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Designer Profiles Ones to Watch
View each designer`s collection from the left hand menu under `Look by Designer`
HEMYCA
HEMYCA Ltd began in 2005 when three friends, Helen, Myra and Cathy, graduates from the London College of Fashion, decided to join forces. Having worked for leading designers, including Roland Mouret and Ben de Lisi, and well known high street retailers, for many years, they were inspired to create a unique vision.
HEMYCA launched their first collection in December 06 and have recently shown their SS08 Collection at On/Off during September London Fashion Week. In November 2007 they were announced as runners up in The Whistles Award for New Designer presented by Amanda Burrows, Brand Director at Whistles at Fashion Expo.
The collection received great interest from the press, buyers and celebrities’ stylists. HEMYCA have recently collaborated with Girls Aloud for BBC shows and are in touch with Kimberly Stewart‘s stylist.
HEMYCA’s vision is to become a modern, successful, recognised and unique brand. Our mission is to provide bespoke high - quality tailoring for the contemporary woman. Using a mix of traditional and new / technical fabrics, we aim to create forward thinking inspirational designs. HEMYCA’s styling is glamorous, dramatic, sexy, feminine, sophisticated and wearable. Inspired by; “Women who stand out from the crowd and refuse to be ignored; they inspire, challenge and provoke”.
Katie Slater
Award winning Textile Designer, Katie Sue showcases her first baby wear collection with The Look Boutique. Each piece is hand made right down to the last detail for your new baby. Katie’s design style brings back the recreation of traditional hand embroidered clothing with a modern edge. These designs include customised wording which can include babies name, fairy tales or mementos important to you. All elements of a design can be made to the customs exact requirements as each baby grow is made to order. Giving the customer the freedom to create something truly unique and special to them. Optional personalised paper marche hangers… for a truly child like feel. Each hanger comes with crystal button and option to add a personal message. Perfect for a gift and keepsake. Katie is unique and has already won and been short listed for a number of awards: 2006 RSA Design Directions (won the Eddie Squires Bursary for contemporary design). Short listed for: Ann Daverson Children's wear design award at New Designers 2006, TextPrint exhibition in Paris 2006 and the Hand and Lock Prize for embroidery 2006. As well as showing her designs around the country, Katie has already exhibited and sold her designs in New York, Paris, Florence and Japan. Katie says " I am really excited to be showcasing with The Look Boutique. The quality of the products and personal service is something very special. My dream is to dress babies around the world from all walks of life while delivering the same level of service that The Look Boutique are committed to. I want to bring back traditional hand made clothing with a quirky edge, giving each baby something beautiful and individual.”
‘By Katie Sue’ Baby Wear first started life as an idea; for mothers, friends and family, to create something truly unique and special. A little something to represent their own stories a fairytale between Mummy and Baby.
As you will agree babies first year is one of the most precious. "I wish to capture this through my bespoke designs, whist delivering comfort and warmth for the new addition to your family." Each piece is hand made right down to the last detail. The design style brings back the recreation of traditional hand embroidered clothing with a modern edge. Fairytale stories close to the Mummy and Baby can be captured in the variety of designs and embroidery techniques. Watch out for my newest addition to the family…Delilah the Duck is available on unisex baby grows (pink or green) or as a framed toy rattle.
"To continue the fairytale between baby and his/her new world I wanted to create gifts and accessories to compliment my baby wear range." From ‘Delilah the Duck’ to new born ‘date mittens’ there is something for every baby.
Take a peek...
Sam Ubhi
Sam Ubhi’s main fashion influences are: - 1940's and 1950's and her mother, spending her early years in Nairobi, Kenya. Nicholas De Steale – the artist and Temples or ‘Wats’ in Thailand. This gorgeous vintage bag truly makes a statement, because it is vintage please note it has been used, but that adds to the charm and we only have 1! The sequence in cream and gold is a truly unique style that you can incorporate into your look. If you like the vintage look please let us know, and we can look out for pieces for you.
