West Bridgford fashion designer launches colourful hands free accessories

Reinventing the outdated bum bag and launching her own collection of colourful hands-free accessories is designer Lisa Robertson. Lucy Budge talks to the West Bridgford creative about the Lisa Lemon brand
Whether it's wading through the mud at a festival this summer or sightseeing through the streets of a capital city, there's a new smart and fashionable way to keep your belongings safe.
Designer Lisa Robertson, of West Bridgford, is launching a collection of colourful bags that are worn around your waist.
But forget the stereotypical bum bag – now they are called hands-free accessories and are made from the brightest and best quality Italian leather.
Owner Lisa, of Lisa Lemon hands-free bags, says: "There are two initial bags available to buy now in orange and purple. They are both worn around the waist.

one shoulder formal dresses for juniors

"I've avoided using the word bum bag because of their bad image – that's why I've started to c| all mine hands-free bags. It sounds better and they're not ones that you hide away, they're supposed to be seen properly and used as a fashion accessory."
Both the purple bag design and the orange are priced at £140 each.
and can be bought. They are made solely in the UK from luxury Italian vegetable tanned leather.
"I design them myself and the factory then make up the samples, and we can tweak them from there and change things to see what works best and what looks best," says the owner.
"We've got a selection of more than 50 bright coloured leathers that we can choose from. When I was deciding which leather to use it had to have a really good choice of colours to work with.
"Sustainable fashion is really important to me. It absolutely had to be made in this country and also using materials that are kind to the environment."
But despite being bright and colourful, the bags are also a unique way of keeping your belongings safe when out and about.
"They are good for travelling as well as festivals. I know people who have got them who are going to New York and are travelling to cities where they want to feel that their possessions are close by.
"There's a clip on the inside where you can attach your keys and internal phone pocket. You don't have to worry about your precious belongings when they're inside.
"They're perfect for travelling and festivals, when you're out and about sightseeing – any kind of situation where you need to keep your hands free."
But for the owner, the inspiration behind the range came from her struggle to find an alternative to the infamous bum bag.
She explains: "I had this awful old bum bag for years – it was a black leather one – and I couldn't find an alternative. I thought there must be something that looks nice and you don't mind having to wear over your clothes. That's where it came from."
This is Lisa's first time working as a fashion designer. After studying graphic design in Derby, she worked for a number of design agencies in Nottingham and also mentored design businesses and creative graduates from Nottingham Trent University. Most recently, she worked as a commercial director in IT.
And now the creator is hoping for the public's support in her Kickstarter appeal – where she hopes to raise £5,000 to launch her official first collection. The online Kickstarter project aims to help fund creative projects and allows people to pledge money, starting from £5, to independent businesses. Each business must reach their funding target to receive the money from those who have pledged to help.
She says: "You need more than one design for a collection and I am delighted to have added two more to the range, plus some accessories.
"With the help of backers, I hope to produce my first collection of bags and accessories for both men and women."
If Lisa reaches her target, the new range will feature a smaller soft leather bag in blue and a large soft bag with buckle in brown.
But despite only recently launching her initial two designs, Lisa has already received positive feedback from far-flung travellers and festival-goers.
"A group of girls from West Bridgford took one to Leeds Festival and they thought it was great.
"A friend took to one to America and said it was invaluable – she described it as being like her third hand.
"I used mine on a visit to Australia and it was perfect. I wasn't stressing about having my bag stolen. All my valuables, like my purse, passport, phone and tickets were attached to me, which gave me peace of mind."
She adds: "The bags are well made, they are good quality and they're made to last. Throwaway fashion is not what we're about – it's something that you buy and you are safe in the fact that it's going to last."
formal wear canberra

