold Necklace which was featured in a competition on Vogue.com.

Zanditon was one of five internationally successful designers chosen to be part of the first Stylesight Young Designer's Council. This has given the brand access to Stylesight's global visionary reports and trend forecasts.

Zanditon's collections have been showcased on the catwalk internationally in several cities including Shanghai, Zagreb and Kiev. Ada Zanditon's customers are diverse and unique yet all share a passion for her confident elegant pieces that allow the wearer to express their beauty, intelligence and individuality. This is reflected by the celebrities who have chosen to wear her designs, amongst them, Lily Cole, Katie Melua, Leah Weller & Jameela Jamil.

Zanditon has been featured in a wide range of press globally including Grazia, Vogue, The Observer magazine, Elle & Elle Collections, Marie Claire, Schon, Vision, Vogue Russia, Italian Vogue, The Word, Sunday Times Style, Stella, Glamour, Sublime, Times Luxx, Metro, Dazed Digital, Style Bubble and many more.

Zanditon is currently stocked in high end boutiques, in the UK, Europe, America and Asia. For a full list of boutiques and websites please see the Stockists page.

Ada Zanditon Lookbook SS14 
Interact with Ada:

#ESPNEWS: BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES BLOGGER STRATEGY - #FBloggers Are YOU Ready To Wear This?

05 September 2013
PRESS RELEASE

The British Fashion Council launches Blogger Strategy

Photo courtesy of londonfashionweek.com
Fashion blogging both in the UK and internationally has exploded; last season alone over 2 000 bloggers registered to attend London Fashion Week. With an average rise in applications of 25% season on season since launching blogger registration in February 2011, projected registration for September 2014 would exceed 3,000 applications.

To be able to manage the increased interest and provide the best experience for bloggers who receive accreditation, the British Fashion Council is developing a strategy that it hopes to implement over the next year.

Although in its early stages, the British Fashion Council has initiated an open channel of communication with a working party of bloggers who represent a cross section of some of the UK’s most successful fashion blogs. By uniting a broad range of bloggers to act as advisors on wide ranging issues, including increased blogger registration, vetting, best practise for bloggers and on-site facilities at LFW, the BFC has identified a list of action points to be implemented this season.

WE ARE SELECTING THE BLOGGERS THAT ADD VALUE TO LONDON FASHION WEEK

London Fashion Week is a trade event. To be accredited, bloggers must have a wide reach, influence, engagement and evidence that they support the work of British designers. The application and vetting process for bloggers requires time and consideration so we will no longer be accrediting bloggers on-site during the event.

WE ARE INCREASING THE VALUE OF ACCREDITATION FOR BLOGGERS AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

With enough time before the shows begin, the BFC will be able compile and distribute the final list of accredited bloggers for London Fashion Week to PRs ahead of the event. Accreditation will be awarded on a seasonal basis

EVERY BLOGGER WHO REGISTERS THEIR INTEREST IN LONDON FASHION WEEK WILL RECEIVE A BRIEFING PACK

The briefing pack for accredited bloggers will detail what accreditation offers, provide information about on-site facilities and events, and will outline a code of conduct. Non-accredited bloggers will receive a synopsis of ways to get involved, including access to media packs and an online blogger hub, within which daily highlight videos, imagery and information on related events will be available. The briefing pack will also include information about relevant events throughout the year, emphasising a 365 day approach to bloggers generating content.

THE BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL’S BLOG PORTAL WILL BE REFOCUSED

The blog portal will represent our accredited bloggers for London Fashion Week and will be updated season on season to reflect this dynamic list. This will provide a useful year-round resource for the wider industry.

ONSITE FACILITIES AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

Samsung are providing a space for bloggers with lockers and charging stations on the first floor of Somerset House. This is in addition to The Samsung Press and Buyers Study, where 10 laptops will be available for use by accredited bloggers.

Sasha Wilkins, Liberty London Girl, commented: 
"As both journalist and blogger it's been an extraordinary experience to watch the exponential growth of blogging from both sides since I started blogging in 2006. With that growth has come many unforeseen logistical challenges for the entire industry at London Fashion Week, and I'm very pleased to be working with the British Fashion Council as they start to implement a continuing programme of measures to help bloggers and editors alike navigate London Fashion Week in the digital age.
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"Fashion blogging has changed the media landscape dramatically in the last few years and so it is great that the British Fashion Council recognises those changes. London Fashion Week features many young designers that really benefit from having their work showcased by a variety of media platforms, and that includes blogging and having social media presence. As a blogger, it's great to be working with the British Fashion Council on facilitating changes that will aid the blogging community to better create content about London Fashion Week and to establish blogging as a legitimate media channel at fashion week."
- Susie Lau, Founder of Style Bubble
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For press enquiries regarding the British Fashion Council please contact:
Will Rowley 
+44 (0) 20 7759 1968

For more information on London Fashion Week please visit:

Photograph by: Nicholas Kay

Left to Right: Krista Madden, beautyandthedirt.com & Handpicked Media, Simon Glazin, The Very Simon G, Joao Paulo Nunes, The Style Examiner; Emily Johnston, Fashion Foie Gras; Karen Hendry, Katie Chutzpah; Ella Gregory, Coco's Tea Party; Susanna Lau, Style Bubble; Danielle Wightman-Stone, Fashionista Barbie; Navaz Batliwalla, Disney Roller Girl; Steve Salter, Style Salvage

Not Pictured: Abisola Omole, Abi Marvel; Ella Catliff, La Petite Anglaise; Laetitia Wajnapel, Mademoiselle Robot; Reena Rai, Fashion Daydreams
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SO many things are wrong with this, it's hard to know where to begin!

Overall, as a publication directly affected by this, I have to say that I still don't think it fairly represents smaller names. These initiatives seem to be singling out a list of 'It' Blogs, whilst dismissing the rest as persona non grata. As I have been saying for some time now, what the BFC NEED to be doing, is creating 'New' and 'Rising Star' opportunities, akin to the platforms they provide for new designers. Bloggers are a conduit and resource that no marketer worth their salt can afford to do without. Up and comers don't wait to be told what to like, enthusiasts like myself go out and find our content, and build our following organicallyCelebrating those who already have a wide reach does nothing but create a dominant elite, the likes of which does absolutely nada to nurture new talent!

By definition (of opinion), this very blog that you are reading (and thus engaging with), does not 'add value' to London Fashion Week, because it does not meet one of the criterion listed above. By not fully meeting all of the required points, I would not achieve accreditation and as a result, London Fashion Week would by definition, be of 'No Value' to me, as a non-accredited blogger. So what's the solution?

Well were it not for a contact list that I have worked very hard to cultivate, I would not have gotten my feet wet at February's AW13 unveiling, nor would I be attending any of the SS14 shows (more about that to come over the next week); because my experience with the BFC to date has not been a positive, nor supportive one. So whilst I would always recommend trying the front door in the first instance, my advice to those wishing to progress, comes in the form of some simple food for thought, for you to do with, what you will:

When organisations like the British Fashion Council shut the front door, always remember that there are plenty of windows and back doors that are WIDE open, and welcoming of some fresh air...

Until the next, dear readers!
ES ;)