CHARLOTTE TAYLOR

A hot Christmas

2012-01-10T10:19:00.008Z

So December 2011 saw the Taylor clan venture to pastures new, on a trip that had been planned for over a decade. South America was beckoning - in Particular, ARGENTINA.

Sometimes I account my olive skin to our numerous relatives who hail from this vast country...I have been known to exaggerate and this is no exception. Although our travels revolved around visiting numerous wonderful family members, the reach of the family tree was distant enough to confuse the best of us after a mere pint of beer, 3 fillet steaks, 5 blood sausages and a kilo of ice cream. "So hang on a minute...you're my grandpa's, sister's, grandchild's cousin...correct...?"

Please do not get me wrong I am taking nothing away from our wonderful family, with whom I am certain we shall now begin to see on a more regular basis...its just that my "olive skin" is not because I am a descendant of some exotic, bronzed Argentinian god, in fact its not even olive at all. I am officially 100% a pasty English girl...but who cares, im proud.

The strangest thing about our trip is that nearly every family member out there is a Taylor....many, many Taylors. Very cool.

Anyway here are a few highlights from our trip:

Buenos Aires by night

The High Life

Tango

Mum showing us her moves ;-)

The reason I am now running to work every day...and night

The Tigre Delta

Damn it - take me back there now

Polo time - id ike to say that I play, but horses hate me - im more of a donkey girl

Wouldn't even look at me...

A spot of sunbathing

A general BBQ

Dad serenading me on my birthday

The spectacular Iguazu Falls

Taking my breath away

A truly memorable experience. Big up the Taylor Clan!

Christmas Print Design Competition!

2011-12-13T13:36:00.003Z

Design a CHARLOTTE TAYLOR Festive themed print and the winner will receive a Large Robot Silk Scarf!

The two runners up will get headscarves too - get designing!!

Winners will be selected on the 20th December 2011

Post your designs as a photo on our facebook wall to enter xx

To Cornwall and Beyond.....

2011-11-03T12:52:00.008Z

So as this last 6 months has been a bit hectic in our camp I decided that to design AW12 I needed to get out of the smoke and head towards some green stuff. I ended up in Cornwall with non other than my dad, who has now convinced himself of the key role he plays in inspiring each collection....I have entertained this notion previously but this season is different and indeed there may be a Captain Pugwash print coming your way soon...along with a Cornish Pasty one...maybe.

So here are a few snapshots of our inspirational inspiration trip....

Night 1: Dad and I are staying in a gorgeous little pub by the sea. It so happens that one of his long lost buddies lives in the village and is running a Ukulele practice session the first night we arrive. Dad is in heaven and when the kazoos come out I feel that I may never be able to get dad to leave the village and Cornwall, ever.

Whilst having a post Jamming session beer, Pop is then accosted by another landlord and convinced to play at open mic night. Oh god. We turn up to an empty pub and quickly turn to leave, but dag nam it, we're spotted. Dad's up, but we must wait for the current act to finish. Lets call him Paul. Paul AKA Ross from friends, but worse. I controled myself. Dad did not. We had a plethera of "Youth today", "What has the world come to", "this is not Jazz", "What the hell is this" and so on. Anyway, although evidently not hard, dad stole the show and drank his free pint with pride whilst unleashing his old man dirty jokes on the unassuming victims at the bar.

Cracking start to Cornwall i'd say.

Day 2: Cliff walk

So I drag a reluctant dad from his bed, I detect a slight diva attitude after last nights antics but choose not to indulge him and we head off along the coast. Wow never seen scenery like it and we have the most wonderful walk for 3 hours, the only difficulties being an overenthusiastic Labrador who likes peering over cliff edges and clumsy father with a penchant for tripping up very close to said cliffs.

Anyway we make it to the next bay where we have been told that there is a village with buses that will take us home. There aint but never mind, dad chats up a couple of lifeguards who we have lunch with who give us a lift home.

Day 3:
St Ives - isnt there a tale about St Ives and Cats...?

Nothing to say apart from TOTALLY LUSH and wow, purple cauliflower...who knew?!?!

The Village from the harbour

The lighthouse

The PURPLE Cauliflower

From there we went onto the Cornish coal mines...
I saw this derelict one on our walk the day before and there was no going back. Off we went to Geevor Mines for an official tour. Wow.

Breathing Equipment

One of the buildings - a maze of metal infrastructure

Dad driving something...

Fascinating place and an equally sad story for all those who lost their jobs when the Cornish mining industry ceased operations.

Day 3:
Exploring the Lizard

The Lizard is the most southerly point of England and it is proper shipwrecksville. The fog enveloped the rugged cliffs as we approached and I lost myself in the world of smuggling and Piracy. Unbeknown to dad, for the duration of our walk I was ferocious smuggler, stopping at nothing to get my hands on the incoming Tea laden vessels.

So that kinda sums it up. We had the most wonderful trip and I got to hang out with my dad for a few days which is a massive bonus. I have tons of inspiration...too much even and I am merrily transforming into prints and clothes for you as we speak.

I love you Cornwall :-)

London Fashion week

2011-10-05T16:35:00.004+01:00

So - this season we graced the halls of Somerset house with our delectable display of mis-mashed shapes, colors and prints for London Fashion Week. I think we complemented each other beautifully - i think so anyway....and that's what counts obviously.

So I began my London Fashion Week in...........Philadelphia.....hmmm...not the obvious scenario one might say. Well I was called out for a last minute meeting with Anthropologie (for whom we design a diffusion line) which lasted all of 24hours...A tiring, successful and as always, eventful trip that began with the grottiest hotel I had ever stayed in (I slept fully clothed and we ate breakfast from polystyrene bowls - im not a snob, im northern, but ergh.....) and ended with a flight home at the tail end of a hurricane....

My flight (the early flight which I made unexpectedly and was allocated the only spare seat on the plane - back row - middle seat) began badly.... I was sat between two lovely gents. To my right - a 60+ yr old American, severely overweight fella with a pension for spilling his drink every 30minutes or so.... To my left - a 28 yr old American, severely overweight (about 2 1/2 times the size of the guy on my right) with an uncontrollable fear of flying....he spent our time on the tarmac in the bathroom downing half a bottle of whisky to help ease the heebie-jeebies that were now making his whole body shake with fear. He proceeded to order the whole drinks menu and eventually passed out with his hands above his head, which methodically came crashing down onto my lap every time i was juuuuuuuust dozing off - weird.

The circus of the back row of BA Flight 008 to Heathrow was also complimented by a screaming baby zoo, the worst turbulance I (and the fella on my left, oh and pretty much everyone else - we are going to die etc) had ever experienced. So bad the one drink / half hour spilled on yours sincerlys' lap was dramatically upped to 4, service was stopped for over an hour and we generally had a bit of a free Alton Towers ride courtesy of the hurricane gracing the skies of the North Atlantic - HAPPY FUN TIMES!

Anyway I wearily hopped off the plane at 6am and headed straight to Somerset House. Needless to say I was more unsightly, jetlagged, weirdo than hotshot, glamorous designer (which is what I normally am - of course...hmm) so was promptly ordered home.

The remainder of Fashion Week went well....Suzie B wore our Bonsai Trousers in the Daily - weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I did a scarily scary talk at Topshop about my career...twice...ergh. and we had in general a pretty fab reaction to SS12...

Thank you to all those who came and said hi xx

Amelia's Magazine loveliness

2011-09-22T12:33:00.005+01:00

Huge thanks to the Lovely Amelia's Magazine and wonderful Miranda Williams for their delectable post on our SS12 collection. Equally lovely illustrations compliment the fab article...

Have a gander here....

Thank you so much! Cxx

SS12 - SHORT FILM

2011-09-17T12:04:00.002+01:00

Spring / Summer 2012

2011-09-17T11:41:00.005+01:00

The Lookbook

I hope you like it :) xx

SS12 - the prep and the photoshoots

2011-09-17T10:58:00.007+01:00

Getting carried away with Bonsai trees and Kaleidoscopes - exciting times!

So the fabric arrives, we make the collection and before we know it its time for the photoshoot and also Short film - which we are doing with the wonderful and infinitely talented HarrimanSteel.

The beginning - the fabrics on my pattern cutting table before sampling begins....

The SS12 team consists of The Harriman Steel team - Produced by Beth McQueen.

Fifi - the wonderful model from Models 1. Also from the Isle of Wight = she is ace.

Camilla - Hair and Make-up extraordinaire who has worked with me from the beginning.

Katie Mills - best intern ever who has now unfortunately left. :( :(

Claire Pepper - Photographer and filmographer (is this a word?) legend. Who has put up with my random requests for 4 seasons now and still smiles and produces legendary shots and footage. Basically she is my hero.

Sophie Harris - Greenslade - OMG...Sophie does the best Nail art in the world - FACT!

Shoes provided by non other than Charlotte Olympia - Us Charlottes sticking together....fashioned here by one of our Origami Penguins, who unfortunately were cut from the shoot. We have made up for it with some on location shots for you below which set the mood....

We are family....

Hans Solo - at least he's not in Australia...

Delusions of grandeur....

Lunch Time - on a diet for fashion week...

Hair and Make-up - its all about the red lip

Napping in the make-up case...riiight

Shoe fetish - well who wouldn't with these..

Mario Testiono watch out..

Back to nature...not quite Antarctica...

Anyway a little insight in our random world and wonderful Photoshoot and Short Film.

Massive thanks to the team, who i'm sure you will agree went above and beyond this season.

Big love C xx

Farewell fair Isle

2011-09-17T10:07:00.010+01:00

Its time to move up to the smoke, say farewell to the folks and the Isle of Wight - its a huge step for us and the business but my oh my what a heart wrench.

Saying good -bye to our dad was pretty tough. We're all a bunch of softies and we see each other all the time but having spent two years living and working from home I have become closer to my folks each day. I reference my father in particular as mum (who is equally awesome) works in London every week so I see her on a regular basis....Dad is rarely let off the island for fear of his own safety (and others) ....all pretty girls at London Fashion Week yesterday probably can relate to this and I apologize on his behalf - again!

The cat tried to make a break for freedom in our van and the dog wouldn't even make eye contact - the depths of depression :(

One last cuddle before off..

However - onwards and upwards. By the time we reached London both Ben and I had stopped our wailing (just kidding, it was only a mild sniffle) and were super excited about the new studio and the world of possibility that lay in front of us (fickle I know - sorry dad).

Ben had been up a couple of days before to lay the floor and transform the studio from this:

To this....

This is a half way finished picture. Ben and his gal Camilla spent days painting and cleaning and then Ben lay the black and white floor, which we love (partly assisted by my fella, not known for his DIY skills - who added, lets say some "character" to the straight lines and neat edges...)But on the whole a pretty stella job done all round :)

Our visionary and enterprising Fashion Design operation now runs from a fantastic old BBC building In White City, London which has been taken over by the lovely JP Creative. They have turned the old Building into a creative hub for arty industries, with a great community and work environment. We love it.

We are now fully settled in and it is suitably lived in already. I have an ability to make anywhere seem like I have been there for years. I never know whether this is a complement or a hint at my "creative" untidiness!

An Homage of sorts....

2011-07-29T07:44:00.004+01:00

So in the chaos of moving ship from the Isle to Sunny Shepherds Bush (details of which to come - our new studio is seriously cool) I have decided to take a bit of time out to share with you one of our little obsessions for SS12.

Having received a Bonsai Tree earlier in the year (an amazing gift with huge Sentiment. The lovely gift however requires the following.... watering every day with RAIN water NOT tap water, a twice daily leaf spray with RAIN water, continual trimming and a once weekly soak in a bath...phew. If you knew me you would understand why this poor tree is looking a little on the skinny side at present :(....)
Anyway, said tree ignited a new found interest in Japanese Art and Culture, leading on to our latest obsession du jour - ORIGAMI!

ORIGAMI - from Wiki

Origami (折り紙?, from ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper"; kami changes to gami due to rendaku) is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which started in the 17th century AD at the latest and was popularized outside Japan in the mid-1900s.

We have made a penguin army for our new studio out of some paper printed in one of our new designs. Here's a sneak preview of Army Officers at work:

You can get instructions on how to make him here:

And if you want to do any further designs here:

Enjoy!

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR - The Anthropologist....

2011-07-10T22:03:00.002+01:00

So, its been a bit hush hush our end as all the bits and bobs are confirmed etc, you may have heard, but you probably won't have.....CHARLOTTE TAYLOR is launching a new diffusion line with ANTHROPOLOGIE set to hit stores in October 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The collection, originally named CHARLOTTE by CHARLOTTE TAYLOR, will have the delectable prints you’ve come to love - some are new, never been seen before and some are adaptations of the originals.

If you are a Londoner you will be aware of Anthropologie as they have two stores in our Capital, otherwise they are primarily known for their Stateside presence - We will be exclusively stocked on their website and in their American stores, not in the UK ones, for Autumn / Winter 2011 otherwise known as Fall 2011 (I think).

This has been a huge part of the label for the past few months and it has been something I have been desperate to share. We have been developing the line, visiting Philadelphia, where their extremely cool offices are.....

(Our nervously anticipated meeting in the States began with a double kiss standard welcome, for which I forgot to shut my mouth and plonked a sloppy number on a poor buyers cheek - good start. I am also told that as our discussions progressed i slowly began to resemble a sweaty lobster, cheeks deepening in shade as exciting possibilities were laid out in front of us - nice. )

.....continual trans-Atlantic discussion, design development and oh so much more.

You may have seen that our large scarves (part of the mainline) are already on the website. This will be followed by a couple of new additions, developed especially for the stores. So lots going on...

More updates to follow with images of the line!!!!

Intern needed!!

2011-06-29T11:15:00.001+01:00

Looking for a full time intern to help me in London from 1st sept - end November. Must have experience in sewing / pattern cutting / design. Email me with a CV if you're interested. charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com. Travel expenses within London paid.

Thanks!! Cx

2 1/2 year stepping stone.

2011-06-29T08:36:00.004+01:00

So its been just over two years since a tentative notice was handed in at Luella - was I mad leaving such an iconic, British brand....? I think most of my colleagues thought so, their eyes telling the tale, but my mind was set. I was leaving my 7 year London home and moving in with my parents in my mid twenties, on an island where I knew only a couple of people. Hmmmmmmm.....yeah good one Charlotte, sound like a great idea....Well it turn turned out that is was.

After a couple of amazing years on the island, beavering away in my little studio, dancing to cheesy tunes, sewing for hours upon end and spending every spare minute on the sea, wakeboarding and surfing (well im trying to) and getting to hang out with my folks as an adult for 2 years (this is the best bit), I now have a date set to leave and its official. Argggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

EXCITED / HAPPY / SAD / DREAM COME TRUE / SCARY / HAPPY / SAD / EXCITED / SCARY / DREAM COME TURE / EXCITED / EXCITED / EXCITED / EXCITED

EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Ben and I are set to leave the island for London on the 1st August. (Dad found a hire van for £15 / day last year and has been relishing the thought of the move so the bargain can be fulfilled).

