fab magazine, issue 3

Barbie...FaB Style Survival of the Fittest Miss Paige SixThe Bitch List

Issue 3

Fashion&Business

The FaB team have had an extremely busy start to March what with our

fashion show and designer sample sale. But the hard work was definitely worth it as both events where a huge success!

On Tuesday 3rd March was our fantastic Liverpool Rocks Fashion show hosted by the Barfly. The event featured some of Liverpool’s hottest independent clothing designers, including Sara Li-Chou Han, Jeni Murphy, Zenobia, Francesca Kearns, Clockwork Orange and Fredrick and Madison. As if that was not enough the show also had some great live music from the fabulous Liverpool band The Mission Babies and a fantastic performance by solo artist Megan

last month’s issue, entitled ‘A Woman’s Right to Choose’. The article talked of how we at FaB believe people should have a choice, and we support anyone’s decision to wear or not to wear fur.

This was the first event FaB has hosted since the launch of the magazine this year, and it could not have gone better. Whilst it may have been madness and mayhem back stage, with the quick outfit changes, the show itself ran smoothly and the models and performers did an amazing job. After the success of the show the FaB team are all eager to host another event

Barber. DJ Tony was also on the decks getting the party started in style.

The models all looked stunning with big rock chic hair courtesy of Herberts and fantastic makeup by Liverpool makeup artist Shell Sullivan. The collections shown ranged from fabulous sequined jumpsuits and sexy dresses for the girls, and big collared tweed jackets and even PVC trousers for the boys! But the real show stoppers of the night where the private collection of fur coats, as this was the first time real fur had been used on the catwalk in Liverpool. The coats highlighted our controversial article in

Photographs by Wah Chan

Fashion and Business, 5th Floor Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3PF

Business

soon, so keep reading for more information on upcoming events.

Following the show on Wednesday 4th March, there was an opportunity to purchase the items shown on the catwalk in the stylish Kingdom bar on Harrington Street. Silverbergs, who currently advertise at Kingdom, joined us on the day with their amazing collection, and gave expert advice on the right sunglasses for each individual face shape. Designers from the show Sara Li-Chou Han, Jeni Murphy and Zenobia also came down with their collections. The FaB team, especially me, definitely went home with our purses a lot lighter! But it was impossible not to buy some of the fantastic pieces on offer.

Both our events where to raise money for Liverpool John Moores Graduate fashion

You can now view the previous issues of this magazine online at www.issuu.com

week. For more information on FaB services or LJMU, contact Donna, our editor in chief at [email protected] or call 07939635612.

The FaB team would like to thank our models and performers, designers, hair and makeup artists, Barfly and Kingdom staff for all their hard work at the events.

Jo Mottram

Photographs by Colin Eagers

Photographs by Mark Lea

EDITORSLETTERBarbie, what more can we say? In this celebratory year of Barbie we thought it only fitting to put Barbie, albeit our version of Barbie on the front cover complete with doll arms and hands. Jeni Murphy’s beautiful pink cocktail dress is an elegant contrast to the alternative styled hair and make up. In keeping with the celebration we asked our favourite designers to illustrate what they would design for Barbie should she need an outfit for Liverpool, this created our photo shoot for this issue.

The lucky Miss Paige Six jetted over to Belfast to chat to the fabulous Cathy Martin, report on glamorous Belfast Fashion Week and have a quick coffee with Style Academy’s Tracey Hall. She even had time to shop in Mary Rose McGraths designer boutique. All of whom, you will see popping up in the next few issues of FaB.

Resident stylist Felicity is back telling us all about Block colour and providing vital information on this season’s must have Ray Bans, the real deal that is.

Post graduate designer Jenine Postlewaite investigates the fashion industry and its treatment of students and interns. She felt it a real eye opener as she talked to students and experienced designers. Find out what she had to say as it is a very interesting read.

Donna McCourtEditor in Chief

COVER LOOKModel Jessica Barker wears Pink Barbie cocktail dress, (price on request), Jeni Murphy. Photography by Matt Ford. Styling by Jeni Murphy. Hair & Make Up by Hannah Ellen. Retouching and graphics by matt ford.

C.G.I. doll joints by Jamie Schumacher.

This photo is part of the forthcoming Doll project, featuring different Northwest fashion stylists and designers. The project will be exploring sexuality, race and size by using under represented models. For more info contact Matt via his facebook page

(search- matt ford photography)

FABCONTENTS

SIXMiss Paige Six The latest fashion news, gossip and eventsEIGHTBelfast Fashion Week Stylist Felicity Ovie takes on The Delivery Practice girlsTENPr...Probably the best job in the world? Cathy Martin gives us the inside scoop on the glamour or not of fashion PRTHIRTEENSpring into Summer Tracey Hall’s fabulous show gives us more Belfast StyleFOURTEENFelicity on Fashion How do you spot those fake Ray Bans, Felicity has the answerFIFTEENIt’s all about...Block Colour The Summer calls for bright colours as well as a bright attitudeSEVENTEENBarbie FaB designers provide the illustrations for Barbie’s new wardrobeTWENTYTWOSurvival of the Fittest Only the strong will survive in this industry

TWENTYSIXAllyMac Allymac is back and she is in white!