Emily Trotter
Emily Trotter's 'lie down I think I love you' range fits with the Look Boutique Brand, as unique, gorgeous and sumptuous materials. Emily’s designs backlash to the current ubiquitous mass produced product formed the desire to create accessories which value longevity and individuality over the disposable. A love of all things vintage has a nostalgic influence on the brand. Each season a ‘make do and mend element’ is worked into the collection. This season is marked by the use of a different vintage self scarf incorporated into the body of the bag. A timeless quality created by croc prints, cream pony and waxed leathers in greens, browns and burnished metallics. Sourcing leathers and fabrics from local companies, using local craftsmen, creates a ‘made in London’ ethos that is something to be proud of.
Simone Williams
Sensual, modern, feminine, beautiful, only a few of the words used to describe the Simone Williams collection. Her unique creative vision and eye for beauty has led to a collection filled with stunning one off pieces that create attention wherever worn. Beauty is often said to be in the eye of the beholder but The Simone Williams collection insures it is in the wearer.
The finest satin, leather and chiffon material are used for all of the dresses. These materials flirt with the body and enhance every woman.
The Simone Williams fashion label has been up and running since the summer of 2004 and is based in Hoxton, London. Ronke Lawal became a partner in 2006 and the label has been growing from strength to strength ever since.
Simone Williams past collections have had an urban street wear theme where she used a combination of fabrics such as denim and leather. She also uses leather strips and belts integrated with other fabrics. This has become her signature look.
The Simone Williams label was showcased in the Kulture 2 Couture fashion event in association with The Mayor of London’s office and the V & A in November 2006. The label has also been featured in Touch Magazine, Total:Spec and Aspire amongst other publications. Worn by Helen McCrory (Harry Potter and Casanova), Lisa Maffia (singer) and Anya (Finalist: Make me a supermodel – C5) the label is gradually enjoying increased media and press exposure.
The 2007 Simone Williams collection, City Desires, is inspired by the tall city building structures which make up London's vibrant city. This is reflected in the shapes and details of each garment whilst still retaining sexy charm.
There is something to suit every woman’s shape in this collection, which is a true celebration of femininity in the city.
All garments are made to order. When orders are made clients are asked to send all measurements including bust size.
Lora Leedham
Lora Leedham is a 22 year old independent jewellery designer from the Midlands. Even from a young age Lora's passion for design meant that she was designing shoes! She studied design and hoped to become an interior designer. However, after finding her love for jewellery design she pursued her career within the field.
Jewellery by Lora Leedham was set up on 1st February 2006 and since then; Lora has taken part in a series of events and has created jewellery by royal appointment for Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall. She has worked with fashion designers, created jewellery for charity events, exhibited at London Fashion Week and a number of celebrities.
At only 21 and a year into set up Lora has been commissioned recently by the Breast Cancer Research charity to create jewellery sets to raise money in auction.
In 2008 Lora has been short listed for New Designer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2008 and is creating a tie pin for Prince Charles by royal appointment.
Lora uses sterling silver, gold, white gold and platinum with semi precious and precious gemstones, pearls and handmade glass. Part of her inspiration comes from her hobby of photography which she uses in her designs.
Her handmade designs can also be adapted to the customers desire. Different gemstones can be used, rings can be hallmarked. These orders can take a few weeks to make from scratch.
Joe Blake
Joe Blake is a fresh breath of urban style. This label specialises in sassy, trend-setting style for the modern fashion goddess. Infused with all the vision of its founder – Joanna Blake who graduated from London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Design Technology, Joe Blake reflects assured sassiness combined with a stylistic maturity borne of Joanna’s diverse and invaluable experience in the fashion and textile industry. As an LCF graduate, Joanna Blake had the opportunity to excel in a wide variety of industry fields honing the skills that would enable her one day to found her own label, from designing and pattern cutting to travelling abroad to work. The clothes harness such energy and flow that the wearer becomes that vision.
In 2006 Joe Blake was born with the aim to produce clothing that was innovative, affordable and creative. With its style-defining ethos of sexy edginess Joe Blake offers ultimate wearability for the discerning fashionista and saucy individuality for every occasion.