We have found an awesome studio in the mecca that is Shepherds Bush (I once heard that it is the best place to shop in London (this was before Westfield came) because of its diversity and product range....not soooo sure about this fact but I do know that it is host to Goldhawk Road aka fabricbargainroad.com, it is a stones throw away from Notting Hill and the lovely Portobello AND there is a mega climbing wall under the Westway for completely non- competitive scaling with bro at lunch time. Winner!

So this is a fairly mega move for not only me but also for the label. If I revert back to my initial goals when I set out - THIS move was one of them to achieve in THIS year. How great is that.

There are some which are not quite there yet but its only June....pleeeeeenty of time to buy that Mews house, VW camper and travel the world.....pleeeeennnnty of time.

So....How have we managed to achieve this....well I shall go into detail in my next post. For now Londoners I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Ill be the one in deck shoes and a barber wondering aimlessly around Shepherds Bush complaining about the traffic and staring and the bright lights of Westfield in awe / confusion.

xx

Grazia believes....

2011-06-23T11:01:00.002+01:00

CT Elephants parading their way onto Grazia Daily....weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Stella believes.....

2011-06-20T19:57:00.003+01:00

Check out the Elephant Skirt in Stella.......

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!

SS12 - Random as always

2011-06-07T13:13:00.003+01:00

The inspiration behind this seasons' collection.....

Japanese Nail Art and Tattooing

I have had a bit of an obsession with Japanese Nail art for quite some time now and have always been desperate to cover myself in beautiful Japanese illustrations (although this has never happened - i am a grade A wimp and a professional mind changer).
All the same it is a big influence on this season.

Fishing, fly fishing, fishermen, fish - you get the theme

Last season by the sea (we are officially moving off the great Isle in September) so it seemed rude not too. I have always had a thing for fishing boats and the colours of the nets, worn paint and old sea dogs that spend their lives on the oceans. (Dad and I once descended on an ancient pub in the back end of beyond for a musical evening where locals could take it in turns to entertain with their particular skill - an Isle of Wight X Factor - that consisted mainly of said sea dogs singing their shanties, the Elton Johns and Leona Lewis's of the sea if you like . The unusual musical choices and "eclectic" crowd at the evening left a lasting impression on both dad and I and if I can even share an ounce of this evening with you, your life will be better or at least fuller as a result)

Bee - keeping
Coz dad wants bees at home and no one else does and we have been arguing about this for about a year now = its on the brain whether I like it or not.

Occasionally I get to sit in the garden and sketch ideas. I think this is actually my favorite bit....new prints are blacked out.

SO thats it. Im excited. I think its going to be an exciting season!! xx

Look believes.......

2011-06-07T13:09:00.001+01:00

Big Thanks to Look for featuring the Lobster scarf this week!! xx

Metro believes..........

2011-06-07T12:38:00.002+01:00

Big Thanks to the Metro for believing xxx

Telegraph believes......

2011-06-07T12:35:00.003+01:00

Big up to Alicia Waite for I Spy(ing) the Ant Print Shirt on the Telegraph Fashion site

Toot! xxx

On Sale - Di Guardo Boutique

2011-05-16T21:41:00.003+01:00

A lovely independant boutique a stones throw from Portobello Road in London - Di Guardo, owned by the delectable Letizia is a haven for gems, some of them covered in Lobsters and some not.

212 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, London W11
020 7243 9274

Ben the....

2011-05-13T23:38:00.004+01:00

BIG BROTHER BUSINESS BAD ASS

So who better to go into business with than someone you trust implicitly, respect, have known for literally ever, never (well rarely) argue with and generally have a right laugh with - my brother Ben.

Benjamin Taylor, as of a week last monday / tuesday is officially managing the business side of things at CHARLOTTE TAYLOR, helping develop the brand and generally provided a whole load of expertise needed to take the label to the next level and then to infinity and beyond etc...

We are very excited about everything and have even built a proper office bit in the studio. Our favorite new additions being the "That was easy" over-sized button from Staples and the picture of us both as kids above our desks (random clothing included).

Some people may say that we are mad - those who know us know that it is what one might say a "Killer combo" or an "Unstoppable force", or perhaps "A no brainer" - or maybe mum and dad have brainwashed us.
Many a proud parent has indeed given a tone deaf, rhythm less child an unshakable self belief in their talent and shoved them, oosing with confidence onto an X-factor stage or the like, only to be told that dying cats sound better. Lets hope we are not in that bracket.

I am sure that as we wear our B and C super hero outfits to the office every day anything is possible.

Nylon Believes.....

2011-05-13T23:32:00.003+01:00

In this months NYLON - A fab article and another interpretation of a fab way of styling the collection.....some nice words said too :)

Vogue Believes....

2011-05-07T13:46:00.002+01:00

Vogue feels the lobster and ant love....

On Sale - Young British Designers - NOW

2011-04-30T12:28:00.002+01:00

The lovely Young British Designers have a limited selection of the collection on sale now.... GO FORTH AND GOD SPEED - GET SOME LOBSTERS IN YOUR LIFE!

AW11 - On Sale at Coggles

2011-04-28T10:55:00.003+01:00

INCOMINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.............

Selected items of the new collection now on sale at Coggles. More to follow at Young British designers next week and if you're in London any time soon, pop into Di Guardo Boutique, 212 Kensington Park Rd in Notting Hill, you may find a few gems in there also!

The full collection will go on sale in August / September in further boutiques in the UK and USA. Watch this space!

The sales trail....

2011-03-30T15:26:00.005+01:00

It's a long one - hence my lack of communication for the last few weeks...alas...where do we begin.....The start would be a good place I guess.

SO....continuing along the lines of taking the label back to basics, stripping it bear and focusing on a stronger identity and message I decided NOT to show at LFW this year and the collection didn't even grace a showroom. Why is this you say...? Well my theory was that I wanted feedback. Good, honest, straight-forward feedback, from the horses mouth as you may say... the thoroughbred stallions and mares in this case, being many of the boutiques who would ideally stock the collection now or in the future.
SO Dick Whittington here packed up shopped and went on a road trip...I even ended up in NYC!

(there it is....)

I literally went to boutiques, took them lookbooks and showed them the collection..."I was just passing and...." ( I shall now force myself upon you until you buy all of my collection and pre-order the next 5 seasons!!). Sometimes it worked and sometimes I saw the end of a risen, flared nostrilled nose whilst being ushered out the door and tentatively wished "good luck"...Well I didn't like your store anyway...huff.

For me the exercise was of course to introduce retailers to the collection, but also to talk through each piece and to see what bits worked for them, what didn't and how they could see it moving forward. It was sooooo helpful and I actually ended up adding a couple of pieces last minute with their feedback in mind.

The Maxi box pleat dress - available in Ants and Elephants

The box pleat skirt - available in Penguin, Winter Penguin and Elephant

There is also a shirt dress - picture to come

I also used the opportunity to discuss opinions on the easiest and most effective ways to get collections in front of a buyer every season... the options include:

- A show, presentation or exhibition at London Fashion week or any of the others.
- Joining forces with a sales agent and going in a collective show room where the agents get people down and sell you stuff but also take a percentage.
- Paying for a space in a showroom with other designers so you have passing trade but doing the sales yourself.
- Trade shows in the UK and worldwide
- Doing everything yourself. Including going to see shops and buyers at their shops, using spaces rented or borrowed to pop up a rail and show clients.
(I am sure there are other options but these are the ones I discussed).

The tube, for example....

There are also things to consider such as international sales agents who can help you break into American or Asian markets for example, but im going to focus on the UK market for this blog session.

All these questions were asked so that I can make an informed decision on how to present the collection next season, what platforms suit the label and where buyers prefer to go.

SO....
- It was pretty inconclusive....everyone had a preference but they were all different....naturally. It is apparent however, the scale of designers who are knocking on the door of these boutiques. One owner said she gets up to 50 email a day from designers. So you have to be eye catching and different in what you send and how you send it other wise and email or letter wont even get opened. Cut - throat indeed.
- Fashion weeks are sometimes more media focused and sales and buyers can be lost in the thick of it
- Agents can take quite a big cut so it is tossing up he balance of whether the amount they take is worth the sales they generate.
- Trade shows - It depends what you target market is as to which show is right for you but on the whole quite a lot of buyers seem to like this option as they are easy, they focus on sales and they are before fashion weeks, which shows that designers are organized. However many designers do not like to showcase collections before fashion week so this is a big negative.

- By doing the sales yourself, you run the risk of looking unprofessional and also you do not have as many contacts and as much dedicated time as an agent would. However it is more personable and you can build relationships with buyers and get even more feedback! If you share showrooms with other designers you can feed off each others trade and it is more impressive to have a nice space to showcase your collection.

Ill keep you posted on where we decide....
C

AUTUMN / WINTER 2011

2011-02-18T10:39:00.005Z

Presenting you with the new season collection

Completely print focused. Inspired by colonial Africa. I hope you like it (honest comments and opinions always welcome)
An introduction through the official press release. I know that it was posted a couple of weeks ago, but to refresh your memory -

Autumn / Winter 2011 sees CHARLOTTE TAYLOR traverse down a silky wormhole of exquisite, clashing and mood-altering colours, bold contrasts and snippets of African, English Heritage and Hungarian Gypsy inspiration.
For its third season, the label has been stripped bare – focusing on the essence behind the CHARLOTTE TAYLOR charm – the weird and wonderful, the deliciously tactile, the beautifully brave – the prints.
Past prints will carry over, with new colour-ways and designs holding hands to showcase a deluxe, delectable feast for the eye.
The prints envelop duvet-sized scarves, classic silk blouses and shirts and of course the celebrated CT head scarf.
Limited edition Wallpaper prints are also a new introduction – An army of Penguins to share your bathroom with should be an addition to any self-respecting individuals’ bucket list in the 21st Century!

Photographer: Claire Pepper
Stylist: Holly Chaves
Hair and Make-up: Camilla Hewitt
Model: Jodie @ Models 1

For further Information please email me directly at charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com

Pretty picture

2011-02-04T11:49:00.004Z

The Photoshoot

So the days leading up to the shoot as are a bit of a blur - most of it however was spent sewing and/ or organizing...alone. Occasionally I get the odd visit from my cat / neckwarmer...

or dog in the studio and if im lucky, and after a seriously over exaggerated grunt and a bucket load of huffing and puffing my pop appears with a cuppa at the top of the stairs. Although most visitors are hushed out fairly rapidly - the cats claws and dogs mucky paws however, are a minor hazard compared to my fathers hanger knocking, tea spilling, back slapping (when you're sewing an intricate blouse) 6ft 3 clumsiness. He usually has a 30 second time limit.

Anyway, everything gets done and once more I pack up shop and head off to the smoke, Dick Whittington styley to meet Camilla for some last minute prep before the big day. Our final hours are spent covering buttons (mum and Camilla have a "button off" to see who can cover the most buttons. Aplaudable enthusiasm, if a little odd...) and sewing.

In the morning we are up at 6.15am to leave the flat by 7am. It is an early start as we have to go via the button man in Soho - who subsequently disses our button covering skills (he is trying to get more business off us, but our early morning sense of humour is somewhat lacking) and we leave £15 lighter and grumpy.
Lucy, one of my buddies has come along to help and we all pile in the car along with thousands of props, ironing boards, clothes and tea and hot chocolate (spilled in a rather unlucky patch on the passenger seat and all over Lucy's skirt - which whipped off as she fashions a new one from her tweed scarf - we like a proactive thinker).

In a hop, skip and a jump we are in Stoke Newington at the a hired studio. Claire (photographer) arrives, as does Holly (stylist) and Jodie (model) and her mum are there to meet us. She is awesome - perfect for our look and it is a massive relief. Phew.

Hair and make-up gets underway as Lucy and I iron and steam the collection. Holly un-loads her styling props, and there are thousands (what a star) and we begin to go through looks. Our aim is 6/7 looks and that is what we end up with.

The shoot gets going and it is clear that it is English heritage and colonial style. A lot of "wow, that's lush" are thrown around and the whole team seems happy.

We leave at the end of the day completely exhausted. Why are fashion shoots so tiring? and I more than anything am relieved.

Lucy, in her tweed skirt / scarf

I hope you love the shoot and the collection as much as I do. These are my favourite CT photos to date. 100% LUSH.

An Englishwoman in Africa

2011-02-04T11:24:00.004Z

AW11 photoshoot and the prep

So its that time of year again when we shoot the lookbook for the collection. This season though it is different. Exciting different and also scary different....
As the collection is much smaller and print focused I decided that the most effective way to show them would be in a more creative photoshoot than seen in previous seasons. Hence, the new lookbook is a bit nutty/ bonkers/ amazingly wonderful and weird!
Here are the mood boards I put togeter for the team before the shoot so we were all on the same page:

For the shoot we had a very similar team to normal:
The infamous and wonderfully awesome Claire Pepper - photographer to the stars (and me)
The extraordinarily talented Camilla Hewitt - hair and make-up genius
Holly Chaves - scrumptious superstar stylist
and the lovely Jodie from Models1 who on one of her first shoots absolutely NAILED it. Watch this space my friends, this girl is going to go far!

Pictures should be up the beginning of London Fashion week, although I am so excited you might get a preview before!

CHARLOTTE TAYOR - AW11

2011-01-21T10:01:00.003Z

Ok - so what am I up to....Below is the 'official' press release which explains in hopefully a sensual, evocative manner - normality will conclude at the end:

This press release will go out to the database first thing Monday morning, but I thought it right to talk about the new changes on here first. I hope that you are all as excited as I am....

To complement the 'editing' of the label we will not be showing at London Fashion Week either. The collection can be seen by appointment only and please contact the team for details:

press@charlottetaylorltd.com or
sales@charlottetaylorltd.com

Who am I and where am I going...?

2011-01-19T08:23:00.007Z

So lets go back to London Fashion week - what I can remember anyway...it was a bit of a blur.

So from the outsider you saw:
- CHARLOTTE TAYLOR SS11 shown at LFW as a Ones to Watch with VFS
- A Vauxhall custom print car with CT robots all over it (a personal highlight)
- International press coverage
- New look books, press releases, amazing cookie robot donned goody bags etc...

But I know what everyone is most interested in is the behind the scenes.

