Dear Shaded Viewers,
I was starving by the time I arrived in Brussels, my friends Philippe Pourhashemi, Vincent Dechamps and Tristan met me at the train, dropped my bags at the lovely Hotel Amigo, part of the Rocco Forte Hotel Group and I forgot to take my camera along with me. It did make my bag a bit lighter. After a nice Japanese lunch we went to visit David Szeto, my man of the skirts and shirts, for a fitting for what will be my signature black cotton shirt. Who knows when I will see it but this time, like with my long skirts, I think I will order in bulk…that way I don't have to bother him constantly sending him e mails with just…skirts, shirts, skirts, shirts. After our visit we went to the depot & vente, Piece Unique on 167/168 rue Franz Merjay and I fell in love with a silk cloque trench coat by Ferre. Not sure but we think it was designed during his life with that brand. It is probably meant for summer but I think I'll wear it under my coat as just one more layer. Now, I am back at the Hotel Amigo, I'll show you around a bit then tell you about "Welcome to the Jungle".
Preparing to look at the latest entries for ASVOFF.ES. tomorrow is the absolute deadline.
Before I take my bubble bath let me tell you a little about "Welcome to the Jungle". The discussion was organized by The Word Magazine in Brussels and chaired by Philippe Pourhashemi. You all know Philippe, he does a lot of other things, but he also writes for ASVOF. His idea was to put together a group of industry professionals aware of the challenges ahead for the hundreds of fashion school graduates looking to launch their own brands or to find a secure job. What we are dealing with now is the recession, competition from high street, e commerce and the need is for one to refine and define their strategy. Well, more on all of that at the end of the day tomorrow. Philippe will be writing a piece on the round table discussion for the next issue of The Word.
Later,
Diane