Brighton Frocks
Get Waisted at Brighton Frocks
Well known for its somewhat colourful and eclectic culture, catalogues of forward thinking boutiques in the North Laines and endless lists of talented, creative designers, the city of Brighton has become established as the epicenter of diverse fashion.
For this very reason, Brighton Frocks annual fashion weekend was born out of a burning desire to celebrate and recognise this city’s extreme sense of style.
Now in its fifth year running, we see our favourite local designers getting ready once more to take part in what can only be described as the South coast fashion fiesta of the year,
Taking place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on the Friday 22nd May, the Theatrical Catwalk Show is the hottest Brighton Frocks main event, and this year promises to be the most lavish show to-date.
And as if that wasn’t enough, to finish the weekend in true stylish form and mark the conclusion of the Fringe festival, Brighton Frocks Fashion Emporium will be opening its doors for keen fashionistas everywhere at the Metropole all day Saturday and Sunday (24th & 25th).
Picture a ‘Fashion Wonderland’ including makeover areas, live models a Red Bull relaxation lounge, The Emporium catwalk show, fashion installations and capping it all off with an after-party that’ll knock your new socks off, and guess what, we’re all invited.
Interested? Yeah you are… ‘So, who’s who?’ I hear you cry…
Get Waisted
Saville Row-trained bespoke corset and dress maker Toni Pickles, is the founder and inspiration behind Get Waisted http://www.getwaisted.co.uk/index.php?pageid=65 based in Brighton.Toni builds all her creations from scratch and works closely with her clients who keep her inspired.
Get Waisted will be taking part in Brighton Frocks theatrical catwalk show for the first very time this year and it’s all about femininity and curves.
I am lucky enough to be one of Toni’s selected models for the show so a couple of weeks ago I went along to meet her and have my dress fitting.
After looking at her website, I was half expecting Toni to approach me with a magical wand and some fairy-dust that would transform me from work clothing to ball gown in a matter of seconds – almost.
I was stripped of my office attire, measured with a measuring tape and squeezed into beautiful corsets within an inch of my last breath – crunch those ribs in, push those breasts up, jut those hips out.
All those handmade-layered skirts, all that sumptuous fabric, all those sparkly beads – now, where did I park my horse-drawn carriage?
Toni Pickles
07947497342 / 01273 779978
toni@getwaisted.co.uk
www.getwaisted.co.uk:
Suzie Turner
Brightonian Suzie Turner trained with a pattern cutter from the age of 15. Specialising in deconstructing antique couture, Suzie took the opportunity to build her made to measure reputation alongside learning her craft.
Using the client as her muse and maintaining the traditional ethos of handmade couture, Suzie fits and cuts patterns personally onsite at her Brighton studio, using her team to assist with the exquisite beadwork and samples of her designs.
Suzie’s clients include everyone from brides to actresses and models such as Kelly Brook. The one thing they all have in common is that they appreciate Suzie’s attention to fine detail.
In her words, Suzie believes that “Making a beautiful garment should be an event to be relished not stressed over.”
Joanne Fleming
Situated in Brighton’s North Laines, Joanne Fleming specialises in bespoke bridal and evening gowns for those one off occasions that require an extra bit of sparkle.
Using luxurious and rich fabrics, Joanne creates a veritable melting pot of designs for her clients ranging from those with classical clean lines to those with a show-stopping wow factor.
At Brighton Frocks 2009, Joanne will be previewing her new eveningwear collection ‘Sidonie’, drawing from the demi-monde of 1920s Paris and London.
joanneflemingdesign@yahoo.com
www.joanneflemingdesign.com
25 Vine St, Brighton
01273 602371
Ailsa & Ailsa
Working without the confines of seasonal trends, Ailsa & Ailsa was founded on the belief that fashion is an art form, to be admired, appreciated and studied.
Inspired by time spent across many, many continents, Ailsa & Ailsa’s artistic vision integrates perfect detailing, unusual textures and vibrant colours.
Using a unique mixture of silks, vintage leather, linens, vintage kimonos and antique crochet, Ailsa reflects her cultural design influences in her collection.
