Catwalk Genius News

Designer Funding Progress 6th November 2009

Helen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:52:10 +0000

Aquascutum A/W09 RTW, courtesy of Style.com

Amount Invested                  Shares Sold       Designer

£2,360                           236               Georgie_W_Couture

£1,330                           133               Plastikowy

£930                              93               Love Cole by Samantha Cole London

£480                              48               Fred Butler

£330                              33               Kelly Love

£300                              30               Pitchouguina

£270                              27               Marshall&Vox

£230                              23               Tom Florian Atelier

£220                              22               Tour de Force

£200                              20               Camilla Welton

£180                              18               Daughter Earth

£80                                8               Clash&Refine

£80                                8               Jennivi Jordan

£70                                7               Ayuk&Adaora

£50                                5               Minna

£50                                5               Katie Rowland

£40                                4               Heidi Mottram

£30                                3               Chrysalis

£30                                3               Deibe Rondon

£30                                3               Gemma Lister Jewellery

£30                                3               Hannah Makes Things

£30                                3               Seraglia

£20                                2               Anna Paola Pascuzzi Made in Italy

£20                                2               Penelope Lowe

£20                                2               PopRina

£20                                2               Simone Williams

£10                                1               ANA FAYE

£10                                1               Claire O

£10                                1               kathy & claire

£10                                1               MDD

£10                                1               Minnehaha

£10                                1               Sue Rock Originals

£10                                1               Alisa Benay

£10                                1               Funky Homo Sapiens

£10                                1               Sample Remix

£10                                1               Cristina Schamann

Why are some designers not clickable?

Some of the designers haven't got any products on sale at the moment and so their profile is currently inactive.


All shares purchased still stand and you can view them in My Account >Designer Funding.

UK Designer support from BFC and Vogue

Helen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Yes, actual Vogue.

Gareth Pugh RTW A/W09-10, courtesy of Style.com

If NEWGEN and Fashion forward are about getting your business lanched and thriving, the BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is about taking your established business towards global hyper-growth.

As usual, it's a panel judging your applications - and those hoops are well worth jumping, because one winner will receive £200,000 without any expectation of shareholding. Even if you miss out on that, you'll stand a chance of getting access to mentors and other support to get things moving even further up.

Apply via the British Fashion Council site by December the 2nd.

Going to Ibiza

Helen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Oh, let's have some more unseasonal sunshine on Catwalk Genius! After Jennivi Jordan's bright prints we now get a taste of Ibiza courtesy of NastiMeri.

I'm very glad that London College of Fashion graduates Meri Markoska and Nasti Moto partnered up as I think the resulting brand name is rather delightful and certainly memorable.

Based in Ibiza and no doubt influenced by their surroundings, wearing their designs must feel like taking a year-round summer vacation. Ancient Greece mixes with modern romantics in their delicate floating layers - the result is as flirty as a surf instructor. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about.

Check out NastiMeri's profile here, or go straight to the collection.

New from Jennivi Jordan

Helen — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:33:17 +0000

Following success at Carribean Fashion Week and praise from Style Bubble's Susie, we're delighted to announce some gorgeous new pieces from Jennivi Jordan:

Like Susie, we love the citrus-sharp colours and interesting textures of this innovative range.

If you agree, you can shop the collection here, or invest in Jennivi's next collection if you'd like to share in the profits from her undoubtedly bright future!

Going Caledonian

Helen — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

The 2009 Scottish Style Awards (not to be confused with the Scottish Fashion Awards) have seen past victories in the Fashion Design category by Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and our own Aimee McWilliams.

This year's nominations include Alice Palmer and Laura Lees from Catwalk Genius, along with last year's winner Deryck Walker, Olanic's Niki Taylor, Judy Clark and Vidler & Nixon.

Alice Palmer Laura Lees

We're delighted for them all. Hallowe'en in Glasgow will see the winner announced - or you can check the website.

Win a Design Job

Helen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Pringle of Scotland

The BFC have teamed up with Pringle of Scotland to launch a new design competition.

The designer of the best capsule collection in the judges' opinion will win 6 months' paid work for the prestigious fashion house, as well as a grand to keep you in cosy sweaters.