Here is what you didn't see:
- My first ever model casting where the VFS designers collectively selected a choice of models for the show.
- All the normal panic and stress that you would expect with the culmination of a collection, although surprisingly I did feel more organized this time round as I was more familiar with the VFS team and their set-up.
- The acquiring, implementation and feedback of sponsors of the show.
- A rather chaotic backstage at the show. I arrived super organized, even for me, but the shift of rail location 15 minutes before the show totally flummoxed me and 2 hours of prep went down the drain.

- There was also no time to fit clothes on models and because I was 2nd in the group, I had the least time (there was menswear after me so Georgia had a leisurely change in comparison) and many of the clothes did not fit the models. One of the tops had to be safety pinned on a super tiny model and another split a skirt open. One of the necklaces was put on wrong and a top on back to front and dont even get me started on shoes!!! Anyway needless to say I will NEVER go into a show without having fitted clothes on models previously (even if I have to make a scene and insist) and I will always have enough shoes for a pair per look. Having time to prepare your dressers is also essential and a rail per model, so all their looks are on one rail is pretty elementary, but you never know! Anyway no-one got to see any of this and the models made it out on time so all gravy. However my stumble out onto the catwalk after the show was comparable to a rabbit (who had probably been run over a couple of times) in headlights and was one of the most surreal moments of my life.
- Some serious waffle to some journalists backstage. Thank god I had Camilla, my helper extraordinaire aka the Elephant (because of her memory, nothing else) to prompt me whenever my frazzled brain stopped functioning.
- The collection was then whisked upstairs to join fellow designers in the VFS exhibition room to begin 4 days of press and sales appointments.Phew.

Anyway, what a week. However it is when all the hype calms down that the work really begins and this is where I had to make some seriously tough decisions.
From the outside LFW was a great success for CT, and dont get me wrong, it was. However as well as being a fashion label, this is also a business and without money coming in it is essentially a glorified hobby.
The collection and label are going well at this point but unless I make some changes in some way, finances will run out and it will be tough to get a backer on board.
I also feel that the label has lost a part of its identity. Although I love the collection, I feel it needs a stronger message and editing.

On making the business more financially viable:
- Obviously one can never expect to make a return immediately with any fashion label but it needs to be moving in that direction.
- I dissect the label, its financial figures, its identity and also my vision for it and see what can be done. The problem is I dont want to sacrifice the brands essence to make a quick buck.

SO the options are:
- Increase the price of the product (this would be confusing to the buyers, press and customer. I also never wanted to have seriously pricey products as it is not me and has never been my vision for the brand) = not an option.
- Decrease unit costs ( moving production abroad and potentially decreasing the quality of the raw materials) = NO THANKS
- Reduce the size of the collection, styles and different fabrics within it (increasing minimums on fabrics and orders of one style and subsequently reducing costs). By editing and reducing the collection you can focus on a more identifiable product and message, solving both problems = YES PLEASE

By going down this road, the brand image, target market and price range also remain the same so no confusing message is given.

So moving forward : I am going to leave this to the next blog as I am sure you've read enough for one day...

Revolutionary road

2011-01-17T12:33:00.003Z

Firstly, please accept my most sincere apologies for my serious lack of updates over the past few months. Inexcusable I know but this down to a couple of things....

After London Fashion Week in September I simultaneously took on two of the most challenging journeys of my life. One was mentally and one physically, and I can safely say that DA DA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA....I survived. Heavy heavy sigh....

In short the two challenges were:
1. Analysing the label, its strengths, market position and future. Making some tough decisions and pushing it forward into a more focused message.
2. Crossing Costa Rica in a 6 day endurance race on bike, foot and raft for charity.

I shall elaborate.

1. I have always endeavoured to be honest about the journey that I have and am undertaking to provide a sincere, accurate account of the behind the scenes world of the fashion industry. This will never change, but please don't always expect a sugar coated fairytale. I'm a Lancashire lass and you will get no fluffy waffle from me. My reason for emphasizing this point is due to the business going through a period of change. Change that I did not predict or expect, but change that evolved and just happened. Until the change was complete and the message clear, I have been hesitant to divulge too much information for fear of portraying a confused message.
Hence - my lack of blogging.

My intention is to talk you through what has been the most interesting chapter of the business so far over the next few days and bring you up-to-date on where it stands at the moment and how it will be going forward.

2. Costa Rica Coast to Coast challenge. If you are interested then check out the website. This was the hardest thing I have ever done and the best. I am going to write an account of our adventure if you are interested ill post a link on the blog shortly.

Anyway - lots to tell. So grab a cuppa and settle in. Will be posting regularly over the next few days to bring you up to date. Good to be back.

Over and out x

Marie Claire Hong Kong believes...

2010-11-02T11:52:00.002Z

Diana Vickers

2010-11-02T11:48:00.001Z

Diana Vickers takes on the Penguin army

Spring / Summer 2011 Look book

2010-09-20T16:18:00.004+01:00

Photographer - Claire Pepper
Stylist - Ellie Cumming
Hair / Make-up - Camilla Hewitt
Models - Rachel Cockerell @ Models1 and Roz and Select

THANK YOU!!

Show images - Ones to Watch

2010-09-20T16:11:00.006+01:00

Watch the video HERE

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR - LFW SHOW

2010-09-16T10:20:00.005+01:00

OK so the show is tomorrow - THE SHOW IS TOMORROW - WOW
After months of hard graft, we are finally there and so far I am surprisingly calm. I think it is denial. No hair has fallen out like last time so that's a plus, but I am losing the plot a bit, but that is probably normal.

So what is in store, what to expect, hmmmmmm lets see -

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR SS11 - "ISLAND INVADERS"
"ONES TO WATCH", 4.15PM, FREEMASONS' HALL, COVENT GARDEN

Expect - An invasion of small orange robots, colours, silks, bold prints, a CHARLOTTE TAYLOR designed Car outside the Freemasons' Hall in Covent Garden, lots of jumping around and happy, fun times!

A little taster...

Don't expect - black

Don't ask me - too many questions, I am struggling to remember my own name at the moment

Oh yeah and lots of cookies and tea - naturally.

The show is sponsored by

ELEMIS

KAT MACONIE

QUAYSIDE

Massive thanks to these guys for all their support and generosity.

SS11 Preview on Vogue.com

2010-09-14T22:10:00.003+01:00

Vogue.com - an exclusive sneak peek

Three days to go!

Young British Designers

2010-09-09T11:40:00.001+01:00

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR - goes on sale at Young British Designers today

Everything is very limited edition so if you want it - GO NOW

Fearne Cotton in CT

2010-09-08T12:39:00.003+01:00

Fearne wears CHARLOTTE TAYLOR to work at Radio 1 yesterday

We love Fearne. FACT. x

French Grazia believe.....

2010-09-08T12:34:00.003+01:00

My D in AS French has not done me wonders on this one - any accurate translations would be much appreciated!

Thank-you French Grazia!

Autumn / Winter 2010 trousers grace GRAZIA

2010-08-25T07:51:00.004+01:00

Check out the Khaki wax cotton Joanna Maria trousers in this weeks GRAZIA

I'm pretty happy with it, i'm not gonna lie.... also i'm in the section of "BACK TO COOL" .....see sarcastic brother and friends who continuously mock my dance moves. I TOLD YOU. I AM COOL. I AM COOL. I AM COOL!!!!!!!

THANKS GRAZIA!

Shopping time!?!?!?!?

2010-08-20T17:29:00.003+01:00

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR - Selected items only available to buy NOW at www.coggles.com

GO NOW - GOD SPEED AND ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!

The Telegraph believes........

2010-08-12T10:21:00.002+01:00

Big thank you to Alicia Waite for her fab article at the Telegraph

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR - The website

2010-08-11T12:49:00.003+01:00

Oh yes, oh yes it's here. Representing the business/ elegant/ slick side of the label (hopefully) I give you:

www.charlottetaylorltd.com

It is (going back to my youth) TOTALLY LUSH and I LOVE IT - I hope you do too.

It was designed and created by the wonderful and talented Matthew Blanchard of LUCID who again is TOTALLY LUSH and we thank him very much.

Cxx

Hello...is there any one out there?!?!?

2010-08-09T13:20:00.003+01:00

Show time

Ok so now I can actually talk about the show and what is going on I am having to try and control myself form having verbal diarrhea and inundating you with posts. So hear goes with numero uno:
I am looking for people to collaborate with for the up and coming show.

Firstly
We are looking for a shoe designer. We already have someone on board providing flats but are looking for some killer heels. Obviously I will promote the life out of your brand throughout the week etc...

Secondly

We're looking for the next Sir Mix Alot (a DJ) to mix a cool tune for the show.

Anyway get in touch if you are interested. Would Loooooovvvvvvveeeeeeee to hear from you.

Cxx

Grazia believes...

2010-08-06T16:38:00.001+01:00

Grazia announce "Ones to Watch"

Ones to Watch

2010-08-06T10:56:00.003+01:00

Ok so this is one of the reasons I have been so quiet recently.....

For Spring/ Summer 2011 CHARLOTTE TAYLOR will be showing at London Fashion week in association with Vauxhall Fashion scout as part of its "Ones To Watch" show!

We have not been able to tell anyone until Vogue.com announced it today. Take a look at their article and the other catwalkers.

Now I can EVENTUALLY untangle my knotted tongue and TELL THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!!!!

Charlotte Taylor AKA Wayne Rooney

2010-07-26T16:34:00.005+01:00

GOAL SCORING - The importance of targets and goals; personal and in the business.

When I set out on my venture over a year ago, one of the first things that I sat down and wrote was my goals. I have found it very useful referring back to my initial goals, seeing how realistic they were and how many of them I have achieved so far. I need to work towards things, in my personal life and in my career. I NEED activity. I NEED to be interested or I get bored.

I have found that with running your own business or being self employed comes many more highs and many more lows. Goals keep you going through the low patches and keep you focused during the euphoric highs.

These are my initial goals from August 2010:

Business Goals

1.To get into one of the fashion shows that runs alongside London Fashion week in Feb 2010 - I exhibited with Vauxhall Fashion Scout Off Schedule at LFW.
2.To sell my collection to at least 20 boutiques in the UK, including at least one major London department store/ Boutique after the show in Feb 2010 - HA!! Slightly ambitious and totally unrealistic! I sold to two boutiques and this was considered a great achievement in my first season!
3.To obtain financial backing to fund the production of the first collection by the end of 2009 - achieved.
4.To create a business plan by the end of August 2009 - achieved (three 20 hour days - yuck)
5.To create a brand identity by the end of August 2009 - Achieved and on-going.
6.To have the website up and running by December 2009 - the website will be launched in the next week or so, watch this space!

Personal Goals

1.To compete in at least 4 charity sports events per year - I have done 2 so far this year and have 2 more scheduled in.
2.To stop smoking by July 2009 - January 2010 I quit and still gong strong if a little behind schedule.
3.To travel to a new country/ city every year - Venice this year. Wow.

4.To keep my weight below 9 stone - hmm no comment. Sometimes.....
5.To keep my fitness level high and increase distance covered every month - yes but I have a knee injury so not fit right now.
6.To have enough money to move out of home by the mid of 2010 - October 2010 is when the label moves to London. Exciting times.

Long(er) term Goals

1.To buy a Vintage Mercedes SL by 2011.

2.To buy a van by 2011 - Van will be coming in the next couple of months.

3.To buy a flat/ house by 2011.

Obviously as time moves on your goals change and I always make sure that I sit down with my manager and go through targets and goals, see which ones I have achieved and which ones I haven't and most importantly why. We then sit down and discuss where form here and how to push forward and grow. Momentum is key or the pendulum slows dooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn.

££££££££££££££££££

2010-07-06T21:15:00.004+01:00

Money money money.......

Personally I have a love/ hate relationship with the stuff.

Being a creative arty farty type I have never been a materialistic one and seem to become less so as I age. Maybe it is because the bottomless pit that is my fashion business is draining my hard earned pennies away from me at a rate of knots or maybe it is because I am happy spending no money, eating the fruit and veg from our garden, fishing for mackerel on Pugwash (our put-put boat that dad lovingly restore for 5 years - divorce material) and making my own clothes.

Hmm I think it is a mixture but I need to make the business profitable if:

a) It is to continue
b) I want to move out of mum and dad's (again) before I turn 30
c) I want to remove the 's' from Hostel in my vacationing lifetime
d) My friends can stop receiving cushions covered with scraps of fabric from my latest collection as birthday/ Christmas/ wedding/ anniversary etc presents
e) I can buy my dad the Vintage Bentley I have been promising him since I was 10

So for A/W 2010 as it wraps up and my production arrives I begin to add up all the bills. To gage my costs at the beginning of production I did a plan where I priced every single thing that went into each garment so I could price them correctly and make a profit.
There are of course things that you don't account for for some reason or another and my conclusion has been that I need to reign in my costs and make more profit.

BUT how do I do this...?

I think that it has to go hand in hand with being clever about your product. As I previously said, it is so important to take on feedback and to know what sells. What does the customer want? What niche products can I sell that other designers have not thought of? or which designers are dominating the market with their clever promotional, quirky products?

Maximizing profit = increasing sales and decreasing costs...SIMPLE

I sound like one of those promotional "Positive mental attitude" tapes that my folks used to listen to when we were young...my apologies.

Decreasing costs

- Increasing orders means you can order in bulk, decreasing your costs. Careful not to go ahead of yourself though as you don't want to be left with unused stock.
- Be selective in what you do. Do you need a PR agent, a sales agent, to be in a showroom, to show in Paris and London and to have a mega glossy lookbook sent to hundreds of people. NO. I have been trying to weigh up in £££££'s whether for example, the £500 I spend on exhibiting my collection in a showroom or the extra £200 it will cost to print bound lookbooks will generate me that money back and more.

As many people have said to me on my journey so far.... Do not run before you can walk....If you spend all your money in season 1 and have a budget looking season 2 you'll look daft.

- Try and be clever with your pattern cutting. Minimize the amount of fabric in each garment. One size fits all means you don't have to get things graded. Genius.
- Interns are good, free labour and we all did and learnt from our experiences.
- Call in favours from friends. You never know someones great uncle might own a wool mill in Yorkshire who will give you Cashmere at cost...it can happen.
- Barter. Marrakesh in Morocco is good training ground.

I WILL grow and nurture my (CHARLOTTE TAYLOR fashion label) money tree and my dad will get his Bentley very soon. I promise pop.

Column inches

2010-06-18T14:22:00.005+01:00

Time to look seriously into PR representation

So as the work load increases I have decided that I need to get in some outside, professional help with getting the label into magazines and publications. It is also a necessity due to my studio being on the Island, which in turn adds time to any samples being sent out/ returned.

Over the past few months I have been approached by a few PR agencies offering their services. Sometimes for free, sometimes not. I have asked people to come up with proposed ideas of how they would push the brand and sell it to magazines but so far I have not found my lobster. I figure why would I pay someone who is not passionate about the brand, someone who does not get what it is about to sell it when I can probably do a better job with 1/10 the amount of time. Hence I wait and the search continues.

