Hello Magazine Chef Aldo's Model daughter Laura Zilli the full story

Dress: Kruszynska Couture
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Necklaces: Susan Caplan & Rokit

(Main Photo)Dress: Caroline Castigliano
Necklaces: Susan Caplan
(Right)Dress: Kruszynska Couture

(Left) Dress: Philip Armstrong
Shoes: Ipilya
(Right) Dress: Jexika
Headpiece: Victoria Grant

Blouse: Nicol DeNoir Ribbon/Chifon Blouse
Headpiece: Louis Mariette

Showing the whole story as featured in Hello Magazine with Chef Aldo's model daughter Laura Zilli.

Interview By Erin McKee
Photography: La Roache Brothers
Styling: Kalee Hewlett
Hair: Louis Byrne at Frank Agency using Frederic Fekkaj
Make-Up: Kolbrun Ran at Frank Agency Using Giorgio Armani

Laura Zilli featured in Hello Magazine wearing Nicol DeNoir

Chef Aldo's Model Daughter Laura Zilli featured in Hello Magazine wearing Nicol DeNoir Chifon Blouse, 29th August 2011 pg 102

Interview By Erin McKee
Photography: La Roache Brothers
Styling: Kalee Hewlett
Hair: Louis Byrne at Frank Agency using Frederic Fekkaj
Make-Up: Kolbrun Ran at Frank Agency Using Giorgio Armani

FAB UK Launch: Interview with Nicol Denoir

FAB UK Launch: Interview with Nicol Denoir click link

Cindy Hudson interviews the designer at the FAB Magazine UK Launch @ RS Lounge hosted by StylishDay Party. http://blog.fabmagazineonline.com/?p=27546

What is a 'Couturier'?

A couturier (French: [ku.ty.ʁje]) is an establishment or person involved in the clothing fashion industry who makes original garments to order for private clients. A couturier may make what is known as haute couture.[1] Such a person usually hires patternmakers and machinists for garment production, and is either employed by exclusive boutiques or is self-employed. (Wikipedia)

I'm not particularily sure what I am...lol!! A designer first (fashion/costume), a corsetiere, a patterncutter and a machinist all in one I guess, but lately I've been referred to as a Couturier. I suppose as I do a lot of handsewing and everything else inbetween, but I do plan to outsource work to other patternmakers and machinists in the future as my main profession really is designing. No one person is an island as they say, maybe I just found it difficult to let go and spread the work load :). I always wanted to work my way from the bottom so that I could understand my trade inside out and know how to delegate once I reach the top of my game.

But to be completely honest it was more to do with circumstances why I began working this way, after developing many skills once graduating from my studies not to mention the experience I gained growing up as a young girl. I was offered many interesting opportunities to learn various skills, so I took everything that was on offer and this is the end result of what I now know.

DJ PIONEER FT EGYPT - STRONGER (BEHIND THE SCENES) NEW showing Nicol DeNoir™ corseted metallic garments

This clip shows more indepth 'behind the scenes' footage of the video production, where you can see more of the Gold & Fushia corseted metallic outfits produced and designed by Nicol DeNoir™ in more detail. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Director: Dan Tah
Producer: Michael O
Music Producer: DJ Pioneer
Make up: Lisa Joseph
Fashion Designers: Eveae West
Corset Designer: Nicol Denoir™

Egypt dancing away for her video 'Stronger' wearing Nicol DeNoir™ Fushia metallic outfit

While working within the music industry with singers, artistes and musicians its necessary to create outfits that stand out. In this case I have used bold colours and metallics to reflect well under the strong lighting and video footage for Egypt to wear in the video. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Egypt in motion for her Official Video 'Stronger' in Nicol DeNoir™ Metallic Fushia outfit

Working the routine with Choreographer Liam Francis while wearing Nicol DeNoir™. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Egypt doing her routine in her video 'Stronger' wearing Nicol DeNoir™ Fushia metallic outfit

The Fushia outfit is a mix of Duchesse Satin and Metallic Stretch fabric to allow for movement while doing the dance routine. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Egypt in her video 'Stronger' wearing Nicol DeNoir™ Gold metallic corset outfit

The gold was used as a reflection to 'Egyptology' where this collection was originally developed from. More from this gold collection will be shown later this year....

Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Egypt sings in her video 'Stronger' wearing Nicol DeNoir™ Gold metallic outfit

A lot of effort was put into these garments as they are produced layer by layer as you will soon see later in the blog. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Behind the scene photo's DJ Pioneer Egypts Official 'Stronger Video' wearing Nicol DeNoir™ gold outfit

Egypt wearing Gold Metallic outfit produced by Nicol DeNoir. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

DJ PIONEER FT EGYPT 'STRONGER' OFFICIAL VIDEO wearing Nicol DeNoir™

The official video 'Stronger' shown with the Gold and Fushia metallic garments produced and designed by Nicol DeNoir. Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Director: Dan Tah
Producer: Mo Ent
Choreographer: Liam Francis
Designer: Eveae West
Corset Designer: Nicol DeNoir™
Makeup: Lisa Joseph
Model: Freddy Rhodes
Special thanks to: Oh Tv
Thank you to everyone who took part in the video, Band, Dancers, Team!x

Egypt - In The Morning (Let Your Love Come In)

Egypt with her original debut single 'In the Morning' a big hit in the house scene. After meeting the singer we decided to colaborate for her latest video 'Stronger'.

Rubies & Metal 4

Behind the scenes FAB Magazine Launch @RS Lounge, event organised by StylishDays Party. Models Vanessa & Danielle

Nicol DeNoir™ Ruby/Silver Satin & Leather Corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Silver Metallic Skirt

Nicol DeNoir™ Black Ribbon Corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Black Ribbon Twaspie™ Pants

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Rubies & Metal 3

Behind the scenes FAB Magazine Launch @RS Lounge, event organised by StylishDays Party. Models Daniella & Siobhan

Nicol DeNoir™ Ruby/Silver Satin & Leather Corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Ruby/Silver Shorts

Nicol DeNoir™ Silver Leather Corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Ruby Tafetta Ruffle Skirt

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Rubies & Metal - The Material World

Conflicts between the two elements as both carry their own value. One for wealth and beauty and the other 'Metal', well there is no real definition for metal as it has many uses that help us as a planet to develope and move forward. 'Metal is also a chemical element that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat and forms cations and ionic bonds with non-metals'(wikipedia). So really it could be seen as being more useful than Ruby as it serves much more value in the longterm development of the world we live in today.

'In chemistry, a metal (from Greek "μέταλλον" – métallon, "mine, quarry"[1], from Greek μετ' ἄλλα = "in search of other things"; (wikipedia) I am forever searching for new ways for developing my product and it's many uses, but with meaning and purpose.

Metal is used in corsets instead of whalebone, which was originally widely used throughout corsetry in the early 18th century until it was abolished in the later years. Buildings are constructed with metal beams to hold up buildings and steel bones used to construct corsets, (often referred to as contructed rather than made as it is more than just a simple garment).

Behind the scenes FAB Magazine Launch Party @RS Lounge event organised by StylishDay Party's. Nicol DeNoir™ Ruby/Silver Leather Collection. Thanks to all the Models, Vanessa, Yasmin, Daniella, Siobhan, Danielle, and Simara

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Creating the Look

This range is a sneak preview of my leather collection, due for Spring/Summer 2012. The collection is based on the professional woman, who is elegant, sophisticated, and successful but with the attitude to kick ass when necessary. One who is surely not to be taken for granted a typical Linda Carter. Biff....!!!Bam....!!!Poow!!!

The influence of comics as a child is still with me as an adult. The garments I produce are developed through sci-fi, and futurism while still appearing slightly more commercial and wearable. But one does need to be pretty confident to feel inspired enough to carry it off, everything we seem to do nowadays need to be so perfect and flawless. But why, says who???

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Corset Skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Creating the Look

Throughout my youth I was always told ‘you’re so skinny’, you need some meat, and now that I have ‘filled out’ we tend to feel uncomfortable being a normal average size and that the real reason behind my range. During the Corset periods, it didn’t matter what size a woman was, she was still very fashionable and that’s my point. The twiggy undernourished look doesn’t necessarily do it for me unless it’s for editorials or the catwalk, but the average woman can’t relate to that. I’ve experience being on both sides of the fence and as a woman and a designer I know what needs to be addressed, so I cater for it.