Fanniann
Fanniann is a collaboration of three independently skilled individuals with a similar Vision in mind. Jane Henderson, Designer of the Fanniann womenswear label. Keith Henderson, Commercial Director and Business Leader and Michelle Byrne, Creative Assistant.
“Our aim is to flatter women's curves in classics with a twist in sensual fabrics. We believe in longevity and versatility rather than disposable 'High Fashion' and this is why we use the best quality fabrics and English manufacturing with an eye for detail and hand finishes.”
In the 90’s Jane Henderson founder of Fanniann went to Goa. After many creative jobs not least as a drummer in an all girl band in the 90’s she journeyed to India to galvanise her creative urge. This proved to be a turning point as Jane returned with the determination to create the kind of clothes she loved but didn’t seem to be out there. She completed 6 years of training in Fashion Design and Pattern-cutting, emerging with distinction and prestigious awards in 2002. A period of individually made designs sold to local boutiques followed and, though Jane wanted to move things up a notch. It wasn't until her entrepreneurial brother Keith came in as mentor that her dream could be realised. With Keith as Business Manager and childhood friend Michelle as Creative Director, the Fanniann label was born in 2005. “We like being a small family concern because we work instinctively together and have common principals, which helps us retain our integrity in business".
The Fanniann Difference
We rarely care what other designers are doing and our clothes develop organically, mostly from unique fabrics or new colours we discover. Yet again our styles have pre-empted a trend which happened this year as fashions have drifted towards the 1940s and 50s.
In November 2007 Fanniann was chosen to profile their Spring - Summer Capsule Collection at the Islington Design Centre, Islington London. In spring 2008 you will see Fanniann’s new collection, Cherry On The Cake, which uses a unique fabric design exclusive to Fanniann under copyright. “As a Designer Label one of our main priorities is to continually introduce uniqueness into the brand as much as possible to set us apart from other labels on a creative level and to give us a certain amount of autonomy."
The future is looking very bright for Fanniann they have already been approached to design a Red Carpet Dress and in 2008 will be opening their first Showroom in the South West.
Kate Tailyour
This Spring Summer British born Kate Tailyour launches her second women's wear range at London fashion week and is tipped to be one of Britain's hot new talents. Tailyour combines clever classicism with a contemporary twist working with the female form to create dynamic silhouettes.
Sleek fitted jersey dresses are manipulated with versatile ruche detailing to create dynamic silhouettes with a sporty undertone. The fresh micro mini shirtdress promises to be a summer essential, with a gathered V shape neckline with decorative buttons and patch pockets. An elegant button down sleeveless dress will suit any occasion, while allowing a clear conscience manufactured in organic fairtrade cotton.
An A-Line vest offers a chic alternative combining a casual jersey with silky cotton voile for a laid back feel, and drapery is used with weighty jersey's to create interesting shapes which work with the body. A crisp chic collarless shirt is updated with kimono inspired sleeves, and a boxy shape button down jacket offers a touch of Parisian chic.
Skirts vary in length with this seasons must have Midi length or shorter knee length options, beautifully constructed with complicated panelling to create volume and subtle shapes while parallel trousers create simple clean lines, and culottes and mini shorts offer an updated summer look.
A sumptuous summer palette of sand, rust, taupe and white, is delicately put together playing with light-weight textures of linen, cotton voile, Fairtrade cotton and jersey.
Kate Tailyour also launches her debut belt collection of chunky patent black leather and rust suede styles to compliment the range.
We are pleased to welcome her to The Look Boutique and the growing collection of new designs that you can view and purchase direct to your door.
Amisha
Amisha is an exciting new independent jewellery label presenting eclectic pieces that embody romance and timeless elegance whilst hinting at the spirit of passion and rebellion that come with just seeing where life takes you…
The collections are made up entirely of limited edition pieces, each one a unique arrangement of handcrafted silver and semi-precious stones. Each design carefully combines the colours and properties of the stones and crystals used to produce jewellery that complements and enhances the natural beauty of the wearer.