The deadline for entry is 11th December and all the details are on the BFC site - good luck!

Heart of Glass

Helen — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

We've been mightily impressed with newcomer Glass Magazine.

A stylish mix of fashion, art, music and design, it's setting cultural hearts a-flutter with its off- and online offering of coverage on the not-so-obvious but interesting.

Images from the graduate collection of 21-year old Belgian, Alexandra Verschueren.

The current Style section includes interviews with British Vogue Art Director Jaime Perlman and Polish designer Gzregorz Matlag of Maldoror, as well as coverage of Prada's new Made to Order service.

You can also stalk Glass on the usual networks. We think they'll be worth a follow.

Top 10 fashion films

Helen — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:11:26 +0100

The Business of Fashion have gathered the best of the video work from fashion weeks and popped them into a handy Top 10 post.

It includes our the film by our own David David - which we wrote about recently.

Apply for NEWGEN 2010

Helen — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:31:52 +0100

The British Fashion Council are currently accepting applications for the A/W 2010 NEWGEN scheme, designed to showcase and support the best of emerging talent in British fashion.

The deadline for applications is 26th October. Read more at the BFC and apply here.

Good luck!

Our Trip to Felicities

Kim — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:58:43 +0100

A little while back Catwalk Genius headed to Shoreditch where the lovely Rebecca showed us around Felicities Designer Showroom.

Darkest Star’s intricate and beautiful bags, purses and scarves from The Study of an Orchid collection caught our eye. Especially this amazing shoulder piece...

Kumiko Watari’s quirky tees featuring great hand drawn prints…

Sadly we couldn’t make it to the Jacob Kimmie private viewing during London Fashion Week, but managed to take a peek at these stunning pieces at the showroom. Kimmie himself describes his work as ‘seriously sexy, jaw-droppingly luxurious directional neo-British style’, and we couldn’t agree more!

We loved Imogen Belfield’s stunning porcelain jewellery with gold, silver and gemstones.

We saw more show-stopping leather corsets from Harriet’s Muse…

And check out the artwork featured on the wall! Created by designers Cheryl and Craig themselves.

Heidi Mottram's eel skin designs that are both gorgeous and practical.

Catharina Eden’s new collection Jewelled Spine encompasses femininity and nostalgia, with chiffons, taffeta and satin, and a sprinkling of delicate prints from Rob Burton. The results are quite frankly, magical.

We got the chance to take a look at Lako Bukia’s beautiful Mushroom collection up close…

Last but not least, we checked out these striking pieces from new label e.g. Certainly one to keep an eye on!

Catherina Eden - Lako Bukia - e.g.

Maaike Mekking SS10 Look Book

Kim — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:34:35 +0100

We have received the Maaike Mekking SS10 Look Book. Here are a few of our favourites for you to feast your eyes on!

David David S/S10

Helen — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Great coverage of David David's Spring/Summer 2010 collection over on Dazed Digital, including an interview and film presentation made in collaboration with Spring studios.

Continuing the signature geometric prints, but with a growing sophistication and elegance, the collection represents a logical and delightful evolution for the acclaimed label.

You can find previous David David pieces at a discount in our Sample Sale.

For EVER and EVER

Helen — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:55:14 +0100

(via World on a Hanger blog)

Stella McCartney RTW SS10, Courtesy of Style.com

"The tipping point is here." So say the founders of the EVER Manifesto, a project designed to 'showcase and celebrate how ethical principles can underpin luxury lifestyles.'

It's a laudable effort, with the backing of a Princess of Monaco, no less. Launched at Milan fashion week and distributed at Stella McCartney's Paris show, EVER is hoping to make sustainable fashionable.

Get on board at the official site, and see the Business of Fashion's coverage.