Fashion Designer Eileen Fisher's $210 Million Fortune Built On Simple Basics

While fashions come and go, one designer and her styles stand the test of time. Eileen Fisher, who operates out of Irvington-NY, has chosen to stay true to her vision for decades, refusing to fall whimsy to changing trends.
“I talk about timeless design, something that transcends the moment but somehow belongs to the moment,” she said. “How much do we be in this moment and how long will the moment last?”
For years, her focus has been to design simple, comfortable pieces using sustainable materials that women can wear on many occasions. It hasn’t always been easy but by being steadfast to her vision, she’s grown her company, which sells items in more than 60 Eileen Fisher stores in 21 states,to $429 million and amassed a small fortune along the way.

high school formal dresses brisbane

By our calculations, Fisher, who owns 65% of the company (her employees own the other 35% through an employee stock ownership program) is worth just over $210 million. With that net worth, she is one of several female entrepreneurs involved in lifestyle businesses (others include Martha Stewart and the two founders of Vera Bradley) who just missed the cut for Forbes’ first ever list of top 50 richest self-made women.
“When I started designing, I was a clothing designer trying to solve the problem of women getting dressed and how to make it simpler, rather than finding the next cute style,” Fisher said. “I think we struggle to stay true to that as we get larger.”
Fisher says one key to her success, besides her focus, has been viewing challenges as opportunities. In 1984, then a 33-year-old graphic artist living in New York City, she took a risk, starting her own women’s clothing line with just $350 to invest.Her first line – which consisted of four pieces: a box top, crop pant, tunic and shell top — didn’t sell well at her first boutique show. Fisher, however, didn’t lose hope or focus. She revised her designs and made more clothes, borrowing money from family and friends.Three months later, at the next boutique show, she sold $40,000 worth of clothing. “That was the official launch of the business,” she said. “I knew I had an idea that had potential.”
formal dresses online shopping

William Tempest Launches Swimwear In Barcelona

Fashion designer William Tempest has been creating a storm across the waters in Barcelona with his gorgeous new swimwear collaboration with The W Hotel. Fashion editor turned travel blogger, Bonnie Rakhit, founder,shares with us her recent trip to the William Tempest launch party, on the star-studded Sun Deck at The W Barcelona...
From models, DJs, fashionistas to celebs, Barcelona’s beautiful crowd was out in full force, for the William Tempest swimwear launch. With spectacular views over the glittering city skyline, the turquoise, infinity pool, on the new Sun Deck at The W, created the perfect backdrop.
Following the success of Tempest’s past collaboration with The W London; he previously designed an exclusive collection of silk nightwear; this is his second collaboration with the global, hip hotel brand. I caught up with the Cheshire born designer, earlier in the day, on board a special catamaran cruise, to get a sneak peak of the collection and get some insider gossip from the designer himself.

beautiful formal dresses

“I'm thrilled to be involved in this project and to have the opportunity to work with a ground-breaking hotel, with such a forward-looking focus on design and fashion,” says Tempest. “I was inspired by the dynamic spirit and incredible location of W Barcelona, right next to the beach. I wanted to design an original pattern that reflects the energy as well as the fresh, playful, avant-garde and lively personality of W Barcelona, whilst evoking its bold style and effortless glamour, all the things my red carpet creations are well-known for.”
Does Barcelona hold any special significance for you?
“Having visited Spain as a child on many family trips, I have really fond memories of the city. The colours for the design were taken from the blues of the sea and the yellow of the sand. The mosaic print was inspired by Barcelona’s iconic, Gaudi architecture.”
Your celebrity following includes Kate Moss, Rihanna, Alexa Chung and Emma Watson, to name a few of your a-list muses. Who’s next on your ‘stars to dress’ list?
“I like Angelina Jolie. I love how she uses her celebrity status for good causes. She’s a great role model. She’d be a great ambassador for the brand.”
And so to the party… After dark the glam factor was ramped up and we made our way to the sunset, poolside party on the brand new Sun Deck. We ate fresh oysters, foie gras canapés, mini burgers and rainbow coloured macaroons, all washed down with the champagne cocktail of the summer, Veuve Clicquot Rich.Later on the decks and spinning Ibiza tunes, was DJ and model, Cristina Tosio, who is the face of The W / Tempest swimwear campaign and for post poolside drinks, we made our way to the newly renovated, Eclipse Bar, on the 26th floor of The W Hotel and partied into the night. The William Tempest for W Hotels swimwear collection comprises of beach shorts and a 2-piece bikini set, priced at 195 euros each. Hotel guests staying in the Wow Suites will receive the bikini and shorts as a welcome gift.
formal dresses in melbourne

