Wednesday 23 January 2013

DRAGONS’ DEN TEAM ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT BIG THING AT PURE LONDON


 

Each season, Pure London welcomes thousands of successful businessmen and women whose expertise can be found across all levels of the fashion industry. This February, the Dragons’ Den team will be paying a visit to London Olympia on the lookout for hopeful entrepreneurs. Over a 1,000 brands will be on show at Pure London from high-end womenswear and launching lingerie brands to handmade accessories and niche young fashion designers for the team to browse.


The hugely successful BBC programme, which features five of the most successful and commercial brains in the UK, is in need of fresh, innovative ideas for their 11th series. Following the style of previous series, entrepreneurs will be given the chance to pitch their business ideas to the Dragons with the hope of receiving expert advice and a valuable investment. Whether focused on the business, sales or design aspects of a company, Pure London will undoubtedly be bursting with potential candidates in need of a helping hand from the notorious Dragons.      
 
For brands and entrepreneurs looking for investment and wishing to pitch their idea to the Dragons, further information on how to apply can be found at www.purelondon.com/dragonsden

Eleven Paris SS13: Lenny Kravitz and Charlotte Free


 
He's one of the world's most famous rock stars. She's the supermodel everyone wants. The former, Lenny Kravitz, has personified and redefined an international 'cool' attitude for over 20 years, also mixing various musical genres in his 10 albums to make his own sound, showcasing his influences and influencing others in return. The latter, Charlotte Free, has quickly established herself as the new revelation of modeling, crushing stereotypes. Between this 19-year-old punk-like, Neo-Kate Moss, Los Angeles native and American musician, a modern Jimi Hendrix, the chemistry is natural.
 
It is with this strong modern vision that Eleven Paris has decided to launch it's Spring/Summer 2013 marketing campaign, with the collaboration of these leading iconic figures.
 
In order to create a balance between novelty, cultural diversity, and retro references, the photoshoot took place in Miami- crossroads of Cuban, Haitian and Afro-American communities. Under the burning Florida sun, modern art, cinema, literature, pop culture and glitzy Art Deco flourishes. For a good part of the day, Lenny and Charlotte posed in front of a decaying old home; the cosmopolitan spirit of the collection immaculately fit the spirit of the city.
 
An energetic attitude comprised of urban colours perfectly defines the term 'modern' in the world of Eleven Paris.
 
 


 
www.elevenparis.com
 
Photo credit: © Renaud Corlouër


 

Monday 7 January 2013

Pure London: Young Fashion Preview

Pure London: Young Fashion Preview
10th-12th February 2013
London Olympia


Pure London’s Young Fashion section will this season house a selection of over 200 brands from feminine party pieces to edgy fashion-forward streetwear. The very best home grown and international branded fashion labels will showcase their A/W13 collections and short orders for S/S13.

Returning with their latest collection, Glamorous will be adding bold touches to some key trends with a feast of sequins, colour-block denim, sheer panelling, casual luxe and tie-dye. Incorporating pastel tones of blush and grey marl into their key pieces, Glamorous will be presenting a mixture of cut-out, printed and sequin dresses as well as contrast sleeve bomber jackets. Also compiling the unexpected is The Style London, who will be merging eras and drawing inspiration from 1950’s vintage styles and futuristic aesthetics. Whilst utilising new shapes and innovative fabrics, The Style London will be featuring exotic, vibrant colours across their collection. The attention will lie within the detail for their pieces, which will boast everything from digital floral prints, to studs, delicate metallic lacing and modern romantic lines. The Style London will be also showcasing their key pieces on the Young Fashion catwalk.

Returning for a second season will be Mr Gugu & Miss Go, who will be exhibiting a range of exciting catsuits, playsuits and sweaters, each featuring full photographic prints based on the fascinating colours of nebulas. Exploring a slightly surreal theme is Obscure Couture, who will be debuting at Pure London with their S/S13 and A/W13 collections. Themed ‘Fake Believe’, the collection incorporates elements of fairytale rock and glamour with an edge; from rain macs, to leather-trim tutus, glitter slogan tees and metallic biker jackets with pastel hair extension detailing, Obscure Couture proves to live up to its name with their selection of surprising creations. Their A/W13 collection switches from girly to dark and sultry, with fur, leather, mesh and velvet integrated into embellished biker jackets, knits and evening dresses.

Emilyandfin have intertwined classic vintage silhouettes with modern styling for their S/S13 collection by using playful soft lines and feminine detailing such as gathered raglan sleeves, pleated waistlines, intricate buttoning and appliquéd bows. Their collection draws upon patriotic imagery of all things British and will showcase luxurious fabrics with ditsy florals, polka dots, and 1940-50s inspired prints. Also reflecting on iconic silhouettes from the last century is Miss Patina, where soft romantic lines are used across a range of reworked classic styles. The collection includes lace overlay shifts, delicate embroidery, camisole-style tops and bohemian pleated dresses. Miss Patina have opted for a pastel colour scheme to accompany their vintage aesthetics, with dusky pinks and pale blues being incorporated into timeless florals and subtle animal motifs. Hell Bunny are showcasing bright, exotic colours for their retro-inspired S/S13 collection, which will include 1950’s style petticoat dresses, circular skirts and high-waisted shorts and playsuits. Their prints will range from Hawaiian tropical to French Riviera floral, with a subtle 50’s rock edge.

Exhibitors presenting an array of fabulous dresses include the likes of Ruby Rocks, The Pretty Dress Company, and Ruby Prom. Drawing inspiration from around the world, Ruby Rocks have created the prints, textures and colours for their collection based upon tropical rainforests, tribal prints, woodland magic and English country gardens. Likewise, The Pretty Dress Company have chosen striking colour schemes and daring prints for their collection, which will include a variety of high-neck dresses, strapless styles, full skirts and floor-length gowns. As an added touch, the dresses will feature sequin embellishments, oversized bows, peplums, lace cut outs, and retro animal prints. Ruby Prom will present a metallic-based collection, perfect for girls looking to make a statement at their prom with either a thigh-high split or dipped hem dress. For a vintage twist, Ruby Prom will be working lace into their pieces to create a high-end couture look.

Returning to the show Little Mistress goes prim and proper for their initial 2013 injection; the 1960’s are in focus for their first offering of the season with a hint of the 1950’s silhouette. Added texture and detail through feminine appliqué, cutwork, embellishment and monochrome stripe sequin to rework old classics. The 1950’s is reflected through the fit and flare with the bold, statement colours. Oversized embroidery and crochets are key to detailing seen in scalloped edge panels and used throughout designs.

Mark Ashton, Managing Director of Little Mistress commented "Little Mistress exhibit at Pure London twice a year as we believe it is the only show that caters for a younger audience. Pure London is vital for Little Mistress, it’s our perfect opportunity to expose the brand and offer the buyer a chance to soak up what we are all about!" Also showcasing in the Young Fashion section in February will be Forever Unique, Danity, Iron Fist, Maggie + Me, Numph, Traffic People and Sugarhill Boutique, amongst many others.