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GLA/2007/ 665

Tuesday, 06 November 2007

Kulture2Couture fashion weekend returns to the V&A with London's top black designers

A weekend of fashion shows, workshops, makeovers, exhibits and seminars celebrating the work of London’s black fashion designers, is taking place at the V &A on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November. Kulture2Couture (K2C) is the highlight of the Mayor of London’s Black History Season and is open to all and free to attend.

This years Kulture2Couture ambassador is US entrepreneur Damon Dash, who will participate in workshops discussing the influence of music on fashion.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “London's fashion and creative industries are thriving, boasting a diverse pool of talent and reputation for innovation that has put the city at the forefront of design around the world.

"I want to see a fashion industry that genuinely supports and encourages fashion, jewellery and textile designers from all of London’s communities. This event will attract people who work in the industry, plus people with an interest in fashion and those hoping to kick start a career in this sector. The range of workshops and expert advice on offer throughout the weekend, coupled by cutting edge fashion shows is sure to make this a fantastic event for all Londoners."

At Kulture2Couture, dynamic fashion shows featuring 17 designers will take place three times a day. Couture collections from the following African Caribbean designers will be showcased on the runway: celebrity favourite Romero Bryan, Erzumah Rosemarie Ackerson for Bestow Elan, Annick Adjo Atelier for Annick Ltd, Erzumah Rosemarie Ackerson - Bestow Elan, Annick Adjo Atelier Annick Ltd, Jan Asante GISELA, Tina Atiemo, Maame Baryeh, Ituen Basi, Ngozi Ijoma ZED EYE, Adebayo Jones, Patrick Kevin, Gavin Pierre Medford, Onwuka NKWO, Yemi Osunkoya Kosibah Creations, Saint Hill Couture, Antoinette-Oliva Designs, Deola Sagoe, Stoned Cherrie and Natasha Wright – Rufus.

Lee Jasper, Director of Equalities for the Mayor of London said: "In London we have a couple of well-known black designers, but hundreds of amazing black designers are ignored. Kulture2couture emphasises the importance of raising awareness and celebrating black British design talent. We also need more black models on our runways, and in adverts and magazines. London is a hugely successful diverse city and this needs to be reflected in every sector, especially the fashion industry, which prides itself on pushing the boundaries. I hope this years event at the V&A paves the way for mainstream recognition for everyone involved."

In between runway shows, there will be a number of free workshops and master classes for all budding designers, wannabe make-up artists, and fashion loving members of the public.

These include:

  • Access to Finance for Fashion – vital career tips
  • CatWALK the World: Fashion for Food Programme
  • How Music Influences Fashion – debate aimed at the MTV generation, the influence of music in fashion is undeniable.
  • Building an International Strategic Alliance: Opportunities & Possibilities
  • An Introduction to the Creative Accelerator Programme
  • A guide to a career in costume design
  • London Apparel – Introduction to the dedicated clothing and apparel skills and resource support centre at Florentia Clothing Village in Haringey.
  • Shopping for vintage clothes
  • Blood Diamonds: How consumers can make a positive difference
  • Make-up master classes for budding make-up artists
  • Makeovers – by world-renowned international cosmetics firm Becca

On Sunday 18th, an inspirational designer will be honoured with the 2007 Kulture2Couture Trailblazer Award for outstanding achievement. Last years winner was Andrew Ramroop, Savile Row’s first black tailor.

Kulture2Couture is the European partner for the CatWALK the World programme across Europe, which uses fashion to raise funds for and awareness of campaign to eradicate child hunger.

Parsons The New School for Design, New York and Pride Magazine and are also partners of Kulture2Couture.

Approximately 4,000 people attended the event last year. This year’s event is expected to be heavily over subscribed and members of the public wishing to attend should email fashion@london.gov.uk to register in advance and avoid disappointment. Ends

Event: Kulture2Couture at the V&A
Date: Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 November 2006
Place: V&A Museum, London SW7 2RL
Time: 11am - 6pm
ENTRY: FREE
Register for event at: www.kulture2couture.com or call 020 8539 7913
Media wishing to apply for accreditation on Saturday or Sunday please email communitydesk@london.gov.uk.