TWENTYEIGHTSwapafrock Swapafrock and swap a career with Jill Hillier

THIRTYTWOThe Bitch List The Bitching continues like never before in the FaB office

FABTEAMEDITOR Donna McCourtART DIRECTOR Andrew WalkerFASHION ASSISTANT Jo Mottram, John MainesPHOTOGRAPHER Matt FordSTYLIST Jeni Murphy, Felicity OvieCONTRIBUTORS AllyMac, Jo MottramGRAPHIC DESIGNER Sarah Coates, Sam Hewson, Ruari Mc DowallPrinted by Custom Print

Eczema & Sensitive Skin Relief

Peter ’s Top Tip: Circle of FriendsMine and Miss Liverpool’s favourite hairdresser has been on the e-mail again. Peter from Minsky says “this stuff is s far too good for kids. My goodness you just have to smell the stuff, why it’s a crime banana, chocolate, strawberry shampoo, body washes, enough to keep you in the shower forever, oh this is a bridge to far should be banned. Get it while I’ve got it. You just can’t share this one!

Superwoman OMG Just when I thought net-a-por-ter.com couldn’t get any better they go and introduce a sale site. This is simply genius! With Roberto Cavalli leather sandals under £100, founder Natalie Massenet is my superwomen. They also have a pop up sale shop open for just 72 hours with beautiful spring dresses; it would be rude not to shop there! Log on immediately to www.theoutnet.com

Yellow with EnvySelfridges is celebrating its 100th birthday and of course they do everything in style! With a range of bespoke products my personal favourite is Giuseppe Zanotti’s platform heels, £500 this may be more achievable than the £3,350 Marc Jacobs bag in signa-ture yellow, oh to be so rich! Envy all the products at www.selfridges100.com

Icons at M&SFirst Twiggy and a host of models, then everyone’s favourite fashion stylist Patricia Fields, now Zandra Rhodes. I don’t know what they are putting in the water at M&S but I like it. Launched on May 7th, her capsule for the high street store includes her signature prints on tops, dresses and jumpsuits all at prices we can afford, leaving more savings for those Zanotti heels.

Miss Paige meets Miss Liverpool Debbie O’Toole was deservedly crowned Miss Liverpool 2009. The event ran by the fabulous Patricia Hughes also involved a FaB favourite AllyMac as a judge as well as showcasing her latest collection. So FaB!

MW @ H&M

Sara & Miss Paige save the world!Ethical Fashion isn’t all about over priced knitted bamboo jumpers and vegan wellies! It can be cool, stylish and affordable, as Sara Li Chou Han’s new label Trashed Couture proves this spring. Availble right here in Liverpool at leading independent fashion bou-tique, Resurrection. You know I love to help save the world so I’m supporting ethical fashion and you should too, just don’t get the same dress as me!

Dior LondonMatthew Williamson showing not only at H&M but also at London Fashion Week in September, along with Burber-ry and Dior London Fashion Week will run from September 18 to 22, 2009.

Tommy ToteAs mentioned in Issue 2, I’m pleased to announce my Tommy Hilfiger Tote finally arrived, The limited edition bag promoted by Helena Chris-tensen supports Breast Health International and their quest to find a cure for cancer.

In this season’s colour trend yel-low, the oversized tote is the perfect feel good accessory. Check yours by contacting Tommy Hilfiger di-rect on: www.tommy.com

Matthew Williamson’s vi-brant, sun-drenched collec-tion is the first port of call for my summer wardrobe. As well as bringing his cel-ebrated world-traveller styles for women, Williamson has designed his first ever mens-wear range, only at H&M. “I love the fact that H&M have created a new phe-nomenon in fashion through the pioneering concept of collaborating with high end designers to create one-off limited edition capsule collec-

tions,” says Williamson. The British designer has saturated his collection for H&M with the vivid colours and neon details that have made his work so famous. “I want to share a glimpse of the Mat-thew Williamson world with H&M. customers, by creating an aspirational lifestyle collec-tion which is both exotic and fashion forward, providing the perfect wardrobe options for Summer 2009.” You said it Matthew!

CHOOS H&MThat’s not all from H&M, Tamara Mellon has announced she will be collaborating with H&M to produce a collection of Jimmy Choos for the store. Known recently for their move into handbags and accesso-ries they will also produce clothing to accompany the collection. Avail-able in only 200 stores worldwide from November 14th. Meet me in the line outside!

