The Rise of African Retail

EXODUS STORES

Contemporary African Fashion at your doorstep

Here's the latest scoop of the week for all you trendsetters looking for soulful, unique pieces at affordable prices! 

Exodus, the new 'it' online retailer, is well on its way to becoming the premier on-line destination for African Designer Labels. Based in Nigeria, Exodus Stores prides itself in promoting and providing a platform for upcoming and established African talent. 

When it comes to fashion, our identity is materialised into personal style, with each individual possessing different tastes. However, some of the world renowned Nigerian designers from Deola Sagoe to Folake Folarin-Coker have been both adored and adorned by all.  Whatever style comes to mind; they visualise, and the world will follow. Staying true to its roots, the Exodus designers showcase age old colourful tradition, translated into the many layers and complexities of remarkable designs. Despite the first glance of varied textures, different fabrics and vibrant prints, the Exodus Store designs epitomize sophisticated glamour,  and undeniably leaves its mark as a classy fashion statement.

Clothing designers (Women and Kids) include: Aima's, Alter Ego, Amédé  and Xclamations. 

Prices starting at €16.10

Vibrant Handbags, fresh off the runway available from: Design for Love  

Get your hands on some beaded, pearly and crystal jewellery sets. Exquisite Jewellery Designers include: Beampeh Nigeria, L'atelier Du Papillon Noir and  Accessories by Caroline. Prices starting at €18.77

THE ROOTS OF EXODUS
For many, "Exodus" in itself goes back to the spiritual roots of the Holy Bible, which connotes the mass movement of people to the promised land. In the eyes of its founder, Exodus represents hope, the promise of a brighter future, and the certainty that there will be a mass movement in recognition of African talent, whereby Exodus Stores will be a channel for that movement.

"Through Exodus Stores, we want to bring African Designs closer to the rest of the world." commented Nike Ogunlana, Founder of Exodus Stores. "We want to see our African talent become household names globally. We want to see someone wearing ‘Sura the Tailor’s’ beautiful well finished outfit at a dinner in Paris, on a catwalk in New York, at an award show in Los Angeles……We want to make African design labels accessible to everyone, everywhere."

-Sheshaya Surtani

WHEN FAITH MEETS FASHION.

The Charity Diwali Showcase

Date- 17th November 2013

Time- 5.30 pm

Venue-Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH,London

[Tickets are priced at £35(tier 1) and £28.50(tier 2) and can be purchased after 5pm at Guy’s Campus,KCL or online at www.roundhouse.org.uk]

In the spirit of Diwali, it’s that time of year to get ready for blazing fireworks, colours and the KCL Charity Diwali Showcase of course. With an resounding 2000 people involved, the show is one of the largest student organised events in the UK known for celebrating  and capturing the relgious festival of Diwali through the arts.  Every year this event never ceases to amaze its audience with an unforgettable night of fashion, music, dance and culture. 

“With this year's theme of emotions in mind, we have decided to steer away from the traditional Bollywood love story, and instead take a more edgy approach in basing this year's Eastern Catwalk on love destroyed by temptation, leading to jealousy and revenge." commented Eastern Catwalk Choreographers Sunaina Mukhi & Kavita Ravi-Shankar."Each powerful emotion will be represented by polished choreography, stunning outfits; befittingly selected from leading Asian clothing boutiques, together with song choices that everybody knows and loves! This, alongside the incorporation of dance and live music, will ensure that this year's Eastern Catwalk is nothing short of spectacular!”


  


What’s more, charity is the beating heart of the Diwali show that binds together all students involved. The organising committee aims to raise as much awareness as possible for its charities; whether it be organising bake sales or student sponsored walks. The dedicated committee works tirelessly in its goal to fight against poverty and help the less fortunate by driving a sustainable movement towards change. This year, the KCL Charity Diwali Showcase will be supporting Homes of Hope, The Sharma Foundation and Evelina Children’s Hospital. 


The night will be hosted by witty British born Indian Actor Ameet Chana (AKA Adi Ferreira of East Enders) and will feature numerous musical and dance acts ranging from Bhangra to hip hop to get you on your feet. That said, the organising committee would not be doing its audience justice without a glam fashion show right? This year, the stage will light up as the catwalk reaches unparalleled heights featuring both fusion and Eastern styles. All glamorous Eastern runway looks are designed and sponsored by: The Model's Portal, Geeta Arts, Parul, My Trousseau, Raishma, Fusion, Kyles and Lubna Rafiq.

