FASHION DESIGN

By Guest Contributor

5 Influential Designers in Fashion

Chanel Spring/Summer 2017 (Photo by Indigital / Courtesy of Vogue)

FASHION NEWS

By Guest Contributor

5 Things You Need to Know About Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott x Melissa Shoes SS16 (Photo courtesy of the designer)

LONG TRAN: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

Fantasy World

Photos courtesy of Long Tran

BARNEY CHENG: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

"Luxury is a state of mind."

Amber Xu for Barney Cheng (Photo courtesy of the designer)

DESIGNER PROFILE: Diane von Furstenberg

By Guest Contributor

“I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be.” - Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg (Photo courtesy of Zimbio)

FEATURED DESIGNER - SILVIAN IMBERG

By Eva Fydrych

Spring/Summer 2012 (Photo courtesy of Silvian Imberg)

FEATURED DESIGNER - MAURIZIO GALANTE

By Eva Fydrych

Inspired by Life

Photo by Satoshi Saikusa

SHOPPING IN THAILAND: Part 2

By Eva Fydrych

ISSUE boutique (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

AMSTERDAM FASHION WEEK: Designers

By Eva Fydrych
Photos by Pieter Stigter

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Sarena Huizinga, AWF Autumn/Winter 2012 (All photos by Peter Stigter)

FASHION EVENTS - LONDON

Press Release

London welcomes Athen’s most celebrated couturier, Celia Kritharioti.

Celia Kritharioti is the highly acclaimed, internationally recognised couture designer from Greece. She has become a firm fixture on the fashion scene in Athens, thanks to her extraordinary design prowess and couture know-how, making House Tsouhlou very much her own - the highly esteemed salon established in 1906. Her distinctive style of femininity and air of seduction has revamped the house, namely her savvy innovation with embellishing and fabulous fearless creativity.

THE GREAT FASHION DESIGNERS

By Lynda Castonguay

Paris is the lucky one:

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012 

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012 (Photo by Monica Feudi/feudiguaineri.com)

FASHION FORWARD 2012

Press Release

FASHION FORWARD WINNERS

Mary Katrantzou, Louise Gray, James Long & House of Holland SS12,

backstage at London Fashion Week, September 2011.

LONDON, 19 January 2012 - The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces that three womenswear designers Henry Holland, Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou and one menswear designer James Long, will receive Fashion Forward sponsorship for two consecutive seasons to show in London. James is the first menswear to receive support through this scheme.

FASHION EXHIBITIONS - NETHERLANDS

Press Release

Azzedine Alaïa in the 21st Century

Azzedine Alaïa, Couture Winter 2011 (Photo: Robert Kot, ©Azzedine Alaïa)

ART EXHIBITIONS - HONG KONG

Press Release

Fashion Visionaries

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Thematic Gallery (3) & (4)

5 November 2011 - 12 March 2012

Work by Mickey Lee

WFW 2011: Frederick Lee

By Eva Fydrych

THE BUSINESS OF SELLING DREAMS

Unique, creative, with rich ornaments and bold accessories, full of colours and different patterns - it's hard to describes Frederick's designs in one sentence. His eclectic style and ability to mix various fabrics and textures is original and outstanding.

Frederick Lee showed his latest collection, inspired by the hill tribes of China, at Women's Fashion Week in Singapore.

YVES SAINT LAURENT

By Eva Fydrych

Yves Saint Laurent – Retrospective

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” - Yves Saint Laurent

JULY EDITORIAL: Marine Aurousseau

LIFE IN GREY & WHITE

Photographer: Axelle Manfrini

Model: Laura Fabre

Makeup & Hair: Emilia Simova

Designer: Marine Aurousseau

Location: Paris, France

All photos by Axelle Manfrini 

***NO PART OF THIS SITE, OR ANY OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED HEREIN, MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER(S).***

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ELIE TAHARI: Spring 2011

By Eva Fydrych

The Elie Tahari Spring 2011 Women's collection is designed with romantic jet-set in mind, bringing breaths of nostalgia into our modern woman's lifestyle. The collection focuses on the new suit, mixing casual with formal with a downtown edge for versatility in the urban life of the Elie Tahari woman. Fall in love with the well-tailored boyfriend shirts, paired with military details on casual cargos.

