RSPCA calls for fashion companies to enter the 2010 Good Business Awards

The RSPCA is calling on welfare-conscious fashion companies around the UK to enter this year’s RSPCA Good Business Awards, which recognise ethical business approaches to animal welfare. The RSPCA Good Business Awards fashion category, in association with Drapers, is looking to reward fashion retailers that can demonstrate excellent policies with regards to fur, leather skins and merino wool.

Nina Campbell and Ted Baker collaboration available now

Ted Baker has launched a new capsule collection in collaboration with interior designer, Nina Campbell. Ray Kelvin, the closest man to Ted, met Nina when looking for interior fabrics for his home and the seeds of the partnership were sown from there. Both advocate a mix of luxury and versatility, giving their designs an ageless, timeless appeal. They’re also known for creating vibrant, unique prints – adding interest and detail to traditional designs. The collection is built around a signature Nina Campbell Orchard Blossom print. The silk satin fabric is adorned with a trail of blossom bearing branches, which is in perfect harmony with the occasionwear feel of the pieces. The collection features a maxi dress, fine knit, a top, clutch bag and scarf for women and a shirt, jacket and tie for men and is available at leading Ted Baker stores nationwide as well as www.tedbaker.com. Prices range from £55.00 to £249.00.

New Playboy fashion collection to launch in August

Playboy has announced that it has entered a license agreement with Fashion UK to create a new collection of Playboy-branded men’s and women’s fashion apparel, which will be available in the UK and Ireland beginning in August 2010. The Playboy-branded line will include vintage wash and jersey T-shirts – including music-inspired and embellished styles – as well as hoodies and joggers.

Industrie magazine set to hit newsstands on 24 May

Industrie, a magazine focusing on the culture of fashion, featuring personalities and moments that shape the industry, will be available on selected newsstands around the world from 24 May priced at £7.00. Industrie is dedicated to presenting an independent, in-depth look at the fashion industry, going behind the scenes to chronicle the personalities, stories and defining moments in the world of fashion. The publication was founded by Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede who are the current editors- in-chief and publishers. LOVE editor-in-chief Katie Grand is also on the masthead at Industrie as contributing fashion editor. It is published internationally twice a year, and updated continually on www.industriemagazine.com

ARTDECO launches into Fenwick (Brent Cross)

Last friday ARTDECO was launched at Fenwick (Brent Cross) by UK Brand Ambassador Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. ARTDECO’s make-up combines professional performance with innovation and luxury. There are over 1600 products within the range, including make-up and skincare. Key products within the range include: Système Mosaique, £12.15, a refillable magnetic beauty box with a bespoke design that contains four eyeshadows; High Performance Lipstick £15.55, a luxurious lipstick that contains Maxi Lip and Vitamin E to add volume to lips, as well as visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

BFC and Harrods launch Graduate Competition

Today the British Fashion Council (BFC) and Harrods have launched the Harrods Graduate Competition. Winning the competition will entitle one student from a Colleges Council member college to win a year’s internship working alongside the Fashion Buying Team. This unique opportunity will give the individual the chance to gain the skills and knowledge in design, quality assurance, buying and retail sales, as part of their development following graduation. Three graduates will be chosen to undertake a one month training placement, learning different aspects of the Harrods business. During this time, they will be assessed and, in August 2010 one of the three will be selected to win a year’s paid internship with the Harrods Fashion Buying Team, working on design, development and the retail experience.

Agnés b exclusive collaboration

Agnès b is delighted to exhibit some previously unseen works by artist Mambo who has never shown before in the UK. The Mambo exhibition will be held at Agnés b Covent Garden and Spitalfields stores, with a live performance in both stores - Covent Garden on Saturday 8 May and in Spitalfields on Sunday 9 May. (See DIARYdates) Agnès has also designed an exclusive collection in collaboration with Mambo of mini dresses and skirts to support the exhibition. Mambo is the alias of Franco-Hungarian artist Flavien Demarigny. A self taught artist, Mambo began learning his craft as part of La Force Alphabétique, a group of muralists in France during the late 1980s and 90s. After 11 years with La Force he joined 9e Concept, an artists’ collective whose vision is to bring art to a wider public.