Media Pack September 2013 - Splendours of the Commonwealth

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Press Release
For Immediate Publica$on
SPLENDOURS OF THE COMMONWEALTH EVENT CELEBRATES LONDON FASHION
WEEK WITH DESIGNERS FROM AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
London, September, 2013. The registered charity Commonwealth Countries League
Educa2on Fund (CCLEF) celebrated this year’s London Fashion Week by hos2ng
Splendours of the Commonwealth on Thursday 12 September 2013 at the May Fair
Hotel in London.
Splendours of the Commonwealth (www.splendourso:hecommonwealth.com) is a
showcase of talented and bright designers and models from the fashion industry
throughout the Commonwealth. The result of a collabora2ve and crea2ve effort, it
has brought together many of the CCLEF’s supporters and partners including the May
Fair Hotel, which proudly celebrates its fi:h year as “Official Hotel of London Fashion
Week”, London Garments Expo, lead sponsor HSBC Bank plc. and DeloiCe LLP.
The event promised glitz and glamour, fashion, musical performances and fund raising, and it
certainly delivered. During the evening, designers from around the Commonwealth presented
their work in a catwalk show, compered by Russell Amerasekera of Epiphany Presenta2ons. The
evening also included a pre-show recep2on, musical entertainment and a silent auc2on of art
works created by pupils from various Commonwealth countries. The designers represented
various regions in the Commonwealth: Sika and Tina Lobondi (Africa), KiCy Ferreira and
Duchess (The Caribbean), and Ekta Solanki and Shipra Malhotra (Asia). Bags were by Sunita
Mukhi from Malta, Europe while the exclusive finale was a stunning crea2on by Jenny Packham,
one of the UK’s top Bri2sh designers. London Garments Expo directed the designers and
Commonwealth models who were recruited from London, while Southampton Solent
University students donated their 2me and skills to the show’s hair and make-up design.
COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES LEAGUE EDUCATION FUND
Administrative Secretary, 29 Tennyson Street, Swindon SN1 5DT, United Kingdom
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
www.ccl-int.org | www.splendoursofthecommonwealth.com
Our sponsors
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Judith Fisher, event organiser and CCLEF Hon. Treasurer said, “As a charity, we are fortunate
to have had so much assistance from our sponsors, partners and supporters. We are hugely
grateful to the May Fair Hotel owners for their generous support. We have also had the
invaluable ongoing direc2on and help from the London Garments Expo team. Such
assistance, coupled with the equally generous sponsorship from our lead sponsor HSBC plc,
and DeloiCe LLP, have all contributed immensely to make this happen.”
She con2nued, “Splendours of the Commonwealth 2103 is our inaugural event, a charity event to
support our girls sponsored by the CCLEF. The response has been truly inspiring. We would like to
thank our various partners including Blick Rothenberg, Cypher Design, Davy’s, Epiphany Presenta2ons,
Lola Royle, Madrinha Trust, Marie Claire, Market Accents, Neha’s Cooking, Real Events, Southampton
Solent University Students, Sunita Mukhi, The Diplomat, The Sourcing Team Ltd, Trinidad and
Tobago High Commission, WEConnect Interna2onal and Wessex Design Associates Ltd.”
Among the invited guests were members of the diploma2c community of the
Commonwealth, CCLEF supporters, and senior women in business and corporate life,
including Baroness Jo Valen2ne, sports personali2es Tessa Sanderson and Ade Adepitan and
other celebrity guests. Present to greet the guests were CCLEF patrons, Baroness BeCy
Boothroyd and Baroness Shreela Flather, together with various members from the Board of
Trustees.
Various art works were auc2oned at the end of the evening through a silent auc2on. Guests
also had the opportunity to buy the artworks which have not been included in the silent
auc2on and par2cipate in a draw. These art works have been specially created this summer
by pupils from schools where there are girls currently sponsored by the CCLEF. A selec2on
of these unique art works may be viewed online at
hCp://splendourso:hecommonwealth.com/the-silent-auc2on/. Dona2ons may also be
made through the site www.splendourso:hecommonwealth.com.