My research so far has been through looking at who other young designers' use, looking at Mission Statements (although these are often wooly), client lists and trying to get a general feel of the company through its website. This all sounds a bit vague, but you have to start somewhere.

Felicities PR

This came to my attention as many of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers are here. Their website is under construction / revamp but their blog is going so take a look.
Some of their designers include:
Ada Zanditon, Alice Palmer and Viking Wong.
Contact: info@felicities.co.uk

Goodley PR

They represent William Tempest, Louis Gray, Antipodium and Holly Fulton amongst others.
Website is nice and you can get hold of them via email: info@goodleypr.com or phone: +44 (0)20 7493 9600

Blow PR

They have previously spoken at a Vauxhall Fashion Scout before.
Website: www.blow.co.uk
Contact: info@blow.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7436 9449
Clients:
Belle Sauvage, Georgia Hardage, Craig Lawrence, Gemma Slack

Luchford APM

Website: www.luchfordapm.com
Contact: kelly.luchford@luchfordapm.com
+44 (0)207 631 1000
Clients: Pringle, Graeme Black

I Public Relations

Website: www.ipublicrelations.co.uk
Contact: info@publicrelations.co.uk
+44 (0)207 390 272
Clients: Julien J Smith, Eudon Choi

So now to make appointments to see them and see if we are MFEO (made for each other FYI (for you information)). Also many of these agencies will not take youngsters like me on so the courting works both ways...

www.feedbackimplementation.com

2010-06-09T21:46:00.003+01:00

Listening, learning, absorbing, implementing, developing and growing from advice, tips, errors made and knowledge learned from season 1.

So you work day in day out, sweating and dribbling over sewing machines into the depths of the moonlit hours putting every ounce of effort and creative "flair" you possess into your collection and business. How are you ever going to be able to accept criticism on your "baby" when every stitch tells a story and every zip, button and press stud has a name...each jab feels like a personal vendetta.. how can they be so rude?

"What do you mean they don't like Penguins!! who doesn't like Penguins? eh?! what?! humph..."

So as an adult (technically) this "rejection" thing is something that I have to deal with and take it on the chin. It is also important that I take whatever criticisms that have been thrown my way on board and see if by developing the label in a different way or removing certain aspects I can use the comments in a constructive way and improve as a result of them.

I am always actively asking people their opinions and it's tough to get honest opinions as no one who is remotely nice is going to turn around and say "Charlotte, seriously, don't know why you bothered..." Well, lets hope not, hey.

Here are a few honest feedback sources I have found:

- I have a few friends who I know I can always rely on for an honest opinion. They're the ones that tell me I look rough when I clearly do, would NEVER tell me I look good unless I did and frankly just say it like it is. Us Northern lasses do NOT beat around the bush.

- My dad. Although not into his fashion will always give me an honest opinion, sometimes too honest. Last season I came down in one of my creations and he was beside himself he hated it so much. "errrrrggggghhhh that's DISgusting Charlotte - yuck, really don't like that one...no no...horrible. Take it off Charlotte...now"..."ok dad I GET THE PICTURE!" Honest but harsh.

- You guys. It has been really useful to see feedback from the collection on the blog and on other blogs and websites. I am definitely going to get an honest post from someone else's article on a blog and it is instant, priceless feedback.

- Other designers. You can get a good idea from other designers as they won't approach you and say they like your stuff unless they REALLY mean it.

- Vauxhall Fashion Scout (or the like) Once you build up a relationship with organizations like this it is useful to know their honest feedback on what they thought went well and how they think you could grow in seasons to come. They should be honest with you as they'd be shooting themselves in the foot if they told you it was wonderful and fabulous and were secretly cringing in the corner.

- Clients and potential clients. When people are looking at you collection they are usually in a team and will discuss with their colleague what they think. Try and get them to elaborate and ask them what they would change and how they would improve it from a buyers perspective.

Key comments and feedback I got were:

1. More pockets. Everyone loves a pocket.
2. Less selection. I had too many pieces for a premiere collection (30 ish items) but this has been debated.
3. Good use of zips. Clients have liked that I use expensive, quality zips and finishings as it gives a polished look.
4. Unusual mix of fabrics.
5. Great print. A strong part of the collection. Maybe look to develop more prints in the future.

- Press. Obviously. If they want to shoot your stuff and write about it then it has to be a good sign, right? If they don't, not so much.

- Mentors, business advisers etc. They can give you advice on your products effectiveness in terms of business, development and profitability.

So moving forward, designing SS'11 has become an even more considered practice. I have always designed for a customer in mind, but its the insider tips and criticism that can set you apart. Buyers know what their customers want so rinse their knowledge and rack their brains and listen, learn and move forward.

Lets get inspired encore...

2010-05-27T22:05:00.008+01:00

An insight into where the ideas for SS'11 are coming from this season

Old School Robots

Because you wind them up and they do funny stuff
Because they have fab details, contours and interconnecting bits and bobs
Because they all tell a story and have a history
Because they dance with me and Burt my dancing donkey

Copper and copper formations

Because there is a huge copper sculpture in a naff hair salon on my road and bizarrely I kinda love it
Because the shades and formations of copper are truly breathtaking

Boat and sail construction and materials

Because I live on an island and have grown up a water baby
Because the complex construction and materials used in boat building is a true art and utterly inspirational
Because my buddy is a sail maker and has the coolest workshop in workshop history

Again team, it's all about interaction over here and if you feel you can add to the inspiration mixing pot then fire your images over my way and ill pop them up...

Sharing the love

2010-05-25T16:50:00.004+01:00

Some more contacts from other designers

So here is some of the information that has been sent to me so far. I will add it all to the menus at the side of the blog for you all to reference. Unless stated they have been recommended by people who have worked with each company. I have included notes on each accordingly.

If anyone else has more info they feel like sharing then please send it over and ill pop it up, but for now a MASSIVE thanks to all who wrote in. You are all super stars!

Fabric Printers

Print Unlimited

- ok prices, good result, and quick delivery

Factories / Production / Sampling

1. Acton Cut (sent to me direct from the factory)
Pattern Making / sampling / design development / production
Previous clients: Stewart Parvin, Richard Nicoll, Jonathon Saunders, Peter Jenson
Contact Details: acton-cut@hotmail.co.uk, 020 3110 0127, 45 Churchfield rd, London, W3 6AY

2.I did my sampling with two workshops. I think it's a good idea not to put all your eggs in one basket! The first was with Nailya at www.plussamples.co.uk contact details are nailya nailya@plussamples.co.uk and the second was Kosa at The Workshop which is through fashion enter www.fashion-enter.com

The above 2 companies who did my sampling however will do production. Kosa only in the UK and Nailya in the UK and Lithuania.

3. Ribbon Textiles (Sent direct from factory)

4. 24 Seven Talent (sent direct from company)

London Based. Represent freelance Technical candidates: Sample Machinists, Pattern Cutters and Sample Cutters.

We are an out wear, denim and leather goods production company based in Istanbul - Turkey. We produce high end shoes, handbags, belts, small leather goods, documents bags/ messenger bags beside our high end denim and out fit productions.

Fabrics

1. I found everyone through going to Premiere Vision. It was the best trip I did and you only really need to go once to get your contacts. Most places will do small orders. Textiles Forums are also a great event to go to. The fabric place I use the most is Solsissbucol.

Apsara Silks (sent direct from the manufacturer)
Apsara Silks is a leading Silk Mill in India
Here we are capable of digitally printing on any Silk/ Wool & blends and can give you up to 16 Million colours a meter with no restriction on pattern sizes and shapes. Our In-house designing team is capable to deliver you sampling yardages in as less as four days.
We also manufacture high quality printed scarves

Packaging etc

1.Adastra Labels

Printers who specialise in labels, carrier bags, packaging etc for fashion designers.

2. Woven Labels Uk

UK based Label manufacturers.

Calling all felow designers...

2010-05-17T09:31:00.004+01:00

So it has be increasingly apparent that many people / designers struggle to find appropriate fabric wholesalers, manufacturers, graders, pleaters, printers and dyers etc and there are few resources that provide this information easily (as previously discussed).

The only forums I am aware of are:

www.fabricly.com

and
www.fashioncapital.co.uk

So I am here to ask today for you all out there to help everyone else. If you know of a good fabric wholesaler, manufacturer, grader, pleater, printer or dyer then please email me and ill put in on the blog.

As I am sure you are all aware a recommendation is worth its money in gold. If you can let us know what they do / produce that would be awesome and ill place the info on-line asap.

Happy sharing campers..

Reality Bites...

2010-05-10T20:25:00.004+01:00

The Reality of producing a collection

So... like our adorable, smiling, fluff ball, goof of a Labrador who much to his quivering, knee shaking, unmanly dismay was taken by surprise this evening and bitten flush on his bare backside by some mean mongrel from down the road, I too have had my fair share of unwelcome surprises over the past few months.

How can you expect the unexpected...?

The most difficult thing for me so far has been juggling all aspects of the business.
Sales, PR, Marketing, Production...all equally time consuming and important whilst designing a new collection. I'm not gonna lie, it's tough. I have double the work load that I had designing the first time round and that was hard enough!

For me one of the biggest challenges is time management. I need to oversee production but I need to be designing at the same time....do I use a factory in London or abroad to save money and gain knowledge of dealing with factories or do I use a local seamstress and pay more but be able to monitor everything whilst being close to the studio increasing time spent designing...? hmmm tricky...

What type of production/ factory is right for you?

As far as I can see I had 4 options:

1. In house - hire someone in to produce the collection from your studio.
Good
- Can oversee closely progress and monitor at all times
- Time not wasted traveling to and from factory
- Good use of local workforce
Bad
- Expensive
- May not have the quality of a factory and the quality control
- Slow
- If they have a problem/ quit you are stuck

2. Small Units - I inquired at a local business that produces clothes for high West End Shows to see if they would be suitable to manufacture the collection.
Good
- Small workforce and team means that you are not such a small fish in a big pond
- Quality control in place
- Experience dealing with small factory/ unit
- Save time if local
Bad
- Might not prioritize you if they get a big job on, leaving you behind schedule.
- Expensive

3. Factory in the UK - I have been mainly looking in London Suburbs as there are more here and of good quality. They are also relatively near.
Good
- Great quality
- They know what they are doing and can help you with finishing options etc
- Quicker
- Less hassle and risk than overseeing In-House production
Bad
- More expensive than oversees
- Don't really like doing smaller runs and they really bump up their prices.
- You are not a priority.
- Time consuming if the factory is far away from you.

4. Oversees Factory - I haven't really looked into this as much as it is not really an option for me being a one man band I can't monitor it from afar without digging into valuable designing time.
Good
- More cost effective
- Fast turn-around on larger quantities
- Often will do multiple tasks. i.e source fabrics and trims, grading, manufacture and distribute.
Bad
- Finding the right factory is difficult.
- Language barriers
- If things go wrong or you need to get something to the factory it takes a lot longer.
- People like brands to made in the UK and in an ethical way.

I had an email from the head designer of a small British brand asking me advice on their production. It seems they are struggling with their options too...below they detail their issues for us...

"Initially I sourced a CMT in * which seemed like the perfect solution as we are round the corner in * so I could drive down there easily. However, we found that despite their initial enthusiasm and warmth, they were really difficult to work with. They insisted that I simplified my designs and patterns and their finish was appalling. Despite pressure from me, the garments looked terrible – overlocking was unfinished so the garments would tear away at the sideseams, huge chunks would be cut from the insides and you could tell they had been rushed through. We continually had to send stuff back and were already receiving it hugely behind deadline.

We found that because of the small size of our quantities (150 per style, in some cases across two fabrics) they just didn’t take us seriously. Even though the docket was placed on time, we were dropped behind companies with more clout in their schedule. The final straw came this season when they cut one of our skirts on the wrong grainline and a whole batch of tops on the wrong side of the fabric and denied that there was a right side and wrong side to the fabric. I felt utterly deflated as all my hard work cutting patterns, sourcing fabrics from warehouses locally and ensuring the collection would arrive in time to stock our boutique seemed to have got us nowhere. In addition, they were really threatening in phone calls, to the extent where other people in the office could hear their shouting down the phone! We’ve just found it an impossible struggle.

We are thinking of taking the step next season of employing a production machinist in-house to produce the garments. For this we would create smaller quantities (which isn’t a problem) but over a greater number of styles. This means I can be more creative with my designing and can have a more direct control over the quality of the finished product. We will need to increase our prices slightly, but by stressing the fact that we manufacture the garments ourselves, we are hoping to get away with this."

Vogue believes....

2010-04-26T18:20:00.003+01:00

Jessica Bumpas' article featured today on Vogue.com

!!

Shop Charlotte

2010-04-13T21:14:00.005+01:00

Where CHARLOTTE TAYLOR will be stocked this season..

September 2009 - Charlotte and Brian (AKA Mr Mentorvator) discuss cash flow plans.
Charlotte:
"So Brian, they say that designers in their first season do not usually manage to sell as boutiques will not take the risk..."
Brian:
"Well sod that"
Charlotte:
"Agreed. Sod that."

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR AW10 will be sold through:

www.coggles.com

and

www.youngbritishdesigners.com

The limited part of the collection will also be sold through my new website - www.charlottetaylorltd.com, which will launch in the next few months.

I will also be holding a couple of tea and cake parties in London to view the collection after its launch in September.

Only a limited amount of stock will be manufactured this season and it will all be produced in the UK.

Exciting times!

VFS - Manufacturing and Production

2010-04-01T14:18:00.005+01:00

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Salon

I arrived at VFS a tad disheveled having had spent the day visiting different factories around London in my car; getting lost for the most-part (to be informed at the end of the day by my bro that there was a TomTom under my seat…grrrrrr) and on weathered industrial estates and in old school builders cafes drinking eye-poppingly strong tea from a bottomless mug for 50p.

I had in my mind already confirmed the manufacturers that I was going to use but in recent weeks a gut feeling had risen and prompted me to suss out a few alternative options. It is not as easy as you think to find a decent factory (I will go into this more later) and I began by emailing all of my contacts in the industry to see if any recommendations were thrown forward. I also googled etc and searched the web. I found and arranged meetings with three factories that I thought were suitable and took my samples to each of them in turn. It is of course important to meet the proprietors, to see their standard of work, to talk cost estimates, timings etc. I actually really liked all three and am weighing up the options and seeing more factories next week.

At VFS I bumped into Dean Quinn and Henry Brown (of Felicity Brown) friends of mine from the VFS Exhibition and it was lovely to all catch up, compare notes and share info and stories. I brought Percy Pigs and VFS provided the wine and nibbles. Tick box. Tick Box.