Miss Paige Six

I couldn’t resist the invitation to attend Belfast Fashion Week and what a week I had. Opening on Saturday with an extremely popular show in Victoria Square, the gorgeous guys and gals on the catwalk sashayed in La Sen-za, French Connection and Pepe Jeans.

“I didn’t have the right shoes!”

Despite their requests I declined the invitation to join the FASH-IONWEEK management team as they did their bit for charity by participating in the Between the Bridges run for the Northern Ire-land Children’s Hospice. Well, I didn’t have the right shoes!

Cayenne was more my scene. The Style Sunday event, hosted by Emma Louise Johnston and Peter Gilroy provided diners with style advice from designer Una Rodden. Hair maestro Paul Staf-

ford created some of the hottest S/S09 looks while the Lancôme team showcased their colour pal-ettes for spring. We were treated to a mouth-watering three course meal, courtesy of Paul Rankin.

By Monday I was well prepared for the catwalk shows. Definitely had the right shoes for this time! The exclusive Victoria Square show included luxurious retail-ers such as Hugo Boss, Cruise, House of Fraser, Hobbs, Tommy Hilfiger and LK Bennett.Tues-day night and it was the turn of the students representing the Creative Youth Partnership and Belfast Metropolitan College. Their creations drew inspira-tion from this season’s trends including neon and the 1980’s.

“Their creations drew inspiration from this sea-

son’s trends including neon and the 1980’s”

Belfast’s ‘Style Mile’, the Lisburn Road, was next up including boutiques Fran and Jane, Benet-ton, Optique Sight and Madison Rose. Closing the runway shows on Thursday night was an eclectic mix of the best of Belfast, includ-ing hot high street from French Connection and Oasis, vintage charm from Oxfam Vintage and quirky designs from Liberty Blue. Favourite of mine was delectable designer Mary Rose McGrath, her designs are always so FaB!

The fabulous Michael Quinn and his gorgeous team from his Royal Avenue salon provided the hair. There was great criac backstage as well as in the club after! Make

up, which was sponsored by Lancôme was expertly applied by Paddy McGurgan, who has been leading artist at FASHIONWEEK for five years and the Lancôme team.We got all intellectual on Friday with The Belfast City Council Master Classes. The event fea-tured Irish designer Paul Costel-loe; Illustrator and Designer Daisy de Villeneuve; Head of School at London College of Fashion Franc-es Corner; Head of E-commerce at Harvey Nichols Rob Jones; Fresh from the catwalks of Mi-lan and Paris, Roma Vacarro and Hairdressing entrepreneur, Paul Stafford speaking to an audience ranging from fashion students to boutique owners.They imparted their wisdom of what they had learnt along the way. I wish I didn’t have as many G&T’s in the night before, I may have learnt a little more!

Thanks to all the team at FASHIONWEEK, see you all again next year,

Miss Paige Six X X X

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK’s Spring/Summer event was crammed with every fashionista from Belfast angling for the best seats in the house and our own Miss Paige Six was front row!

PR… Probably the Most Interesting Job in the World..? Or Not?

This month Fashion & Business Maga-zine catches up with Cathy Martin, founder of Belfast Fashion Week,

the UK’s first regional consumer fashion week as well as managing director of CMPR in Belfast and owner of Fashion Pharmacy, an agency of stylists and personal shoppers.

“I started my business in 2004 as a part time venture while I continued working in marketing for the Irish Linen industry. The linen industry had reached a peak in 2003, when consumer demand was huge and high street giants such as M&S were running multi-million pound ad campaigns. However I knew it was time for a change. For cost reasons, weaving and finishing were moving offshore to China so I knew that, very shortly, there wouldn’t really be an Irish Linen industry anymore, Linen is a cyclical fabric so I was sure that after

a peak there would be a trough in demand. (And for the record, I think it will be huge again in 2011 or 2012).

Anyway, I’m digressing… my ‘leap of faith’ cli-ent was an artist called Terry Bradley (www.terry-bradley.com) who’s still with me today. His art is admired and owned by huge names including Bono, Madonna and many more. We held a successful launch party and the press showed huge interest so I left my job just a couple of months later and things just grew from there. Every single piece of

By Cathy Martin

“...it’s very important to diversify and widen the

scope of business”

All in all, fashion PR is not as glam as it seems. Yes there are chic events and cool, creative people to mix with, but it’s very hard work keeping stories and angles fresh for hungry journalists looking for the next-big-thing. It’s not a job for IT girl wannabes or those who seek the limelight, as our core role is usually behind the scenes pushing our clients and their products to their target audience. Long hours, rejection from media and deadline pressures means lazy people just aren’t welcome to cross the threshold. And if they do get through, they don’t usually last that long. At the end of the day, PR is

just one element of the marketing mix, and a very cost effective one at that, but there are a few bad apples who can damage the reputation of the industry as a whole. My goal and that of each of my team members is to be a shiny granny smith, macintosh red or pink lady apple that’s the juiciest in the barrel!

