USA:Fashion Uncorked supports Easter Seals

 

Calling all designers! Fashion Uncorked is seeking Georgia’s fashion designers for a “Project Runway” -style competition to benefit Easter Seals. With the entry deadline drawing near, the clock is ticking on your chance to help improve the life of a child with disabilities by getting involved in the Spring fashion event.

Open to all fashion designers in Georgia who are trained, self-taught, experienced or emerging, the competition is free and will highlight 10 finalists as their designs compete on the runway to win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City.

Hosted by Monica Kaufman Pearson, the evening will revolve around fashion and have an added touch of French flair as participants enjoy the uncorking of an international array of wines, as well as food and fashionable auction items. A surprise celebrity judge, Holly Firfer of CNN and David Goodrowe, the Associate Dean of Fashion at SCAD will pick the evening’s Grand Prize Winner. They will also award the People’s Choice Award chosen by the voting public during the weeks leading up to the final event on February 19.

Join us at the Artist Trifecta and Wine Shoe as entries are accepted until 10pm on December 31, 2010. Bubbly, Black Tie & Balloons are the themes of the evening as we celebrate the conclusion of the first phase of Fashion Uncorked and ring in the New Year in style.  

USA:16 Aspiring Fashion Designers for Charleston Fashion Week

Qatar:Global Glam embodies W's passion for fashion, glamour & design

 

Doha's fashionistas gathered recently at W Doha's Extreme WOW Suite, located on the 15th floor and with spectacular panoramic views of the sea and West Bay's skyline, for a special trunk show featuring items from Global Glam, W Hotels' exclusive designer collection of accessories and apparel inspired by the design of new and upcoming W's around the world. Following the launch of Global Glam 2010 during NY Fashion Week, the collection premiered during W Barcelona’s First Anniversary Happening attended by global jetsetters.

This marks the third season of the W Hotels’ signature Global Glam Collection and the first-ever to be curated by W Hotels’ Global Fashion Director, Amanda Ross. As an international fashion authority, Ross has tapped some of the most sought-after and emerging designers from around the world to create a stunning wardrobe of must-have fashion pieces and accessories produced exclusively for W Hotels' The Store.

Edgar Vaudeville, W Happening and Public Relations Manager, W Doha Hotel & Residences said: "The Global Glam collection is an exclusive W Happenings' Fashion Next event that helps drive a unique lifestyle guest experience at W Doha and accentuates our passion for fashion, glamour and design. As a leading venue for events, meetings and special celebrations, W is internationally recognised for its concept and architecture, as well as for its combination of design, fashion, entertainment and gastronomy. W Doha is more than just a hotel, it is a lifestyle destination."

The Global Glam collection consists of fabulous looks designed by emerging talent in international fashion and is inspired by upcoming W destinations. Global Glam can be exclusively found at www.whotelsthestore.com and in W Hotels' The Store across the globe ensuring that both guests and visitors are always in the know of what is now and look glamorous on special occasions.

Sixteen of today’s hottest designers were selected by Ross to create original pieces for the Global Glam AW 2010 season inspired by the design of three new or soon-to-open W Hotels: W London - Leicester Square, W St. Petersburg, and W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island. The new season of Global Glam includes designs by: Porcelain, Behnaz Sarafpour, Fallon, Kara Ross, Minnie Mortimer, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson, Duro Olowu, Christys of London, Roberta Freymann, Simone, Melissa Obadash, Lulu Frost, Saga Furs, Leigh & Luca, and Glamourpuss by Gigi Mortimer., W Hotels' passion for fashion is expressed in the series "Hidden Gem" by W St Petersburg, "Rustic Elegance", evoking W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island, and "Dual Personalities" taking its cue from W London-Leicester Square.

A number of multi-ethnic models, reflecting W's vibrant and cosmopolitan community, were entrusted with showing the new Global Glam collection in Doha amidst wide acclaim by local trendsetters.

W Doha is a leading-edge, contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offering, including 260 guest rooms including 42 suites, and 138 W branded Residences. To experience W’s approach to B&F (Beverage and Food), W Doha features three stylish bars for guests to mix and mingle including the signature W Living Room experience; Wahm, a modern poolside lounge, and Crystal Lounge, a sleek, fashionable spot where guests can sip cool cocktails and groove to the latest world beats. 

USA:Shamaine to introduce Ava Collection

India:вЂWalnut’ by Divya & Nidhi to represent India at JFW, Tokyo

 

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced the name of the talented designer duo that is slated to match shoulders with some of Asia’s leading designers at the Asian Designers Collection in Japan, Tokyo. Out of the 5 shortlisted designers- вЂWalnut’ by Divya & Nidhi Gambhir have been selected by 'Asian Designers' Collection Committee, the organizers of the Fashion Grand Prix to represent India at the mega event in March 2011.

