Ayo van Elmar at Ubuntu International Fashion Showcase February 2012

Yesterday I had the privilege to be invited as a guest to The Ubuntu Fashion Project. This was the second showcase by the Africa dream team that consists of my dear friends Theo Omambala and Errol Hendrickse. Once again the passion to highlight emerging talent from Africa was unleashed at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. My favourites were Clinton Lotter and Ayo van Elmar. I think these were the two most commercially led but African inspired collections. I certainly could see most if not all of the pieces in a leading UK fashion boutique. I am interested to find out if any sales transactions were achieved.

Now I have visited many a fashion show in my lifetime that sitting front row for me isn’t a rite of passage. I have had more front seats than most due to my stint at the British Fashion Council and on the Sew-East Programme. My interest (if you don’t already know) is focussed on the business transactions that “will” take place.

This year we see the inclusion of the much welcomed – International Fashion Showcase, “a project created by the British Council and British Fashion Council showcasing over 80 international designers in 19 embassies and cultural institutes across London” (source BFC website) of which the Ubuntu project is part of.
We know that the direct value of the UK fashion industry to the UK economy is £21 billion (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report 2010) but how much of that will the International fashion market bring in?

I am really hoping that the inclusion of international fashion designers isn’t just about the Olympics but more of a recognition that there really is superb talent overseas and it needs to be seen on western shores in addition to western talent being showcased overseas. The sharing of creativity is significant especially in the context of fabric and colours form and shape, but what about the sharing of business information and best practice? How many of our international counterparts understand the relevance of Press and PR, Buying procedures, terms of business and consumer wants and needs?
Well help is at hand. I will be blogging and reporting on fashion business related activity for FAB Magazine – http://blog.fabmagazineonline.com/
For print subscriptions click here: http://www.fabmagazineonline.com/

Calling on my 15 years plus experience in the fashion business industry I will aim to point African, Caribbean and European designers in the right direction in terms of achieving through business interviews with pioneers, highlighting books of interest and providing tips and techniques for surviving the cut throat world of the fashion industry.

Feel free to email me if there are any topics you feel would be of interest to you and if it’s relevant to fashion business I will endeavor to cover it. Email: info@willbaforce.com
JW-B
Willbaforce Ltd

I have many a creative client on my books a number of whom sell various types of products. Any given holiday is deemed as a money making venture and this is positive given the current climate. One has to be savvy in the way in which we engage with our clients and if this means selling through a holiday period then by all means do it!

However, are holidays all about making money and not about the meaning behind them? No sooner than Christmas tinsle has been packed away and the Christmas Trees have been recycled and shredded into pulp all of a sudden it’s Valentines day. this year is even more confusing as shops have started to stock Easter Eggs at the same time alongside Panckae mix and lemons for Shrove Tuesday which happens to fall on the 21st February this year.

It can be confusing for the consumer, which holiday are we supposed to be thinking about? It can be confusing for the supplier too. If you were savvy enough you would have been thinking about these holidays last year. If you are just starting out in your business then now is the time to think about holidays as part of your marketing strategy. Firstly are the holidays significant enough to feature within your marketing strategy? Are they relevant? Which holidays are relevant to your business? Gifts certainly pertain to all of the holidays so think about your stock and how will you promote your products. Naturally social media has helped to push various brands that are out there so perhaps it’s time to think about incorporating some form of social media marketing strategy into your marketing plan.

I highly recommend Social Media and Marketing for Dummies by Jan Zimmerman and Doug Sahlin.

See fact sheet below by Shiv Singh for some quick tips

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/social-media-marketing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

Happy Valentines Day

With Love Willbaforce Ltd

I guess it stems from the fact that I can make clothes and accessories but shoes…now that’s an all together different area of creativity right there. Cordwainery or Cordovan is the art of making shoes…cobblery is also another term.

