My Passport to Style | Meets Rosie Founder Of Ethical Company Preeti Design

 Hi Rosie, I'm really excited to have Preeti Design featured here on My Passport to Style today, as you work with such skilled artisans who use such beautiful colours and prints in your range and a big thanks for offering such a lovely giveaway of one of your sets of handmade bangles.The details of which are at the bottom of this interview with Rosie 

Sharon Q1- What inspired you to set up Preeti Design?

Rosie A- India! I went to Rajasthan with my sister on holiday and fell in love with the country. I had to go back and do something that meant I could spend lots of time living there and working with it’s fantastic people.

Rajputi Bags

Sharon Q2- How does the ethical nature of your business benefit the women in Asia that you commission to produce the bags, clothing bags and bangles you stock?

Rosie A-They work in their own homes under their own time. Because they all have a family and young children, going to work outside of their home is not possible. I provide an income for them that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to have. They take great pride in their work and produce fantastic products, because their standard is so high I am always really impressed and excited by how they replicate my designs and ideas, seeing their hard work get this reaction is a real boost for them and gives them the confidence that women in India often don’t have.

Sharon Q3- In the time that Preeti Design has been running have you noticed any changes in consumers attitudes to purchasing ethical fashions and accessories?

Rosie A- Buying an ethically made product has become far more on trend. People definitely care more about how things are made and where they came from. Using recycled materials is quirky and people love seeing a fabric reinvented and used for a completely different purpose. My Borie bag is an example of this and is hugely popular.

Sharon Q4- What's been your greatest challenge since setting up?

Rosie A- Working in a country where you don’t speak the language was a challenge and meant that I had to learn some basic Hindi fast!

Sharon Q5- What's your philosophy on business?

Rosie A-For every business it is essential to have a great product and commitment behind it. For small independents such as Preeti Design we can’t forget the importance of PR and marketing to get our brand noticed. Personally I have found the blogging community a great source of support in this area.

Sharon Q6- What makes you smile?

Rosie A-Colour! In any shape or form, this is why I have such a passion for India, women wouldn’t dream of stepping out of the house in beige!

Sharon Q7- That's so true! Colour is such a big part of Asian style! Would you do anything differently?

Rosie A- My first collection included only one design of 11 colour ways but I didn’t have the confidence to go further with my ideas. With the success of the first range I wish that I had pursued a few more of my initial designs from the start.


Sharon Q8- Got to ask, do you have a favourite bag from your collection?


Rosie A- I love all the bags and can’t really choose, but my favourite products from the new range are the one of a kind silk necklaces, they are each plated from antique sari silk bearing beautiful hand painted silver pendants.

Sharon Q9-That sounds like a really special piece, I really like your brightly coloured garment bags, I can imagine opening my wardrobe, in the morning and the thrill of catching a glimpse of saffron yellow and feeling inspired to get ready whatever the weather outside! What gives you the most satisfaction and what's been your proudest moment?

Henna Garment bag, available in other colours

Rosie A-I love working with the women in India and going from the prototype to the finished product with such amazing people is massively rewarding. My proudest moment was putting my fab website up online and seeing the sales rolling in.

Sharon Q10- If you could give one piece of advice to any other women hoping to start up an ethical business what would it be?

Rosie A- It takes time, have patience and commitment and it will work.

Sharon Q11- What do you think is our biggest strength as women?

Rosie A-Our eye for detail and our dedication to the things we love.

Sharon Q12- Where would you like the company to be in five years time?

Rosie A- Still in its colourful state and I would love to be selling to the department stores.

If you would like to win this beautiful set of handmade lakshmi bangles from Preeti Design made from silk and handmade glass in blue and red then simply follow here if you don't already with friends connect or blogger.

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 Tweet or FB about the Preeti Design bangle giveaway on http://www.mypassporttostyle.blogspot.com/  follow Preeti on Face Book here OR on Twitter here and leave us a comment here to let us know.We would love to know what you think about Pretti Design as an ethical buisness or just what you like about their range, remember to leave your email, the winner will be selected at the end of the week and notified.  

Remember to check in here tomorow if you have a minuite to find out more about ethical buisness woman Amanda and exciting luxury label Danaqa you won't be disappointed!  

My Passport To Style | Meets Amanda Founder Of Isossy Childrens Wear Label

 Hi Amanda, I'm really excited to have Isossy featured here on My Passport to Style today, as you use such beautiful colours and prints in your designs and your clothing offers a unique fun and stylish alternative in children's wear

Sharon-Q1 - What inspired you to set up the Isossy children's wear label?

Amanda- A-Firstly, I really love your questions. Isossy Children was born when my son was little, over 16 years ago. I set-up a company called Culture Kidz with the aid of a PYBT loan and that really set the tone for Isossy Children. This time around, I literally woke up on a Sunday morning with the fire and motivation to start it again. It was a very similar premise of contemporising African fabrics with Western styling to create wider appeal and open the idea of global and cross-cultural dressing for children.

