Graduate Fashion Week 2009
The nation’s celebration of brand new fashion talent began yesterday with a buzz as graduate shows from Universities across the country took to the catwalk.
Although a smaller graduating class, Edinburgh’s design students put on a fantastic show with contributors drawing creative inspiration from a wide variety of sources including exotic folk culture and musical genres.
Despite this it was Northumbria University who were the highlight of the day. (Blog Ed: Slight bias detected perhaps?) The students provided a stunning display of artistic and technically precise craftsmanship, wowing spectators with dramatic tailoring and hand beaded and woven masterpieces.
The standard was definitely set for the shows to come throughout the week and the judges on the River Island awards panel were sure to have a tough decision on their hands!
Lauren Turner
Fashion and Runway Shows
Paul & Joe Beauté Breathless launch and GO CARTING!
On Thursday, Paul & Joe Beauté took over The Raceway in Greenwich for a fun, (and ever-so-slightly-competitive!) adrenalin fuelled afternoon of Go-Cart racing with the beauty press.
It was also an opportunity for Craig Ryan French from Paul & Joe Beauté to present their Autumn Sparkles collection, Breathless.
Great racing fun was had by all, with WGSN’s Alice Leeburn burning off the competition and winning the title of Paul & Joe Beauté grand prix champion!
Beauty and Brand events
PUMA Present Future
As the final footwear wall went up, the clock struck 7.30pm and the doors opened to some 100 thirsty, sneaker revellers.
Goldierocks, resident DJ at the ‘PUMA Present Future’ showcase, played the best of old skool rave music which spilled into Carnaby Street. With cocktails flowing like it wasn’t a week night, the usually cool and collected fashion pack rapidly changed with a giant marker being held hostage for the night.
Sounds of M.I.A ironically welcomed the arrival of Amy Sacco – founder of the famous Bungalow 8!
Brand events and Fashion
Ferragamo Comes to Westfield
On Tuesday 19th May guests were invited to the official opening of the new Salvatore Ferragamo boutique at Westfield’s shopping centre and photography exhibition by young British photographer Harry Watt.
The event showcased work from his ‘Studio Series’ collection. A few lucky guests had their portrait taken in a studio booth at the back of the store where upon they were asked to leave an object in the spot where they stood which was then photographed for his new series of work.
The event brought culture to the shopping centre as guests inquisitively viewed the artwork and filled the store with excitement and energetic conversation.
Fashion and Brand events
Ferragamo Recipe Book Launch
On Thursday 14th May, Salvatore Ferragamo unveiled ‘‘Le ricette per cucina raccolte dal Principe Don Paolo Borghese,” A unique recipe book collating the best of historical Italian cookery from the writings of Prince Don Paolo Borghese.
The Old Bond Street Boutique was transformed into a haven of culinary delights as a selection of Italian breads and cheeses were served alongside wine tasting from the Ferragamo vineyards Il Borro and Castiglion del Bosco.
Tom Aikins and his wife Amber Nutall, Daisy de Villeneuve, Virginia Bates, the Italian ambassador, His Excellency Giancarlo Aragona and his wife Donna Sandra Aragona joined the family members Vivia Ferragamo, Angelica Visconti and Lorenza Gentile at this unique event.
The launch of these exquisite recipes culminated in an exclusive dinner at The Albermarle restaurant at Brown’s Hotel on the Friday night, where renowned chef Lee Streeton cooked up a menu of the original 19th Century recipes. Eva Herzigova was among the 110 very special guests who also included Sir Rocco Forte, Principe & Principessa della Torre e Tasso and the Duchess of Somerset.
Fashion and Brand events
Benefit Crescent Row Hits Dublin and London
Benefit took Europe by storm this week kicking off their European tour in Dublin. This was co-founders Jean and Jane’s first trip back to Ireland for a long while and Jean’s daughters Annie and Maggie’s first.
The cream of the Irish press turned out accordingly for the launch of Crescent Row at The Merrion, one’s Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious hotels. Situated in the Georgian quarter of Dublin the Merrion is a treasure trove of Eighteenth Century architecture, which suited the Crescent Row style perfectly.
After the success of Dublin the Benefit Crescent Row party moved on to London. Held in the spectacular Robert Adam interior of Home House in a suite of rooms that were filled to capacity with journalists and buyers all keen to meet with Jean and Jane and Annie and Maggie and experience the new launch first hand.
Benefit Readers Event with Hello Magazine and Nadine Baggott
On Saturday April 18th at Selfridges, Benefit played host to around 50 Hello! Magazine readers booked in to meet Jean and Jane and listen to interviews by Nadine. Jean and Jane, Annie and Maggie and an army of Benebabes were on hand to look after everyone and make sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible.
The feedback on the day was fantastic from all involved and the event attracted lots of other passers-by in-store onto the counter.
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