The 50s inspired silhouettes are consistent throughout the collection from the subtle a-line skirts, hot shorts, and glamorous bustiers over simple tees for an effortless dressed-up (yet casual) look. The entire collection is comprised of items that add a brilliant touch of elegance to any outfit, with pieces perfect for transitioning from day to night. 

Available at Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto - Bloor Street, Toronto - Sherway Gardens, Toronto - Yorkdale, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal Holt Renfrew locations.

Source: Holt Renfrew

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RODARTE FOR OPENING CEREMONY

By Eva Fydrych

The highly anticipated collaboration between design icons Laura & Kate Mulleavy and Opening Ceremony has hit Holt Renfrew for Spring 2011. The romantic, innovative and conceptually dynamic aesthetics of signature Rodarte style carries over into the collection, but bearing with it a considerably more bohemian edge. 

"The Rodarte for Opening Ceremony collection is a celebration of our home state of California", says Laura Mulleavy. The women's collection includes beautiful feminine prints, leather separates and a range of knits. Accessories include bags made from vintage belts and envelope-shaped leather clutches. For footwear, Kate and Laura have designed Western influenced boots and heeled oxfords.

Available at Holt Renfrew Toronto - Bloor Street location.

Source: Holt Renfrew

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SULAIMI BROOKMAN: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

When I think about describing Sulaimi Brookman, a fashion designer from the UK, the first things that come to my mind are: extremely talented and ambitious, determined and passionate about his profession.

I first met Sulaimi in his native land, Singapore - one of my favourite countries in South-East Asia. Passion for design and the fashion industry are what brought him all the way to the UK, where he has already established his brand and is currently working on international recognition.

In an interview for Fashion Studio, Sulaimi talks about his designing experience, his attitude towards fashion and his future plans. He also shares with us some interesting styling ideas and his source of inspiration. Read the whole interview below.

Sulaimi

Occupation: Fashion Designer

City: Birmingham, UK

FASHION STUDIO: When did you realize that fashion was your passion and that you wanted to design clothes?

SULAIMI: When I was a child, I used to play with paperdolls where you could mix & match the clothes. Then my parents took me to Toys R Us and I was intrigued by Barbie and her beautiful clothes. Instead of watching Disney when I was 8 years old, I preferred watching fashion programmes and always got sent to my room as it’s rather inappropriate to watch those at my age.

When I saw fashion-related images which I especially liked, I tried drawing it. Also I remember reading magazines such as Vogue, Elle etc, tore the fashion pages and paste them in my 'fashion' scrap book.

I was constantly surrounded by creative people and most of my cousins and relatives are in the beauty & fashion industry and that's when I realized fashion is for me.

FASHION STUDIO: You are originally from Singapore. Why did you decide to move to the UK?

SULAIMI: I can be more creative in the designing aspects as UK have four seasons which Singapore doesn't. Also I can work with fabrics such as wool, leather and velvets which are so beautiful to work with. Also in the UK, there are lots of 'big events' and more demand for glamourous dresses and outfits. People in the UK are more 'adventurous' with fashion.. They are willing to make 'mistakes' and have fun with fashion.

FASHION STUDIO: How did you start your business in Birmingham?

SULAIMI: I've found an investor who was willing to get me started. Then I took a lease on a studio in Birmingham's iconic Custard Factory and bought the necessary tools that are suitable for the fashion business i.e. cutting table, sewing machine, overlocking machine. In May 2008, I launched my new label called Sulaimi Brookman in Birmingham.

FASHION STUDIO: How have different cultures affected your designs?

SULAIMI: Though I've been brought up in Singapore, my designing style has always been very 'international'. I swear by my fashion magazines ( Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar ) as I need to keep myself well informed of what's happening in the fashion industry. In reality, I do have an advantage of mixing east and west in some of my designs. 

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your signature style?

