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.....