Amisha strives to build strong connections between business and communities and in a step that reflects the positive ideals expressed in the designs themselves, is proud to donate ten percent of the profit to carefully selected local and global charities.
Amisha means, literally, someone who spreads 'the sweetest elixir of the heavens' all around her, and it is this spirit of vitality and radiant positivity we hope will be instilled in every piece of jewellery so that it will be carried by the wearer and shared wherever she goes.
When ordering please choose make your own choice of two charities, one local and one global, from the list above of featured charities. Amisha will then gift your contribution to them.
"…he said the light festooned around her like a hundred tiny jewels falling, and in her eyes he saw elsewhere, and when she let down her hair he heard the wings of birds beating…"
The featured charities are:
LOCALLY FOCUSED CHARITIES
Shelter
Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity helps over 170,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet and find and keep a home. Shelter believes everyone should have a home and tackles the root causes of bad housing in the UK by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions, working to prevent homelessness before it happens.
www.shelter.org.uk
Groundwork
Groundwork supports communities in need, working with partners to help improve the quality of people's lives, their prospects and potential and the places where they live, work and play. Groundwork's vision is of a society of sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper.
www.groundwork.org.uk
GLOBALLY FOCUSED CHARITIES
War on Want
War on Want fights poverty in developing countries in partnership and solidarity with people affected by globalisation. War on Want campaign for workers' rights and against the root causes of global poverty, inequality and injustice.
War on Want challenges the structures that keep poor people poor and campaigns in the UK and internationally to deliver real lasting change for the world's poorest people.
www.waronwant.org
Every Child
EveryChild is an international development charity, fighting to protect some of the world's most vulnerable children. EveryChild work with children who are separated from their family or community, and with those who are at risk of separation, because EveryChild believe all children have the right to grow up in a safe and loving family environment, with a secure future.
www.everychild.org.uk
Lizzy Nolan
Self-thought Irish born designer Lizzy Nolan started designing her own clothes about seven years ago. While working as a fashion house fitting-model in Hong Kong she acquired a lot of knowledge about fabric, the importance of attention to detail, how to fit clothes in order to make the most of a womanly figure and experienced first hand what was involved in creating a collection from scratch.
After years of requests from family and friends to design clothes with great success she decided to leave Asia and begin her new venture in London. Thus, Lizzy Lu Designs was born.
Lizzy Lu Designs offer a range of limited addition collections created for women. Working with a core of personally selected, experienced tailors guarantees a quality of craftsmanship and an attention to detail that is rarely found on today’s high street, and that is why The Look Boutique and Lizzy have chosen to work together as one of a growing number of designers that offers our customers something different. Using a combination of luxurious fabrics and bold prints, complemented by fine tailoring, the collections consist of both timeless classics and dramatic looks that will ensure you stand out from the crowd.
Having travelled extensively and working in the fashion industry in Asia for many years, she witnessed how the demands of the western market for ever cheaper, quick turnover fashion places damaging unrealistic costing and time margins on many businesses. By working with a family tailors and sourcing fabrics and trimmings from small retail outlets in China and elsewhere she strives to produce an ethical collection which ensures she can sleep easy at night. Designs use a combination of luxurious fabrics and bold prints, which are complemented by fine tailoring. The collections contain both timeless classics which will be a reliable piece to your wardrobe, and dramatic looks which will ensure you stand out from the crowd.
Clare Scott
Clare Scott is a self-taught lampwork artist and jewellery designer.
Lampworking is glassworking using a torch (Clare also uses a supply of oxygen) to melt and manipulate the glass. The art form has been practiced since ancient times.
Clare creates glass beads over a flame in her studio and every bead is a work of art and found exclusively throughout her designs.
After stumbling across the art of 'Lampworking' purely by accident; Clare is a qualified Veterinary Nurse, although recently her life has taken a diversion to say the least. Clare Scott started selling her beads to UK & International Jewellery Designers it was from the popularity and demand of her craft that naturally; 'Beads by Clare Scott Jewellery' was born in 2007.