Our speakers for the evening were:

David Jones: Luxury Freelance Fashion Consultant
David Jones worked for Aquascutum for 20 years before being headhunted by Wallis and becoming the Manufacturing Director. David launched his freelance career 12 years later and quickly snapped up clients John Galliano and Matthew Williamson. David has also spent time as the President of the Clothing and Footwear Institute, now the Textiles Institute.

Allan Scott: New Planet Fashions
New Planet Fashions is a London based production service specialising in sampling and small to large production runs. With 10 years in the business, Allan’s clients include Victoria Beckham, Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Hannah Marshall, Erdem, Osman Yousefzada and Roland Mouret.

Anna Brett: Image Studio Production, Managing Director
Image Studio Production is a high end manufacturing studio specialising in patterns, toiles, samples and production with no minimum orders. Winning the Topshop Award for Garment Product Innovation, Anna went onto work with the likes of Peter Pilotto, William Tempest, Vivienne Westwood and Marios Schwab. Image Studio Production also offers a make service for graduate collections.

Emma Davidson: Denza International, Recruitment Consultant and Finance Manager
Emma specialises in business and personal accounting, VAT returns, budgeting for business planning and being able to explain in human language what an account means! Her experience also extends into licensing, production and buying and marketing.

Emma Crosby: London a la Mode, Vauxhall Fashion Scout London Exhibition & Paris Showroom
Responsible for the launch of Miss Sixty and Fornarina to the UK, Emma now manages the buyer relations and sales for pop-up event London a la Mode, offering new designers a selling opportunity before, during and after Fashion Week. Recently Emma became the Sales Manager for our very own VFS London Exhibition and Paris Showroom. Emma specializes in brokering relationships with designers and buyers, forecasting and account management.

This salon had more of a discussion feel to it and all the speakers seemed to bounce off and interact with each other and the designers as opposed to the more formal Q and A format previously seen.

So in the wake of London Fashion Week as previously mentioned the hard work really begins. Getting your sales is one challenge but then conducting the production and manufacturing orchestra is another and it is not for the light hearted. I think the clearest message that came across from the VFS Salon was be organized, be professional, be passionate about your product and above all be polite; respect your manufacturers – they have a wealth of experience. Listen and learn from them.

How to find sampling and production units in the UK?
- Not easy as there are very few forums for this. I am going to start a section on this blog dedicated to sharing details of suppliers, manufacturers etc so if you can add to it please email me and I will put it up so everyone can benefit.
- Word of mouth
- Fashion Capital
- Internet

How to choose the right production house for you?
- Do you like the owners/ directors etc as you will be working with them a lot?
- Are they good enough standard or too good? Discuss you price points with them and have an idea of what you want to be paying for each style, negotiations are of course possible but if they will manufacture a dress for £65 and you are wholesaling it at £60 you need to look elsewhere obviously.
- Do they have time to fit you in and can they manufacture your collection to meet your deadline?
- Ask to see examples of work they have done before and ask how much they charge for it and the quantities they produced. If they are doing large-scale production cost will of course go down.
- Talk to them about what the next steps would be with them (this really helped me). Most factories will insist on making a sample with them before production goes ahead to sieve out imperfections and assess potential problems before patterns go off to the graders. From these samples they can then give you an exact price for production (they will give you an estimate before sampling).

Production steps
1. Find a few factories and go visit them with your samples
2. Pick a factory to work with
3. Take your samples in again and go through each piece. You need to treat them like a 2 yr old. Everything needs to be explained. Technical drawings for each style and the different colour-ways they come in with fabric swatches and examples of the trimmings/ buttons/ zips etc. You will then need to go over you sample and discuss the finishing. If your samples are perfect then great but some of mine I want to change slightly. Point out and document types of seams, finishing’s, positionings etc
4. Order all fabrics and trimmings in, in time for production. You don’t want them to be late and for you to miss your slot.
5. Sign off the samples when they are perfect.
6. An exact price will then be set and you will usually pay a deposit at this stage with the balance on delivery.
7. Deliver all fabric/ trimmings etc.
8. Production goes ahead.
9. Spend as much time in the factory monitoring production as you can. Things can go wrong and for the money you will be paying you want everything to be perfect.

We talked PR and making money too but i'm waffling on now so will leave that until the next blog...

AW10 - The hit list

2010-03-30T15:39:00.009+01:00

Now no fighting girls - this season its all about the Penguin print headscarf...

To be worn in all moods, for all occasions. If you don't have one in September you just ain't cool sister. FACT.

For when one is "melancholy"

..."angry"

..."not quite yourself aka not enough sleep and a bit nuts"

...has "lost the plot"

...or just a little bit sad. Your pure silk Penguin print scarf will turn that frown upside down and at just £40 each it would be rude not to.

The scarves will go on sale in September at selected stockists which will be confirmed shortly. If you are interested in purchasing one I would suggest you email me your interest and I will keep your details on record to inform you when they hit the stores.

As I am keeping the label very small this year, there will be a very limited number of scarves made, so make sure you get in there.

charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com

p.s If you email you are by no means obliged to buy, I will just inform you of when stock is released

You live. You learn. You learn. You share.

2010-03-27T10:38:00.004Z

Working with fello enthusiasts

Over the past few months many people have emailed me asking me for advice (which is strange for me, but lovely) and I as always try and be as honest and matter as fact as I can possibly be. This week has included a couple of really interesting projects.

Katie's Design brief

Katie is a student at Bath Spa, where she studies Fashion Design and has asked me to write her a design brief for one of her projects. This is a strange one for me as I have no experience in teaching but have a fair amount of experience in receiving design briefs at college.

Katie needs to see me three times.
1. To be briefed
2. To get feedback
3. To show me the final presentation

The project started this week and we had arranged to meet next week but unfortunately I have meetings in London so our initial meeting will be over the phone (sorry Katie!).

So when thinking about the brief I wanted to come up with something enjoyable and interesting whilst remaining relevant.
I chose the "World Wide Web", asking Katie not to look at it as a library of information on other designers through blogs and on-line magazines but to look at the structure and development of the web and the implications it has on people's lives.

It is a very open brief and I gave Katie a few ideas on where she can go so lets see what she comes up with...

Elaine and friends' Industry Project

Elaine, Amanda, Bianca, Alison, Ib, Esther are brand management master students from Istituto Marangoni (London) and asked to meet with me this week.

They wanted to get a better understanding of the process and development of womenswear in the fashion industry and wanted to pick my brain on how this process is for a new designer.

The girls made their way from London all the way to my house in the middle of no-where yesterday and we all sat in my studio and chewed the fat for a good hour or so whilst I talked through everything I have been through this year and what I have learned (lets hope they weren't too bored!)

We talked Production, Sales (see example of sales order form above), PR, Marketing, Branding and they even helped me out on a few contacts as well.

The girls seemed incredibly clued up on and knew a huge amount of what I had already told them, but I hope I helped a bit. We are meeting for the last time in London next week to show them the collection etc and answer any more last minute questions.

www......

2010-03-19T08:14:00.004Z

Website design gets under way

So it's time to get an official platform to showcase the label and it's collections, a website. I have collaborated with Lucid Design Agency on this with a friend of a friend Matthew Blanchard who has recently designed other fab websites including the new Cassius Eyewear one.

To get an idea of what I wanted I have been doing a lot of research on other websites figuring out what I like and most importantly what I don't like. My favourites are Alexander Wang - I love the simplicity

Chanel - obviously

I also have to consider the titles I want and all the content i.e biography, press etc and functionality. Is it easy to navigate and not annoying with too many sub-titles and irritating quirks?
There are so many things to consider and with Matthew living in Liverpool and my studio being on the fair Wight Isle it's not easy. We will prevail though and I from the first few mock ups I think it's going to be pretty stunning..yay

I am still alive

2010-03-17T11:08:00.002Z

Apologies for my lack of blogging this past few weeks...
I actually hijacked my parents' skiing holiday and took a couple of days off...amazing.

It was kind of work as well. Brian was there so we talked action plans and I managed to do some sneaky grandpa snapping on the slopes...this guy was legendary and yes that is his beard and it is real...

Dad-A.K.A "Mr Cool" in his transformer esq sunglasses

Mum - Raving it up at apres ski

Me- behaving and definitely NOT letting my hair down...much

So back in the UK I am continuing my meetings with buyers (watch this space), the highlight being when a less than sturdy clothes rail fell on one of my prospective clients...one way to break the ice I guess?!?!

Things to note during sales period:
1. What sizes do you sell 6,8,10,12,14 / s, m ,l?
2. Minimum orders
3. Deposit
4. Terms and conditions
5. Packaging (will they provide or you?)
6. Care labels, swing tags etc (you or them?)
7. Delivery window and requirements

I also printed off a bit about my brand which I had compiled so they know where I have come from and where I intend to go. A line sheet is also essential (spec drawings and prices) and of course no one gets past me without a cuppa and cake being offered/thrown in their direction.

So what happens now...?

2010-03-05T16:41:00.005Z

Post LFW action plans

So I wake up the day after the exhibition has finished with an unexpected urgency and tension hovering over me. Ahhhhh i've over slept....it's 8am. I bolt out of bed, hair, legs, arms flailing behind me. I rain them in and dart down the stairs. BOOM. IDIOT. LFW IS OVER. GO BACK TO BED.

After months of continuous, uninterrupted hard graft the toughest transition in my life seems to be stopping working at a million miles an hour. I feel like the finishing line on my 100m sprint is a brick wall, I kind of don't want to finish, it's been way too much fun. Hummph.

Get over it Taylor. this is the challenging bit now, you have to sell it. Now GO!

So day one is a goody. I'm off to see a big London department store. They want to see the collection. Get in. I potter through London in my little Renault clio, arriving 2 hours early which in central London = expensive. Good one. In my nervous state I decide that a 2nd breakfast is the best option.

After spending 1/2 hour carting my collection through the store we start chatting. I think it goes ok. I have everything I need which is good.
Price list with spec drawings
Lookbook
Press release
Fabric swatches
Contact details
As far as I am aware it is pretty tricky to get stockists in your first season. They say stores want to see that you're going to stay around and not flake at the first hurdle. I get it but it definitely doesn't make it any easier for us.

Next stop i'm off to Vogue house to meet with one of the magazines to show them my collection. It all goes fine apart from I am greeted at the top of the escalator trying to contain my childish fit of giggles....
Whilst carrying my collection (piled high in clear plastic bags) I was confronted by a young lady in the escalator asking if I had a steamer tucked somewhere under my mound of plastic bags and clothing

I had in my tramp like glory (giant green puffa jacket and hat) been mistaken for someone I was not. This time it was for an intern. I take solace in that I was actually even let into the building. One step up I guess.

The collection goes down ok I guess, it's always hard to tell but i'm smiling as I leave to pay for my 7 hours parking at £25 gazillion pounds/hr...bargain

All right STOP, collaborate and listen...

2010-03-02T15:56:00.004Z

Anyone interested...?

1. Claire Pepper the wonderful photographer is looking for a new studio in London. She has extensive equipment that can potentially be used by other photographers etc...email her if you know of anything:
clairepepper@gmail.com

2.Jelena Fehmi is an incredibly talented pattern cutter. I met Jelena a few years ago when she was creating patterns at Frost French. Pattern cutting has always been a huge part of my designing, I find it fascinating, helpful and it pushes my designing in new directions.

Jelena has started a business where she teaches people to pattern cut through a variety of short courses in London. You should check out her website which has just launched and get in touch if you're interested, i'm sure they'll get booked up in no time!

Jelena also assists designers in pattern cutting their collections.

3.Website collaboration

I am looking to build my new website. It is a really exciting project and am looking for someone to help me on the technical side of things. Please email me if you are interested...

My holiday at London Fashion Week

2010-02-26T21:46:00.005Z

My eerily calm few days as the label is launched with Vauxhall Fashion Scout

In comparison to the chaos that led up to LFW week, the whole presentation of the collection for four days was unexpectedly calm. No more sewing, spreadsheets, invites, printing, stuffing envelopes etc just plain old chatting, eating cake and drinking tea. Lovely.

I rocked up at the Freemasons' Hall on Friday for set up. Having left the Island at 6am to meet the printers down the road and get my button holes done by Mr buttonhole (D.M. Buttons just off Berwick street) before set up at 4pm.

I of course was early for everything, turning up at the Freemasons' around the time of David Komas' show. His glamorous entourage gliding past my disheveled self, laden with half my collection (covered with bin bags) on one arm and a giant ironing board on the other. It took me a while to persuade the door staff that I actually was a designer and not a homeless person looking for a bed for the night.

The space looked lovely and I managed to get my stuff set up before most other designers arrived. I had about 5 times as much stuff too. It was like trying to pack for my holidays and I hadn't been vigilant...at all.

The full set of china tea cups, saucers and teapot and 100 penguin cakes were of course a necessity. Five different types of tape might have been a bit much and a full styling kit for the workforce (me plus one) could probably have stayed at home too...never mind.

Can you tell me how many other designers served tea and Penguin cakes at their exhibitions though....eh?

Also I might add, great branding. The cakes in turn transformed the tongues of the cake victims blue, so as a bystander would recognize a Stella McCartney guest by their goody bag, a CHARLOTTE TAYLOR guest was distinguishable by the colour of their tongue...genius.

Aha...my next victim..

When dad arrived with mum and a very hungover disruptive brother in tow I donned him with my specially made penguin bow-tie and stood back to admire.

Within two minutes of arriving dad was chatting up all the pretty girls including my designer next door neighbor, who apparently already knew who he was because she had read my blog and much to dad's despair I reference his antics on a regular basis..this new found fame clearly canceled it out and dad was grinning as he circled the room chatting to everyone (as he always does) as if they were his long lost friend.

My bro demanded tea putting the wet cup down on my new lookbook (good one) and ate too many cakes and leaving a hefty amount of crummage around my area.

Mum was angelic as always and still recovering from being ill just hugged me lots.

On the whole, the exhibition went really well and I have had some great positive feedback so far.

Fingers crossed for the next steps.

The storm before the calm

2010-02-25T18:33:00.005Z

A glimpse at the carnage that lead up a surprisingly relaxing London Fashion week

Preparations and multi tasking the weeks before LFW

This is a photo from the Freemasons' Hall in the room where the exhibition took place. This is a before picture. It's an amazing building and a great space. Every detail around us had a story and a purpose. Very Da Vinci Code. My grandpa was a Freemason so I am very into their history and it felt fitting to be launching my business from this building. Gramps would have liked that I think.