Charlotte Ronson: On Living Out Destiny

Paradigm Shifters is a series of interviews with a select group of women from eclectic walks of life. It will highlight real life insight on how women have been able to turn weakness into strength. Each interview is the naked truth about breakdowns that inspired breakthroughs. These women have experienced internal changes, which make them quintessential Paradigm Shifters.
Everything I have ever done has been focused on this underlying theme of shifting the paradigm because "what we think determines what we feel and what we feel determines what we do." Hence why Seven Bar Foundation and Empowered By Youtakes lingerie, which has traditionally been seen merely as a tool of seduction, and makes it a tool of empowerment.

QueenieAustralia white formal dresses

I hope after reading these stories you will look at your own situations, struggles and accomplishments through a different lens and, at the very least, be better equipped to change your own paradigm. At the end of the day, we are our own Alchemists turning the silver we were born with into the gold we are destined to become.
You come from an artistic family; did you feel pressure to do something artistic when pursuing your career?
Growing up in a creative family, it exposed me to lots of different areas from music to art and fashion. I always felt a sense of freedom in fashion. My mother always pushed us to find a passion for a career we would love so it felt less like work. I always loved drawing and sketching. If I was ever in trouble, I would have to go and do a specified number of 'cultural' excursions, ie:. Visiting a museum or taking drawing classes at the Art Students' League. This helped me explore my love for the arts and push my creative side. I went to New York University as a Studio Art major. In high school I was lucky enough to intern at Harper's Bazaar so I was I able to discover which area of fashion most inspired me. In my last year at NYU I began to design custom vintage t's and tanks.
How was the process of the business side of what you do?
I started small and I was beyond careful. Doing it on my own, perhaps allowed me to take my time and to maintain control, so I was in a position to actually learn from my mistakes. As I went on, I was lucky enough to find generous mentors to guide my journey. Stefani Greenfield at Scoop was really helpful when I first started. She really took the time to help me and teach me the process of building my business and taking it to the next level.
How do you find inspiration?
It really depends as it is forever changing. Each season I come up with the inspiration and mood, colour story, fabric and print boards. Referencing sales to make sure we always include our best sellers and avoid the doozies. It's so important to have a brand identity. You get so entrenched in what's selling and so many mixed messages, that you must take a step back and remember to ask yourself, "What do I want? What do I see? Who's my girl?" and that's always the struggle to stay true to you. Travel is a great way to get inspired and refresh. Most of the time the Internet will have to transform me to another place & never underestimate the library!! There are also some great vintage libraries such as Albright and Southpaw. I try to go after I have a handle on the inspiration.I could spend days there browsing the many rooms filled with clothing, accessories and printed fabrics from every decade. It's beyond inspirational.
You encourage women to be their own role models. How do you carry this message and what advice do you have?
I like to think of myself as a positive influence. I always try my best to practice what I preach to set an example. I've been lucky enough to grow up surrounded by so many wonderfully encouraging, creative and talented family members, friends and piers. Anytime I can help or offer my guidance I try my best to do so. I'm a firm believer of paying it forward. It's not as glamorous as it seems. Hard work is the key to success. It's all about setting the right example of the woman that you want to be and how you want to portray yourself.
How was working with Urban Outfitters and JC Penney?
They both have an amazing customer base that crosses over. Urban Outfitters, was a great introduction into designing playful, fashionable product at a great price. Partnering with JC Penney has been such an incredible opportunity and experience to provide quality and style at a smart price. I feel so grateful to have the pleasure of working with JC Penney, a brand that dresses half of America. I am learning everyday about my customer. We are all on some kind of a budget, and everyone should be able to shop and feel great without spending a fortune. I have always been a fan of mixing high and low, and making it look and feel like your own.
What is a paradigm shift you've experienced in your life?
It is all about changing your mindset. Living in gratitude. In work & life balance is very important. I'm a lot more cognizant of where my thoughts wander and I try my best to bring them back to a place of positivity. I am basically retraining my brain to stay open, light and grateful. I was introduced to an amazing book called the Four Agreements. It's a must read. In case you don't have time ill tell you the 4 agreements: Be impeccable with your word, Don't take things personally, Don't make assumptions, and Always do your best. Words to live by!! Learning TM was life changing and really has helped me stay centered. TM pushed me to take some time for myself each day to quiet my mind. It's astonishing how beneficial this can be.
When have you experienced a breakdown that was really a breakthrough?
When I first started my company, my sister and I moved back in with my mother as our new apartment wasn't ready yet. I had just graduated from Nyu, so this was not ideal. It ended up being a blessing in disguise as I was able to save all of my rent money and put that into growing my business. I took over that whole house! I was tie dying in the bathtub, Getting my lil siblings to help stir and keep me company: I believe I've learned an awful lot in the many years I've been in business. It has always been easy I have learned a lot of it the hard way but I am grateful to still be in business, working hard, creating a brand and staying true to myself. Never give up. It is an extremely tough industry. Tenacity is everything. Struggle is what earns us our value and success.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stay focused on your vision and who you are as a designer. Create a signature identity which sets you apart from others. Believe in yourself. Always be open to listening and hearing other's ideas but trust your guy. It's usually right. Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself.
What legacy do you wish to leave behind?
I wish to be inspiring to young women and encourage them to find their inner voice, passion and love for what they do. To create and not be scared.
There are those people you meet in life that you instantly know are meant for greatness. This is what you feel when you meet Charlotte. Her unwavering determination will bring even more happiness to a lot of us in the very near future.
QueenieAustralia backless formal dresses