For more information on Belfast Fashion Week, check out Miss Paige Six.

www.belfastfashionweek.comwww.cathymartinpr.com

www.fashionpharmacy.net

work I’ve carried out since – or until very recently – came to me from networking and recommenda-tion. I always tell students or professional groups that I lecture today that networking has been the single most important element to my business growth and I use social networking a lot today too. But I had a good grounding, I trained in journalism at the BBC and presented on RTE before going into marketing and communications. It pays to be able to think like a journalist and see things from what is now the other side of the fence.

My move towards specialising in fashion and retail PR came through my experience in the linen industry. I’d made huge contacts, again through networking and previous projects, and it really paid off. Belfast and Northern Irish people spend a higher percentage of their disposable income on fashion, clothing and footwear than any other region of the UK. We have a wealth of retailers, both high street names and a myriad of indepen-dent boutiques who satisfy this desire to shop. There was no specialised fashion or retail PR company at the time, so I saw a niche and went for it. I’ve worked on some amazing projects from being involved in the opening of Victoria Square’s retail complex AND specifically the arrival of House of Fraser to Northern Ireland with Yasmin Le Bon, to the opening of small boutiques and the cre-ation of our Five Star Fashion Teas at the Merchant Hotel. But in a period of economic recession and tough retail trading, it’s very important to diversify and widen the scope of business. My agency has clients in art and interior design, fashion and retail and food and drink and we love it! Everyone on the team feels passionate about who we represent and what they do on a day-to-day basis. We have won several Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Chartered Institute of Marketing awards as well as a number of local business awards but we work very hard so it’s great motivation for the team to get recognition from our peers.

And speaking of peers, my company Fashion Pharmacy came about because so many of them in the media were asking me for stylists for shoots, shows and personal shopping. So I decided to put my rolodex online and promote the services of cool stylists, edgy and award-winning makeup artists and our show production teams. We’re just about to launch in Sydney, Australia and I’m very excited about that. www.fashionpharmacy.net

Further information and photos are available from:Michelle McTernan

07968 825377 [email protected]

Over 1500 people packed into St George’s Market in the heart of Belfast to enjoy the two day fashion show, in aid of Cancer Lifeline.

“Something Old, Something New”

The show, ‘Something Old, Something New,’ highlighted the joys of spring as models took to Northern Ireland’s longest ever catwalk, which was covered in grass and finished with a white picket fence.

For the opening round, petals were strategically placed; just about protecting the models’ modesty, followed by an eclectic mix of 80s inspired vintage attire from Oxfam Vintage and Best Vintage. The opening night, hosted by UTV’s Marc Mallett also showcased the Spring/Summer collections from Liberty Blue, Styleworld and newcomer Grainne Maher Millinery. Keeping with the 80s’ theme, Zuni Hairdressing created amazing crimped hair with Oonagh Boman completing the look with supermodel brown smoky eyes, finished with pink lipstick.

Spring into Summer also in-corporated a ‘Most Stylish’ Award where one male and one female were ‘talent spotted’ from the audience by Sugahfix.com’s Style Spotter.

The prize of £100 of capital bonds from Magners Light went to Timmy White and Amy Garrett.

“Deadly Designer”

The second night, with its ‘Deadly Designer’ theme cer-tainly had the ‘wow’ factor. Amongst the top names was local favourite Mary Rose McGrath. The designer responsible for Belfast’s offering of “that dress!” (a fabulous and daring scarlet number) for UTV’s Emma Louise Johnston.

“...Mary Rose McGrath. The designer responsible for Bel-

fast’s offering of “that dress!”(a fabulous and daring scarlet

number)... “

Students from the University of Ulster showcased their crea-tions, designed to the brief, ‘Light by Nature’, and competed for the Magners Light Student Design award. The top prize of £500 from Magners Light and a specially commissioned trophy from Murray and Co Jewellers went to Second year design student Orla Marley from Bel-fast. Orla was presented on stage with her prize by Miss Great Brit-ain Gemma Garrett and Gavan Morris, Marketing Manager for Magners Light.

Gavan explained Magners Light is particularly passionate about supporting the Student Design Award. He said;

“The combination of fabulous fashion and eclectic entertain-

ment once again created amazing evenings...it is

a perfect partnership for the brand, as fashion and Magners

Light fit like a glove in the world of calorie conscious fashionis-tas. Our student design award is of particular importance to Magners Light, as it allows us to extend our support right to the grassroots level to encour-age and expose up-and-coming

young talent.”