Notes to editor

1. K2C 2007 will be officially launched on Friday 16th November with an invitation only evening function at the V&A hosted by television presenter Brenda Emmanus and sponsored by Mizani, premier hair brand.

2. For further information about K2C visit www.kulture2couture.com or www.london.gov.uk.

3. The Mayor of London supports a range of activities aimed at boosting the capital’s reputation and performance as a leading world centre of creativity, including fashion. During London Fashion Week, the Mayor backed the recommendations of the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) ‘Model Health Inquiry’. The Inquiry was established in response to concerns about the health of models on the catwalks at London Fashion Week. Funded by the London Development Agency, the independent body was charged with consulting with the fashion industry and putting forward recommendations on how London’s fashion industry can promote well being and good health when showing on the catwalk. For information go to: www.modelhealthinquiry.com.

4. The organisers of Joburg, Durban, Cape Town and Caribbean Fashion Weeks are attending K2C.

5. Located in the heart of New York City, Parsons The New School for Design is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive degree-granting colleges of art and design in the nation, with approximately 3,500 students in degree programs from all 50 states and approximately 60 countries. Parsons has been a forerunner in the field of art and design since its founding in 1896. For more information, visit www.parsons.newschool.edu.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Press information is available from Rachelle Laurence on 020 7983 4068 / 07771 814 478 / Dominy Jowers on 020 7983 4599 or Ben McKnight on 020 7983 4071 or email communitydesk@london.gov.uk (numbers not for publication)

GENERAL PUBLIC/NON-MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Public Liaison Unit at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4100

DUTY PRESS OFFICER: For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call 020 7983 4000.

 

5,000 people flock to Fashion weekend at the V&A:
spotlight on London's Black designers at Kulture2Couture

A weekend of fashion shows, workshops, and makeovers celebrating the work of London's black fashion designers, took place at the V &A on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November. Over 5,000 are estimated to have attended. International supermodel Alek Wek is K2C's first ambassador and exhibited her exclusive handbag range 'WEK1933' at the V&A. This was the UK debut of her collection. Speaking about K2C, Ms. Wek said, "this was a groundbreaking initiative."

K2C 2006 was officially launched on Friday 17 November with an evening fashion event at the V&A hosted by 'Clothes Show' presenter Caryn Franklin. Guests included Hilary Alexander, Colin McDowell, Tatiana Rodionova and Carla Dos Reis. K2C is supported by Parsons The New School for Design, New York - the renowned design college that is featured in Heidi Klum's 'Project Runway' - which is presenting a range of masterclasses during the weekend.

Kulture2Couture (K2C) is part of the Mayor of London's Black History Season and was open to all and free to attend.

Featured designers included Amelia Ayewan, Andrew Ramroop, Joe Blake, Gisella Boutique, Bezem and Kassan, Regina Piloya, Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah Creations and Gavin Douglas. Douglas is the recent winner of the 2006 Fashion Fringe competition, which was judged by Tom Ford and showcased work by some of the UK's most eminent new designers as part of London Fashion Week. Douglas first exhibited his award winning designs at K2C in 2005. ends

Event: Kulture2Couture at the V&A
Date: Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 November 2006
Place: V&A Museum, London SW7 2RL
Time: 11am - 6pm

Notes to editor

1. For further information visit www.kulture2couture.com or www.london.gov.uk.

2. The Mayor of London supports a range of activities aimed at boosting the capital's reputation and performance as a leading world centre of creativity, including fashion. This September, as part of London Fashion Week, the Mayor gave his backing to the Fashion Fringe event at City Hall, with judging chaired by Tom Ford. For more information go to: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/creativeindustries.jsp / www.creativelondon.org.uk.

3. All press enquiries in relation to Alex Wek and WEK1933 should be forwarded to Charlene Laidley on 0790 421 0725.

4. Located in the heart of New York City, Parsons The New School for Design is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive degree-granting colleges of art and design in the nation, with approximately 3,500 students in degree programs from all 50 states and approximately 60 countries. Parsons has been a forerunner in the field of art and design since its founding in 1896. For more information, visit www.parsons.newschool.edu.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Press information is available from Rachelle Laurence on 020 7983 4068 / 07771 814 478 / Ben McKnight on 020 7983 4071 (numbers not for publication)