Other designers competing for this opportunity were equally gifted and left no stones unturned to impress the jury. The organizing committee, made the decision after carefully examining all the information presented by the shortlisted designers and evaluating their collections in-person. The collection showcased by вЂWalnut’ by Divya & Nidhi was in sync with the primary concept behind this year’s Asian Designers Collection.

Names of the Shortlisted designers
Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta
5X by Ajit Kumar
Neelanjan Ghosh
11:11 Cell DSGN

Announcing the name of designer, Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India said, “Japan is a comparatively new and growing market where Indians are making headway. FDCI is committed towards encouraging greater cooperation between the two countries in the field of fashion. I congratulate вЂWalnut’ by Divya & Nidhi Gambhir for making the cut and wish them success. My deepest gratitude to 'Asian Designers' Collection Committee for providing this platform and I look forward to seeing higher Indian participation in the years to come”.

On their selection, вЂWalnut’ by Divya and Nidhi Gambhir said, “We feel honoured and blessed having bestowed with the opportunity to represent India at the Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo. Showcasing our collection on such a platform will not only give us the international market exposure but also open inspirational and creative doors for us. Japan is an unexplored market for our brand and we thus look forward to a great experience there in terms of both business and exposure. We sincerely thank FDCI for providing such opportunities to the young talents of the Indian fashion industry”.

“All the designers were talented and the quality of the collection was remarkable. For the other designers who came very close, we look forward to their participation in the upcoming seasons of Asian Designers Collection.”, said a member of the 'Asian Designers' Collection Committee.

Application was open to FDCI members who are Professional Fashion Designers with experience of three years or less. Interested contestants were asked to submit their entries by June 4, 2010. All the contestants had to submit a PowerPoint presentation comprising of their profile and images from their recent design collections.

From over 25 laudable entries, 5 designers were shortlisted. The jury comprising of representatives from the Onward Kashiyama Co Ltd and New Designer Fashion Grand Prix Committee visited India from December 12-15, 2010 to meet the designers personally and finalized one designer who will represent India at the Fashion Grand Prix 2010, in March 2011. 

Malaysia:Top European fashion designers impressed by batik & songket

New Zealand:Fashion label Stitch Ministry to cease operations

 

There has been an official announcement from Stitch Ministry, a fashion brand from New Zealand that, it would be soon putting down its shutters.

The brand was famous for its women’s wear that closely followed the changing trends.

The firm stated that its decision to close down has come on the back of the tough competition prevailing in the market and lack of fund.

The brand presented its collection at the New Zealand Fashion Week in 2008 and 2009. Also, it succeeded in drawing international attention, with the stockists from Ireland and UK showing interest in the brand, after successfully organizing a trade show in London.

The firm was just getting ready to launch itself as an international brand.

Though any further details were not released, but the company pointed out that capital investment is a must for any budding enterprise, and right now the conditions are very stringent in the market.

It would get in direct touch with its stakeholders within a month’s time to make them aware about the way the company is going to close down.
 

UK:Louise Walleneit’s Birthday Suits to hit LFW runway

USA:16 Aspiring Fashion Designers for Charleston Fashion Week

 

For 16 aspiring fashion designers, the New Year already looks very promising. Organizers of Charleston Fashion Week were busy last week calling the Emerging Designer Competition: East finalist with the news that they had been selected to compete during the fifth annual event held in Charleston, SC.

The talented designers, hailing from nine different states, will debut their Fall 2011 collections March 22-26, 2011, for the chance to win a grand prize package valued at more than $30,000. Producers of the five-night celebration that has helped launch the careers of numerous designers and models will assist the semifinalists with model casting, hair and makeup, and production for their Charleston Fashion Week runway show.

The Emerging Designer Competition: East 2011 semifinalists include: Thea Canlas, Maria Cordella, Isabel Crosby, Sasha Gil, Charlotte Hess, Veritee Hill, Van Hoang, Eleanor Morgan Hoffman, Anjelika Krishna, Mary Labberton, Cody Sai Adler-McAllister, Stephanie Mejia, Sarah Parrott, La’Daska Powell, Julie Wheat and Michael Wiernicki.

The panel of fashion experts who selected the semifinalists from more than 130 EDC:E applicants included, designer Mychael Knight, 2009 CFW Emerging Designer winner Marysia Reeves, Andrea Serrano (costume shopper for Lifetime’s Army Wives), K. Cooper Ray (formerly of Bottega Veneta), and Gilt Groupe co-founder Alexis Maybank who added, “I was thoroughly impressed by the strong use of personal expression and professional technique shown in each of the applicant’s work. Those chosen as semifinalists showed elevated skills that truly set them apart from the rest, and I am excited to see who comes out on top!”