Designer Funding Progress 7th October 2009

Helen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Givenchy Couture A/W 09, courtesy of Style.com

Here are the latest chart positions:

Amount Invested                  Shares Sold       Designer

£2,310                           231               Georgie_W_Couture

£1,380                           133               Plastikowy

£910                              91               Love Cole by Samantha Cole London

£450                              45               Fred Butler

£330                              33               Kelly Love

£300                              30               Pitchouguina

£270                              27               Marshall&Vox

£230                              23               Tom Florian Atelier

£220                              22               Tour de Force

£200                              20               Camilla Welton

£180                              18               Daughter Earth

£80                                8               Clash&Refine

£60                                6               Ayuk&Adoara

£50                                5               Jennivi Jordan

£50                                5               Katie Rowland

£30                                3               Chrysalis

£30                                3               Gemma Lister Jewellery

£30                                3               Hannah Makes Things

£30                                3               Seraglia

£20                                2               Penelope Lowe

£20                                2               PopRina

£20                                2               Anna Paola Pascuzzi Made in Italy

£10                                1               ANA FAYE

£10                                1               kathy & claire

£10                                1               MDD

£10                                1               Minnehaha

£10                                1               Alisa Benay

£10                                1               Funky Homo Sapiens

£10                                1               Sample Remix

£10                                1               Cristina Schamann

Why are some designers not clickable?

Some of the designers haven't got any products on sale at the moment and so their profile is currently inactive.



All shares purchased still stand and you can view them in My Account >Designer Funding.

Public Enemy choose crowd-funding

Helen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:05:16 +0100

We mentioned earlier this year that Chuck D had stepped up as Ambassador for music crowd-funding site, Sellaband.

Today, Techcrunch are reporting that he's gone a step further and now Public Enemy will fund their next album through their fans on Sellaband.

This'll be a great test of our own hypothesis that crowd-funding can work for creative businesses at any level of their career - not just those trying to establish themselves.

In other news, yesterday the New York Times covered the Catwalk Genius Back a Designer scheme - and hinted at some of the changes we have up our sleeves for the next few months.

Just this once - make War!

Helen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:15:51 +0100

Loving the Warrior waistcoat just added by Ayuk & Adaora:

Warrior, £165

It's made of natural Partridge feather, silk and cotton and not a small amount of fierce!

Maaike Mekking SS10 - 'Contemptation'

Kim — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:26:13 +0100

Okay LFW is officially over, but don't worry we've still got some SS10 goodness to share!

Last week we headed to The Camp (The City Arts & Music Project) in Shoreditch for Maaike Mekking's SS10 show. The Dutch-born designer's new ready-to-wear collection seeks inspiration from the great femme fatale characters of our favourite cult films. From sharp shirts and trousers, to stunning floorlength gowns, each look sent down the runway exuded feminine power and allure. A minimal palette of greys, black and white provide a backdrop for beautiful detailing- layers, pleats and cutout work. We also loved the intricate hand-drawn flower detailing that added a perfect feminine edge.

Get Ready to Party

Helen — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:08:59 +0100

Gearing up for a season of hard partying, Simone Williams has just added a range of glamorous dresses and tops that are just begging to go clubbing:

52 Card Pick-up

Helen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:27:05 +0100

It was Fred Butler's blog that tipped us off to the House of Cards exhibition at the Haunch of Venison Gallery, London.

A celestial line-up of names have designed cards for a silent auction in aid of Shelter UK, including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, David Bailey and Rankin.

Queen of Hearts by Basso & Brooke

Five of Diamonds by Barbara Hulanicki

The auction and exhibition both close today - see Shelter for more details or view the artwork on the dedicated site.

Harriet's Muse SS10 - 'Come Fly With Me'

Kim — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:56:18 +0100

On Sunday Catwalk Genius made a reutrn to Vauxhall Fashion Scout to take a look at the new SS10 collection from Harriet's Muse.

We were told to expect 'bold and naughty Victorian balloon prints; luxurious and tactile cloth' and we were not disappointed! Cheryl and Craig (the genius duo behind Harriet's Muse) have created stunning collection pieces in black, white, greys and creams. Trademark corsets were of course not forgotten this season, this time complemented with striking leather jackets, ballooning silhouettes and a delightful hot air balloon print. The sweet print and soft fabrics paired with corsets and leather is naughty but nice, and we love it.

Alice Palmer SS10 - ‘What Happens in Vegas…’

Kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:31:32 +0100

London Fashion Week is well and truly upon us people!