Ailsa & Ailsa creations are specifically crafted for confident individuals who are happy being the centre of attention.
Ailsa Rollo
ailsa.rollo@hotmail.com
Alan Rowe
Working as an illustrator, designer and stylist for high end magazines and labels across Europe, Alan Rowe is the co-founder and inspiration behind bespoke denim label Epoc, which uses high-grade Japanese denim to create its pieces.
Now, Brighton Frocks 2009 will be showcasing “Eternal Ingénue”, Rowe’s premier collection of Schnitt, day and evening wear.
”Eternal Ingénue” draws on references to Victoriana and 1960’s skinhead fashion to create strong, striking and unforgettable visuals.
Gresham Blake
A contemporary tailor, Gresham Blake is widely recognised as having an eccentric flare expressed in all his pieces, ranging from vibrantly coloured suit linings, to ties, cravats and get noticed cufflinks.
A celebrity favourite, Gresham Blake’s Brighton and Mayfair fitting room has tailored for the likes of Christian Slater, Fat Boy Slim and Davina McCall.
30 Bond Street, Brighton
01273 622531
www.greshamblake.com
Jessy.Lou.
Jessica Louise Good is the creative mastermind behind Jessy.Lou, a young and incisive label designed for girly girls.
Jessy Lou’s signature style features quirky, original pieces which are all about being feminine and frivolous.
At Brighton Frocks, Jessy.Lou will be presenting a collection combining playful, novel designs with bold prints including bright florals, polka dots and stripes.
Jessy-louise_design@live.co.uk
Paola Galelli
Paola Galelli’s final graduate collection for 2009 is entitled ‘Shaken and Stirred’.
The all dress collection explores and reinvents the original cocktail gown watching it transform from traditional into the ultimate party dress.
With a colour pallette inspired by the cocktails themselves, expect a menu of flirtatious pieces good enough to eat.
pgalelli@hotmail.co.uk
www.fashionspace.com/PaolaGalelli
Renaissance
Renaissance is all about creating exclusive and bespoke pieces for bridal and special occasions from it’s central Brighton studio.
Strong theatrical influences come through in all the pieces which combine contemparary structure with baroque-inspired beading and heavy draping.
Renaissance have recently appeared in ‘Brides’ magazine, ‘You and Your Wedding’ and on T4’s ‘Frock Me’.
Kevin@renaissancecreativedesign.com
www.renaissancecreativedesign.com
Sarina Poppy
Costume design graduate Sarina Poppy uses Swarovski crystals, rich silks and pure wools, vintage, reused and recycled fabrics throughout her collection to create a fusion of period costume and edgy fashion.
Influenced by both art and theatre Sarina Poppy pieces are inspired by induviduality and a non-conformist attitude.
www.myspace.com/sarinapoppy
www.sarinapoppy.co.uk (under construction)
sarinapoppy@yahoo.co.uk
LipopLondon
Now based in London, Brighton bred Tom Lipop is using his showcase at Brighton Frocks to launch his debut Menswear collection, entitled ‘Battle of the Sardines’, inspired by his chaotic London lifestyle.
Tom has a BA Hons in Fashion and Textiles specialising in Menswear, and holds a senior design position at House Of Holland.
www.lipoplondon.com under construction
3-11 westland place studios,
4th floor, London, N1 7LP
tomlipop@hotmail.com
Verity Lamb
Verity Lamb’s ‘Splish Splash’ fun beachwear collection takes 1950’s inspired shapes and douses them in 1980’s geometric print.
All her fun and flirty pieces celebrate the female form, from curvy to slender, bringing a touch of glamour back to traditional swimwear.
www.splishsplashbeachwear.com
info@splishsplashbeachwear.com
lambchopss@hotmail.co.uk
For more information or to book tickets for Brighton Frocks 2009, please visit: www.brightonfrocks.com
This is an entry for the Beachdownwriter competition, the entry that receives the most visits will be the winner. See www.thehussy.co.uk/tag/beachdownwriter for all entries.
Written by Sarah L Sharp
Tags: Beachdownwriter
