LONDON, United Kingdom — The Business of Fashion is pleased to announce the launch of Inside the Studio, a series of in-depth interviews providing a 360 degree view of the world’s top fashion designers and their roles as both creative and business people.

Supported by Swarovski and produced by and developed in association with Make Believe, the first interview features renowned fashion designer Giles Deacon who celebrated his 10th season at London Fashion Week in September 2008. In a rare one-on-one conversation, Deacon speaks at length about his decision to become a fashion designer, the nature of his creative process, and his approach for managing an independent fashion business in these troubled economic times.

Inside the Studio moves beyond the ephemeral trend- and celebrity-watching common in the fashion media to reveal a fascinating side of the industry that is rarely seen.

Giles’ story will be revealed in three chapters on www.businessoffashion.net and www.swarovskisparkles.tv in the coming weeks:

Chapter I – Foundation
“Unstructured Exploration…” (3 February, 2009)

Chapter II – Creative Process
“A Designer Who Has Always Drawn…” (9 February, 2009)

Chapter III – Business
“The Surprise of Collaboration…” (16 February, 2009)

Stay tuned for the first video which debuts on Tuesday, 3 February at 12:00 noon, London time.

Danielle Scutt and Roksanda Ilincic, courtesy of Mandi Lennard Publicity

LONDON, United Kingdom — I was surprised to see that a number of big-name sponsors have signed on recently to support the upcoming round of fashion shows.

In London, Henry Holland’s show will be sponsored by Sebastian, makers of hair care products. And Barbie is making an appearance in both New York and London — thanks to the fact that it is her 50th birthday. Mattel, makers of Barbie, have signed a three-year partnership deal with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and become a sponsor of New York Fashion Week while in London they’ve hired Roksanda Ilincic and Danielle Scutt to design dresses for their little dolls and also sponsored their shows. This is notable in a climate where a lot of fashion show sponsorship has simply dried up. … Continue Reading