I
t really can’t get better than Fashions Finest, a unique fashion
event. The show is a big blessing for the next generation of fashion
designers who are unable to become part of major on-schedule
fashion shows held in the big four fashion capitals of the world
to showcase their collections. Even they’re entitled to showcasing
their designs in a proper environment. This is where off-schedule
shows like Fashion Finest are filling the gaps and offering these
designers a global platform to bring to life their creations in public.
Established in 2010, Fashions Finest recently celebrated their suc-
cessful launch in Nigeria and was set for its 16th season during
London Fashion Week this year. As one of the largest off-schedule
shows, this trade event has been a key instrument in providing the
launch pad, which has developed and nurtured designers both na-
tionally and internationally to higher acclaim.
Fashions Finest hosts an array of catwalk events supported by ex-
tensive pop-ups and tailored exhibition space showcasing care-
fully curated designers not just from Britain, but from all over the
world. Fashions Finest prides itself on being a key player in bring-
ing exceptional talent to the main stage; ensuring that opportuni-
ties for both recognition and reward are more widely accessible
and distributed.
“Let’s Talk Fashion Business” launched by Fashions Finest on
17th September 2017 was developed to be an interactive Q&A dis-
cussion forum led by a team of notable industry panelists whose
primary goal is to enable emerging brands to successfully navigate
the industry turning ideas into profit. This segment has proven it-
self to be a successful solution, filling a neglected void; an extreme-
ly successful provision which remains in high demand.
Working with creatives from all over the globe, Fashions Finest be-
lieves in working together and inclusivity. This season is themed
around both points. The political and resulting economic chal-
lenges faced by designer are not only addressed by being a viable
platform but also through their network and partners. Partnering
with Fashion Enter and its sister company Fashion Technology
Academy has opened up a wealth of resources and expertise to
designers at any stage of their career. In addition, their eagerly an-
ticipated “Let’s Talk Fashion Business” industry panel picks up on
the theme of inclusivity a principle deeply ingrained in their ethos.
26
Last season saw the pint-sized TV per-
sonality Gillian Keith with her daughters
as well as Paralympian Samanta Bull-
ock on their catwalks. This season’s
discussion is called “Beyond Repre-
sentation – Inclusivity & Fashion” and
the talk will explore what brands could
do beyond representing marginalized
groups in their campaigns, and what
practices to put in place to ensure
a healthier, happier business.
The talk will discuss the chal-
lenges faced by some navi-
gating their career in fashion,
as well as give practical advice
around the changes required
for a better, fairer industry and
to build a better, more ethical
business.
Fashions Finest is said to be
“one of the most popular and
sought-after”independent
showcases and hailed
as a viable, vibrant and
exciting alternative to
London Fashion Week’s
on-schedule shows
attracting VIP’s from
fashion, film, TV and
music. Free beauty
treatments were avail-
able for guests over
two days from Fashions
Finest partner Berkshire
Beauty.
In the lead-up to the show
last month, the other big news
was that Fashions Finest and
EuropeanLife Magazine came
together to bring exposure
to the budding designers in
a distinctive style. Fashion
Finest are admirers of glossy
magazine EuropeanLife Mag-
azine for their unique story-
telling and aesthetics.
“We’re excited and looking
forward to working with Eu-
ropeanLife Magazine. It’s a
beautiful magazine and like
us, they are passionate about
creating opportunities for our
designers and exposing their
talent to the world. Our partner-
ship has the potential to open
doors globally,” said Deborah St
Louis, Director of Fashions
Finest.
Sharing the same school of
thought, Bernadet Bijsterbosch, CEO
of EuropeanLife Magazine admit-
ted: “Fashions Finest is a fabulous
established platform for emerging
and established designers. We are
able to offer a great opportunity
to present their design, their vision
and their product to the world. Our
vision: “Success is to be seen in the
right circles” Our aim is to inspire
and achieve business success. We
find Fashions Finest in alignment
with both.”
Fashions Finest took place on the
15th and 16th September 2018
during London Fashion Week.
About
Fashions Finest
Founded by Deborah St. Louis,
Fashions Finest showcase dur-
ing London Fashion Week was
launched in 2010 following on
from the setup of the Fashions
Finest magazine in 2009. Since
its inception Fashions Finest
has been promoting the di-
verse spectrum of the national
and international fashion in-
dustry with a primary focus on
British designers. Growing from
strength to strength, Fashions
Finest provides a platform and sup-
ports designers that are self-taught
as well as those beginning at college
level through to established design-
ers. Fashions Finest is committed to
helping designers develop their pro-
file nationally as well as internation-
ally, as previously demonstrated with
their Fashions Finest Awards, and now
continues on its support with the an-
nual Britain’s Top Designer Awards
every February as part of its Autumn/
Winter showcase. Previous designers
have received international press at-
tention, grown their brand to include
being stocked and sold nationally and
internationally.
For more information on
Fashions Finest, please visit:
www.fashionsfinest.com
27