Rita Ora becomes new global THOMAS SABO brand ambassador

THOMAS SABO has announced a two-year collaboration with its new brand ambassador Rita Ora.

 From 1 July 2019, the British singer and actress will be the global face of the lifestyle brand and will present herself for the first time in the Autumn/Winter 2019 campaign.
 In addition to jewellery, the singer will present the THOMAS SABO watch line.
 Rita Ora's strength, passion, creativity and self-confident styling underline the long-term reorientation of global brand communication and the vision of the multi-faceted THOMAS SABO collections to make jewellery dreams come true for everyone.
 Rita Ora gave an exclusive preview of a THOMAS SABO look to her fans during a concert in London on Friday, May 24, 2019, as well as on her official Instagram account.

Mary Quant Daisy Doll at the V&A

V&A opened the first international retrospective on iconic fashion designer Mary Quant. She revolutionised fashion by creating a modern look with mass production techniques making it more accessible for everyone.

Quant also enabled the next generation to connect with her brand by creating miniature versions of Mary Quant designs for 'Daisy' the jet setting independent doll, some of which are included in the exhibition.

 Daisy 'The Best Dress Doll in the World' was introduced to the toy market in 1973, launching at Harrogate Toy Fair where Quant’s regular models danced down the catwalk wearing life-size versions of Daisy’s wardrobe.

Daisy Doll was the brainchild of entrepreneur Sir Torquil Norman, her head was modelled by mannequin sculptor Adel Rootstein.

Daisy’s Fashion Wardrobe 1973-75

Collaborating with illustrator Joan Corlass, Quant created a whole lifestyle for Daisy with a series of cut-out dolls and sticker books, showing her at home, out shopping, or having a holiday.

The lifestyle continued for the actual doll

The Exhibition runs until 16^th Feb 2020 and is sponsored by King’s Road with support from GRoW @ Annenberg.

Tickets are £12

Mary Quant Retrospective at V&A Museum

V&A opened the first international retrospective on iconic fashion designer Mary Quant. She revolutionised fashion by creating a modern look with mass production techniques making it more accessible for everyone.

Think Mary Quant and the mini skirt springs to mind. Paris couturier Andre Courreges may have achieved international publicity for higher hemlines in 1964, but it was Quant who became recognised as inventor and ambassador for the style.

The Jersey dress became Quant’s signature sporty mini dress worn with matching beret, tights and shoes for that total top to toe colour blocking.  Previously used in underwear and for rugby or football gear, Quant discovered a wool jersey that is heat bonded to acetate backing and available in bright deep colours. Quant designed a range of styles including the Footer dress 1967 

The Pinafore dress.  Quant’s designs were often based on practical schoolgirl pinafores, adapting the look for grownups with hemlines gradually rising well above the knee
Below Left - Snob pinafore dress in ginger (a colour Quant adored) worsted wool worn with Marshmallow blouse and Striped top pinafore (1963) in black & ginger thick double jersey fabric. 

The Wet Collection launched April 1963 featured relatively new material PVC. Collaboration with Alligator Rainwear ensured the raincoats were completely waterproof. Ginger coloured PVC raincoat  used a giant safety pin belt fastening way before the punk era.

Swinging capes (1967) for Alligator Rainwear in the then season’s bold colours. Showerproof cotton canvas with slash pockets, central zip front, metals studs and Quant’s signature colour contrast top stitching at the hem.

PVC Handbags in black, white and red were manufactured by Bagcroft in 1966. Designs included chequers, spots and stripes as well as the daisy trademark design.

Liberty. Quant established an informal partnership with Liberty’s of London from 1964 onwards, choosing prints intended for little girls. Her designs often incorporated details from traditional children’s clothing such as smocking and Peter pan collars

Below left- Smocked dress (1967) in Liberty printed cotton Tana lawn and Prude dress (1964) with Peter Pan collar.

 Yum Yum (1975) a Japanese inspired Kimono style in Liberty Lantana printed cotton with quilting and Alice dress (1971): Liberty printed Varuna wool, both in the fashionable brown palette of the 70s.

Below left - Miss Muffet dress in Liberty printed Varuna wool, One of Quant’s iconic designs and first to be adapted for her range of Butterick dressmaking patterns.Ruffles were typical of Quant’s dresses of that year- overtly feminine, often using lightweight fabrics. Daddy’s girl dress (1964) in white with wide neck and wrist ruffles

The Maxi dress - Quant embraced the maxi length of the 70s. Boho halterneck maxi dresses in red or monochrome stripes.

Q-Form Underwear – Partnering with manufacturer Weingarten Brothers and their ‘Youthlines’ brand, Quant created the Q-form underwear range. Using lycra for that comfortable and barely visible support this new type of underwear complemented the silhouette of her dresses.

Roll-on girdle and panty girdle designed to flatten tummies and create a streamlined silhouette. 

The Exhibition runs until 16^th Feb 2020 and is sponsored by King’s Road with support from GRoW @ Annenberg.

Tickets are £12

'MARY pre-loved' Up-cycled clothing launch

Up and coming designer Mary Benson has been working on something really special - she is hosting a series of workshops alongside a pop-up-shop this month at Crabtree & Evelyn Islington Townhouse, London, N1 2TU  from 17th May to 19th May

Mary says: ' It’s a project that has come from working within the fashion industry for many years and discovering where I sit as a designer within this fast, frantic and frivolous industry. My constant question to myself is: How can I help contribute to changing fashion for the better and what can I do to inspire people in the same light through my work? Now that high street prices are lower than ever, and throw-away culture is at its highest point, I thought it was even more important to take my brand one step further this year, and launched MARY pre-loved'.

Mary continues: 'With MARY pre-loved, I am showing that existing garments can be fashionably renewed, and made special and unique. I am making once loved garments magical again, and they are sustainable and affordable, matching fast fashion high street prices. So everyone can own their own one-off MARY garment. Garments are up-cycled with a variety of fresh changing seasonal prints with buttons to match'

 This season is abstract pretty florals for day, and glamorous moons & stars for night. Sizes available include plus size. Every piece I make is truly unique and timeless.

Mary's aim is to inspire people to choose vintage and second hand more instead of always buying new, giving our planet a break and to encourage the start of a new way of thinking when buying clothing and accessories.
 Her website is

https://www.marybenson.london

QUIZ x Sam Faiers Collection

Global fast fashion retailer QUIZ introduces new collaboration with Mummy Diaries star Samantha Faiers. Launching 9th May 2019.

 Shot in Sicily, the campaign channels the bright, beautiful colours of its surroundings with a mix of on-trend, casual and occasion wear pieces to see you through summer.
The 37-piece collection channels Samantha's glamorous style with a selection of midi dresses, cute playsuits, flirty mini dresses and the summer essential: the short suit.

Bold colours and statement prints are at the heart of this range with an array of pink polka dot,royal blue tie dye, lemon & floral and coral.
 With prices starting from 14.99 and sizes ranging from 6-18, the Sam Faiers Collection is the go-to collection for every summer occasion.

 Samantha comments; "I’m very happy to be collaborating with QUIZ - they were great to work with and I feel that the collection really does have something for everyone. My favourite piece is the tie dye maxi dress, it's the perfect day-to-night holiday outfit."

 Prices range from £14.99 - £36.99 Sam Faiers Collection launches 9th May at www.quizclothing.com

 and in stores and concessions nationwide.