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
www.ccl-int.org | www.splendoursofthecommonwealth.com
Our sponsors
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About the Commonwealth Countries League Educa2on Fund (CCLEF)
www.ccl-int.org Registered Charity No 1048908
The Commonwealth Countries League Educa$on Fund (CCLEF (hCp://www.ccl-int.org/) is a
secondary educa2on sponsorship scheme for girls that has sponsored thousands of bright girls
through secondary educa2on since 1967. Today they are suppor2ng 397 able girls across 25
Commonwealth countries. Without their help, these girls would not otherwise receive an
educa2on and their lives would be very different indeed. Over 90 girls have completed their
secondary educa2on. Some will go on to university, others to training colleges: all should now
have the ability to take greater control of their lives, increased knowledge, earning capacity and
the opportunity to overcome poverty. Others have already reaped these rewards and are
passing on the benefits to their families and communi2es.
The CCLEF is the registered charity of the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) which was
formed out of the suffrageCe movement in the 1920s. The CCL promotes the educa2on of girls
and young women, and links together women’s organisa2ons throughout the Commonwealth.
The CCL supports their work with the help of the High Commissions in London through the
Our sponsors
annual Commonwealth Fair and other fundraising events.
Further informa2on can be found on the website: www.ccl-int.org.
For more details about the CCL, CCLEF, the educa2on scheme and applica2on forms,
please contact: The Administra2ve Secretary, 29 Tennyson Street, Swindon SN1 5DT,
or email: [email protected].
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
www.ccl-int.org | www.splendoursofthecommonwealth.com
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Our Sponsors:
May Fair Hotel, London, Official Sponsors of the London Fashion Week
London Garments Expo
HSBC Bank plc
DeloiCe
Our Partners:
Blick Rothenberg
Cypher Design
Davy’s Wine Merchant
Epiphany Presenta2ons
Lola Royle
Madrinha Trust
Marie Claire
Market Accents
Neha’s Cooking
Real Events
Southampton Solent University Students
Sunita Mukhi
Our sponsors
The Diplomat
The Sourcing Team Ltd
Trinidad and Tobago High Commission
WEConnect Interna2onal
Wessex Design Associates Ltd
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
www.ccl-int.org | www.splendoursofthecommonwealth.com
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Splendours of the Commonwealth Catwalk Show
Fashion Director: Danielle Jones-Smith
Stylist: Lola Royle
Assistant Stylist: Hana Jeal
Dressers: Siobhan Teka & Romany Riley
Runner: Côme Cornuat
Hair and Make-Up
Lucy MacDonald : Head Hair and Make-Up Ar2st
Alexia Serghiov · Emma CuCer · Trine
Runway Models
Judith DaSilva · Armande Mayo · Victoira Chi · Heather Leyland · Isabelle Jones · Donna Fernander
Czarnecki · Samantha Alleyne · Rosemary Chileshe · Greta Budreikaite · Sureya Jones
Promo$onal Models
Natasha Reynold · Lea Chris2ne Garden Svendsen · Roseanne Barret
Our sponsors
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
www.ccl-int.org | www.splendoursofthecommonwealth.com
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Jenny Packham
2013 celebrates Jenny Packham’s 25th Anniversary
One of the UK’s most successful and independent fashion brands with global recogni2on,
Jenny Packham has become the design house of choice when it comes to evening dressing
and bridal wear.
Launched in 1988, Packham’s dis2nc2ve signature has contributed to revolu2onise the bridal
industry, introducing a contemporary approach to design and styling. The eponymous label
now comprises ready-to-wear, resort, bridal, accessories and lingerie collec2ons.
Jenny Packham has flagship stores and showrooms in London, Paris and New York. The
collec2ons are available at the world’s most discerning stores: Harrods, Harvey Nichols,
Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
Red carpets the world over are graced with Packham’s designs, worn by the most iconic,
talented and influen2al women of our genera2on including: Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina
Jolie, Amy Adams, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Diane Kruger, Dita von Teese, Kate Hudson,
Oscar winner Adele Aitkins and The Duchess of Cambridge.
Our sponsors
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Sunita Mukhi
Sunita Mukhi's collec2on launched to cri2cal acclaim in 2011.
Recognised for the signature embellished Evil Eye collec2on, Sunita Mukhi bags are created as an
heirloom, something every woman will be proud to pass from one genera2on to the next.
