Diary of a fashion week novice, the skinny

In February, I was invited to be a part of International Fashion Showcase 2014, London Fashion Week AW14, with Clairely Upcycled jewellery.  My first big involvement with REAL FASHION!  catwalks and all.

The Jamaican showcase  of the International Fashion Showcase, organized by JBDC,  called Threadbare  was kicked off with a fashion show which was hosted by the Jamaican High Commissioner,  Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba.

Model from backstage, getting ready.

The static showcase, called Threadbare, held at Dover street, under Wolf and Badger shop, started on 13 Feb.  Here, our designs were exhibited in a specially curated show by 360 Degrees.

On the Friday, Marc Hare gave an inspiring talk to a gathering eager to hear him.

Marc Hare, shoe designer, seen here with Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba.

The big highlight of Saturday, was the visit to the Savoy, where Wolf and Badger held their fashion event.  It was an impressive venue for sure!

Foyer of the Savoy.

Sunday was a busy day.  The morning was a tour of the Freemason Hall, given  by Fashion Scout.  Wow!, sooooo beautiful.

Ceiling detail at the Freemason Hall

Back at Dover Street, we had a visit from two fashionistas – Claire Sulmers  and  Susan Bender.  They shared some of their experiences.

High Commissioner here with Susan and Claire.

Back to The Strand (where several countries had their showcase) – to congratulate Estonia for winning the International Fashion Showcase.

Monday:
Then there was a talk on PR and the benefits of having a good PR company, given by BLOW PR, followed by a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Again, a very inspiring tour.

Beautiful light feature in the front hall of the V & A

Followed by a quick interview on Arise TV news

Interview with Abenah Gonzalez conducted by Jayson Mansaray

…and then over to visit the talented designer/couturier Clariscia Gill, who shared such funny stories of when she first started, as well as some insightful inspiration.

That evening ended with a dinner at the home of the High Commissioner, who graciously opened her residence to us all.

Dinner with the High Commissioner

At our showcase, we were visited by Avis Charles, who gave us pointers and share her expertise with us.

These days were filled with many, many impressions, and experiences that will impact me for a long time.

London – a wonderful city!

And now for thank-you’s:
The Jamaican team’s participation was made possible by a grant from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Other Sponsors included The British Council, The British Fashion Council, 360 Degrees, Quintessentially Art and British Airways.
The JBDC’s very important role in getting us there, the work before, during, and after was/is invaluable.  The Jamaican High Commissioner’s support will always be remembered.

Thanks also to Antonio who assisted me with various jobs, and helped make getting around London that much smoother, and David Rivett for his photos (some of which are to follow),  and his support.

More details, soon come…

Collection CSR

Here I go again, mixing materials with something unexpected – (recycled) pieces of acrylic with leather, rope, cord! This CLAIRELY upcycled jewellery collection is called CSR – so named because of the materials used to create this collection with UPCYCLED ACRYLIC. The pieces of acrylic are upcycled through careful and meticulous planning, from the waste of the production of my Claire de Lune Chandeliers.
This collection is inspired by the unexpected invitation to participate as a member of the designer delegation chosen to represent Jamaica at LONDON FASHION WEEK Feb 2014. The collection represents a tapestry threaded together with colorful Cords, Strings and Ropes, it will be shown at the International Fashon Showcase, Thread Bare, a fashion show taking place at a reception at the Jamaica High Commission.
Leather string wrap bracelets with upcycled acrylic tell stories – You and Me, Hearts, and other stories – these bracelets are called Stories Strung.
Colorful ropes lend themselves to all kinds of combinations, the upcycled acrylic, they complete a striking neck piece.
Cotton cords, finger crocheted make the basis for wonderful choker pieces adorned with upcycled acrylic, ready to adorn and dress up any T-shirt.
My work swings between semi-mass-produced and one-of-a-kind, trendy, timeless, and fashionable items. The jewelry and practical products I make are FUNKTIONAL (fun, funky and functional). (See www.accent.dk)  A key consideration in my work is that I am very conscientious about the quality of materials I use and the attentions to detail. I am also very insistent on responsible disposal of whatever waste I cannot use in production.
I create contemporary acrylic jewellery that reflects my influences, inspiration and identity. Through this collection CSR, I am inspired by the qualities that rope, cord, and string bring to my collections.
CLAIRELY upcycled jewellery has been featured in ELLE, Alt for Damerne magazine, (DK), several design blogs, and several times in the Observer (JA).
“Value things not for what they are worth, but for what they represent and thus worth to you” – unknown

You wanna come, don’t you? You are invited!

LONDON FASHION WEEK is next week, from 13-18 February 2014.

Our award-winning upcycled jewellery line – CLAIRELY – is off to London, with Accent products in tow.

The IFS 2014 is an initiative of the British council and the British Fashion Council in parallel with London Fashion Week.

The Thread BareShowcase where CLAIRELY UPCYCLED JEWELLERY will be part of a fashion show at a reception featuring Jamaican designers, is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Enhancement Fund with support from British Airways. The Jamaican High Commission is the host for the opening reception and fashion show. Organized by JBDC.

You are invited to visit us at The Gallery, 32 Dover Street, London W1S 4NE, where we will be from 10Am til 6PM , 13 February through 18 February, this showcase will be open to the public.

See you there.

London Fashion Week debut – green and fast.

Seven years ago, a fashion event  for me meant donning my own designed jewellery and going to a party during Copenhagen Fashion Week, with my friends, and I, all wearing my upcycled bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces – CLAIRELY upcycled jewellery.
But later this month, February, I am making my debut at London Fashion Week and now it’s for real. I will be one of five designers of Jamaican heritage chosen to participate in among other activities, – the International Fashion showcase 2014, an initiative by the British Council and the British Fashion council now in its third year.
Although I spend quite a bit of my time as a lighting designer, designing jewellery has always been close to my heart.  This particular jewellery line, CLAIRELY upcycled jewellery, started in 2007, from a desire to use the waste material of the Chandeliers I design in acrylic. Currently I am making the jewellery in my basement studio and living room table, and am aware that a successful show can have a very positive effect on my business.  Fingers crossed.

The Jamaican showcase entitled THREAD BARE, will be just that. On a shoe string
budget and with little time I will present my pieces at DOVER STREET GALLERY, on Dover Street. The Gallery is in the heart of Mayfair, at 32 Dover Street, London W1S 4NE.
Also, along with four other designers representing Jamaica, I will have my pieces walking the catwalk in the International Fashion Showcase, a live fashion show at the Jamaica High Commission.
I am proud to say that my pieces have been worn by

Chicago jazz singer Dee Alexander,

and gifted to the Ghanaian ambassador to DK.

My lamps have hung on TV programs like Germany Has Got Talent, twice, London’s Gin Palace, and in Copenhagen at various private functions, as well as hanging in several private homes across Europe and America.

Unlike other designers who have teams of event planners to pencil in schedules months
ahead, assist with planning and organization,  this time, it is a solo gig. With only three weeks to put on my show pieces together and to be ready.   Make NO mistake, I WILL be ready.

Sneak preview: