Fash-Pack talks to . . . Imogen Belfield

When did you start designing?
The first day I spent in a workshop I was given a long rod of silver, by the evening I’d created a coiling hand/arm piece. To bring an object that was at first so static, into life as a form on the body gave me the direction with which to continue my learning of metalwork and jewellery design.

What type of customer do you have in mind when creating your looks?
Someone who takes delight in deviating from the mainstream fashion path, who enjoys challenging conformity and indulging in a piece of jewellery that will invoke and provoke a reaction in the wearer and viewer.

What designer would you love to collaborate with?
The Architects Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry and Antonio Gaudi have all been great inspirations in the jewellery I have created so far. My work can be seen as miniature representations of abstract buildings, and to collaborate with these designers could create an interesting fusion of scale, dimension, wearabilty and function between that of a great office tower and a 2 finger ring. I would also love to collaborate with Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Viktor & Rolf.

What's been inspiring you lately?
The rock and crystal formations exhibited at the Natural History Museum.

What person would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

Grace Jones and Bjork.

Do you have any upcoming projects or shows you'd like to talk about?
Shirley Crowther will be exhibiting my work at the Artists Open Houses during the Brighton Festival, at The Jointure Studios, Ditchling…Weekends in May 2009, 2nd-24th

Coutts London Jewellery Week 8th – 14th June (tbc)

Cannes Film Festival; 14th – 23rd May. (tbc)

Who are your current stockists?
Daniel Bexfield, 26 Burlington, Mayfair, London W1

My diffusion range ‘Bel by Imogen Belfield’ is currently on Glimpse Online; www.glimpseonline.com

What's been your proudest moment in fashion/jewellery?
London Fashion Week; Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection ‘The Unshores’, exhibited at Felicities PR, London.

The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths; Award for BA Coursework, June 2008.

British Jewellers’ Association; Award for BA Design, June 2008.

South Square Trust Award, 2006 –2008.

Publication of my jewellery work in the Ceramic Review, Nov/Dec 2008.


What's something you wish you knew from the beginning that you'd like young designers to know?
The briefest encounter can lead to a positive networking experience, so take each opportunity you get.

(with thanks to Jill)

Roving Reporter : Vivienne Westwood

Westwood, who has already shown in London showed a massive collection of her Gold Label. It was a diverse and creative collection, full of grungy tones, foiled tees and patterned shiny leggings.

There were fab, day dresses (see above) that played with twists and drapes often seen in the Westwoods Red collection too. Shiny boots and slight mismatched colours were all so typical of the Westwood looks we know and adore.

There were plenty of celeb faces, including Pamela Anderson, apparently the current Westwood muse! 

My favourite looks, which wouldn't load on to the blog today! Was a fab psychedelic weaved fabric that felt like Matthew Williamson on acid!

Ever wanted THE 'Sex and the City' dress that Carrie wore, but thought 'if only it was slightly shorter and more peacock like?'

In which case this last look is for you!

Advice to live by : Cecilia Dean of Visionaire

Have you ever had those stares? 

You know the ones I mean . . . 

You're wearing the latest look, '8 billion inch platforms heels, a molded metal bodice with a floral skirt and a mini top-hat' (yes this a hypothetical look) and no one seems to get it? 

Least of all your latest squeeze. 

I had a boyfriend once, who thought my Vivienne Westwood bag was insanely hideous, in fact the constant mickey taking of my beautiful tote and the fact that he actually once nudged it with his foot (it is amazing that I'm not locked up somewhere for GBH) signaled to me just how much I believe in Cecilia Dean's brilliant pearl of wisdom. . .

'If they can't take the outfit, they can't take the woman'

- Cecilia Dean on Giles Deacon's insanely brilliant collection.

Definitely words to live by.

So next time he gives you that funny look, tell him that if he wants you to choose between him and the Balenciaga, he will lose every time!

Roving Reporter: Victoria Beckham

I know it’s her second season, but can anyone blame me for being pleasantly surprised for the second time after viewing Victoria Beckham’s collection? Not only has the designer proved herself as a designer to be reckoned with, she is also a far cry from those skimpy infamous hot pants she wore during the 2006 World Cup.

After receiving raving reviews last season, Victoria proved that her debut success was not merely a fluke. In her 23 piece collection presented at the Waldorf towers for the second time, she showcased beautifully made elegant designs.

As the great Coco Chanel rightly put it: ‘Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman’. The collection has the ability to make any woman look effortless elegant and strong. What strikes me as the strength of the collection is the lack of fuss. The dress speaks for itself. Makeup and hair styling were minimal but the girls still looked stunning. Is that not testament to a great dress? All you have to do is put it on and you look amazing.

Her debut collection received raving international reviews and praise for its timeless quality, particularly in today’s economic climate. This season, she was a bit more experimental, paring tight black trousers with jackets that had zippers that can be opened from the top and the bottom. Dresses were also given a modern twist with silver studded belts that added a rock chic, edgy sensibility. 

Beautiful floor length gowns with trains came in black and red, creating strong, feminine silhouettes. I am sure they will be seen on the back of many an A-lister.

The length of the dresses were varied. This season she introduced several shorter styles but the statement pieces were still the calf grazing dresses. 

The collection was very well edited but had problems with styling. The black jacket over the floor length gown didn't show off either garment well.

The collection was definitely a great move compounding on the success of her debut collection. Victoria definitely earned her position on shop floors sitting between greats like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.