Clare Scott lives in the beautiful County of North Yorkshire where she developed real passion for creating & designing glass beads. She loves the rustic feel of handcrafted art. The glass used in her designs is sourced from Italy, Germany & America.
As far back as Clare can remember she has created jewellery pieces, spending all her pocket money on findings. Her first jewellery memory was wire wrapping a beautiful triangular piece of tigers eye to form a pendant, which inspired her so much. Clare only creates jewellery she is proud to wear herself. Her collection is beautifully simple & feminine, a real taking point, designed to make a statement.
Only the very best 'ingredients' are used: Clare Scott's handcrafted lampwork glass beads & Sterling Silver - a stunning combination.
Clare`s latest addition to her jewellery range is Truly Unforgettable - 'Send me a bottle from your memorable Day. (i.e champagne from your wedding) I will in effect recycle the glass & create a 'Truly Unforgettable' pair of sterling silver earrings.'
It is the uniqueness of Clare’s craft and the ethos to promote new and talented designers that makes Clare a perfect addition to The Look Boutique.
Claire McKay
After working for high street, mail order and lingerie brands in design, buying and retail Claire McKay set up Irresistible Lingerie 18 months ago. Based on the concept of affordable luxury the irresistible...collection is designed using high quality fabrics and in striking colour combinations. Currently catering for sizes from a 30A to a 38F this will be increased in Autumn/Winter 08 to include 28 backs and up to a G cup. "I wanted to design gorgeous bra's that didn't cost the earth and supply them in sizes that are not well catered for at the moment. I am developing the A/W 08 range to include 28FF and working with women who struggle to find their size through networking and party plans." The Manchester based designer pays careful attention to fit, detail and quality of finish to ensure the range feels and fits as good as it looks. The Autumn Winter 08 collection, Oriental Blossom and Midnight Garden, was recently unveiled at the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition where it was well received by buyers. " In gorgeous colours, satins and laces, our lingerie is designed to be and make you feel, simply irresistible!... "
Catarina Vassalo
Catarina is a Portuguese Jewellery Designer who turned a hobby into a profession in January 2007.
Catarina travelled around the world, trying to find different styles and looks of jewellery and materials. This is reflected in her designs where you will see a variety of materials from Indian glass beads to Moroccan beads, gemstones, crystals, Thai sterling silver and many more. These raw materials are transformed from local styles to modern everyday indispensable accessories. All of Catarina’s beads and materials are bought personally, some of the beads are completely exclusive, made for her by friends during her travels.
Catarina loves the personal contribution she has found as a jewellery designer both in choosing the beads and designing her pieces, CV Jewellery is exclusively crafted and we hope you enjoy wearing them as much as Catarina enjoyed making them.
Wellicious
Heike Schnell is the German-Peruvian founder of the wellbeing brand Wellicious. She grew up in various places around the world, being inspired by many cultures, and now lives in London. Heike completed a BA in Hospitality Management in Switzerland and the USA and holds an MBA from EADA Business School in Barcelona. She has over six years experience in international marketing and sales for luxury brands. Heike is a passionate Yogista and practices 2-3 times a week. She loves travelling, trying out new spas and discovering special places to eat healthily and feel well. Heike is a creative business woman and entrepreneur and is the Managing Director of Wellicious.
Annika Murjahn is an Art Historian with a background in the film and fashion business. She has starred as an actress in many German and international films and modelled for Vogue, Elle and FHM. After graduating from the Sorbonne in Paris, she earned an MA in German Renaissance art at the Courtauld Institute in London. Before joining Wellicious, she worked as an Old Master specialist at Christie’s, London, and as a lector for Miramax Films, New York. Annika’s true passions are art, creativity and languages. She is the Director of Communication and Design at Wellicious.
