FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2018, London, UK
Fashion Photographer: Joanna Mitroi Photography
Fashions Finest, known for their stance on Diversity within in the fashion industry, pushed the envelope this weekend with models, designers and audiences representing all ages, sizes, (dis)abilities, and cultures on and off the catwalk.
Fashion Finest completed an exciting weekend with their off-schedule show this season. Designers from 12 different countries in support of Fashions Finest ethos and agenda, received a warm welcome from industry insiders and VIP from the world of fashion, music, film, and TV.
Designers Misora Nakamori (France), Romina Dorigo (Italy), Louisa Moody (Wales), Gauhar Ali (Italy), and Yurita Puji (Indonesia) showcased their collections to a full house.
The late afternoon saw Gillian McKeith and daughter Afton McKeith walked for handbag designer Claud Fürst (UK). Followed Mena Odi Collections (UK), George + Ginger (USA), House of Delire (USA), Linda Blissett (UK), Shay Jaffar – (USA), and Jeanette Young London (UK)
The 7pm show included who had the first professional international model with down syndrome hailing from Australia; Madeleine Stuart, who walked for designer Colleen Morris (UK/USA). Followed by Glamour Hunter (Spain), jewellery designer Jadau by Kanwal Toor(UK/India), LeViCo (Indonesia), Sander Bos (Brussels), and Relax Baby Be Cool (Estonia).
The pop-up area was a space for audiences could connect with designers could engage with Fashion Enter Training Academy, and brands such as Caivo, Dressathon, Misora Nakamori, Hermosa, Lian Cara, Mayreejay introduced guests to the newest trends. Those a little worse for wear had the option of getting complimentary eyebrows threading or have a relaxing massage amongst other treatments in the beauty lounge by Berkshire Beauty. Sponsors Tropika Skin Coconut Cleansing Oil made sure it looked after your skin while the latest in sensation in the beauty industry esthechoc promised beauty from the inside out with their vegan nutrocosmetic chocolate and if that didn’t tickle your fancy guests could enjoy a drink at the bar.
Day two began at 2 pm with the Let’s Talk Fashion Business Panel discussion aptly named: Beyond Representation: Inclusivity & Fashion
Hosted by actress and presenter Gayle Thompson the Panel included
Sola Oyebade – Director of Mahogany Model Management
Samanta Bullock – Ex Paralympian & wheelchair model
Markus Roberts-Clarke – BMA Model (LGBT community)
Rosanne Stuart – Manager mum to the first down syndrome model who shared their experience.
Covering their experience of exclusion in life and in the industry, the panelists also covered some statistics on why it makes commercial sense to not disregard their demographic.
The day continued with more inspirational designers showing innovative collections in exciting catwalk shows and presentations!
Hope Macaulay (Ireland), Velika Hartono (Indonesia)
Georgina Dee (UK), streetwear brand Twozzday (USA). The neutral colour palette of a very wearable ready to wear collection by Lian Cara (Wales) was well received.
Adejo (Nigeria), 13 Magpie Design Studios – (UK)
7 PM – CLOSING CATWALK SOIRÉE
The Closing Catwalk Soirée saw industry models along with everyday people modeling for Louise Clark Design, international award-winning designer John Hererra, Maddy Stringer Design, Rose Red Couture, Rose Connor, Britain’s Top Designer winner (2018)Vaseghia, Quillattire, Exhibit69, Haus of Ra, sustainable brand Giebultowski, A Star Is Born UK and accessory brand Caivo.
Performance by: Paul Manners (BGT) who performed his latest single “Hold you in my Arms”.
Simon Gross (CBB) who attended the event commented: “The event was spectacular! Fantastic designer, vibrant and fun atmosphere. Fabulous event you won’t find anything like this anywhere else. A must-be for any emerging designer. From buyers to VIP’s and useful resources via their partners Fashion Enter everything is represented.”
VIP Guests in attendance:
Olivia Cox, Julia Suzuki, Grant Bovey, Afton McKeith, Gillian McKeith, Love Islands Alex Miller, Heart Radio DJ Anneliese Dayes, Victoria Bro, John Galea, Kris James, Simon Gross, Roxy Henley, Lewis-Duncan Weedon, and Bianca Lake.