When I produce a corset for a customer they really do feel special, because I know what they want and I design to cater for this, which is more appealing to the client. Garments that are mass produced for the consumer is the same and aimed at a younger market, age/shape shouldn’t be such an issue but it is and if someone who feels young inside is left with limited choices to feel trendy and curvaceous without going 'under the knife' then what choice is there really!

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Corset Skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 5

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaist Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's

Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 4

Oluebube applying makeup to Renata

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 3

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts
Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Waist Cincher

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 2

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Developing the Range - test shoot

Obviously wearing short isn't for everyone, but the idea is to show the difference between the two without changing the range too drastically, just a matter of wearing what suits the wearer, and if you're lucky enough to have great legs then the option is there to show them off.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

The 18th Century Philosophy

Photographer: Michael Bryant
Models: Renata Trencanska and Elena Chikunova
This image can only be used with the permission of Michael Bryant.
mobile:07877250702 or Email: michaelbryant777@hotmail.com

Burlesque Rose Net Mask and Burgundy Tafetta Mask www.masqueboutique.co.uk

Nicol DeNoir™ Burgundy Tafetta corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Black satin ribbon corset

Back stage at Home House

Instead of excessive use of fabric as originally used in the 18th Century, the volume was reduced from several layers, shortening the skirt, and exchanging the bustle for frills and flouncing at the back. The black corset was one I had produced previously which blended in well with the collection developed with asymmetric layers of ribbon, which was used to decorate and add detail. The burgundy Taffetta corset is designed with folds and pleating detail across the top edge of the garment All corsets shown, can be custom made. Prices will vary according to fabric, details/design and fittings.

The 18th Century Concept

Photographer: Mark Baron www.SeenThisPhotography.co.uk
Model: Renata Trencanska

Nicol DeNoir™ Black satin ribbon corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Burgundy Ruffle Taffeta/Organza skirt

The concept behind this range was to produce a mini collection for the 18th Century themed show, but without making the outfits resemble fancy dress (as that really isn't what the label is about). It would have been more elaborate, but with only a few weeks to produce the garments, it really didn't leave that much time do to the work, so I kept things simple. The whole point was to create a range of garments that are wearable for a modern wardrobe.

The 18th Century Theory

Photographer: Mark Baron www.SeenThisPhotography.co.uk
Models: Franscesca Turner and Danielle Bromley

Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Brocade corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Gold/Organza Ruffle skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Black Satin lace trim corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Fine Beaded Lace Ruffle pants
Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Satin shorts

The new Nicol DeNoir fashion label that is now being developed consists of other items of clothing, some corseted and some without. This is a unique collection which needed to offer the wearer the option of a whole outfit rather than just a corset, making it easier to match items. The corsets are only produced as outerwear due to the rich and delicate nature of the fabics and trimmings used in each design.

18th Century Fashion Show at Home House

Photography by Alan Harbord www.ahpphoto.co.uk
Model: Francesca Turner

Gold Brocade mask created by Masque Boutique fwww.masqueboutique.co.uk
created for Nicol DeNoir™ matching gold brocade corset

Taking part in an event held at Home house. The theme was 18th century and the guests also had to attend dressed in 18th costume which appeared to be an interesting concept, something different from what I'd normally do, and yet being versatile as a designer I decided to give it a try adding a modern twist.

Kyrah 'Uh Oh' Official video

Styling by Neesha Sharma
Kyrah wearing Nicol DeNoir™ corset

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Baby Blue - RUN feat Wretch32 / SILENT LOVER Official video

Styling by Neesha Sharma
Baby Blue wearing Nicol DeNoir™ corset.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Spell Europe - Black Hair & Beauty Mag issue Feb/Mar 2011

Photographer: Stelanour Sani www.stelianoursani.com
Hair Stylist: Angela Plummer www.angelaplummer.com
Make-up Artist: Wai Kan www.wai-kan.co.uk
Stylist: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.co.uk
Model: Zainab Balogun www.mi-agency.com

Ribbon Corset: Nicol DeNoir™ Satin ribbon Corset www.nicoldenoir.co.uk
Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Spell Europe - Black Hair & Beauty Mag issue Feb/Mar 2011

Photographer: Stelanour Sani www.stelianoursani.com
Hair Stylist: Angela Plummer www.angelaplummer.com
Make-up Artist: Wai Kan www.wai-kan.co.uk
Stylist: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.co.uk
Models: Zainab Balogun & Natalie www.mi-agency.com

Ribbon Corset: Nicol DeNoir™ Satin ribbon Corset www.nicoldenoir.co.uk
Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

The FashionTV Award

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011.