Opulence and luxury are exerted from these classically reworked designs in exo2c fabrics, each one
brought alive with colour designed to inject both fun and vibrancy to your look.
About Sunita
"Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in you life" - Harvey MacKay
Handbags, for Sunita, are the most precious part of a woman's aWre, as the handbag carries
sen2ment internally and personality externally.
From an early age, Sunita had an eye for detail and a love of colour. Born to Indian parents in
Malta, the sumptuous fabrics and iridescent hues s2ll thrive in her inspira2on from memories of
her family's tex2le store, whereas the exo2c fabrics she was exposed to while living in West Africa
opened her eyes to a whole new world of deluxe textures.
Every individual bag has a story of its own and now Sunita Mukhi is permanently based in the
global fashion capital, London, the designs speak for themselves.
Over the years, Sunita has been honoured to create pieces for chari2es dear to her heart such as
Breast Cancer Research, and now looks to create her own founda2on in the near future.
telephone
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email
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Our sponsors
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Sika
Sika is the brainchild of first-genera2on Londoner Phyllis Taylor, whose parents hail from Ghana,
West Africa. Taylor's influences from both the chic streets of trend seWng London, and the vibrant
colour paleCe of Ghana, helped shaped her vision to create a truly unique and dis2nc2ve brand.
SIKA perfectly fuses the exquisite and vibrant high quality tex2les of Ghana with contemporary and
2meless designs which o:en feature a vintage, 50's style feel.
Ensuring the highest standards of garment produc2on is an integral part of SIKA’s mission and the
brand works very closely with local Ghanaian tex2le traders and manufacturers to produce quality
garments for the interna2onal market.
All garments are ethically handmade in Ghana by highly skilled tailors and seamstresses. The work
generates regular income for those involved, and thus SIKA gives back to the Ghanaian community
and raises the standards of garment produc2on.
Featured regularly in interna2onally recognised publica2ons such as Vogue, Marie Claire and
Cosmopolitan and garnering cri2cal acclaim, SIKA has transcended the 'Afrocentric' fashion
demographic. She produces fresh and 2meless, yet on-trend styles, season a:er season which hold
their own in the fast paced world of fashion, regardless of the brand's ethical produc2on
creden2als.
SIKA has curated a successful pop-up event in Los Angeles. As a result of the interna2onal demand,
further pop-up events are now being planned in the future to meet the requests of SIKA's growing
interna2onal interest from customers and press.
Interna2onally, SIKA has been featured in Nippon VOGUE (Japan), VOGUE Italia (Italy),
VOGUE.com (USA), GLAMOUR (Netherlands), METRO (New York), Gala (Germany)
among others. In addi2on, fashion bloggers from all over the world have discovered and
promoted the brand. Stylists have also championed SIKA as the perfect brand to make
their high profile clients stand out.
Since its early days in 2006, SIKA's product range has expanded from Womenswear to
now also include Accessories, Homeware, Children's wear and Bridalwear.
To capture this stylish and versa2le brand in a few words, Phyllis Taylor crea2vely brings
together excep2onal West African tex2les with the trend and style inspira2on of London’s
urban chic thus crea2ng impeccably cra:ed and remarkably beau2ful products that are
unmistakably Sika.
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
[email protected]
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Our sponsors
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Tina Lonbondi
Congolese born Tina Lobondi is an interna2onal Fashion Designer and young entrepreneur, with
over seven years experience in the fashion industry.
Tina Lobondi established her eponymous label in NoWng Hill. Her collec2ons are based on
excep2onal aCen2on to detail and finish, classic and chic designs.
Elegance with 2meless style is what she wants to achieve. The fabrics and materials are sourced
from all around the world, from Mauritania to Paris and London.
The company's Made-to-Order service offers clients the possibility of choosing their own designs
and fabrics, and have individually cra:ed one-off pieces which are all made in London.
The dresses celebrate the gorgeousness of life, allowing the wearer to edge a liCle closer to their
dreams.
Working along a seamstress studio to complete her work, Tina has been helping chari2es such as
The Georges Malaika Founda2on by dona2ng her garments as auc2on prizes to raise money for
their cause.