Back on the island as the CHARLOTTE TAYLOR chaos began snowballing through the Isle of Wight I found some great people who crazily wanted to jump on board and help me out.
One of these loonies was Becky Ball.
Becky lives in my village and also attends OAP yoga on Mondays (Apparently when they arrived late one time my dad clapped them in...smooth). Becky helped me out on a number of things:
1. Beckys' dad owns the local waxworks museum in our village (don't ask) which has just closed to be developed into flats. I was looking for stuffed birds to use in my lookbook photo shoot (don't ask) and low and behold it turns out that there are about 500 of them in my tiny village 100m down the road...of course why wouldn't there be.

The whole place was in fact a treasure trove filled with historic clothes, artifacts, cars and of course wax people.

I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit creeped out when a lonely head could be found left on a stray table eyeballing me as I weighed up the pro's and cons of orange bird vs green bird. The whole scenario was weird yet somehow typically and beautifully Isle of Wight.

2. Cakes
Becky in her spare time is a cake making extraordinaire.
She made me Penguin cakes and mini bite sized cakes in the colours of my collection for all my LFW guests. I'm sure you'll agree they're pretty special.
Becky's services are available for hire and you can contact her at:
beckball@googlemail.com or on +44 (0)7733 104 894

I will put more photos of the cakes at the show in my next blog.

It was then onto the photoshoot up in London, which I have talked about before so I won't bore you. I hope you agree though that the shots are lovely and the styling and make up are 'lush' (i said this a lot on the shoot and no I am not 12, my brother just refers to me as his delusional sister so I guess you all do the same). Great team and great result.

Rachel with the colour card which we shot with before each shoot to make sure all colours in each frame were coherent with the 'real' colours of the clothes.
I'm at her feet..."tweaking".

Camilla doing her bit..

Ellie and Camilla perfecting the Penguin print headscarf...love.

It was then back to the studio to get the photos sent off to the printers, finish the collection and prepare for LFW.

One word sums it up.

Messy

Fun but messy

HAROLD AND BARBARA

2010-02-23T11:58:00.005Z

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR AW'10

An eclectic, yet cohesive ensemble of inspirations has infiltrated Charlotte Taylor’s designs for her premiere London Fashion Week collection for AW’10.
Trashy grannies, penguins, old soap operas, movies and the eccentric within provide fuel for the fire in this bold yet elegant collection.

Dashes of colour through tweed, navy, cream and pearl, twist through folds and pleats. Weighty fabrics and concealed contrasts create clothes that flow, move and transform with the movement of life. The dresses are ripe for the winter dance’aholic’, whilst coats and capes engulf you in a sea of wool, chunky zips and head consuming hoods. Tops and blouses emblazoned with a unique penguin print make for a strong, memorable statement. Elegance is also key; as is the strength of tailoring. Lines and seams are there for a reason, subtly and beautifully accentuating the female form.

Photographer: Claire Pepper
Stylist: Ellie Cumming
Hair and make-up: Camilla Hewitt
Model: Rachel Cockerell at Models 1

I hope you like the collection as much as I do.

I dedicate it to my grandfather Harold; my biggest supporter and my buddy, who passed away in October 2009 having never seen the final outcome. Love you gramps.

For all inquiries please contact:

charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com

Cinders..you WILL go to the ball!!

2010-02-18T08:50:00.004Z

Jeez..now whose idea was this whole "Fashion Label" thing anyway...

So as the days roll on they get longer and longer. Sleep is for the faint hearted I tell myself. Who needs friends? After the photo shoot on Saturday a friend actually asked me if they had put make up on and around my eyes...."No Jamie, they're just bags". Anyway enough moaning (i'm not really I love it) and move on.

So it's Monday morning and I have post (in itself very exciting especially when it's not bills). My labels were delivered whilst I was away so I pop off to the Post Office to collect. I'm excited, the labels represent the final stages and the sample ones looked great.

They are wrong

I check my emails and fortunately I have put in the correct description after having seen samples to proof. They are liable, thank god.
Unfortunately Mr Labels man seems as enthusiastic about getting the correct labels to me as a toad and has proceeded to tell me to "call back tomorrow" for an update every day since. Looks like they'll be arriving on Saturday (too late) - great.
Never mind, the alternatives will have to do...grrrrrrr.

My poor Mama has had the lurgy this week and as she finally breaks through into the realms of normality, I grab her. She is appointed head label on sewer and for a few wonderful hours we sit and peacefully sew reminiscing about her past and how she thinks I would have made a great Ice Skater (the Olympics are on and she used to be one herself)...I don't think she could be further from the truth. I have inherited my Dad's clumsy gene (which she assures me I can "keep under control") and tend to generally sew my fingers together rather than the material itself. God knows what i'd be like on ice with blades on my feet, that's asking for trouble I say. Ill stick where I am thanks.

So as I approach Saturday I have a million and one things to do and of course there is never enough time so apologize for my lack of updates but I am documenting and will show lots next week.

So I give you my last minute to-do list:

- Finish sewing on labels
- Make head scarves
- Go to town and pick up stationary and props for the exhibition
- Finish all hand sewing on garment
- Prepare Sales and Press packs for the exhibition
- Book Ferry
- Terms and conditions
- Confirm team and timings etc
- Email VFS with details of guestlists etc
- Confirm printing with printers
- Pack car and pack everything up for a week away
- Check with pals that they have managed to get hangers.

Phew and i'm sure I have forgotten stuff to write down..Better get on with it then! I am going to try and blog throughout the exhibition but will have to play it by ear so for now...wish me luck!!

Snappy Snaps R Us

2010-02-15T10:05:00.003Z

Saturday 13th February 2010 - The Look Book Shoot

So two days before the shoot we find out that our island gal Fifi can not do the shoot...don't panic Charlotte. However we have the amazing Lucy on board from Models 1 who, in a jiffy mails me over some great alternatives. I send the online portfolios to the look book team and we all individually pick the same girl. She is perfect. She is Rachel.

Rachel Cockerell, a 15 year old schoolgirl from London who is just entering the modeling world and is the consummate professional, a natural and at the same time, lovely.

So Friday was a mad one. Having to book your car onto the ferry gives oneself exact deadlines for when one must exit the house. 2.45pm was my deadline and it was tight. If you can imagine an irate chicken running around its pen in circles, flapping wings and squawking uncontrollably you're about half way there. It was messy.

Dad helped me pack the car, dropping a few silk dresses out their respective bags on the way, then trying to blame me for it... By the end of the packing drama the car looked like I was trying to escort a body off the Island in my boot...I wasn't, just some stuffed birds from the local waxworks museum and a young (alive) girl who was scarily in need of some sedative and should probably be sectioned...Good afternoon north island.

So the shoot went brilliantly.
I forgot the shoes in the morning so had to SOS by bro out of bed for a quick trip into town. He popped in for 10 minutes, distracting everyone...what's this for? where does this go?, hey Charlie check this out...ha ha ha..!
Ben get that off now and go away...NOW

It took us a while to get going.
Claire insisting on getting the lighting exactly right so we could continue with the exact theme throughout. She of course was right and it looked epic.
Camilla perfecting Rachels' look: she looked stunning, really stunning.
Ellie and I having a catch up and going through all the accessories and sorting through looks.
Yasmin, my buddie and assistant not talking to anyone and slowly, yet methodically stroking the hairs off all the garments....a 5am finish that morning taking its toll. Ouch. Bless her.

The photos looked amazing. I am over the moon. The team and set-up worked seamlessly, the day was essentially fun and memorable and I want to say a huge thankyou to you all for making a girls dream come true. Hard work can pay off...now off to London Fashion Week!!!

The photos are now in post-production and will be ready for LFW. I will post them up here soon so watch this space.

Casterton, Casterton, Casterton our school....

2010-02-11T09:27:00.003Z

GCSE textiles revisited

So this weekend I sent out an SOS to my buddies. Hand sewing, spreadsheets, print layouts and banter needed in excessive doses and my oh my did they deliver...

My besties are actually mainly still from my school days at Casterton School in Lancashire. Named best value for money in the UK i.e half a sandwich for lunch and a netball court sporting one to many pot holes. We loved it though...excelling in all areas and setting an exemplary standard of conduct at all times....

Our first school buddie got married last year and being a 'frock maker' is made worth while when you can punish your pal with a red PVC swimsuit for a pre wedlock weekend of debauchery...

So the team arrived friday night. I fed and watered them, sending them to bed early for a bright and early 12pm start...eh?!?!?
There were 5 troops in total and we sewed, ironed, organised and did fancy stuff on illustrator. As we would have said at school it was totally LUSH.

It brightened my weekend having the girls down, it has also broken me in gently for communication with the outside world in preparation for my exit from the house in a weeks time. For this and that I thank-you all. Love you long time xx

The watering hole...pt 2

2010-02-06T21:27:00.004Z

Mac, Tea shops, Model bookers, Symbolism, Sushi and rubbish internet cafes

So after our Photoshoot meet, Camilla and I potter over to Covent Garden. We are meeting with Models 1 to discuss working with one of their new faces who is actually also an Island gal. We have a bit of time to spare so head off to Mac to look at make-up (not my forte, I try on about 10 lipsticks and end up looking like i've been rejected from the traveling circus) but Camilla has her business head on and we pick a few key colours to use in the shoot.

On our way to the modeling agency we pass a tea shop. AKA a shop solely dedicated to tea. Heaven. I buy a multi selection for a small fortune before being dragged kicking and screaming down the road.

So as Camilla and I are sat in Models 1 reception I surprisingly find myself more nervous in this scenario than most I have previously encountered. Maybe its because everyone is super human and I feel very not superhuman. The bags from sleep deprivation raising their ugly heads and oh, god, are those wrinkles and ergh, no, a grey hair......arrrrgggghhhh. Calm down nut job.
We meet with one of the bookers who is lovely and says that we can use our Island gal, Fifi as long as she agrees etc. We are over the moon. She is amazing. Now we wait.

Elated, Camilla and I head to eat Sushi and discuss the shoot. It's been a good day so far and we are hyped. Post Salmon teriaki we part ways and I head off to the Freemasons' Hall to meet the VFS team and see the exhibition space.

The Hall is unreal. The detail, phenomenal. I'm blown away. Our space is within one of the more simplistic room, which is light and airy so we're all chuffed. What a great venue.
We meet Emma, who is head of Sales for VFS and her assistant Chloe, both lovely, enthusiastic and really, really helpful. John, who is one of the directors of VFS is also there and after we tour the building and relevant spaces we sit down and talk.
Plans are put in place, advice given, questions answered and worries eased. It feels like a hugely successful counseling session. I feel cleansed and so excited. To visualize the space has realized the event in my mind. Eek.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout have also updated their website with all the designer info so take a look: CHARLOTTE TAYLOR Profile

I then head off to meet up with some of the team who will be helping me at the exhibition before jumping on the train to head back home.

Good Day.

The watering hole...pt 1

2010-02-04T19:18:00.007Z

Back to back meetings for my final trip to London before D Day

Tuesday
Tuesdays' penultimate task sees me night training it up to London to meet Brian for our pre-exhibition de-brief. It basically involved me filling Brian in on my progress, discussing how we can push ideas further and primarily what happens and how to prepare for what happens after the exhibition is over (so I don't hit a wall of chaos having not thought it through).

Wednesday
It's an early start on Wednesday to meet the team for the look book shoot next weekend. They include:

Claire Pepper The photographer.
Has won young fashion photographer of the year amongst other achievements.

Ellie Grace Cumming, stylist extraordinaire
Assistant to Katy England.
Check out her shoot below with Photographer Daron Bailey

Camilla Hewitt Hair and make-up guru.
Contact: camillahewitt@hotmail.com

We all meet at Claire's studio in Central London at 8.30am. Claire provides us with tea and croissants and then the brainstorming begins.
- I show everyone my ideas and inspirations behind the shoot, attempting along the way to assist them in understanding the brand and what suits its image and what doesn't.
- Ellie goes through many of the practicalities, making sure that we are all clear of the shoots direction and what we want to achieve. She also adds spins on my ideas, pushing boundaries.
- Claire talks technicalities. Lighting, backdrops, cropping and post production.
- Camilla goes through the options for hair and make-up, which we don't quite pin down as we are not sure if we have secured the model we want or not at this stage.

It is so helpful for me to visualize the studio in which we will be shooting, introduce all the team to each other and see them collectively getting excited about a now shared goal and vision.
It's a strong team sheet and my tail starts wagging again.

This is going to be good. This is going to be REALLY good.

Hiccups and Haberdasheries

2010-01-31T18:28:00.003Z

How can you be prepared for the unexpected...?

There are only so many scenarios you can prepare for with things going wrong. Backing up your options is of course key and that came fully into play this weekend when things went a little bit Pete Tong in the CHARLOTTE TAYLOR camp.

Unfortunately I was let down by one of my team (basically promising things and not delivering, putting me slightly behind an already stretched schedule). Although I was initially annoyed, the overriding emotion is that of disappointment. I think because I am still so early on in the development of the business, everything feels so incredibly personal.

Of course it is not personal and have now told myself to get over it and get on with it.

Fortunately I was with my pop at this time who over analyzes things to the ridiculous extreme, it made the whole event feel very unimportant.

We had a giggle anyway as we made our way into town. He to the phone shop on strict orders from the 'boss' (mum), for the 4th time that week to fix her hands free kit and I to my saving grace (thank the lord it's here) shop, Hellersleas. The haberdashery.

Although their stock mainly consists of last years' Bestival themed fabric selection (50% off) and next years themed fabric (prime spot in the window), they have quite a few essential sewing bits and bobs to bail me out when orders don't arrive etc...

So i'm guessing the lesson in my weekend has been. Always be prepared. Suppliers, manufacturers and colleagues can let you down. No one is as in to the CHARLOTTE TAYLOR brand at this moment in time as I am. Understand that Charlotte and always have a back-up plan.

Teapots and Cakestands: an island adventure

2010-01-29T22:09:00.004Z

As the planet prepares to be taken over by Alice in Wonderland I host my own warped tea party on the Island...partners and pets welcome

I began this morning running, driving, being blown over by island gusts and eventually made it back to the sewing machine about 11am with a new helper, Emma in tow. Crazy, fun times. Emma is hopefully going to be working with me once a week or so and have suggested she write a piece for the blog everytime she does, being a Fashion Journalism student and all....so watch this space.

This afternoon I was greeted by 2 of my very excitable, tail wagging, charity shop loving friends fully loaded with Isle of Wight porcelain memorabilia...aka 2nd hand granny tea sets. These are intended to be used at the exhibition so that tea is on hand at all times for those who want..

The studio later on turned into a hair salon as my pal came over to cut our hair. Lovely.
At CHARLOTTE TAYLOR you get hair cuts. No pay cheque. Haircuts.