Spring into Summer Belfast Style

Know you are buying the real thing as everyone knows;we at FaB don’t fake ANYTHING!

Interlocking RB logo laser etched into the lens on the left eye near to the hinge.

Must be etched, not painted, some fakes are etched but logo is too big and clumsy

Inter locking RB logo on the nose pads. Never the full wording just RB

Quality rubber used, dusted with a chalky substance, not stiff or sticky. Must be a very good fit at junction to the frame

Warrantee booklets must be machine cut, care leaflet must be glossy and machine folded

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Soft case with fur lined nose bridge, not plastic. Quality of gold luxotica logo must be sharp and clean

Distribution sticker on the box is a self adhesive sticker that can be pealed off. Such information as the barcode, distributors name, model number, frame number, dimensions, and lens type must be included. Outer box should have a recycling logo on it

Cleaning cloth of quality product and the logo not faded

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Hello, my fabulous FaB readers. I’ve had so much fun finding new and interesting information for you all. After last issue’s Prada piece, I have been inundated with requests and questions. Please keep them coming.

Bold, bright flash of colour in combinations makes for one of spring’s strongest trends and provides a foundation to the more so-phisticated, muted tones and florals. Vibrant versions of yellows, greens, blues and pinks will send your wardrobe into a craze of tones, with true style icons sporting clashing blocks of orange, cerise and yellow.

Clashing accessories are fashionable too, so don’t be afraid to experiment with strong contrasting colour. If you’re not brave enough for all-over brights, you can include a splash of a citrus shade in your earrings or nail col-our, or use a bright accessory to liven up a plain outfit.

it’s all about

BLOCKCOL-OUR

If you would like to contact Felicity, please e-mail on [email protected]

By Felicity Ovie

Know you are buying the real thing as everyone knows;we at FaB don’t fake ANYTHING!

Interlocking RB logo laser etched into the lens on the left eye near to the hinge.

Must be etched, not painted, some fakes are etched but logo is too big and clumsy

Inter locking RB logo on the nose pads. Never the full wording just RB

Quality rubber used, dusted with a chalky substance, not stiff or sticky. Must be a very good fit at junction to the frame

Warrantee booklets must be machine cut, care leaflet must be glossy and machine folded

•

•

•

•

•

Soft case with fur lined nose bridge, not plastic. Quality of gold luxotica logo must be sharp and clean

Distribution sticker on the box is a self adhesive sticker that can be pealed off. Such information as the barcode, distributors name, model number, frame number, dimensions, and lens type must be included. Outer box should have a recycling logo on it

Cleaning cloth of quality product and the logo not faded

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Hello, my fabulous FaB readers. I’ve had so much fun finding new and interesting information for you all. After last issue’s Prada piece, I have been inundated with requests and questions. Please keep them coming.

Barbie has always promoted that a woman has choices. In her early years, Barbie did not have to settle for only being Ken’s girlfriend or an inveterate shopper. She had the shoes, the accessories and the clothes to launch a career as a nurse, a stewardess and a nightclub singer. Welcome to the world of Barbie!

I believe the lifestyle choice Barbie represents helped the doll to catch the imagination of girls who would one day make up the first major wave of women in management and professionals.

Barbie’s real name is Barbie Millicent Roberts

Barbie is from Willows, Wisconsin. She attended Willows High School

Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, brought her vision of a three-dimensional doll to life with the introduction of Barbie in 1959

Barbie first appeared in the now-famous black-and-white striped swimsuit and signature ponytail

Barbie has four sisters: Skipper (1964), Stacie (1992), Kelly (1995) and Krissy (1995)

Barbie’s first pet was a horse named Dancer

The first Barbie doll sold for $3.00 (1959)

Barbie’s signature colour is Barbie pink: PMS 219

Barbie’s first boyfriend, Ken, debuted two years after Barbie in 1961

Ken was named after the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler

Ken and Barbie broke up on Valentine’s Day in 2004 after being together more than 43 years

The best-selling Barbie doll ever was 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with hair from the top of her head to her toes

Barbie has been outfitted by more than 70 famous couturiers

Barbie has had more than 108 inspirational careers

PMS 219

We challenged some of Liverpool’s designers to get creative and design outfit for Barbie:

1. AllyMac2. John M3. Claire

Nothing could prepare us for their dynamic creative responses!

Having graduated from University in 2007 with

a Degree in Fashion and Textile Design, I have since

been learning just how hard it is to make it in the

fashion Industry.

Upon graduating I had been tempted to study for a Master’s degree. I had been accepted onto three different courses in London and Italy, however I decided that what I needed was to gain experience within the Industry first.

I felt as though I should throw myself into the Industry and with this comes the opportunity for work placement. They provide graduates with first hand experience of what it is like working in the fashion Industry. Mostly unpaid there is the financial aspect to consider. Having spoken to a mixture of both current students and postgraduates, I have a mixture of feelings and opinions towards work placements. Some students have said that they worried about going into further debt to fund a placement and this is a valid point. However, how important is work placement in the fashion industry?