Sharon- Q2- . Amanda you live in the UK and yet your designs have a global influence why is this?

Amanda-A-The million dollar question. My background is global. I was fortunate to be raised in different countries and enjoy the benefits that travel and cultural experience affords one. It broadened my mind, and influenced my designs. I still love to travel.

Sharon-Q3-.I'm very impressed you have managed to keep production in the UK where you design your collection, why is it so important for you to keep production here in the UK?

Amanda-A-I really believe in creating jobs and industry for the people who live and work in the UK and the US and hopefully soon Africa. Localized industry is pretty much non-existent for many reasons and the economy of scale makes keeping production in the UK very difficult, but there are a lot of people out there who can work from home and produce beautiful garments.

Sharon-Q4-It's really inspiring that your helping to revive the cottage industry here in the Uk and create a sustainable source of income for women with the skills needed!What's been your greatest challenge since setting up?

Amanda-A-Getting the name out there. I think globally so I want to conquer the world, but it doesn't quite work like that. It takes time and money to build a label's profile.

Sharon-Q5- What's your philosophy on business?

Amanda-A- If it feels good, do it.

Sharon-Q6- What makes you smile?

Amanda-A-Little people always make me smile actually. I love children

Sharon-Q7- Me too! Would you do anything differently?

Amanda-A-Remember when I said, if it feels good do it? Invert that and you can plan strategically which is always beneficial in business.

Sharon-Q8- Got to ask, do you have a favourite piece in this seasons collection and if so why?

Amanda-A-I love the Evita dresses. I've really become fascinated by navy blue. I'm so tempted to make one for myself and my sister. I love classic dresses and it seems like this season has caught up with the Isossy Classic Collection.

Sharon-Q9- Being part asian, navy really works for the yellow tones in my skin, so I'm a huge fan. What gives you the most satisfaction and what's been your proudest moment?

Amanda-A-I just love seeing my creations come to life. It's an addictive thing really and my proudest moment with Isossy Children has been getting the collection into Fenwick, Newcastle. That feels good. We were blessed

Sharon-Q10-I love your passion, what an achievement being selected for Fenwicks! If you could give one piece of advice to women hoping to start up an ethical business what would it be?

Amanda-A-Plan, strategise, KNOW YOUR FIGURES, be business minded and get on with it.

Sharon-Thanks for sharing your knowledge and vision of Isossy with us here on My Passport to Style Amanda.

To see more of Amandas label, Isossy visit miniwardrobe.com  or isossychildren.com  

Don't forget we have another great label featuring here tomorow, Preeti Design with a gorgeous giveaway for you to enter.

Meet Four Amazing Women And Their Fashion Related Buisness Starting Monday 29th Of August Here!

Hi Gals, how are you doing today? Some of you may know a woman who has been hugely inspirational in your life or even helped you achieve your goals, for me that someone who inspires me is Mary Portas which will be pretty evident to those of you who read my recent ravings on her latest project the launching of her new boutique at selfridges. She know how to transforn the face of fashion brands and reach out to woman in the process.

 In this tough climate where more and more women are turning to self employment to transform their lives, I wanted to share some really interesting buisness models in the  fashion industry with you over the coming week. All of which have one thing in common they are inspirational in their commitment to empower other women and families to prosper as well a selling great products.

 Apart from the featured interviews from jewellery company Stella & Dot, lifestyle brand Danqua, childrens wear brand Issossy and independent handbag company Preeti Designs  and finding out more about how each woman featured has helped create a sustainable buisness model that helps generate wealth and wellbeing for other women in the world, there will also be opportunity to discover how gorgeous their designs are by winning giveaways on offer. So please keep checking back to read the posts each day if you have a moment and let us know your thoughts on the buisness's featured. 

If you want to follow the series on the four featured women and their fashion buisesses here on My Passport to Style begining Monday 29th, here is the lineup for you - Leigh -Ann of global jewellery brand Stella & Dot, Amanda of unique childrens label Isossy, Nadia of global lifestyle and accessory brand Danaqa and Rosie of independent bag company Preeti Designs.   





  

Who Needs Words When You Can Let Your Ears Do The Talking!

Hi Gals, todays post was inspired by this f two foxes I recently bought from the artist Josie Portillo, the animal kingdom is all over the runway this A/W 2011 and I don't just mean the ever popular leopard or a bit of faux fur. With animal wildlife featuring big in Mulberrys A/W 2011 campaign not mention dogs being the sweater motif of choice and snakes accessories being the go to power piece to wear for the evening.Why are women drawn to buying into animal designs and why are designers creating them? The answer possibly lies in Victorian history when giving symbolic meaning to animal jewellery became very popular and was used as a subtle way of communicating a message either by the wearer or the giver of the object. 