-Sheshaya Surtani

Designer Feature of the Week Zandra Rhodes

WHO IS SHE?

Known for her signature pink bob, eccentric persona and glam lifestyle, Zandra Rhodes has made an immense mark on the international world of fashion since the late 1960s. Having majored in printed textile design, at the early stages of her career, Zandra’s textile designs were perceived as “too outrageous” by the traditionalist UK manufacturers of the time. In search of her first big break, she took her collection to the streets of New York, where her talents were discovered by a stylist, and soon featured in the pages of American Vogue. Since then, Zandra hasn't looked back, designing for style supremes, ranging from Freddie Mercury in ‘Queen’ to Princess Diana of Wales. Now, her glamorous designs and vintage pieces are adorned by fashion icons Sarah Jessica Parker in “Sex and the City”, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, solidifying Rhodes' status as a trend initiator, and style supreme.

HER WORK: The “Unseen” Collection Unveiled:

In 2003 Zandra founded the London Fashion and Textile Museum located in the heart of Europe's fashion capital, London. Commemorating the 10 year anniversary since the museums opening, her latest public exhibition titled: “Zandra Rhodes: Unseen” was held from 12 July - 31 August 2013. The exhibition shines a well-deserved light on her phenomenal 50-year career, and evolution as a creative artist.Featuring a range of original sketches, spectacular textiles, and ravishing dresses, the exhibition gives the public a rare opportunity to enter Rhode's private creative sphere, into the studio and archives of one of the world’s most distinctive designers that re-defined fashion.

SUCCESS AND INFLUENCES:
Known in the style sphere as “Princess of Pink”, Rhodes is now defined as the first designer to convert street punk into high fashion through her “Conceptual Chic” collection. Her ravishing “India Revisited” collection epitomises the glamour of Indian culture and intricate hand beaded techniques. Evidently, Rhodes'  vivid understanding of print allows her to experiment with the form of the garments, with actual dresses being sructured  by the pattern itself. Zandra’s dramatic use of colour, unique use of daring prints and fiercely feminine patterns has given her garments a timeless quality that makes them unmistakably a Rhodes creation.

 

For any fashionistas  interested in textile design, or simply want to know more about Zandra: look out for the bright pink and orange museum on Bermondsey Street!

-Sheshaya Surtani

FASHION TIMETABLE

FASHION TIMETABLE

Slot these events into YOUR fashion calender!

Upcoming events at the London Fashion and Textile Museum

Event: Bermondsey Street Fashion Heritage Walks

Local historian Stephen Humphrey guides a heritage walk around Bermondsey Street, celebrating the history of London's fashion and textile industry in the area. Stephen Humphrey guides a heritage walk around Bermondsey Street, celebrating the history of London's fashion and textile industry in the area. 

Dates:  2nd and 16th November 2013

Time: 12 Noon onward

Event:In design For Fashion and Textiles: Course

Giving you perfect control over design and typography, this course teaches you how Adobe InDesign is used in the fashion and textile industry. 

Dates:  9th,16th and 23rd November 2013

Time: 10.30 am-4 pm

Event: Photoshop for Fashion Designers: Course

This course explores the creative process and ways to design fashion and apparel using Photoshop.

Dates:  12th, 13th and 14th November 2013

Time: 10.30 am-4 pm

Repeat Patterns With Illustrator: Course

This course will teach you effective and interesting ways to create block, brick, drop and sateen repeat patterns using Adobe Illustrator.

Dates:

20TH NOV, 27TH NOV, 4TH DEC, 11TH DEC AND 18TH DEC 2013 - 6PM-9PM

Couture Study Day: Workshop

Learn about the fascinating world of couture

Dates: Saturday 23rd November 2013 - 10.30AM-4.30PM

-Sheshaya Surtani

London Fashion Festival

Fashion Flashback:

 London Fashion Festival 

The Low Down on #FashionFest13. 

WHAT IS IT?

Devised by CreateVoice, the V&A’s young people’s collective the event presents the opportunity for potential wannabee fashionistas to  participate in a variety of free workshops, and master classes by fashion royalty, gaining an in-depth understanding of all aspects of fashion industry, and a development of creative skills .