I’m excited by the forthcoming Christian Louboutin exhition that will be taking place at The Design Museum – 28 March – 01 July 2012

The exhibit is set to orchestrate how a pair of exquisite Louboutin heels are created from scratch right through to showcasing some of his iconic designs.  I bet YSL have got nothing on this show! For further details check out The Design Musuems dedicated page here:

http://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2012/christian-louboutin

This year we are set for a number of events for Creative Corncuopia. We kicked off with New Year New You at The Primo Bar Park Plaza Hotel on Thursday 5th January it was a fun filled night full off tips of how to kick start your new year ranging from the benefits of Reiki jewellery right through to chic and sophisticated clothing. Thursday 2nd February sees “Be Mine Valentine” as a romantic lead up to Valentines Day with tips on dressing and make up for the most romantic night out on the years calender. More details to follow on the Creative Corncuopia blog www.creativecornucopia.co.uk

We’ll be hitting up with a new Pop Up shop venue in an exclusive location – interested parties please email info@creativecorncopia.co.uk for showcasing and business advice opportunities.

We will be delivering short courses with University of the Arts London – The London College of Fashion and St Martins and working on some youth oriented projects details to follow so sign on up for updates and join us for this amazing Olympic ride in creative 2012.

May the WillbaForce be with you!!

WillbaForce Ltd

I am delighted and honored to be rubbing shoulders with the incomparable Tamu Thomas and Sonia Meggie! I will be speaking about Retail and the impact it has on creative businesses especially in the current climate. What can one do to up their game in the retail environment? Are you costing your products effectively? How do you get people to notice your products, How and where should you be trading? and hopefuly a little more.

The First Lady is back with its third installment of the First Lady Fayre. This event is
a double celebration, marking their first anniversary and second Christmas Fayre!
The First Lady Fayre is a unique retail extravaganza showcasing a range of
products, goods and services from female creative entrepreneurs. In addition to this
they will have live performances from some fantastic musicians and workshops focused
on developing your business/ business idea and wellbeing (this includes two Zumba
classes!).

The First Lady presents….The Christmas Fayre.
18th December 2011
The Rag Factory, 16 – 18 Heneage Street, London E1
Just off Brick Lane.
www.thefirstlady.org.uk
Sunday 18th December 2011
11 – 6pm
The Rag Factory,
16 – 18 Heneage Street (Off Brick Lane)
London
E1
AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
Tickets £5.00: http://thefirstladychristmasfayre.eventbrite.com/
Under 16′s free
info@thefirstlady.org.uk
www.thefirstlady.org.uk
http://thefirstladyldn.tumblr.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TheFirstLadyLDN

I do hope you can make it! It promises to be a great event. Make sure you touch back to obtain my feedback of the event…….. Willbaforce!

I was intrigued to hear what one of the speakers was going to say about Tax, Becoming Self Employed, Self Assessment and other topics relating to HMRC. Needless to say I have sat through many a presentation all spouting the benefits of VAT and trying to get ones head around how The HMRC are not boring old ogres in suits.

I was pleasantly surprised as Rachel from HMRC’s Business and Education Support Team was really engaging, pleasant and really quite interesting to listen to. Rachel knows her stuff! When asked to outline the various benefits of being Self employed and being a Limited company she knew her stuff and relayed all the figures equating to each benefit. I was impressed. Historically some of the HMRC workshops I have organised were good I hasten to add but Rachel had an edge and really sold to her audience. HMRC are on Facebook, Twitter and all the other major social media platforms. The advice is now linked to business links website www.businesslink.gov.uk/advicedays  You can find out about your legal obligations, learn about recent developments and gain free help and advice at these events which bring together government agencies, departments and public sector organisations.
Experts will be on hand to deal with practical issues, or you may simply wish to browse and stock up on the leaflets and information that are available.

You can also book yourself onto one of their events here: http://www.events.businesslink.gov.uk/eventsearch?text=BAOD

Workshops are held around the following subjects : Becoming a Director, Becoming and Employer-what you need to know, Statutory Pay & Leave for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption, PAYE-Expenses and Benefits-The Basics, PAYE-Completing your end of year Expenses and Benefits …to name a few!

There is also an interesting workshop -Introduction to International Trade.

A basic presentation about importimg and exporting goods. Aimed at businesses that trade or are about to trade with countries outside the EU. HMRC will explain tax obligations and highlight the various regimes.

All delivered by friendly and engaging staff – the face of The HMRC has changed …and for the better!

To book a place or for further information visit: www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst/ to book online or telephone 0845 6032691

Global Entrepreneurship Week UK

So once again GEW or “Global Entrepreneurship Week” is nearly upon us.