Sharing the runway with established retailers and featured designers throughout the week, four semifinalists will showcase (8) looks for the weekly fashion panel each evening. One designer from each evening will then advance to the finals and show their entire collection on Saturday, March 26th to a panel featuring the most influential experts in fashion.

Although the competition is only going into its 4th year, EDC:E has been accredited with putting designers on the fashion industry fast track. Past alum of Charleston Fashion Week have gone on to grace the pages of Elle, VOGUE, Marie Claire, and WWD and have been picked up by Barneys, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.

Showcasing fashion designers, retailers, and models, Charleston Fashion Week has fast become one of the premier fashion weeks in North America. Held March 22-26, 2011 under the tents in Marion Square in Charleston, SC, this five-night celebration will feature more than 40 runway shows, the Spring Bridal Show, Emerging Designer Competition: East, and Rock the Runway Model Competition. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, this true multimedia event presents high-end runway shows, interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events. 

New Zealand:Standout runway appeal deciding factor for 2011 iD Fashion Show

Lebanon:Façonnable’s new brand strengthens its presence in fashion arena

 

Façonnable announced the launch of its new jeans brand to the market “Façonnable Jeans” strengthening its presence in the fashion arena. An absolute novelty in the history of the French Company, Façonnable Jeans Collection has been initiated and led by Façonnable Vice President of Brand Management & Product Development, Maher Mikati.

“This innovation resulted in a newly created position heading the new sub-brand reporting directly to me. I’m happy to announce the nomination of Bruno Pfalzgraf as Managing Director of Façonnable Jeans.” said Lance Isham, Chairman and CEO of Façonnable Group. “This appointment further underlines our commitment in strengthening the brand and assuring the best leadership and expansion for the future”, he added.

Maher Mikati, Vice President of Brand Management & Product Development Façonnable, said: «In order to target a younger and more forward conscious consumer, the new brand will penetrate new casual wear markets internationally and support the current re-launch of the Façonnable brand”. “This new brand will soon hold a significant role in our expansion plan as well as a contribution to rejuvenate the Façonnable brand altogether,” added Mikati

In fact, Façonnable Jeans Spring Summer 2011 line has received very favorable reviews from customers in Europe and US, thus exceeding the company’s initial commercial expectations. Façonnable has therefore decided to devote additional energy and support to the development of this brand, in order to soon maximize its potential in opening freestanding boutiques both in US and in Europe.

Bruno Pfalzgraf’s professional path in the fashion business started more than 20 years ago. After graduating from the Strasbourg Business School (EM), he started his career in Sales Management positions for K-Way, Rica Lewis and VF Corporation. In 1997 he was promoted Brand Director for Europe of VF Corporation, overlooking the jeans brands. He joined Levi Strauss in 2002 as Vice President of Levi Strauss Signature Europe and in 2004 he became Vice President of Dockers Europe. For the past 2 years Bruno has been operating as a management consultant for various fashion companies.

Emerge Distributions, the distribution arm of M1 Fashion (part of M1 Group), handles a portfolio of global fashion brands in the Middle East and North Africa including Façonnable. Façonnable is currently available in boutiques and multi brand stores across the region in the UAE, Lebanon, KSA, Syria, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait.

FaГ§onnable was founded in the 1950s by Jean Goldberg, immediately becoming one of the most celebrated international menswear brand worldwide. The acquisition of FaГ§onnable by M1 Group in July 2007 marks the beginning of a new era for the brand, with a long term vision to increase brand equity through building upon FaГ§onnable formidable heritage and outstanding craftsmanship, and the recent appointment of Lance Isham as CEO.  

Europe:Playboy expands partnership with IMG

India:Pearl Academy of Fashion presents Pearl Utsav 2010

 

Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF), one of the premier fashion institutes in the country has organized its annual student cultural festival “Pearl Utsav”, yesterday evening at Talkatora Stadium New Delhi.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament was the Chief Guest for the evening. Many other dignitaries also graced the occasion with their presence.

Annual cultural festival is an important day of a college life. All 1400 students are charged up for this colorful extravaganza and put on enormous hard work during practice and rehearsals which is going on for about a month now.

An inter college competition has been organised in the morning between 10 am to 1 pm and cultural performances has light up the stadium in the evening to showcase the young talent and abilities of the students of Pearl Academy of Fashion.

Activities in the evening take off with a performance by a troop of 22 children with вЂAutism’ and showcased their special abilities and capabilities with a message to the world that if вЂthere is a will a person can achieve anything in this world.’

Performance from PAF students was a mix of Semi Classical dance, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Bollywood Style Romeo Juliet, Gidda and Bhangra. 

USA:FIDM Interior Design students win Elle DГ©cor-sponsored contest