Student work hits the runway at SAIC Fashion Show

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) presented their 81st annual runway show, Fashion 2015 May 8. Sophomores, juniors and seniors created over 200 original garments, shown in an electrifying runway show throughout the day at Millennium Park’s Chase Promenade. Fashion 2015 culminated The Walk, SAIC’s annual benefit, which aims to support the production of student’s work and scholarships.
This year, The Walk awarded world-renowned fashion critic, filmmaker and journalist, Diane Pernet as SAIC’s Legend of Fashion. Although it wasn’t just Pernet that made the night special, SAIC students and faculty truly put on a spectacular fashion show. With the help of faculty, students were able to present their stunning designs, intriguing soundscapes, exquisite garments and cutting-edge looks. Students were able to produce these works through their knowledge of various techniques, such as, sculpture, performance, design, architecture, and installation.

QueenieAustralia formal dresses brisbane

The show was broken down into four sections, beginning with a performance piece entitled The Dolls. The performance was a media ballet produced by Claudia Hart, an artist and Associate Professor of Film, Video, New Media and Animation at SAIC. Hart was inspired by the philosophy of eternal return, the idea that history endlessly renews itself through a process of decadence, decay and rebirth.
“I always make these conflicts between something that’s very contemplative and meditative and sort of spiritual,” said Hart. “A language that is techy and pop, like in this case, the graphics were animated logos of both big American corporations, mostly tech corporations and collapsed empires of the world.”
These ideas were shown through eight white paper-doll performers, who performed choreographed movements. The “dolls” wore white body suits and white cardboard cutouts of tutu dresses sandwiching the performers. The dresses functioned as movie screens for Hart’s hypnotizing animations making the audience feel as if they were seeing flashing lights in Time Square. Though the animations were not random, Hart used specific clips of current logos and graphic icons of major corporations. She also had clips of what she called Doll Houses, which were pieces of architecture from various historical periods of empires that collapsed. This represented the idea of decadence, decay and the death of kings and empires, while simultaneously showing the high-tech asthetic.
“I did collapsed empires through the entire world,” Hart said. “I took the icons and symbols of the kings, queens like their scepters and crowns and made logos out of them with all of the students.”
After the performance ended, the fashion show began with the sophomore’s who each presented one avant-garde look. This was their first fashion show, and they were only allowed to work with white cotton and accents of gold. Then the juniors presented a three-look collection, followed by the seniors who showcased a complete selection of five looks.
Sophomore Kellia Yao designed a structured look for the show with all liner shapes. But next year, Yao hopes to have a completely different look for the show.
“This year was very robotic, so next year I want to have some ready to wear.” Yao said. “But I’m not thinking about next year just yet. I need a vacation. I need a break so bad.”
Another student and accessory designer, Riley Liu designed three hats and one bag for junior designer, Nana Park. Park’s all white collection resembled a bridal style and Liu made what she believed to be bridal headwear and accessories. One of Liu’s most important pieces was a white vacuformed plastic hat, made from a mold and then laser cut.