The 'UPTOWN AFRICA' collec2on showcased at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week Africa notably
captured interna2onal fashion media including Vogue Italia and Fashion TV.
Building on her hard work, Tina's clientele include Grammy Award winner and New York based
singer Angelique Kidjo, London based singer Lianne La Havas and "Eastenders" actresses Shona
McGarty and HeW Bywater, The designer is well on her way to becoming a regular name in the
elite of African designers. Show a:er show, Tina Lobondi con2nues to delight catwalk-goers with
her elegant yet edgy, contemporary chic womenswear designs.
The designer's work has been published in various magazines and TV Channels including
Marie- Claire and ELLE Magazine South-Africa, Bri2sh Soap Awards, LOOK Magazine,
OK Magazine, and BBC Africa.
telephone
+44 (0)1793 616693
email
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Our sponsors
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Ki:y Ferreira
KiCy Ferreira, named a:er her late grandmother, is an ethical and sustainable womenswear brand,
using up-cycled fabrics and silks eco-dyed by hand with pomegranate and onion skins, producing
dreamy, roman2c prints.
Each piece made from these silks varies slightly to the next, offering real individuality and
exclusivity to every wearer. All materials are sourced exclusively in the UK and are made in London.
Valerie Goode, the woman behind the brand, says “My grandmother lived in Trinidad and it was
her self sufficiency that inspired me. She had a small yard with hens, cockerels, and some2mes a
goat which she and my late grandfather would use to feed their family.”
“When my parents came to this country, they brought that self sufficiency with them, growing
herbs, fruits and veg in our garden. That is why some pieces are named a:er herbs we use in daily
cooking: such as Saffron and Cinnamon Silk Shirts.”
“When visi2ng my heritage homeland, I am always struck by how rich people are to be able to
have their breakfast whilst walking down the street, picking the (organically grown) fruit. I also
hadn't realized that my grandmother was prac2cing up-cycling long before it became a fashionable
term. It is these kind of fundamental values that I infuse into my collec2ons. I like to think that
fashion can tell a story that is not based on style or an era, but that is based on values.”
Our sponsors
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email
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Duchezz
Fashion design & marke2ng graduate, Bahamian-born interna2onal designer Duchess Kerrol
Williams Alonga creates beau2fully finished garments under her low key, exquisite, haute couture
label DUCHEZZ.
Following her specialised educa2on in the field of tailoring, she honed her talent by tapping into a
wealth of experience during her 2me at two world renowned fashion houses (Vivien Westwood
and Robinson Valen$ne). This allowed Duchess’s dis2nc2ve style to emerge, resul2ng in
establishing her signature label in Bond Street, Mayfair London.
For over a decade, her designs were appreciated and worn by an exclusive small group with
rela2ve anonymity. Today, the brand is divided into three sec2ons:
Duchezz Couture - formalwear which includes weddings, red carpet & pageants, Heirloom focusing on formal children’s wear including Bap2sm and 1st Communion and Resort - featuring
casual smart, nau2cal beachwear.
Duchezz provides a bespoke service and each is individually cra:ed one on one of her signature
design. All pieces are handcra:ed by Duchess from the finest 100% natural fibers.
Our sponsors
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email
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Ekta Solanki
Ekta Solanki is the crea2ve director of Haute Couture Bridal
label Ekta Solanki. Born in Zambia, Ekta grew up in Kent. She
enrolled at the pres2gious London College of Fashion in 1998, from where she graduated with a
degree in Fashion Design and Technology. Ekta went on to work with iconic Bri2sh brand Burberry,
before working as the Personal Shopping Manager at Selfridges in London. In January 2005, Ekta
ventured out on her own to start her exclusive label and held her first exhibi2on in New Delhi in
April 2005 to showcase her collec2on.
Ekta’s understanding of Western culture, combined with her deep respect for her Indian heritage,
has influenced this dis2nct luxury label. The Ekta Solanki label has quickly earned praise from the
fashion elite for its luxurious fabrics, exquisite detailing and embroidery and modern interpreta2on
of classic lines. Her crea2ons are posi2oned at the highest end of the luxury market. Customer
appeal is high, driven by an ar2s2c, modern and luxurious design style, couture quality and a high
level of customer service. Ekta Solanki’s ethos is to create each piece individually for stylish women
the world over.