On Saturday Catwalk Genius caught Alice Palmer's SS10 collection, What Happens in Vegas... at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Palmer’s AW09 collection was influenced by the sculptural architecture of Tokyo, and this season, the inspiration stems from the extravagant hotels of Las Vegas.

Palmer sent down the runway her signature knits, this time tailored to the body, celebrating the female form. With structured tailoring and padded features, Palmer created a clear futuristic feel to her collection. This was complemented with beautiful Grecian draping that evoked the flamboyance of Las Vegas perfectly. As for colours, fine silk knits in a rich range of blues, purples and shimmering nudes were served up. This collection is sleek, feminine and absolute luxury.

You can shop the Alice Palmer knitted jewellery range on Catwalk Genius.

Fashion Fringe Winners 2009

Helen — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:12:03 +0100

We're loving Jena.Theo, winners of this year's Fashion Fringe:

Designers and LCF alumni Jenny Holmes and Dimitris Theocharidis with award presenter, Donatella V:

Spark Life

Helen — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:16:53 +0100

We're delighted to welcome quirky jewellery label Urban Spark to Catwalk Genius:

The designers, shown above, are both called Nikki, which must make things easy in the office secret Santa draw.

Their first collection is named 'Jules' after the author of 'Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea', Jules Verne. As such, you can expect some pleasingly aquatic pieces such as these:

L-R: Silver Etchant Ring, £14.99, Black Etchant Necklace, £19.99, Ribbon Coral Bracelet, £14.99.

If you're in London on a Saturday from the one coming up until the 17th October, pop round and say hello to the ladies at Portobello market. For the rest of us, you can shop the line here.

Georgie W Couture Autumn/Winter 09/10

Helen — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:36:41 +0100

Fresh from her acclaimed London Fashion Week show, Georgie W Couture now has a new Autumn/Winter range available on Catwalk Genius.

The range includes some fabulous faux-leather pieces, as well as these gorgeous elegant evening gowns:

You can shop the range, or buy a share in her next collection. Leading the funding charts and with rave reviews from fashion week, it looks like Georgie W Couture has a bright future ahead.

Fashion Forward winners

Helen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:49:24 +0100

The British Fashion Council have announced their Fashion Forward sponsorship for a 3rd consecutive season will go to Christopher Kane, Erdem and Marios Schwab.

Find out more from the BFC...

Win Front Row tickets for London Fashion Week

Helen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Win a pair of front row tickets for the Georgie W Couture London Fashion Week show!

Our highest-funded designer, Georgie W Couture, is known for her sassy and sophisticated collections.

Now, she's offering one lucky winner the chance to win two front row seats at the London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk show "The Girl Can't Help It", taking place on Friday 18th September 2009.

You will be amongst fashion editors, buyers, celebrities, and top fashionistas in the industry having VIP treatment all the way. The winner will also be giving a VIP goody bag, a chance to meet the designer herself and a Limited Edition Georgie W Couture special gift.

To enter simply answer the following question:

Name one of Georgie W Couture's stockists.

Email your answer to info@freshstrawberry.co.uk with 'GWC COMPETITION' as the subject heading. Include the following information in your email:

Full Name:

Age:

Address:

Email:

Phone no:

Please note, applicants MUST be 18 or over.

GOOD LUCK!

This season's key questions

Helen — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:36:13 +0100

Love fashion? Got 2 minutes going spare? Then we have some questions for you...

It's here..

Helen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Released today. Squee!

Fashion Rocks for Charity

Helen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

We've been asked by the Fashion Rocks for the Childrens Trust event to put a call out for designers wishing to showcase, sell or donate their work for their charity event:

It also looks like a good night out for fashion fans for the £20 ticket price.

Where: The Bloomsbury Hotel, London W1

When: Thursday October the 29th, 2009

Tickets and more details: MyNewBestFriend.

Viva! Ostwald Helgason

Helen — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:08:26 +0100

More love being shown for Ostwald Helgason - this time by Daisy Lowe at the Form launch party on Monday.

Mondays are more about laundry than parties in my house, but I suppose perhaps if I looked a bit more like Daisy that might not be the case.

The Las Vegas jacket is on sale in the Ostwald Helgason shop on Catwalk Genius - and very lovely it is too.