During my second year at university I completed a work placement at a high street

fashion brand in London; if I am being honest I found this placement to be extremely boring as the studio was more like an office environment rather than a creative design studio. From this experience I still gained something very important. I knew that working for a high street fashion brand was not for me. Upon graduating I decided to focus on setting up my own label. This way I would have full creative control over my designs and put them out there under my own name; an exciting prospect.

At university we are almost cocooned into a false sense of security, unaware of just how

hard it is to find employment in the fashion Industry. When discussing my options with fellow designers they agreed just how difficult it is to get a job in fashion without having any experience.

I spoke to recent fashion graduate Lara Gilmour, she told me about her recent placement. “I believe it was my New York placement which secured me my current job as a trainee Buyer at New Look’s head office. I think

Survival of the Fittest

“I believe it was my New York placement which secured me my

current job”

words and illustrations by Jenine Postlewaite

these days if you are looking for employment in the fashion Industry you have got to do something which is out of the ordinary to get noticed. I would recommend doing a sandwich course at uni which allows you one year working in the Industry. This gives you a competitive edge over other graduates.”

Lara goes on to explain, “Placements also provide an insight into different roles within fashion. Buying, Merchandising and Design all fall under the heading of fashion, but are completely different roles. When you graduate you are not taught anything about job roles available other than Fashion Designer, which realistically is very hard to get into. New York was a great experience but very hard work and students seeking work experience can easily be exploited. Working long hours with absolutely no salary or even expenses is really slave labour and is taking advantage of students needing the experience. My advice for students/graduates thinking about work experience is to be aware of this and make sure you can say no when you are feeling exploited. I used this experience during the interview for my current job which was really beneficial and the panel was very impressed.”

While listening to Lara’s thought’s, I agreed that you have to be prepared to work unpaid for a period of time, it is excellent experience for your CV which can help you when applying for future employment within the Industry but this cannot be taken lightly.

As well as this, it is an opportunity for you to find out

where you fit into the Industry and where you don’t. Some graduates that I have spoken to said that they found their placements to be a complete waste of time, money and that they never got much out of it.

A question which comes to mind is ‘Are designers simply taking advantage of students/graduates by using them as free labour?’ I think, yes they are, but they are also giving the student invaluable experience at the same time. The designer has something the student needs and the student has something the designer wants, so is it a win win situation? Can students/ graduates use their placements to their own advantage? Of course they can. To make sure that you

get the most out of a placement, you need to think about what you want to achieve from the placement. The majority of people in fashion are extremely passionate about what they do and are prepared to work for nothing just to gain experience, at least to begin with.

Recently I discussed this with Carol Ryder (Senior Lecturer of Design at Liverpool John Moore’s University), she volunteered her opinion. “Work Placements are an essential part of the students training. They give students and graduate’s the edge over those who have not had this experience. It is extremely valuable in an increasingly competitive Industry. I agree that sometimes students return from their work placement and have not enjoyed the experience. However again this can be a positive, as it is far better to learn what you don’t want to do in a placement rather than in a permanent job role.” Carol continued “Finally, I think it is a great shame that placements are largely unpaid, this was not the case when I was a student and I enjoyed two placements in London and Milan respectively. However the Industry has learned that students are so keen to find work experience that they are in a strong position to refuse to pay. The more prestigious the placement, the less likely pay will be offered. In short, if you won’t accept an unpaid placement; then there will always be somebody else who will.

In a competitive and already congested Industry, it seems that this situation will remain. Nevertheless, I still think that the advantages of work placements outweigh the


“Are designers simply taking advantage of students/graduates

by using them as free labour?”

financial disadvantages.”Looking at the situation from

the designer’s point of view, they would be at a loss if they hired and paid a recent graduate £25,000 a year and it did not work out. As a graduate you should look at the first couple of years out of University as the time when you should get all your work experience under your belt. The majority of designers, both high and low end have all been in the same position and had to work their way up the ladder. I spoke to Designer Helen Brown of Brown’s Boutique and she told me, “I studied fashion

many years ago and didn’t have the opportunity for placements. I agree with the importance of work placements and wish that I would have had this opportunity even if it was unpaid. Knowledge about the Industry is precious.”

I couldn’t agree more with Helen’s comments; any knowledge or understanding you pick up along the way is invaluable. She continued “Getting to know behind the scenes and being prepared to make mistakes is all good experience. Opening my very own Boutique was a huge gamble for me, one day I would like to see

my designs on the red carpet.”Helen would happily offer work

placement to undergraduates and she says “I feel that work experience should be seen as a learning curve but I would expect the student to work hard and be as dedicated as I am.” Helen Brown is the perfect example of the strong will survive.