Tommy Walton, accessory design and fashion faculty emphasized that it’s students like Liu who will be able to do many things in her career because of the way SAIC “cross trains” their students.
“Riley can sew, she can mold, she can sculpt, but then Riley has these eyes. She’s a visionary and Riley is young, but when we talk she is not a young person inside,” Walton said. “There is something different inside of Riley that is going to shock the world.”
But Liu is just one student. Senior designer, Annie Au, said she was inspired to do her collection by a short story she wrote.
“The story was about this future society that every five years there’s a thing called ‘the shuffle’ where everybody is assigned to move somewhere new.” said Au. “I guess it’s sort of based off of my own experiences because I’m Australian, but my family moved to Beijing and then I moved here for school and there’s a lot of confusion when people ask me ‘where are you from?’ its kind of a hard question to answer.”
Walton said the show wouldn’t be what it is without the help of the other SAIC departments.
“It’s a collaborative effort between all of these different departments, because we have our sound department, set design, lighting design, everyone is coming together to make this production happen,” said Walton.
QueenieAustralia pink formal dresses

FIT’s Future of Fashion ’15 show

Oh, what a show! FIT’s Future of Fashion show, held last Thursday evening at the John E. Reeves Great Hall on the FIT campus, was absolutely spectacular. Presented by Calvin Klein and hosted by Nicole Richie, it was a fun-filled night of fashion surprises. For fall ’15, there were 72 fabulous styles on the runway, created by FIT’s top graduating fashion design students. Fashion categories included nine award-winning looks from children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion and sportswear.
Winning designs for the Best Use of Color Award and for the first-ever People’s Choice Award were also presented. In the audience, the celebrity and VIP guests included Nicky Hilton, Sonja Morgan, Francisco Costa, Lorraine Schwartz, Jonathan Cheban, Phillipe and David Blond, K. Lee Graham and others.
As this year’s host, Richie, the creative director of House of Harlow, shared her vivacious personality and her take on the Future of Fashion show.

formal gowns melbourne

“From an early age, I was fascinated with creating my own unique look,” said Richie. “Staying true to yourself and not letting others influence you is very important. The Future of Fashion runway offers these emerging designers a unique opportunity to get their designs in front of influential members of the industry at the beginning of their careers. To witness their creations come to life on the runway (with them) will truly be inspirational.”
From designs by the college’s most talented graduating fashion designers, 27 garments were selected for the People’s Choice Award by the fashiondesign faculty. They chose three garments from each of the nine classes. The contest was promoted through social media and more than 17,000 votes were cast. The People’s Choice Award winner is special-occasion designer Caroline Vagnone. Shannon King, a knitwear designer, won the Siempre Mujer Magazine’s Best Use of Color Award.
Three designers were honored with the Cotton Inc. Awards. Jenna Zhang, from FIT in Milan, won first place, Hee Soo Lee won second place and Chanan Reifen won third place.
The Future of Fashion recognizes MAC and its team of makeup artists, led by Romero Jennings. Celebrity stylist Halli Bivona of John Barrett Salon, located on the top floor of New York’s Bergdorf Goodman, directed a talented team of hair stylists.
simple formal dresses