Fashion Revolution Event

Fashion Revolution Event

Recently I organised a personal style tour around Zürich for a group of ladies, our tour ended at the sustainable & fair event Fashion Revolution Switzerland.

Fashion Revolution is a global movement set up by fashion lovers, who enjoy style but want to wear clothes that are made in a safe, clean and fair way. At this event you can meet people showcasing unique sustainable designs and forward thinking concepts.

Here are some of my personal highlights from the fashion fair.

Felix Doll
I met the designer at this event and loved hearing about his journey in design and his mission to create stylish, sustainable collections.

Jungle Folk
I have been following this label on Instagram for a while now and love seeing which remote villages in the world she is visiting to find the best fair and sustainable products for her designs.

Qwstion
Based in Zürich, you have probably seen a number of their cool bags around town. If not, it is worth popping to their store on Badenerstrasse!

The house of Aim
I loved the prints and modern cuts of this sportswear brand and am excited to see this label grow.

Selfnation
Ever heard of tailor made jeans? Interested? Well, this is the address in town to find something in keeping with your figure, wishes and needs.

A New York Affair
My husband bought one of Jamil`s t-shirt at the event. A simple cut t-shirt dyed with birch. The t-shirts are dyed in a natural dyeing workshop by people with special needs.

Repair and wear!

Ideas but no experience? I know someone who can help you…

Fashion show by Villa Paul
I used to work with Mimi Frey and Doris Rickenbacher, they own Villa Paul- a sustainable and fair store in Baden. Both have a great energy & eye for style, the perfect pair to organise the fashion show for this fashion revolution event! Thanks for the invite!

If you would like to book a personal tour with me in Zürich or London get in touch!
Otherwise, keep an eye on my Facebook page to find out when I will be running my next event…

Spring Style Events

Spring Style Events

A big part of my job is knowing who has what and when!

Prior to my first style event of 2018 I`d been in touch with a number of contacts to find out when the full spring collections would arrive, I wanted us to be the first to shop the new collections in store! Below you will find some highlights from the tour…

Each event I organise is different. Whether new season favourites – business wear – dresses to dance in or sustainable fashion. I pre-select looks according to each individuals wishes, visiting small boutiques and selected department stores showcasing labels from different corners of the globe.  This is a chance to not only find some new wardrobe favourites, uncover new stores in town but also meet the owners/ buyers behind these exciting concepts and stores.

If you would like to join my next event, contact me directly or check my facebook page for details, it would be great to have you there!

A BIG thank you to all the ladies who joined the tour and Modissa, Jelmoli, Burri Optik, Cos, Maud and Maison Julie for having us!

Mode Suisse

Mode Suisse

My Dad took me to my first fashion show when I was little- a Vivienne Westwood show, can you imagine?! I can still remember the buzz, the build up, the flamboyant designs and models swooping up and down the catwalk!

Mode suisse is the biggest fashion event on the calendar in Switzerland. You never quite know what to expect at one of their shows which I love! Its and important event for Swiss designers and in my opinion for Swiss culture. This springs – Edition 13 – “wow” moment was the showroom setting where collections were presented on models and you could meet the designers. A really nice, stylish, personal touch!

Here are some of my highlights from Mode Suisse Edition 13.

This Basel based label is run by design duo Matthias Fürst and Karin Wüthrich. Their collections are produced in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I personally loved the chainmail/ bejewelled tops and colour-block dresses, I could imagine having one of those in my wardrobe!
Print, Plissé and cool colour combis. No wonder! Julia Heuer used to be head of print design at the well known textile company Jakob Schlaepfer. Creating prints for fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Comme des Garcons and Calvin Klein to name a few. Her collections are certainly worth a closer look!
A reconstructed gentlemans wardrobe. Designer Luka Gunther Maurers` collection often showcases a modern twist on tailored pieces, combining textures and detailing in an interesting way. I have been keeping my eye on this designer for a number of years now and look forward to seeing more of his work.
This collection could easily move from the catwalk into your wardrobe. Designers Michael Muntinga and Roland Rahal`s showcased wonderful prints, and versatile pieces that can easily be worn from the day to night.
Highlights from the Modesuisse showroom:
Thank you Mode suisse for the invitation, I enjoyed the event!
The Umbrella Shop

The Umbrella Shop

Come rain or shine, next time you’re in central London hail a cab and ask for “The Umbrella shop” every taxi driver will know where to find this hidden gem! With it`s Victorian shop front design and untouched interior you will be warmly welcomed into the world of walking sticks, dress canes, umbrellas and much, much more. Founded in the 1830s, this is the oldest umbrella shop in London.

James Smith & Sons works with established family companies from around Europe. Sourcing the highest quality components that they need to craft their walking sticks and umbrella collections. A few of the handles are still hand carved by craftsman in the uk and unique wooden handles are supplied from the forests of Europe and Asia.

Phil, the store manager gave me a tour of the store before opening hours. A real treat, as when the open sign was turned and the doors unlocked the daily flow of customers began. The store is brimming with a large variety of styles and functional designs. There are plenty of knowledgeable sales personnel on hand to advise you on which style would best suit your needs and give tips on how to take care of your purchase.

Which is the oldest umbrella you have in-store?
An 18th century walrus tusk and brass umbrella, the fabric would have originally been silk and the ribs made of whalebone.

I see you have a variety of styles in the cabinet, what type of umbrellas are these?
Here we have a drinking stick umbrella, which was popular in the 19th century, there`s also a games stick with concealed dice, a horse measuring stick and swordstick.

How would you describe the signature style of a traditional English umbrella and which is your personal favourite?
It should be functional and reserved in design. My favourite is the horn handle umbrella with olive wood shaft, as it is not only stylish but sturdy and comfortable to hold.

Which umbrellas would you class as essential accessories?
A small umbrella which fits in your bag, a sturdy, stylish folding design for windy days and a smart, formal style for weddings and funerals.

Do you have an on-site workshop?
Yes we do, we produce our own umbrellas, make alterations and of course offer a repairs service.

Thank you Phil and your team for having me at James Smith & Sons, armed with my new umbrella I will be ready for any stormy days and any April showers!

When I am working in London I like to uncover new shopping experiences and gain insight into the traditional stores which have influenced design as we know it today. If there is anything you would particularly like me to explore, please let me know so I can add it to my style stories for you!

Gift voucher

Gift voucher

Still searching for the perfect present?
Let`s arrange a different kind of gift, something that will last long after christmas!
With this voucher you`ll give your colleagues or loved ones the chance to try on some new styles, find wardrobe favourites and discover different boutiques and stores in town. There are two cards to choose from and many possibilities, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch- Lets connect! info@rowenadowning.com