SULAIMI: Bright, bold and beautiful. I love colours as well as prints and I appreciate detail (pleats, gathers, ruchings etc.). I adore elegant, classic and ladylike pieces in luxurious & opulent fabrics.

FASHION STUDIO: Fashion is...

SULAIMI: ... quite simply, a freedom of expression. For me, when I'm in a happy mood, I adore wearing lots of prints and colours. For my clients, it is all about making them feel and look good.

FASHION STUDIO: What kind of fabrics do you use?

SULAIMI: Delicate laces, elegant duchess satins, luscious silks, flowing chiffons and organzas. Also, I use lots of beaded and sequined fabrics for the ultra-glamour looks.

FASHION STUDIO: What inspires you?

SULAIMI: Travel, holidays, magazines, books, music, movies, architecture.

FASHION STUDIO: Why do you design only for women?

SULAIMI: I personally feel with womenswear, I can get really creative. I love working with delicate fabrics (e.g laces, chiffons, satins etc) which certainly is less possible with menswear. I’m not saying menswear is less interesting, but I do feel that one needs to be really sensitive when designing for a woman and this is something I find creatively challenging.

FASHION STUDIO: Which famous people would you like to dress?

SULAIMI: Natalie Portman and Carla Bruni (First Lady of France). In my opinion, both of these ladies are really talented, beautiful and glamorous.

FASHION STUDIO: What is the sign of a stylish woman?

SULAIMI: Someone who is never afraid to take chances in terms of combining colors, textures, and shapes to create her own, personal style.

FASHION STUDIO: Who is the most stylish woman you know?

SULAIMI: My best friend Marta. She's slim, 5'10 and a model, so everything looks good on her. She doesn't hesitate to experiment with edgier looks.

She embraces femininity, often mixing in a dash of masculine inspiration with tailored jackets and trousers. She is superb at creating her own style.

FASHION STUDIO: What challenges do you face as a designer?

SULAIMI: Getting my brand established is my biggest challenge. I am competing against many established brands and getting my work known has proved to be extremely difficult.

FASHION STUDIO: What do you consider your biggest success so far?

SULAIMI: My 2009 collection which was really well-received in Birmingham and helped to establish my name as a UK fashion designer.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe street style in Birmingham?

SULAIMI: Skinny jeans with embellishments; printed leggings, lace leggings; boots, high heels; printed logo tops with embellishments; accessories, earrings, chains and bangles, with a touch of bling.

FASHION STUDIO: Best shopping spots in the city...

SULAIMI: The Mailbox and the Bull Ring. These are relatively modern shopping malls incorporating names like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

FASHION STUDIO: What is the best fashion advice you've ever heard and who gave it to you?

SULAIMI: My former PR agent told me to keep as much of the manufacture as possible in-house to keep costs low. This is particularly important during the start-up phase.

FASHION STUDIO: What is your favourite accessory for a woman to wear?

SULAIMI: Shoes. From wedges to killer heels to ballerina flats. With designers constantly coming up with 'unique' styles, a woman can never have enough shoes. A nice pair of shoes can enhance most outfits. Of course it is important that shoes are comfortable.

FASHION STUDIO: Expert tips on how to dress to a party?

SULAIMI:

1. Choose an outfit that best reflects your personality, remembering that comfort is key.

2. Make sure your selection flatters your figure and enhances your features.

3. Do your homework by reading fashion magazines so you will be up-to-date on the latest prints, styles, colors, accessories etc.

FASHION STUDIO: What are your plans for the future?

SULAIMI: I would like to go international, ultimately, with a small chain of exclusive high-class boutiques in the major fashion centres of the world (Milan, Paris, New York etc.). I would like to see my designs worn by rich and famous women across the globe.

FASHION STUDIO: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and good luck with taking your brand to the next level!

By Eva Fydrych

All photos courtesy of Sulaimi Brookman

***NO PART OF THIS SITE, OR ANY OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED HEREIN, MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER(S).***

Official website: Sulaimi Brookman

____________________________________________________________

Sulaimi Brookman (Fashion Designer) & Eva Fydrych 

(Fashion Studio Founder) - Singapore

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