One stop sweat shop

2010-01-27T22:03:00.005Z

Stamp licking, cold calling, home-made soup, 10 cups of tea and The XX

I may not pay the minimum wage likening myself to the foreign sweat shops...HOWEVER unlike many establishments CHARLOTTE TAYLOR helpers get:
-Fresh home-made chicken and barley soup (courtesy of pop) Yum with a capital Y.
-Limitless tea (new fave is green tea with pear...Divine)
-Warm, cozy working environment with eclectic selection of music (sometimes..)
-Sweets and chocolate (bribery = great)
-Animal magic (a cat and dog who both think they are human and seem to actually talk...maybe this is just me)

Invitations GO

Time to get all the invitations assembled and sent out. With a little help from my friends we:
-Compile the final list of buyers and press to invite
-Double check contacts are correct through the internet and calling shops/ magazines etc
-Design invite (I have a printed and an emailed version)
-Prepare package to send, including extras etc
-Stamp and post

As a large part of my invites are hand written I have spent a serious amount of time amongst heaps of paper with pen in hand. I am not one to write to people signing my own name but getting someone else to actually write it... At this stage I think the more personal the better.

Hence I have what feels like tennis elbow as a result and am also seeing double...good job i'm not sewing this evening then...

A MASSIVE thank-you to everyone who has helped me. I LOVE you.

BTW I did not make my friend sit on the floor, she is quote "a floor person"...Good. That's settled then..

WEIRD = WONDERFUL....?

2010-01-25T20:35:00.005Z

I take a break away from the sewing machine to watch a close mate get naked on stage

Did I return to the island and said sewing machine refreshed? NO
Was the evening a pleasant, comfortable one? NO
Did I have to pay a friend to accompany me to see over 100 naked women gyrate for 2 hours 40 minutes ? YES
Was my 12 hour trip to the smoke to see a previously body conscious mate swinging her birthday suit clad booty to the sound of the Clash, high kicks and all completely worth it. ABSOLUTELY

There's nothing like a good cup of tea, a large bag of pic-and-mix and a synchronized naked bottom shaking routine to eradicate the worries of launching ones own business, even if it is just for an evening.

Friday night saw me making my way last minute up to London to see my girlfriends. Having been stuck on the island for way to long and used up most of my conversation on my parents I decided to get civilized, put on some clothes that weren't tracksuit bottoms and hit the theatre.

"Trilogy" at the Barbican to be precise.

A show centered around Feminist issues and body dissatisfaction it wasn't your average Friday night out with the gals, but not one I shall forget lightly either and one that put a bit of perspective into my everyday life. (Don't fret I will NOT be joining in the naked revolution. Clothes = ON....Brrrrrrr where's my Penguin hot water bottle...?)

Question Time....

2010-01-24T10:32:00.004Z

Who am I...?

A few fellow bloggers ask me some questions about what i'm up to, my aspirations, life etc. If you're interested (i'm sure you're not) then click on the links below...

Lulu's

Sugar and Spice and all things nice

Just in case you needed any more persuading...

2010-01-20T22:36:00.003Z

My Muse

I LOVE HER

Move over Amanda Harlech, there's a new gal in town...

OAP Yoga and Stair Diving

2010-01-19T11:10:00.006Z

An average Monday in the fair Isle

So I start the day off badly. Rushing out of my room, dog at my heels hyperventilating with excitement as we're going for our early morning 'walkies' I take the wooden stairs down to the main landing with unprecedented speed. Error. As my sock clad feet were taken from under me I thought mid-air, "Damn it. How can I sew with broken arms and legs?". Fortunately the hypochondriac in me was out in full force and although the landing was unpleasant, hitting head, shoulders and buttocks simultaneously I survived. Phew. Only to be greeted at the stair base by an even more excited dog, who thinking we were now playing a game took full advantage of my situation (tangled in a heap on the floor) and planted a huge sloppy lick bang on the lips...ergh. Typical man.

GGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTT OOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway. Our walk was chaos free (apart from me walking like John Wayne - same thing must have happened when I was a bab; I look like i'm about to draw my pistols from their holsters in this photo) and we made it back in one piece just in time to collect my parents from the ferry.

They were arriving back form their annual South Africa trip and their respective tans would have forced me to turn around and walk away if I wasn't so god damn happy to see them... 3 weeks on your own with only the dog to talk to is a long time...it's time to start rebuilding the 'normal' genes.

Mum: "Don't forget darling that we are all going to yoga at the sailing club tonight, 6pm start so make sure you're ready"
eh..??!??!

Money could not buy this. Picture the scene:
Bembridge Sailing club (the epitome of high class society on the Island). 7 OAP's and me.
- Mum = The human equivalent of Elastigirl from the Incredibles. She organized the evening and provides an exemplary standard of flexibility and poise at all times. Git. She turns up with perfectly rolled yoga mat in tow and matching ensemble.
- Dad = 73 yrs old. 6ft3. Overweight. Stiff as a board. Gardening tracksuit bottoms and Tescos' tee. Towel instead of Yoga mat. He proceeds to grunt and groan for the duration, losing balance or crying out in pain on a regular basis.
- Their mates - arriving with a mixture of picnic rugs, festival mats and jumpers. One actually had an 80's shell suit on. Amazing.

We start with breathing exercises and it's clear from the off-set that one of the participants is not happy. She stands in protest as she says she's here for the Yoga not the 'Mumbo Jumbo nonsense'. She doesn't want to do the nodding (neck stretching), or pretty much anything else....mum called it distracting. I called it rude.

In between the shell-suits, picnic rugs, "for god's sakes'", grunts, groans and collapses on the floor the Taylor family found the evening a huge success. Mum showed us all again how unbelievable she is for her age, virtually doing the splits. Dad gave his joints a well needed oil and I managed to take an hour away form the sewing machine and really relax. So important and so worth it.

What is the key to Pr...?

2010-01-17T11:58:00.004Z

GETTING A HOOK - What is interesting about your brand and what you are doing?

1. How to write and send a press release

- Make sure the first paragraph grabs you straight away
- What makes you unique
- Key details (Price, stockist, materials)
- Concise and to the point, cut out the fluff, give them the facts and the journalist will add the spice.
- Send it in the body of an email, so easy to read.
- Send any images in the body of an email
- Keep the email under 2MG

2. How to target journalists and publications relevant to your target customer

- Focus on what the publication is showing or likely to show
- How can you relate your brand to it? e.g Alice in Wonderland is coming out soon, publications are gearing up to do stories around the film. Can your clothes be incorporated in this story?
- Create lists of publications and journalists
- Target journalists who are at a relative position in the company as you are. i.e as they grow within the publication they will take you with them.
- If you have a big story try to get exclusivity from your number one publication.
- Know what your lead- times. Monthly magazines = 3 month lead-time. Weekly newspaper = 1 month. e. Vogue are currently working on their April issue.

3. Appointing PR agencies

- Make sure you have your business in line first (so you have the funds etc to pay)
- Do your research about the agencies (What have they done in the fashion business? Do they deal with brand similar to yours?)
- Meet with the PR agent. You need to get on with them as they will effectively be another member of your team.
- A lot of people with approach you for free PR in order to break into the Fashion industry / sector. Do not discount these but be weary as they might not have the contacts you need. Expect everything from them as you would from an agent who you paid, they are doing it for a reason.
- Most PR agencies work on a monthly retainer. (What you pay them/ month. £200 - £1000/ month) Make sure you know what's included when you sign (i.e monthly report, are couriers, expenses, press days included? )

4. Celebrity endorsement

- As soon as something is worn by a celebrity email it around attaching quotes and images

5. Advice on sample send-outs

- When sending out clothing for photo shoots make sure you know who you are sending it to. There are people who try to con you to get free clothes etc. If you are un-sure ask for a commissioning letter, which should be on headed paper and thoroughly check the details.
- Label each item of clothing with contact and all the details.
- Take a photograph of it before it leaves to keep tabs on its condition. If it comes back damaged you can invoice them for it but be weary as to keep important journalists on side.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout - The one that got away

2010-01-15T20:57:00.003Z

Reinforcements take my place at salon number 3 as I remain stranded on the island in a fortress of snow

Down to no lack of effort Wednesday morning resulted in a very frustrated Charlotte being stuck on a very cold Island when she should have been in London at Vauxhall Fashion Scouts' Pr Salon.

This resulted in an SOS to my brother and my best mate who dropped their plans and headed straight to the venue. Little legends. I am assured that they were suitably inappropriately dressed (brother in a full city boy suit and mate in a bright red and seriously shabby fleece that she sometimes sleeps in...smooth) to the extent that the place was completely packed apart from the seat situated next to my brother....

The speakers were:

JESSICA BUMPUS: FASHION FEATURES EDITOR, VOGUE.COM
Jessica is the Fashion Features Editor for Vogue.com and is responsible for the writing and breaking daily news stories, designer interviews and Vogue Loves pages. She covers and features the shows during Fashion Week and is always on the look out for new designers.

NELL TROTTER: ACCOUNT MANAGER, BLOW PR
Nell is an Account Manger for creative Public Relations agency, Blow PR. Blow represents emerging talents Aminaka Wilmont, Bora Aksu, Spikjers en Spijkers, Gemma Slack, Komakino, Manjit Deu and many more. Blow PR is also publishes the Off-Schedule Guide during London Fashion Week.

The main topics covered were:

- How to write a press release
- How to target journalists and publications relevant to your target customer
- Hints and tips for grabbing attention
- How to sell your brand image
- Generating the right PR for your brand
- Appointing PR agencies
- Celebrity endorsement
- Advice on sample send-outs
- Publication lead-times

I will elaborate tomorrow on each topic. Too much info to absorb in one sitting!

Master plan master class

2010-01-13T21:32:00.003Z

A million lists and plans could not prepare me for carnage of the next month

I will soon be turning into my own inspiration if I carry on collecting grey hairs at this rate...(and maybe walking around with stuffed birds on my head too...actually I do that already)

Today epitomizes the everyday multi-tasking that goes into setting up a business. Here is my list for today and yesterday. This expands into daily, weekly and monthly lists and plans and still I feel confused...

- Chase up printed fabric (Done - It arrives tomorrow. Excited!)
- Chase up extra zips (Done - They arrive tomorrow)
- Register Trademark (Done)
- Email VFS with contracts and questions about the exhibition (Done)
- Advertise for work experience on blog (Done - and thank-you very much to all those who emailed me. I will get back to you shortly. Promise)
- Invitations to the show. Design and get quotes from printers. (Quotes Done, design almost)
- Design and order clothes labels (Done. They take 7-10 days for samples then a further 7-10 days for completion. I am paying £145 for 500 labels)
- Sort out photo shoot for look book. Organise a team, concept and time-scale. (Half way there)

Most of this was done yesterday as I was due to go up to London today to pick up some fabric that could not get delivered because of the snow and also to attend a VFS Salon on PR.

Unfortunately after 3hours at Portsmouth Harbour Train station this morning waiting for a train I turned back and called up my close friends to dish out some serious delegation.

My bro and best mate happily stepped in and attended the Salon for me. They have recorded the whole thing so I will be able to share their notes with you too. BIG thanks to those guys. I owe ya.

So back on the Island I round up some buddies (first people I have seen in 10 days...I chew their ears off with mundane chat) to drive me in a van to collect an overlocker which I am renting for 5 weeks for £50. Jeez they're heavy but jeez they're great.

I finish up the day writing a couple of emails and then back in the studio to finish sewing a garment.

Phew. Is it bed time yet...?

Roll-Up, Roll-Up

2010-01-11T22:41:00.003Z

To those out there who have a good sense of humor, love Penguins, Grannies and tea and fancy helping me out over the next month or so...?

OK so this is what I'm looking for:

18th - 24th Jan
Fashion Sales and / or Pr assistant
- Experience in one or the other would be preferable
- If you can use photoshop and / or illustrator that would be great too.

1st - 18th Feb
General Fashion Design/ Marketing/ Sales/ Pr Assistants
- This could be for the whole time, a week, 2 days....

Photoshoot (Weekend of the 13th and 14th February)
- Model
- Make-up artist
- Hair

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Exhibition (20th Feb - 23rd Feb)
- General assistants
- Models for Sales campaign

All work is un-paid but expenses will be covered and food and fun provided for free!
Please bear in mind that all positions are based on the Isle of Wight apart from the Photoshoot and Exhibition, which are in London. Accommodation will be provided on the Island but not in London.

Please email me at charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com if you are interested.

Look forward to hearing from you! xx

Pick of the best

2010-01-09T22:03:00.006Z

Some of the best Granny pics and Penguin links that have been sent in to me...LOVE

From: http://www.wornjournal.com/html/lets-get-gray/

A great article from fellow Granny lovers

Random pictures sent on from readers

Edinburgh Zoo LIVE Penguin cam = GENIUS

http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/EZPenguinCam.html

Topshop believes....

2010-01-08T21:42:00.005Z

Another great article on the Topshop blog

Thank-you so much for the support Topshop!
LOVE xxx

Fancy Fashion Foot Forward

2010-01-08T10:23:00.001Z

Confirmation from Vauxhall Fashion Scout

I have officially been selected to show my collection through their exhibition in London Fashion Week!

Woooooooohhhhhhooooooooooooo...call your friends!!!

Image from: http://thinkhousepr.mediaspaceltd.com

The exhibition runs from 20th-23rd February 2010 and will be set in the grand surroundings of the Freemasons' Hall.

To take part in the exhibition it costs each label £1200 + vat

The fee for the exhibition includes:
-Venue costs
-Individual space of 4 sq metres
-1 x 6 foot rail, 1 x 3-4 foot rail
-1 x plinth
-1 x stool
-Vinyl signage of designer/ label name
-Lighting system
-Sales manager and staff
-Event co-ordination and management
-Security
-Listing in Vauxhall Fashion Scout brochure
-Marketing and promotion to leading buyers and media

So all very exciting and VERY real. It's a huge reality check for me at this point. The stage i'm in at the moment is the easy part; stage two is actually selling the collection and that's no walk in the park. People have told me not to be disappointed if I don't sell in the first season (most labels don't apparently). Scary. However with my designing flair and Mr Mentorvator Brian on board we have a killer combo.
London Fashion Week LOOK OUT!

If you would like to come to the exhibition then please email me at: charlotte@charlottetaylorltd.com.
Please state where you're from and whether you would like to organise a private meeting to discuss the collection in more detail.
I will put further information on here nearer the time.

Many hands make light work...

2010-01-06T19:43:00.006Z

A couple of great girls lend a helping hand in building the Empire

Philipa and Hattie both came over from Bournemouth Art College for two days just before Christmas to help me out. Awesome.

Philipa
Philipa specializes in Fashion Design and helped me with sampling and fabric sourcing. Philipa was very grounded with a great work ethic. I asked her to write a paragraph about her experience with me (underneath).

