UKFT announces UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards finalists

The UKFT today announces the finalists in the UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards, which celebrate excellence in international trade ranging from sellers of vintage to directional British brands; from newcomers to giants with a long-established worldwide reputation for selling overseas. Organised by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), the Awards, which attracted a record number of entries, will be presented on 13 May 2010 at The Landmark London by HRH The Princess Royal, alongside Joanna Lumley.

Menswear retail chain launches transactional website

Independent luxury menswear retail chain Pockets has launched its new fully transactional website, bringing top designer brands directly to the door. Having been a year in the development, menswear brands including Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren and Stone Island will now all be available to purchase online. As will more niche brands such as Moncler, Belstaff, CP Company and Vilebrequin. Renowned for and committed to its personal service, Pockets is carrying on its premium offering through its website and even offers a rapid 24 hour delivery. In 2010, Pockets celebrates 14 years in business as a luxury brand retailer. After originally starting in Shrewsbury, the business grew rapidly with further stores opening in Hanley, Nantwich and Worcester. The more recent addition of a store in Newcastle Under Lyme has created one of the largest and well known independent luxury retail groups in the Midlands. www.pockets.co.uk

Fashion editor creates bikini collection

Violet Lake is the brainchild of Ursula Lake who has been working as a fashion editor for more than eight years. Ursula has worked on a number of different publications throughout her career and currently holds the position of contributing fashion editor for the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella Magazine. Ursula decided to create Violet Lake as she felt there was a lack of well fitting, flattering bikinis available for under £100.00. Violet Lake comprises four different styles of interchangeable bikini tops and bottoms, all of which come in four different sizes and in eight different colours and all the bikini tops have tie fastenings. Colours for the bikini collection have been chosen to harmonise with at least two others within the range and there are 1024 possible colour and style combinations. Violet Lake bikinis are fully lined and made of Jersey Lomellina, imported from Italy. This material is made from 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane.

Ally Capellino 30th anniversary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of designer Ally Capellino with a number of events starting from April. The Wapping Project will play host to an exhibition of Ally’s work both past and present. A wall of bags will be installed by the art director Rupert Blanchard, in the main hall of the industrial space. The bags will consist of Ally’s own archive, current pieces and vintage bags that have inspired the collections. Bags donated by fans of Ally Capellino will be included in the installation. Archive clothing, images and video footage will tell the story of the brand in a small room, accessed through a secret door in the wall of bags. Three films by photographer and filmmaker Donald Christie will be on display in and around the main hall of the Wapping Project.

Privé International and Stuart Hughes retro mobile phone collaboration

Privé International has collaborated exclusively with Stuart Hughes of Liverpool UK to produce the 'Privé Phone' a completely refurbished retro brick phone, 76 diamonds IF flawless 23ct, 22ct solid gold circa 900 grams. The phone also has the latest technology including WAP, Text SMS and Colour screen. Only 10 limited edition phones will be produced one time only. Individuals purchasing this phone will receive a one year free membership to Privé International (value $20,000.00). The phone will come with a Privé-Stuart Hughes Design Box made from granite, individually numbered from 1-10, including a personal membership card to Privé. Membership will give individuals access to all of Privé’s luxury amenities, from private jet/yachts charters to vacation properties. The Privé Phone will be available for purchase exclusively through Privé International and Stuart Hughes for £139,995.00.

New skincare and cosmetics line beautycyle launches

Direct sales corporation, Amway launches beautycycle skincare and cosmetics. Emma Willis is the new face of the brand and the new product line takes its inspiration from the power of the elements - Air rejuvenates, Water quenches, Earth balances and Fire energises. The complete skincare and make-up solution is primarily aimed at women ages between 20 and 40 who prefer an easy to understand and simple approach to skincare that uses natural ingredients and delivers great value for the price. The beautycycle cosmetics line uses extensive mineral colours in soft and intense shades. beautycycle skincare and cosmetics products are available now. The product line will be expanded at the beginning of June with the introduction of the Air Age Repair Cleansing Milk, Fire Renewal Serum and Fire 3-in-1 Masque-Scub-Brightener. Prices range from £6.05 to £15.85.

MOSS Spring/Summer menswear collection

MOSS has launched its Spring/Summer 2010 collection containing a diverse range of suiting with a choice of styles for all tastes. The 'Ventuno 21' fashion range includes an emphasis on shiny tonic fabrics, slim fit cuts, and shorter jackets. Highlights from 'Blazer' include relaxed business suiting, teamed with knitwear and open neck shirts for a casual look, this carried through to outerwear with a three quarter length navy trench coat. The smart casual feel continues with a nautical theme, striped shirting with white linen trousers and blazers. 'Savoy Taylors Guild’ has a strong emphasis on navy as an alternative to charcoal suiting, bold ties in paisleys and strong colours help make a statement while retaining the classic look. 'Ventuno 21 Dresswear' has slim satin peak lapels with shorter length jackets and wing collars to create a modern look with a nod to a traditional style.