WHEN? Saturday 19th October

WHERE? Victoria and Albert Museum

MASTERCLASSES:

In Conversation with Henry Holland

 An insight Henry Holland's professional journey, from how he entered the fashion scene, to founding his own clothes label. The conversation includes topics such as his recent collaborations with brands such as Levi Strauss and Debenhams, and personal experience of venturing into the Entertainment industry as a  co-presenter with former model Alexa Chung. The talk ends on a final note with an exclusive insight on his latest collections, and future plans, with Scarlett Kilcooley, Junior Editor of Vogue UK.

In Conversation with Maria Grachvogel

 Interviewed by Scarlett Kilcooley, Junior Editor of Vogue UK, we flash back to Maria Grachvogel's personal journey during the 2013 autumn London Fashion Week. Discovering her natural abilities at a young age, whereby she created her first collection at the age of 14 and founded her own company at 21, her label is now the secret to many A Lister's faultless outfits adorned by the world’s most stylish, including Angelina Jolie, Marie Helvin and Yasmin Le Bon.

Careers in the Fashion Industry

The British Fashion Council gives an overview of it’s work and the variety of job opportunities the fashion world offers, including advice on internships. 

ASOS: Fashion Marketing and Journalism

A proffessional insight on how to step onto the fashion media platform, from designing and setting up your own online selling site, to writing fashion features in magazines and newspapers or online.

Marketing and Trend Predicting

 Katie Greenyer ( Creative Director of Pentland Brands plc. which includes JD Sports Fashion plc., Ted Baker Footwear, and Speedo) gives an exclusive insight on her demanding role, what it entails, and her recent work as a Graduate Fashion Week Mentor to future upcoming designers.

PRESENTATIONS

-Charlotte Lucy Barry, named as one of the best fashion graduates of 2011 (Vogue UK) 
-Alexis Housden (winner of Collection of the Year Award 2013) London College of Fashion. 

-Young people from FAD (Fashion Awareness Direct) and the Kids Company.

-Sheshaya Surtani

The Miles Aldirdge Exhibition

FASHION EVENTS DOCUMENTED:The Miles Aldirdge Exhibition

WHO IS HE?

A pop video director turned photographer, Miles Aldridge has captured a unique take on fashion since the mid-90s. Having graduated with a degree in illustration from Central St. Martins, he credits luck as the reason why he became a fashion photographer. British Vogue took no time to spot his talent, and from there on his career skyrocketed. Now based in New York, Aldridge has had work published in top publications across the globe from Italian Vogue to the New York Times. Aldridge is heavily influenced by his father Alan Aldridge, fashion photographer Richard Avedon and film directors; Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch.

Miles Aldridge: I Only Want You To Love Me is the largest retrospective exhibition of the acclaimed photographer’s work to date. The high glamour photo fiction exhibition was held at the Somerset House from 10th July -29th September 2013. Featuring 55 large scale prints that form an overview of Aldridge’s multi-coloured universe, it was also accompanied by drawings and polaroids. The exhibition is testament to the fact that Aldridge’s love of drawing has always prevailed - sketches were always central to his process.

At the offset, it appears Aldridge has two obsessions: women, and his love for colour. Highly saturated clashing shades, overly- airbrushed models and cinematic compositions give Aldridges’ photography an eerily glamorous feel. By concentrating on unique scenes with psychologically complex characters in surreal settings, Aldridge offers an intriguing mixture of sensuality and melancholy, inviting the viewer to uncover a deeper layer of meaning behind his work.
 
A woman resembling Elizabeth Taylor sits in a red bed with green satin sheets, a bowl of half eaten grapefruit on her lap and appears to be screaming, arms flung in the air. In another, a woman clad in yellow sits on a checked tiled floor, seemingly ready to pounce, whilst glaring into the distance over broken plates and scattered food. His loud, conceptual photos featuring expressionless women all tell a similar story; both disturbing, yet beautiful. These are women at the edge of reason. The  verge of breaking point. Every sense and emotion is magnified through Aldridge’s bright, clashing colours which screams out loud, so the models don't have to.

In its final weeks, I Only Want You to Love Me became a behind the scenes backdrop to the marquees and catwalks erected for London Fashion Week. For those of you who want to enter Miles Aldridge’s Technicolor fantasy world, his recently released book “I Only Want You To Love Me” (Rizzoli, New York), is now available. For further information visit: www.milesaldridge.com.

-Sheshaya Surtani