As well as Helen Brown, Designer AllyMac of AllyMac Designs, shared her Industry experience. “I was privileged enough to have a placement in the Brother Company of the prestigious Wapping Docks in London. I had to subsidise this placement myself, as long as one goes into these placements with their eyes and ears open and don’t expect to get anything other than a huge amount of knowledge, then they will not be disappointed. If I hadn’t gone to that placement then somebody else would have. You have to be ruthless and very determined to survive and truly believe that you are the right person to be there…and I was. What I took away with me was PRICELESS!”

To get a different prospective I contacted Chris Lee from Microzine. He felt that placements were extremely beneficial when selecting the ideal candidate to work for him. His Brand Manager Zoe Jenkin commented, “I am here on a a placement at Microzine, in my opinion placements are invaluable, this is because most jobs require first hand experience of working within the Industry. How else do you learn?

In an Industry such as fashion I think everyone has to be prepared to work from the bottom up. Obviously it is infuriating that companies can decide whether


or not to pay purely because it is a competitive Industry and they don’t need to, but at the same time to succeed in this Industry you need to be proactive and prove that you are the best for the job.” Zoe continued “Another point to consider is if you are lucky enough to secure a paid placement, you are essentially getting paid to learn, which makes a nice change. I try to get involved with any opportunities that come my way to prepare me for future employment.”

Not everyone I spoke to had positive experiences. A friend of mine while on a work placement for a London based designer, told

me that admittedly he went into the placement with preconceived ideas. He explained to me that all he did was make coffee and tidy up. He expected to at least get involved with some creative aspects of the design studio. He felt he was quite badly treated which led him to missing home terribly and every night he would go back to his rented flat and watch the Royle Family box set to remind him of home. I think that a lot of placement students can sympathise with this as it can be quite isolating and lonely, especially if you are not being treated well all while you’re getting yourself

into debt. He also highlighted that there should been better work placement opportunities for fashion in Liverpool. Perhaps this is something Liverpool should look into investing in. FaB Magazine is an excellent way for students, graduates as well as designer’s to come together and collaborate, fusing together their creative talents but this is limited to only a few.

When I think back again to my placement, I feel that I could have got more out it by having a different attitude. I just thought right away this is not for me and therefore didn’t get as much out of the placement as I could have. I think this is the case with a lot of placement students, they have it in their head what they want and expect but sometimes expectations fall short. Reiterating what Lecturer Carol Ryder mentioned, you have to be committed and even a bad experience can prove a positive thing. My advice is to work hard while on placement and make sure that you stand out. Be yourself, don’t be afraid to have opinions, show initiative and try to get as many contacts from different departments as possible. Show that you can work on your own as well as in a group, be prepared to work very hard and show commitment to the company, for those of you who have seen the film The Devil Wears Prada you will know just how hard and competitive it is within all sectors of the fashion industry. Any experiences you can gain will only help you in the future - it is most definitely the survival of the fittest.


WOW what a month it has been, if you`re following each issue you may recall what I was praising in the previous issue, the Hareem trouser legged Jumpsuit I have been making, this is going down a storm with you ladies and a favourite of Sophie Anderton.

First of all AllyMac showed her collection at an exclusive Fashion Show for Winning Women in Manchester with drinks and canapés being served as ladies browsed the fine creations being paraded around them. This was a chance for me to bring AllyMac to Manchester. It was held in Deansgate, Spinningfields. The venue en-couraged ladies from around this business area to be introduced to some of my ex-clusive designs as part of a fantastic Win-ning Women Event founded and organised by the wonderful Esther Mcfey.

I had my new 2009 collection also show-cased at Liverpool Fashion Week. The Al-lyMac collection was admired and adored by you ladies who loved something with an edge, as it had something for everyone, from my exclusive jumpsuits to the full leg-ged, high waisted trousers, accompanied by a crisp white full sleeved low backed shirt. The bat wing top/dress was launched last week by myself in a red, cream and black beautiful American jersey with a stunning black sequined trim which I must admit made this outfit shine….

As we all know the season for dressing up in our most glamorous outfits is finally upon us, the beautiful HOT Summer (fin-gers crossed), not that us girlies need much of an excuse, I know, I don’t! I’m so happy to continue my line on the one sleeved creations, with the finest of draped fabrics for maximum glamour…Puuuurrrr!!!

AllyMAc for fAB

Also being emphasised in my collection is white on white, as “White is the new black!” These crisp white separates and dresses are so clean and fresh for the coming season. Gone are the days of say-ing, “I just can’t wear White.” Pure white is understated elegance. Look and Learn La-dies! You cannot say no to these gorgeous, glamorous threads. Give white a chance.