When you work hard at what you do, receiving awards really is the biggest motivation. It means you're doing something right, and it really does put everything all into prospective!!!

Receiving the FashionTV Award

Extremely happy to receive this award :)

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011.

The Winning Collections

Amanda Rudin President of the panel and head of Fashion TV with the two winning collections at the event, Julie Haider and Nicol DeNoir, held 11th March 2011. Photo taken by Kin Pang

The Black Panther

Photo's taken by: Bloggess Extroadinaire

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011. Model Helga wearing Nicol DeNoir™

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Armour, Daggers & Swords

Photo taken from www.GluttonforGrandeur.com. Independent Fashion Blogger Alexis Oladipo.

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011. Model Katusha wearing Nicol DeNoir™ metallic blue corset and Silver satin skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Image protected by copyright © 2011 Glutton for Grandeur - Alexis Oladipo

The details in the painting

There were so many paintings to see, showing battles or biblical references, religious, ceremony’s and so on. Impressions of wealth and riches beyond belief. By the time I came back from my trip all I could see was colour, steel, metallic and everything seemed so bright and colourful and so therefore my range for the ‘Battles of Rome’ was developed with all the splendour seen with my own eyes. This really was a great starting point for my collection!

Everything that glitters appears to be Gold!

Once inside the famous buildings all you could see was paintings all along the sides and the ceiling filled with intricate detail and gold leaf. This really was one of the most inspiring, breathtaking and overwhelming things to see as it just continued throughout the whole building. It really had to be the biggest Art Gallery I’ve ever seen!

Roman Heritage, Art & Culture

One of the main things to do in Rome was to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. There were grand buildings everywhere and once approaching the grounds it was like being inside an Arena, structured with extremely high columns that appeared to continue forever.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Structured interiors, metal and glass

Thank goodness elevators were invented as there was so much to see, unlike the Titanic, to take the stress out of travelling up and down the stairs even though each floor wasn’t too high and each level overlapped with the other. The lifts provided an interesting view with its glass interior and glass roof top (shown in the photo looking upwards), made the view even more interesting as all the colours showed various hues of steel, mirrors and lights which was all so astonishing to witness.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Conceptual Design Features

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

The very first view to catch my eye just as I entered the cruise liner was this stunning view inside the ship. It truly was a scene from the Titanic, the brass banister entwined with swirls, curves with a conceptual design that travelled up and up for 14 floors.

Travelling through the Mediterranean seas

Inspiration for the Battles of Rome

My cousin Neil and his wife Janine decided to have their wedding on a Cruise while travelling through the Mediterranean Sea. It was a couple of years since qualifying as a pilot and part of his travels, I’m guessing, meant there was no way he was going to settle for a straight forward traditional wedding. This was a trip I was not going to miss for anyone, as I knew it would be such a splendid affair.

The trip involved travelling through Barcelona, Cannes, Monaco, and Rome just to name few and it truly was one of the most astonishing events I have attended in a while. A wedding is always a joyous occasion but this really had to be one of the best for me so far. I knew I could only be inspired by the beauty I was about to experience while travelling on this journey, as I have such a soft spot for culture, tradition and heritage.

Armand Beasley @ 09Twelve Fashion of London Awards | FashionTV - FTV.com

The first video below for some unknown reason has been removed from view maybe due to some kind of infringement who knows, although I do prefer it more than the FashionTv version if I'm honest. Either way you get to see the show, my collection and recieving my first award, whoo hoo...!!!

Fashion for London

Video created by Kassu Ent Association with URBAN PULSE CREATIVE for the Fashion of London Design Awards sponsored by ELIXIR OF FASHION VODKA at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics 11th March2011. Showing Julie Haider and the first collection of Nicol DeNoir

The Battle of Rome 4

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Backstage at the 09Twelve, Fashion of London Design Award March 2011. Modelled by Daniella from Elite Model Management. PR representative for enquires at the 'Fashion of London' Design Awards contact laetitia@09twelve.com

The greys and blue colours used to show the elements of stormy weather as a reflexion of clouds often shown in these type of paintings and strong fuchsia pinks to represents natures natural beauty when there is peace. If I was to use red that would have been to show the blood that has been shed over Love and War but instead I chose blues to create calmness during troubled times. The metallic spikes a representation of clashing swords used during battle.

