Welsh Designer Collective Autumn/ Winter 2010

A/W ‘10 sees the launch of the Welsh Designer Collective, which is supported by The Welsh Assembly Government and headed by CEO Judie Thomas. The show aims to support an unprecedented selection of Welsh design talent. This season it consists of three handpicked designers who best represent the skill and fashion talent emerging from Wales. The winning candidates are as follows:

Elinor Franklin
On graduating from West Wales School of the Arts Elinor was named Welsh designer of the year. Structured leather, silks and a myriad of natural fabrics feature, combined with elegant eveningwear to create a collection that is contemporary and directional. Her portfolio of six boutiques across Wales highlights her commercial success, and by achieving a finalist position on BBC’s The Biz she has begun to reach a wider audience.

Emma Griffiths
She has worked with both Alexander McQueen and Boudicca. Flowing lines and alluring silhouettes sum up the classic/contemporary designs emanating from Emma Griffiths. Topshop have fallen so much for her creativity, that she’s developed a line especially for the world-famous store. The BBC’s Apprentice recognised her skills and recruited her as a mentor on the hit show. Emma is based in London, so it’s a natural progression for her to show her collection to the city that’s nurtured her brand.

Josie Beckett
Beckett hails from Cardiff, and has built a formidable brand, which is stocked at Topshop and ASOS. Her quirky style is loved from Spitalfields to Scotland, by strong, confident, fashion-conscious women.

The Welsh Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones has expressed his support for the show saying: “There is so much talent and creativity across the cultural spectrum here in Wales and it is great to see another example of Welsh imagination and vision happening with this show taking place during London Fashion Week. I hope it brings the ingenuity, originality and, not least, ability to work commercially in a highly competitive sphere of these Welsh designers to a wider audience. I wish the designers and the show organisers all the best for the event.”

The Welsh Designer collective will take place at 11.30am in the historic Bloomsbury Ballrooms in the heart of London, on Sunday 21st February 2010.

For press enquiries, contact: Alex Carlé
For ticket enquires contact: info@blow.co.uk
T: +44 (0)20 7436 9449 E:  alex@blow.co.uk