Willbaforce Ltd are delighted to be involved in this years events and we will be delivering a short overview of the creative clients that we have worked with on AFFORD’s REMADE Programme.

Date: Thursday 17th November 12.30pm – 4.15pm -

Topic: “Cultural Industries – Looking at Creative Enterprises  – Fashion, Media & Music”

Venue: Reed Smith, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street. London EC2A 2RS

Willbaforce has been working with The African Foundation for Development, firstly on a voluntary basis  as a Resource Person and then in an advisory capacity. The REMADE Programme

AFFORD was formed in 1994, its mission “to extend and enhance the contribution Africans inthe Diaspora make to African development”. For 10 years of its life AFFORD focused on policy advocacy and capacity building, it has gained recognition as a pioneering African Development think tank & charity. The long term goals focus heavily on plans to strengthen and widen Affords’ reach within and outside Africa.
The purpose of the AFFORD Enterprise Programme is to reach a new audience, reconnect friends of AFFORD and re-engage with former Resource Persons (RPs) and partners. AFFORD’s primary goal is to enhance the contributions that the Diaspora make to Africa’s development, particularly through mobilising the Diaspora to create jobs through the support of enterprise and entreprenuers.

Based on the reflections of the AFFORD’s 2010 strategic review, the objectives were to programme a series of events that would reach out to a specific audience that would reflect  and mobilise diverse and under represented groups in enterprise i.e. women and youth. It was also an opportunity to share knowledge and introduce AFFORD to new markets and investors.

This year AFFORD’s Global Enterprise Week theme is ‘Enterprising Africa’. The week will focus on various issues that affect enterprise and the vast opportunities open to the Diaspora. Come and join us. For details on how to book a place please contact:Anna Njie anna@afford-uk.org or the office on 0207 582 3578

Dionne Gooding - www.dionnegooding.com

So Ladies Night returns Thursday 3rd November!
Dionne Gooding Shoes is our chosen Creative this Month! Don’t worry there will be more next month on 1st December 2011 and………guess what??? Guys can come toooooo!!
Anyway this month………”Get the Guy”!!!
If you’ve been dating for a while now and feel as though you’re just not connecting with the guys you meet, or maybe you keep meeting and attracting the wrong guys, it’s because you’re not following a few simple ground rules…

During our next Ladies Night on Thursday 3rd of November, Matthew Hussey, a well known speaker of this topic, will give you helpful tips on how to “Get the Guy!”…

Primo Bar will be exclusively for women from 6-9pm and of course, no admission fee.
 
November’s Ladies Night features:
 
-Dating tips on how to “Get the guy!” by Mathew Hussey gettheguy.co.uk

-Fashion accessories by Mikaela mikaelamoves.com

-Beautiful jewellery by Stella and Dot stelladot.co.uk

-Customize your shoes by Dionne Gooding www.dionnegooding.com

-Imagine the most beautiful weddings thanks to Avant-garde Weddings avant-gardeweddings.com

-Free mini treatments by Nee Health and Beauty:
Mini manicures
Mini Back and neck massages
Mini hand and head massages

-Close up magic with the magician of the Stars Michael Gee michaelgeemagic.com
 
Special cocktails for only £4!!!
(drink responsibly – www.drinkaware.co.uk)

Amazing DJ and Live music from 8pm with Jennifer Phillips

This will take place at PRIMO BAR
 
PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE LONDON

200 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7UT

+44 (0)20 7620 7282

Tube: Westminster or Waterloo
 
Entrance is free but RSVP (subject to availability) is strongly advised, as seating space is limited. www.primobar.co.uk.

Trapped In A Skinny World by Remi Ray

I just love this brand.

It’s the brainchild of my newest client Remi Ray. She is a vibrant young twenty-something who has tapped into the fashion industry’s unsung heroes – Real women!! Yes Remi has an agenda to set the record straight on how young women are peceived in the fashion industry and in the day to day lives of fashionistas. On the 6th November 2011 5pm – 12am Remi will be organising a fashion show ” I ♥Plus U” to honour the real woman – fuller figured females. Garments featured will be from the Trapped In A Skinny World range sizes 14-24 and the TIASW vintage collection. The show will be held at the world famous Thomas Beckett 320 Old Kent road London SE1 5UE. Tickets are priced at £7 in advance or-£10 on the door. Visit www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Please see her ethos below for Trapped In A Skinny World (TIASW).