The Award Winning Design Label, ‘Ekta Solanki’ is more than just a brand. It is a lifestyle. It is
glamorous, sexy and 2meless. Each couture piece is hand cra:ed and finished to perfec2on using
only the finest fabrics, jewels and embellishments. Each of her pieces is hand embroidered and
hand finished to create a masterpiece for her clients. The collec2on, which includes late day,
cocktail and Bridal wear, is defined by silhoueCes that are graceful and refined, with an emphasis
on femininity and beau2ful details. Using fabrics, such as chiffon, georgeCe, sa2n, silk and lace,
Ekta Solanki offers a fresh, modern and feminine perspec2ve on aWre perfect for every occasion.
Apr 2005
June 2005
July 2005
Mar 2006
Mar 2006
Apr 2006
Jun 2007
May 2008
Sept 2008
Jan 2009
May 2009
Mar 2009
Jan 2010
Feb 2010
Mar 2010
Sept 2010
Jan 2011
Sept 2011
Nov 2011
Jan 2012
Sep 2012
Ekta Solanki Launches her first Pret A Porter collec2on, London
Launches her first bridal collec2on, New Delhi,
Showcases her collec2on at Olympia Lifestyle Exhibi2on, London.
Caramel Fashion Show held at The Café De Paris, London.
Sponsor for The Asian Jewel Awards, London.
Sponsor for The Asian Jewel Awards, Birmingham.
Caramel Fashion Show Charity Ball, London.
Launches her first menswear collec2on, London
Launches her Bridal wear collec2on in Designers Lounge, Dubai.
Opens her London Flagship Showroom.
Sponsor for Miss Asian Beauty Queen Award, London
Showcases at The Lost Emeralds of Swat Charity Fashion Show, London
Exhibits at The Asiana Bridal Show, London
Sponsor for The Asiana Bachelors Search Party, London.
Interna2onal Asian Fashion Awards (IAFA)
Interview for ‘Wedding TV Asia’, London
Exhibits at The Asiana Bridal Show, London
Commissioned to make the world’s first mechanical crystal encrusted palki
Interna2onal Asian Fashion Awards (IAFA) - Winner in 2 categories
Collec2on of the Year & Best Bridal Collec2on of the Year
Exhibits at The Asiana Bridal Show for the 3rd consecu2ve year, London
Official Sponsor for ‘Miss India Switzerland 2012’ Zurich, Switzerland
telephone
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Our sponsors
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Spotlight on Our Designers: Shipra Malhotra
Shipra Malhotra – ambrosia.. the nectar of feminine style, poise and couture!
The clothes she designs are not just a form of crea2vity, but also a form of
perfec2ng her expression of beauty and feminity.
Her modest beginnings grew from a passionate hobby designing clothes for friends and family,
eventually led her to seWng up an ensemble store in Delhi NCR region. This passion for design
drove her to follow her heart and acquire formal training through a professional qualifica2on
from NIFT, Hyderabad India in Fashion Design.
COUTURE
For Shipra, like colours which are the essence of life, her ever-evolving sense of style and her
understanding of her clients’ personali2es have made her famous with her celebrity and high
profile clients. These clients today rely on her crea2vity to make them shine like stars at every
event where they wear ensemble designed by her.
And indeed, the brilliance of her designs shine through the fusion of materials, ar2san hand work,
weaves, cuts and styles of vibrant colours, bringing out the epitome of poise, style, design in every
garment she designs. Each day brings in new ray of ideas, 'fusion' of styles 'patch-worked' with
‘gorgeous embellishments’ in a vibrant eclec2c colour paleCe to make her women feel beau2ful.
Her label Q9 is expanding rapidly with 2 studios already set up in Delhi NCR & Pune in India in just
five years.
All set to make a serious bid in the interna2onal arena, Shipra today is expanding to Dubai and has
successfully show-cased her clothes at the London Fashion week and Garments Expo 2013.
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Spotlight on Our Models
Lea
Natasha
Judita
Irina
Our sponsors
Arnande
Roseanne
telephone
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