The Battles of Rome 3

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Backstage at the 09Twelve, Fashion of London Design Award March 2011. Modelled by Katusha Fletcher from Elite Model Management. PR representative for enquires at the 'Fashion of London' Design Awards contact laetitia@09twelve.com

Although there is no draping in my current range the concept is based on the conflicts between love and war. Using metallic leather for armour or soft white leather for angelique presence, combined with bold bright colours in Duchess Satin to show calm and peace between the two, creating ambience of power and status to the wearer, black and white to show conflict of opposition.

The Battles of Rome 2

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Backstage at the 09Twelve, Fashion of London Design Award March 2011. Modelled by Neeru Bhandari from Elite Model Management. PR representative for enquires at the 'Fashion of London' Design Awards contact laetitia@09twelve.com

Roman images dressed with metal armour and draped with bold colours with the richness and splendour of the Roman Catholic empire was so amazing to envisage. Images of battle and biblical references were abundantly obvious in each piece. Blue clouds, winged characters and scantily dressed in transparent drapes.

The plan was first to visit the Vatican but time was pushing on to get back in time before the ship sailed. Once inside the Sistine Chapel the montage of pillars and spiral marble and stone staircase, the astonishing artwork painted with gold leaf was breath taking to say the least as it was everywhere, up above and around and it just seemed to continue on forever and ever.

The Battles of Rome 1

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Backstage at the 09Twelve, Fashion of London Design Award March 2011. Modelled by Neeru Bhandari and Katusha Fletcher from Elite Model Management. PR representative for enquires at the 'Fashion of London' Design Awards contact laetitia@09twelve.com

The inspiration behind my new collection came after a trip from a cruise around the Mediterranean Sea while touring the Vatican and The Sistine Chapel in Rome and seeing the magnificent creation of Michelangelo, Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.

The Judging Panel

Gosh what an exciting week!!! It wasn't until Monday 7th March 2011 that I was told I had been selected as a finalist for the 09Twelve, 'Fashion of London Design Award' held at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics in Park Lane. Myself alongside Julie Haider was chosen as the two favorite contestants for the event held on 11th March 2011.

I was filled with so much excitement as I worked hard to finish off my collection in time for the show. Just for the mere fact that my garments are usually made to order due to the nature of each piece, I really had to make up a new range from scratch in a very limited time, so my work was really cut out. I was so nervous but after putting up the details online, the support I received gave me the added confidence to really go for it. I rarely take part in competitions but this time I decided to give it a go and boy I'm so glad I did.

The judges on the panel were

Amanda Rudin, Head of Fashiontv UK and President of the Panel
Noor Fares, Designer of N.oor
Liz Fuller, TV Presenter, Actress and Model
Armand Beasley, Celebrity Make Up Artist, Stylist and Actor
Charlotte Smith, Glam Media and Style Cartel
Dusan Sofranac, General Manager of Trader Vics

Event organised by 09Twelve http://www.09twelve.com
Hair styled by Leticia Haute Coiffure http://www.leticiahautecoiffure.com
Models Elite Model Management http://www.elitemodellondon.co.uk
Make up by Make up Forever http://www.makeupforever.com

PR representation and enquires for the event contact Laetitia@09Twelve.com

This year I decided it was time to take part in more events, competitions and awards. My first challenge was to enter for the Fashion of London Award with 09Twelve three weeks before the actual event at the Hilton Hotel. I contemplated hard as I wasn't sure if it was possible to produce all the items required in time, as producing corsets is very time consuming, and very challenging but then I thought 'hey, why not' so I have, and now I really 'do' have my work cut out. The response so far as been fantastic and with only three days to go, well I better get my skates on.....

Wow what a great start to the new year!!! I've been working so hard since deciding to focus solely on my new fashion label that I haven't had a chance to stop and take a breather. Opportunities are coming in before I can even say 'What do you think of....!!!