“Most brands on the high street neglect real women; Trapped In a Skinny World compliments everybody, allowing women to feel comfortable with themselves. Studying for my Fashion Management & Marketing degree at university gave me an insight into the current perspective of high street fashion for women about sizes 12-14 and upwards. I realised then I wanted to change the way society saw these women and decided to create a substantial and niche brand that would appeal to me and my friends, not just for plus size women but for real women.” – Remi Ray – Director Trapped In A Skinny World.

THE PRODUCT
All products are selected with the customers in mind; the vintage clothing styles are selected based on quality, style & trend. Current catwalk trends allow our statement pieces to be able to be worn for that day or night chic look. At Trapped In a Skinny World we believe that fashion is not what size you are but how you wear what you wear; we aim to bring you something which you will not be able to find anywhere else. The unique products are sourced from various regions around the world and are often from brands that that share the same ethics as Trapped In a Skinny World.

THE CUSTOMERS
TIASW customers are women predominantly aged 18-35 and are of sizes 14-24. She is brand conscious and stylish but chooses not to follow fast moving trends. She wants a wide selection of affordable, fashionable clothing, and desires a convenient, ‘hassle free’ shopping experience. Trapped In a Skinny World specialises in finding one off products for customers that are stylish yet comfortable and cater to curves. Where on the high street can you find that?

Join TIASW in their quest of providing REAL people from different walks of life & various shapes & sizes with something a little different. The future is bright and fashionable; the future is Trapped In a Skinny World!

Email: trappedinaskinnyworld@gmail.com

Phone: 07886500580
Website: www.trappedinaskinnyworld.com

I enjoy teaching period! There I said it! I like to listen other peoples opinions, I like debate, I enjoy discussion and relish interaction. I can work on my own too but a virtual classroom has so much potential to explore other points of view. Right now one of my most popular classes has students from all over the world. I can’t claim to having one from each continent just yet but I’m getting there!

It really makes the class interesting when you gain a perspective on how the creative industries are:

1. Perceived
2. Valued
3. Marketed
4. Respected

In another country.

One of my next lessons will cover marketing and social media now plays a huge part in the way that we run our every day lives. At present Blackberry has now been up and running for four hours worldwide according to The Telegraph article. We live our lives (some of us) on a virtual tablet of sorts, be it an iPhone, Blackberry, iPad, or some other tablet or smartphone. So the article below discusses how tablets will become the textbooks of tomorrow. Positives are such that tablets cut down (pardon the pun) on the amount tress we fell to make books, we refrain from the use of inks and thus chemicals utilised to produce them and we cut down on carbon emissions from the transportation of books and we alleaviate the amount of trips spent to the hospital from backache due to the sheer weight of books we carry to and from the office, classroom and studio.

I was not convinced one iota about purchasing the ipad/ipad2 until I spoke with Dr Gaimster from the London College of Fashion. We were having our usual late Sunday evening Skype© chat and I mentioned that I wasn’t taken with the iPad due to the fact that I already own an iPhone and iMac. What the hell do I need an iPad2 for?……..well Dr Gaimster simply sold me the benefits…I swear she should gain commision from Apple It’s easier to carry around, the battery lasts longer (two whole precious days), less costly than a an iMac or laptop and it will cut down on costs of purchasing reading material. there are additional benefits but I won’t go on. Am I sold? perhaps but what are the disadvantages?

Flash is not supported, so you won’t be able to watch most online videos, Multi- tasking is difficult- It is merely not possible to have more than one application running at a time even for a brief span to send a quick mail or a message, So why didn’t Apple didn’t fit cameras in their bulky tablet? This is another disadvantage that makes it a real inferior among other competitors of iPad.

All the same I might just buy one if it means I can have my entire library in one place and not cluttering up the flat. I’m intrigued as to how one will be able to deliver a course through the iPad2? Apple if your reading i’m quite happy to test this out for you if you want to throw a sample my way

Willbaforce

Via: OnlineEducation.net