The Wellicious idea developed from Heike’s interest in health, style and fashion. Founder Heike Schnell, tired of looking for stylish, sexy Yoga and Pilates clothing, decided to design her own. Thus, the Wellicious project was born! Heike and Annika met through a common friend. Annika loved the Wellicious idea too, and was soon part of Wellicious. The Wellicious project grew quickly with Heike and Annika's enthusiasm, and they decided to take the young talented designer, Franziska Hoehle, on board. Wellicious was launched in autumn 2007 and is directed from Kensington, London.
Woodchip Boutique
Donna graduated at uclan in 2003 with a 2; 1 in fashion and brand promotion, although, they are both self taught in the making and designing of woodchip boutiques unusual and individual designs.
They use recycled leather and fabrics from various places but mainly they buy off cuts from a local upholsterer. They choose many different colours of leather then they let their imaginations do the rest. All their designs are individual and one off in their own way, they may have different buttons or may be a different shape or size compared to another. This is why they are so special, each one is different which is why they are so loved.
Chichia London
Chichia London is a womenswear ready to wear clothing brand by London based designer Christine Mhando. Born in Tanzania and raised in London, England, Christine has taken influences from both continents and cultures and translated them into her own unique quirky style of clothing with an urban twist. Chichia's signature is the "KHANGA" which is a traditional East African cotton printed fabric used by women as wraps, and this usually appears in every collection in the form of tops, tunics, dresses or skirts mixed with various different types of fabrics and prints.
Every Chichia collection consists of an eclectic mix of tops, skirts, shorts, dresses, and tunics in modern, easy to wear shapes and styles made unique by clever use of eye-catching embellishment, intricate detailing, print, mix of natural fabrics and lots of colour. It’s all about colour! Our current collection "Succulent" encapsulates all these qualities. The Chichia trick is to find a balance of keeping things new and fresh without being too trend driven, therefore making each piece timeless. Our aim is for the wearer to feel special and chic yet comfortable every time she is in a Chichia London outfit.
The Chichia customer is a trendy, youthful and confident young woman who knows what she wants out of life and isn’t afraid to take chances. She knows how to stand out of the crowd by looking stylish and glamorous in an understated and effortless way, she’s also not afraid to experiment with different looks to create her own style!
Motasem Ltd
The name “Motasem” means "having an attractive, imposing appearance. A suggestive of health and strength; good-looking and beautiful", which sums up the mood for the label
The luxury label was founded in 2007 to provide women with more choices of ready-to-wear cocktail and wedding dresses. The idea for the label was born when head designer, Sabina Motasem Ali, was approached again and again to create cocktail-style wedding dresses that could be worn after the big day was over. The range has since developed to also include organic options, day-to-evening dresses and fun summer dresses.
Motasem dresses radiate a cool, understated glamour and are cherished for their quirky details, feminine drapes, silky fabrics and fluid shapes. Oozing simplicity and elegance, the dresses are timeless and trans-seasonal, making them great investment pieces for any professional women looking for sexy and comfortable dresses. Sabina is passionate about creating clothes that flatter women. The ivory coloured dresses are the perfect for brides looking for the ethical alternative to the wedding dress. The range includes cocktail dresses, day-to-evening dresses and options to choose organic materials.
The Nightingale dress is a perfect blend of Grecian and Nautical themes, the theme for Spring/Summer 08. It's versatility and popularity has found its way from Spring/Summer onto the forthcoming Autumn/Winter range, which is a collection of smart and sexy dresses in blues and greys. In February 2007, Sabina was fortunate enough to spend time with the late Dame Anita Roddick, who advised her on how to develop her ethical ideas for Motasem. She was incredibly inspiring and supportive. It is sad she is no longer with us, but her legacy lives on.
All dresses are ethically produced in London and Europe, available in sizes 8 - 16 and have prices starting from £349 for cocktail dresses and from £500 for full length gowns. Most of the dresses are available to purchase on a "made-to-order" basis with a delivery of 3-4 weeks. Sabina Ali has worked for a wealth of brands such as Jigsaw, Marks & Spencer, NafNaf, Conde Nast and Virgin Clothing Company.