Dear All,

By the end of last week our attention turned to retail, no, not another doom and gloom report - but the annual Retail Week Awards, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Thousands of industry retail players got together to celebrate the years success stories, so it can’t be all bad. Winners included: Morrison’s, who bagged the Retailer of the Year Award, while Chairman Sir Ken Morrison was also awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to Retail. Others picking up awards; The Co-operative Group, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, ASOS.com and Inditex.

The ‘Face of Croydon’ Hots Up

At FashionCapital & Fashion-Enter HQ we’ve been gearing up for our ‘R U the Face of Croydon’ competition round 2. This year the competition is in association with Arista cosmetics, a brand new range specifically developed for women of colour. Arista is looking for 3 new faces, one black, one Asian and one Latin to represent the brand.

Winners will also score agency representation with a non-exclusive modelling contract from Divinity Models, gain lashings of exposure, plus a selection of prizes.

Divinity Models commented:

“As a leading national modelling agency in the UK Divinity Models is delighted to be supporting ‘R U the Face of Croydon’ with Arista Cosmetics. We have been established for over two years and work at all levels of the fashion sector including our modelling competition Face of Divinity which was covered by Fashion TV in November last year.”

To view last years ‘Face of Divinity’ competition, which, by the way, featured creations by designers that showcased at Profile 8, please check out this video exclusive from FashionTV:

Back to ‘R U The Face of Croydon’

Arista Cosmetics said of the collaboration:

“Arista Cosmetics is a range of high end beauty products for Black, Asian and Latin complexions and sits perfectly with our search for aspiring new top end models. We will be offering the three winners of Arista Cosmetics a non-exclusive modelling contract that will launch their careers. We wish everyone success with this exciting new venture."

For those interested in applying for ‘R U The Face of Croydon 2008’ expression of interest forms will be available online and at the Fashion-Enter boutique at Centrale Shopping Centre in due course.

What’s on FashionCapital this Week…

Susan Royston, Creative Director of Melt London reveals that she is less than impressed with the latest batch of designer collections – uninspiring and dull, surely creativity needs to step up a gear in times of economic uncertainty? Our in-house photographer Rodney Compton reports from La Dolce Vita, an Italian style event held last weekend at London’s Olympia. And Georgina Harley-Smith reveals her latest Spring/Summer 08 collection which is also available to buy online in ‘presszone’.

FC Chit-Chat

There has been plenty of activity in the FashionCapital forums of late – from the request for a designer for a one-off opportunity in ‘jobs available’ to a fashion networking event in ‘business issues’. Don’t forget our panel of industry professionals are on hand to answer your questions directly in the ‘members’ forum.

Boutique Pick of the Week

A super stylish ipod or phone case featuring funky digital print by Belle Sauvage - £10.00 as seen at the FC Boutique www.fcboutique.co.uk

Until next time, have a great Easter break,

The Team at FashionCapital x