"Well it's not the average work experience placement' we joked as we sat in the living room watching some telly with Itsy the cat perched on my lap! It was an enjoyable couple of days in Charlotte's cozy studio, with chocolate eclairs on hand to keep us going! We worked on a couple of sample garments, cutting and sewing, and I also did a bit of fabric swatch sourcing on the internet. Names of nice, helpful fabric retailers noted! It was really good to have a peek inside the beginnings of Charlotte Taylor Ltd. I'm really excited by the ideas and quirky inspirations for the collection, I can't wait to see it in all its glory in just a number of weeks' time!"

Hattie
Hattie specializes more in graphics and helped me more with marketing ideas - printed matter, research etc. She was great, very proactive and keen.

Hattie said that she "Loved seeing all these things i had been reading about on your blog in the flesh. It was a great experience for me and I learnt so much so thanks for your patience and answering all my questions; giving me an insight into yourself and the industry. Your studio is lovely and was such a pleasure spending the couple of days there along with your impressive collection of Tea and generous amount of sweets!"

MASSIVE thank-you to you guys. You were both great!

It's the final countdown....

2010-01-05T23:41:00.006Z

As the new year raises its head, London fashion week draws ever nearer and I turn into a house bound hermit, who even the dog thinks is a little weird...

So it's roughly 6 1/2 weeks until LFW and the launch of my first collection. Not long to go. It looks like I will be showing with Vauxhall Fashion Scout through an exhibition as opposed to a show (which is still great so thanks for all the support!). This has yet to be confirmed though so I will let you know the details when I do.

To-Do list for final countdown

- I am of course mainly focusing on finishing the collection at the moment and 3 items per week is my goal.
- Remain sane and keep organised...

- Sales strategy. How to get sales once the collection is finished.
- Pr strategy. How to get the maximum amount of Pr surrounding the build up to the launch, during it and after.
- Business aspects - Registering Trademarks, terms and conditions, forms for sales campaign, costings of garments, lead-time calculations etc
- Marketing strategy.
- Chasing up the last of the trimmings and contrast fabrics.

- Keep fit and make sure I get outdoors everyday.

Tonight it snowed on the Isle of Wight.
It NEVER snows here.
I am RIDICULOUSLY excited...weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Audience Participation

2010-01-04T21:44:00.006Z

An Ode to Anna - who has voluntarily papped grannies and showered me with penguin memorabilia over the last few months...a true friend and an unwavering supporter.

18/12/09 - Sent via text "Just been doing some granny stalking for you..."

28/12/09 - Hand delivered birthday card...all together now...ahhhhhhhhh

28/12/09 - Hand delivered birthday presents. Penguin hot water bottle for chilly nights on the island and Penguin book for night time reading.

31/12/09 - Hand delivered post card of disheveled granny.

01/01/10 - Meet Anna (I think she might squirt me with her pepper spray for this..) on her first day at school in our fetching uniform (minus boater)...I absolutely ADORE this photo and the girl in it. I think she had just about grown into the jumper and blazer by the time we left school 7 years later.

There has been an overwhelming response to the story behind the collection. Penguins and Grannies seem to hold a special place in many peoples' hearts. So if you see a Granny or a Penguin, take a snap and email me, I would love to see! xx

Pink Diamante encrusted mice and 3D Glasses

2010-01-03T22:13:00.009Z

Christmas - how my ambitions in setting up my own label have affected my view and realization of yuletide festivities..

Prioritizing
Most Christmas's for our family are spent in Cape Town with relatives. However due to the imminent launch of the label this was never going to be a possibility. The carnage was therefore brought to the Isle of Wight so little old me could work in between gatherings, a decision which I feel my brother may struggle to forgive. If only he wore girl clothes then I could bribe him...hm hang on a mo...?

Present appreciation society
As setting up a business costs an arm and a leg all present requests to Santa this year primarily revolved around anything that could be used within the label to cut my costs. Computer aids, drawing equipment, fabric etc... My favorite was a pink diamante encrusted mouse for my computer (photographed here with my 3D glasses from Avatar....awesome, if only to watch 200 people sat in the dark in sunglasses). It changes colour from pink to blue and is probably one of the most grotesque yet wonderful things I have ever seen.

Perspective
I have more recently begun finding myself looking at products with a new perspective. What sells, who is the buyer, are they cornering a niche market and if so how...?
Marc Jacobs I feel is the perfect example of a designer who is making his product accessible to a huge percentage of the market, primarily through spin off lines and products. From Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton to Marc by Marc by Marc by Marc by Marc by Marc etc..
Spin off products is definitely something I want to get into and am constantly thinking of new ideas. Christmas is a great time to look out for quirky new products hitting our shelves.

I find ideas from all over the place. I have begun to develop a bit of a thing for spooky figurine type things. The one above is a favorite who belonged to my Grandpa. His eyes and mouth move, it's so weird and a little scary but I love him. I consider him my modern day Gargoyle when i'm alone in the house.

This has also progressed onto a "thang" for robots. This started when one Valentines day I couldn't figure out what to get my current boyfriend, who was a teacher at the time. I'm not really a fan of the day and have always refused to buy Chocolates etc so popped into the local shop and decided that a pencil sharpener in the shape of a robot would be perfect...eh?!?! I even cut out a little photo of myself and stuck it on said robot to add to the romance...good one. The relationship surprisingly didn't last but my love of robots did.

I also love Cosplay (photo above) - an activity in which competitors dress as their favourite anime or manga characters and enact favourite scenes.

Check out these little Salt and Pepper robots too. Amazing.

All I can say is that if I can bring another individual as much joy from my products as I get from my Pink Diamante encrusted mouse every time I look at it I will be a happy girl.

Subject: Stuffed Animals

2009-12-22T20:44:00.004Z

Just because it's Christmas and everyone loves a good office party story....

I was forwarded this message this morning from a distressed boss to her workforce:

The venue from Friday night (who have been VERY understanding considering the mess and devastation we caused) have emailed me this morning to say 3 of their stuffed animals have disappeared.

If you know anything about these please let me know – if you took one RETURN it to me immediately or if you moved one and can help us find them please say.

If we do not return / help them locate the items, they will charge us for replacements.

Thanks for your help.

tx

Apparently no one could help...

According to reliable sources the stuffed animals have actually been on a their holidays...

We have also been informed that the said stuffed ferrets are now on their way 1st Class (couriered in box) back home (to weird event venue that keeps stuffed animals...?!?!) along with framed printouts of the above photos from their holidays (time spent on culprits desk whilst culprit time wastes as a Snappy Snaps for Ferrets wannabe).

Arrrrrr...happy endings at Christmas.

Gangsters Paradise

2009-12-18T17:45:00.008Z

Haberdashery visits in the 'hood'

So i'm up in London town again to get the final bits and bobs for the collection. This included a trip to the depths of the city to a haberdashery and lets just say I was glad to be wearing my Michelin style puffer on this occasion. As the sun sets I SOS a pal to give me exact directions to the shop, i'm flapping a bit having never been a fan of the youth gang culture that appears to be rife in this particular area, but eventually find the desired location. Phew.
Knock Knock.
"Ello darlin, come on up, 1st floor"
What a nice man. I instantly hit it off with "N" and it's banter central. As I have said before, most wholesalers are not over the moon about dealing with small companies, "N" however seems to be the exception. I have lucked out.
I pick my zips, fusing, press studs etc, some I take away with me, some get ordered. Done.

The meeting ends on an unusual note, one however I will remember.
"N" is very complementary, saying I seem like a lovely girl and that I must come from good stock. "Do I have a boyfriend...(No)...Do I want one...(hmmm)." He apparently knows of a rather fine young gentleman who he wants to introduce me to. A gentleman who has apparently been described as a mix between Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Cruise. Not bad. He has a photo and proceeds to tell me that this gentleman is extra special because he is actually his son. Bless. My hopes however sink a little... with a dad this proud this kid could look like a hobbit and he would be blind to it.
Never the less I leave with the same amount of contacts in my phone as when I entered. Can't win them all.
Hood on, look mean Charlotte, now walk.

I always have my Ninja move after all, don't know how helpful it would be...? Probably more than my friends though...she should stay well clear of the 'hood' that's fo sho.

Do I have a problem...?

2009-12-17T10:51:00.005Z

My weird obsession with Grannies...

So back in July I began my research. Friends would call up, asking what I was up to and where I was...."Oh. i'm Granny hunting today. I've just found some great ones on the pier, i'm really excited!"
My exclamation of joy at having found said grannies usually followed with an awkward pause then "Oh Charlotte, not again".
Why is it that I find Grannies so very inspiring? To the extent that I hop in my little car (regularly) to search the lovely Isle in hope of capturing that "special" moment...?

Maybe it's their inhibitions..? I love the way that old pieces from the past are combined with modern day versions. Things are quite often the wrong size or they just simply don't match and I love it. It fascinates me.

Trashy grannies has been a third of the fuel in my AW'10 inspiration fire this season. It will always however be backed up by the elderly population on a whole. The two clippings above and below are two of my favorites and found in the same paper on the same day. You can imagine my excitement..

It is an obsession I am trying to come to terms with and am considering help. I must say I do feel a little bit of an odd ball when I am hiding behind lamp posts, camera ready to try and get the optimum shot without being caught.
The Isle of Wight Paparazzi I guess...
Shush now.

Haberdash me up baby

2009-12-15T18:48:00.004Z

Ordering in the final bits and bobs

So I have the majority of my fabrics, I unfortunately was not home to hug the delivery man but I am assured that my pop did a grand job.

The final preparations are ordering the extras. These include:
- Press Studs and buttons
- Zips
- Fusing/Interfacing
- Shoulder pads
- Thread
- Lining

Press Studs
I am using http://www.jagdberg-shop.de
They have a massive selection at a really good price and not huge minimums. Its about £20 for 100.

Zips and the rest
Lovely Mr Zip man put me in touch with two London wholesalers.
- London Trimmings
26/28 Cambridge Heath Rd, E1 5QH
- Europa Trimmings
13/15 Lever Street, EC1V 3QV

They are not mad keen on dealing with small companies but have been great to me so far. You can order via email if you know what you want or just pop into the shop Monday to Friday and pick out what you want. They are haberdasheries so sell all of the above. I will most probably get the majority of the list above at one of these as i'm not a fan of ordering on-line for such things. Bit too risky.

Linings

I have ordered some great, not expensive lining from Biddle Sawyer Silks in Manchester.
www.biddlesawyersilks.com

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Salon

2009-12-12T16:42:00.005Z

The Salon part Deux

It's round two at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, a sales orientated evening with:

DYLAN WILDE HERSHMAN: CREATIVE DIRECTOR, EASTERN BLOCK
Eastern Block is a seasonal sales showroom dedicated to working with design labels on the up.

MARK BAGE: COGGLES
Mark has a huge amount of experience in selling designer fashion online

Unfortunately Dylan can't make it so Mark has our undivided attention for the eve. We are also entertained by a power cut affecting the whole block, leaving candles and Brians iPhone for guidance. It feels very Christmasy and there's a happy hum of merry voices chattering away in the darkness.

Mark starts off by giving us the low-down on what he does (he is the creative director of on-line fashion store www.coggles.com) and what they're about (womens and mens fashion, not couture, not high street. They also have an increasing budget for taking on young designers, about 45%).
The main topics that are then discussed are:
Q. How to make a product work online?
A. Get bloggers to discuss your product on their sites (many retailers pay bloggers to promote their product), also link your web pages/ blogs etc to your e-commerce site.
n.b Customers are spending more on-line now-a-days. Sites like ASOS have helped break the mold, rubbishing speculation about late deliveries, bad quality etc, reassuring customers in their potential purchases.
Q. How do we as young designers get retailers attention and get them to buy our product?
A. Be innovative. Don't just send an email and a swanky look-book, it'll go straight to the bottom of the pile. Personalize your application and be persistent.

Mark then goes on to answer questions from the floor. To sum up here is what he said:
- Don't run before you can walk. Try to sell to a few select retailers and build relationships with them
- Advise retailers of your RRP. It doesn't look great on you if they're all trying to undercut each other.
- Give your collection a theme, a story.

Mark finished by saying no matter what, if he didn't like a designer/ brand he would not work for them. So the last bit of advice was, be a charmer (at this point the whole room smiled and charged for Mark, with that 45% budget they're no surprise that each and every person was handing Mark business cards, look-books etc. Poor man should have been petrified but astonishingly, like Brian he was totally cool. I need to bottle that 'cool', I'd be a millionaire.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout...Judgement Day

2009-12-11T09:55:00.003Z

It's 6.15am, my alarm bell starts a ringing...INCOMING. I bolt upright with the realization of what lays ahead in the Charlotte Taylor world today. It's the day I hand in my bid to show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, AKA judgement day.

In a hop, skip and a jump i'm up in London town heaving my bag through streets and tube stations to VFS headquarters. I arrive at 11am, locate the office and knock.
"Come in".
Bag is unpacked, clothes placed on the rail and I get chatting to one of the directors, John. We talk about the label, Pr options, whether living on the Isle of Wight is a help or a hindrance etc... I flap around a bit when asked direct questions, my memory seems to vanish and I wonder if he asks me my name will I remember it...? The situation isn't helped by choice of attire. An over sized Michelin style puffer that is causing a slow but sure suffocation. My body temperature gage is creeping up to the "caution, dangerously hot, might explode indicator" with every question asked. Not smooth Taylor.

I ask questions about how many i'm up against (about 40) and when ill find out if i'm in or not (wouldn't say) and then pack up my bits and bobs, say my goodbyes and leave.

Coming out of the building I feel slightly flustered but happy. I have done all I possibly could have and it's now in their hands. I stop in the street, say a little prayer, do a big cheesy grin, then hop off down the road off to my next meeting.

"So where abouts in Vauxhall is this 'Scout' thing anyway...?

2009-12-08T23:19:00.004Z

"Actually Dad it's not called that because...oh never mind"

A manic five days of no sleep, food or human contact has culminated in:
- 5 x Garment bags: Containing my AW '08 collection, beautifully ironed and de-fluffed (thanks Stephanie!)
- 1 x AW '08 Portfolio
- 1 x Business, Marketing and Pr folder
- 1 x Sales folder
- 1 x AW '10 Concept and Design Folder

So i'm on the first ferry, then train up to London town, tubing it straight to VFS (not in Vauxhall BTW) to drop off the goods. We have been told to drop off between 10am and 6pm tomorrow and collect between the same times on Friday. We are not allowed to be present during judgement day (Thursday) so hopefully my pre-prepared package will speak volumes and do the talking for me.

Fingers, toes, legs and arms crossed!

Also I wanted to say thanks to everyone who emailed with their support for my little campaign, it meant so much and lets hope it works!

I am off to the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Salon round 2 tomorrow evening so will have some more juicy advice shortly so watch this space.

Right bed time...im looking forward to some more spreadsheet dreams...