Bratislava Fashion Days 2018 by Mercedes-Benz / UK Designers
Belinda Chorley
Belinda Chorley is a fashion designer from Great Britain – based in North London Crouch End (www.beyondbridal.co.uk) Her fashion design connects three elements – bridal expressions, burlesque and corsets (by the way, Vivienne Westwood’s specialist corsetiere). Why is Belinda so unique? All the answers are found in the development of her professional career – she studied in Bristol and gradually started to collaborate with influential artists like Massive Attack, Dead or Alive, The Pet Shop Boys, Cathy Dennis and Aztec Camera – these guys were setting up trends in the industry. Then, a street fashion and fetish played a significant role since she opened, quoting, “her own fetish and club-wear shop in Brighton – the award-winning “Snog on Rocks”. What a move, don´t you? Extraordinary!
Recently, Belinda has been dressing some famous show-biz names including Angelina Joli, Gillian Anderson, Rebecca Bottone, Greta Scacchi, Nancy Dell’Olio and Dawn French. Moreover, her corsets were used in a blockbusting movie Anna Karenina where we could see stunning “corset” look of Alicia Vikander and Keira Knightley.
It really was a privilege to photoshoot Belinda Chorley collection during Bratislava Fashion Days in Slovakia.
Belinda Chorley official website – www.beyondbridal.co.uk
Barbour
A well known British brand has started its story in 1894 by a simple idea – to produce waterproof clothes. Today, Barbour is still a family business led by the 5. generation producing more than 5,000 products for women, men and children. Popular amongst the British Royal family members, Barbour’s classic wax jackets are hand-crafted in Simonside – this is what I call “the tradition”. I highly recommend having a look at the brand´s history here.
I am happy that Barbour came to Bratislava Fashion Days, it is nice to see the British classic underlining traditions of the countryside. Definitely, inspirational.
Official website – www.barbour.com
Ivana Kuranova – Ferity
Ivana is a very honest fashion designer originally from Slovakia, however, her career has been fully developing in England. Her work describes a kind of straightforward simplicity with very interesting detail. Ivana collaborated with famous industry names, to illustrate, Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Marios Schwab, Roksanda Ilincic. Moreover, she designed dresses for many celebrities, including Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton). In Slovakia, she is working on her own brand – Ferity.
Official website – www.ferity.eu
Karen Millen
Karen Millen is popular amongst self-confident women who know which style to dress. The brand itself promotes women not only in quality and style of garments, visual presentations, marketing but also in employment – 94% of 759 employees are women. I tell you a little secret – Karen Millen flagship store in Regent Street – London – is a very spectacular place to visit, however, it is also worthy of having look at Karen Millen presentation at Selfridges. Yeah, what a person couldn´t do for a world-famous yellow bag, right?
Official website – www.karenmillen.com
Marion Ayonote
Marion is a super-intelligent woman who has brought a new life to designers handbags and shoes. Her products are made exclusively in England and Italy. And what is Marion Ayonote about? I must copy and paste this from her website because it is excellently written:
“Peacock hues, vertiginous heels, exotic materials and arresting silhouettes…. to own a Marion Ayonote couture creation is to step into a world of sophistication and exquisite attention to detail.”
I like that Marion produces shoes for men, it is a nice touch. For £650, you can buy a pair of Hassan shoes, hmm, I think about it. I recommend to visit her website, it is truly amazing.
Official website – www.ayonote.com
Ted Baker
In 1987, whilst fishing, an idea of a world recognized brand was born by a shirt specialist in Glasgow, Scotland. However, this brand worked a bit differently at the beginning. For example, when you bought a shirt from Ted Baker, you also received a laundry service for it. Wow – just extraordinary. There was no marketing, only recommendation by a spread word. Today, we know Ted Baker as “No Ordinary Designer Label”. A shirt from Ted Baker means a status, have a look at what you can have for £90. And women? Ted Baker surely doesn´t disappoint you – proven by Bratislava Fashion Days.
Oficiálna webová stránka značky – www.tedbaker.com
Little Mistress & Paul´s Boutique
Little Mistress is an interesting and dynamic London brand. The first flagship store was opened in Guildford which tells something about a target market. Young women who love enjoying a bit luxurious life inspired by fashion shows, however, spending only what they can afford. It is pretty nice that the brand sells affordable, but super trendy clothes. Well done!
Paul´s Boutique was established in 2000 by Paul Slade and Emma Minford. They opened a stall in Portobello Market, London. By the time, the brand has developed into a global one selling handbags in more than 20 countries.
It was very nice to see a sort of synergy between these two British brands on the catwalk. What´s more, both are very affordable for women.
Official websites – www.paulsboutique.com / www.little-mistress.com
