Dearest all,
I hope that you are all smiling?
It has taken a little longer than I thought to get my studio up and running, partly because I relocated both my home and studio to London at the same time! …Wow, soooo many boxes! I also had to spend some time decorating my studio and getting it organised. I am finally feeling more settled and officially opened the doors to Beautiful Soul’s Studio last week. IT IS WONDERFUL!
New Studio
When I started Beautiful Soul I had to turn my bedroom in to my studio and I lived without a bed in favour of storage/work space for well over a year! Starting your own company is made up of sacrifices and to finally display my fabrics on shelves and have my collections on display, is an incredible achievement. I am totally inspired and the demands of the rent will drive me forward. It’s daunting, but I have the energy to make it work.
I am now able to offer Beautiful Soul Bespoke, whereby my clients are invited (by appointment) to visit and select their own vintage Japanese kimono personally, being a true part of the journey of their Beautiful Soul garment. I need this interaction in my work and I have already had a number of visits, which I am very happy about. I might even be making a piece/s for somebody who I have been a huge fan of for many years. It’s very exciting. Please cross you fingers for me!
Beautiful Soul received another order from the V&A and confirmation that they will be stocking our pieces throughout the Autumn (10/11), which is such good news. I am beginning to understand who my customer is and it is extremely reassuring to receive such positive feedback.
I mentioned briefly about Business support programmes in my last Blog and I would highly recommend engaging on one or two; which will help a young business to develop.
The Centre for Sustainable Fashion (London College of Fashion) is an extremely worthwhile programme for ethical business’s to engage, as it allows you to connect with Industry experts and other like minded designers. It is a good way to talk about your struggles and share ideas. I really look forward to my ‘one to one’ sessions; it’s a tonic to discuss your concerns and goals with such dedicated and passionate individuals.
Fashion Capital, the UK’s leading fashion portal, has also been extremely supportive and Beautiful Soul was happy to open the fashion show at the launch of their ‘The Collection’ event last month, at Vendome Mayfair. ‘The Collection’, in association with Edge models promotes up and coming designer talent, providing an opportunity to showcase their collections to a vibrant audience of press, buyers, stylists and fashion conscious clubbers! The Fashion Capital team did a fantastic job and the launch was a huge success.
Beautiful Soul’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection is starting to take shape and I will share more with you as it develops.
Until the next time, back to my pattern cutting!
…Until the next time.
Nicola, Beautiful Soul xxx
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