Check out the most amazing white hand-bag by Coccinelle, The Zippy Bag, running along side an AllyMac dress.

Girls try the whites and keep the frills going!

Love AllyMac xx

At sixteen I began my working life as a cadet nurse; the culmination of a childhood ambition. After this initial apprenticeship, I started student nurse training and upon qualifying, I worked as a staff nurse on a male medical ward. This was back in the day when ventilated patients were nursed on the wards and Coronary care units had not been created. After having two children, I decided to work as a school nurse as it would allow me to drop my children off at school, pick them up and have all the school holidays off. I worked on a split site school looking after children with severe learning difficulties from ages 4-18.

“...families who experience on a daily basis extreme

challenges both emotionally and physically taught me lessons in life I have not

forgotten to this day”

It was a huge challenge but I still consider my time there as a real privilege. Working with those children and their

families who experience on a daily basis extreme challenges both emotionally and physically taught me lessons in life I have not forgotten to this day. Despite their hardships they still managed to have fun in life and cherish the times they had together. Three years on it was time to fulfil my ambition to become a midwife. I started a Diploma in Midwifery and Health Education at Aintree Hospital and worked as a midwife for 7 years. I can honestly say I still miss the joy of bringing a new life into the world. There is nothing to compare it to, no other feeling in the world. I had new ambitions now and I wanted to further my career. I was accepted onto a degree course at Lancaster University, this was a new experience for me but I relished the challenge. I wanted to specialise as a Health Visitor which is truly a unique position to be in; to witness the hardships that some families in our country suffer. Again this was difficult but I felt I was contributing and making a

Jill Hillier shares her storyof how she swapped her working life andher closet to get a better deal.

Swap a lifestyle to

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FASHION DESIGN & STYLING

Bitch the

list

Kitten “Heels” They are NOT heels and worse than flats!

Learning to wear and walk in high heels is a must and will serve you in the long term.

We at FaB insist on having at least 5 inches, surely every girl deserves this!

Fake CROCS Ok Crocs are bad enough, why would ANYONE

want fake ones? You know here at FaB, WE don’t fake anything!

Alternative Miss World Sadly the FaB Team missed the entry to the Alternative Miss World contest. Andrew’s Logan’s competition at the Roundhouse in London, May 2nd will be so FaB! With Judges Celia Birtwell and Zandra Rhodes we can’t wait to see the winner. For further information visit www.roundhouse.org.uk

Mylene Klass if your only talent is swinging your hair while miming to the piano you should just leave immediately

Social Scene With the new season in full swing the FaB Team Wardrobe is now overflowing with FaBulous new outfits, there just isn’t enough fabulous events to attend. We implore you, if you discover a fashionable and chic event contact us immediately, we must not deprive these new additions any longer!

Striped Jumpers Enough already!

Marc JacobsDespite our many e-mails Marc

Jacobs refuses to open a store here in Liverpool. Instead he has opted for

Mayfair, London. We refuse to give up our campaign until the designer arrives

in the city.

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LITTLE FAB BOOK

AllyMac - Fashion Designer0151 650 1357/8www.fashionbyallymac.co.uk Andrew Walker - Graphic Design07783 416 959

Belfast Fashion Week www.belfastfashionweek.com

Boudoir BoutiqueUnit 1, Cavern Walks, Mathew St0151 236 6001

Brown’s BoutiqueHelen Brown,85 Sandon Road, Hillside, PR8 4QD01704 567455

Cathy Martin PR3rd Floor, 21 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD, Northern Ireland028 9032 4437 www.cathymartinpr.com

Hannah EllenHair and Make up07825581748

H&M91/92 Liverpool One, 18 Paradise St, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 8JF0151 703 7350 www.hm.com

Jamie Schumacher [email protected]

Jeni MurphyNo Machine Could HopeFashion Designer [email protected]

Katy O’GradyFashion Designer07702417656

Kirsty Doylewww.kirsty-doyle.com 0151 263 1060

Kitson8Felicity Ovie - Stylist07961 894 [email protected]

Matt FordPhotographer07837 007 683 [email protected]

Merseyside ACMEUnit 303 The Vanilla Factory, 39 Fleet Street, Liverpool L1 4AR. 0151 708 4509 www.merseysideacme.com

Minksy HairBold Street, Liverpool0151 709 1474

Nook & Willow www.nookandwillow.com 0151 702 7796

Sara Han - Designer/Stylist07964 072 879www.Saralichou.com

Style AcademyCathedral Chambers, 2nd Floor, 143 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1 FH028 9024 4343www.styleacademy.com

SwapafrockJill Hillier www.swapafrock.com

Tommy Hilfiger UK 45 Carnaby Street, London W1F 9PP 020 7479 7591 www.tommy.com

No Machine Could HopeJeni Murphy

fab magazine, issue 3

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