The snake represented eternity, dogs fidelity, flys would you believe humilty? I don't have a comprensive list but you get the idea, I thought it might be fun to come up with some meaning of my own.

lady birds could signify a houseproud mum

The ram could represent a headstrong buisness women

    These bird earrings could represent the message for your ears only!

The rabbit could be symbolic of either '' eating light, so don't try to tempt me with chocolate cake!' or fertility.

The beautiful stag has to stand for nobility, did you come up with any ideas of your own?

All the beautiful jewelley featured here came from -

My Passport to Style | Alphabet Chic P Is For .....

p S is for pretty bag made from soft Silky sari fabric, Swinging on your shoulder as you skip joyfully to your favourite place!

 Gals meet preetidesign.com watch this space for a giveaway and to find out more about their designs.  

My Passport to Style Visits Blackwell | Stunning Inspiration For Budding Designers

I recently visited this breathtakingly beautiful house at Blackwell in Cumbria, I'm surprised Viviene Westwood with her love of heritage design as inspiration for her clothing label has not been all over it like a rash with her sketch pad and pen!Firstly there are the drain pipes yes you heard me correctly, the drain pipes are literally works of art! See this beauty below.

Blackwell house, interiors and furnishings down to the piano, were designed by Baillie Scott in 1900 as a holiday retreat for wealthy Manchester brewer Edward Holt at the turn of the centuary; when the Arts and Craft movement had taken hold in Britain in reaction to the need to return to the simplicty and harmony of handcrafted design and turn away from the grind of the industrial. It seems really relevant to serve up this sumptious slice of British heritage today as I believe fashion and design has come full circle and we are back to both needing and wanting better crafted clothing, forever pieces and furnishings in our home that we can really connect with, enjoy and cherish.

 

    

 

 



  

My Passport to Style | Celebrating The Anniversay Of My Wedding

Hi Gals, inspired by my wedding anniversay today! This is Lady like chic with a capital L! From the film W.E directed by Madonna, the costumes alone would make viewing worth while! Dress gloves are a must, as is lavender water and a great corset, but if your struggling to get your hand on these a good tweed pencil skirt is a great place to start, see Thomas Pink.

Now I'm off for fun and frolicks with my lovely husband!

 credits - Vanity Fair

Meet The Latest Vintage Vamps | Cloth Magpie And Truly Sopel

For all you new vintage fans out there here are two scrummy unique British labels to feast on that will bring a big splash of sunshine to your wardrobes, that I'm bursting to introduce you to. But first for those of you that are a bit puzzled with the term 'new vintage', let me explain, new vintage is basically a new take on an original vintage design or style, that has been recreated using new fabric. Very often companies still opt for reproduced vintage prints or reclaimed vintage fabric that are still in mint condition. The benefits are pretty obvious, all the charm of vintage with none of the wear. You may also have the luxury of being able to choose one design in several prints or different colour ways, as was the rigour in days past, when styles of women's clothing were much more restricted a unique pattern of fabric was essential to helping you stand out amongst a crowd of wasp waisted women.

 

Cloth Magpie the British handbag label created by designer Sam Cross in Cambridge born out of her love for vintage fabrics, offers three distinct retro style handbag shapes in a wide variety of vintage prints, beautifully finished with a bright contrasting lining. But Magpie Cloth has gone that little bit further than most vintage etailers to spoil all you vintage lovers out there; simply register your newly purchased handbag on the Magpie site and you can claim free matching key ring, don't you just love that! Seeing as they are holding a fantastic sale right now AND all the current Cloth Magpie designs work with the strong trend for 60's and 70's this A/W 11 it will be tough to choose...

 

Next up on my vintage hotties hit list, is the lovely Truly Sopel from Somerset, inspired by the dresses she used to create as a little girl for her dollies and a wish to recapture the pretty innocence she remembers, she launched a fun, frivolous range of underwear showcased here today at Truly Knickers off the back of her very successful vintage clothing line at Truly Sopel, I think the sunshine yellow tweed coat is adorable. I'm loving the sheer versatility of Truly's vintage inspired knickers sets, in a range of the cutest fabric, you simply pop on a set in the morning teaming the top with a pair of your favourite jeans and if you get a little too hot and bothered just slip your jeans off and hey presto you're a chic 50s pin up girl ready to sun bathe or cool down, equally these would make a great set of stylish PJ. Find your perfect match here.

Alphabet Chic With My Passport to Style

M is for Madge and for 'material girl' shot by Dirk Bader, happy birthday Madonna!

My Passport to Style | Mad Mens Costume Genius Teams Up With Banana Republic!

Have you missed what is possibly the hottest fashion news to hit the internet? Banana republics latest limited edition collaboration with legend costume designer and fashion darling Janie Bryant who designed the costumes for the sensational Mad Men, well fear not as the chic line launched on the 11th of August. So there is still time to hotfoot it over there! Here are my favourite pieces from the collection, now wheres Don? -