To round up my fashion week diary, I attended the Nolcha fashion week exhibition. Nolcha is an international network connecting industry professionals from London to New York. The event was held at the Amaka Showroom in Great Portland Street and featured fresh, emerging talent.

After spending last week peaking from behind the front row at the catwalks, it was great to be at the exhibition where a more interactive approach was adopted. Models effortlessly mingled with visitors whilst wearing the designer pieces and company representatives explained the inspirations behind the collections with guests.

During my visit I met the designer behind lifestyle brand Anavaa Kisasa and representatives from retro label Eenamaria. Both companies are based in New York and currently promoting their designs to a new, untapped market of style savvy Londoners.

Zulema N. George owner of Anavaa Kisasa, displayed her latest collection of handbags. Speaking about her designs she said "My brand caters to the woman who loves fashion. The accessories I create are made to be effortlessly cool and invitingly authentic." True to her word, just looking at her creations you instantly imagine that her customers are both stylish and distinctive, anything but ordinary and always stands out in a crowd.

From Wonder Woman to Xmen's Storm, her AW09 collection was inspired by fictional 'super heroes'. Using Italian leather and for the highest quality and great attention to detail, her handbags really were fun and attention grabbing.


Sarah Morgan, the designer behind label Eenamaria showcased a stunning collection of retro inspired handbags with an art deco feel. Her fashion roots started in Britain from a very early age where she studied art and design and with her grandmother being a fashion designer in Paris, it seems the love of fashion runs deep in the family. Similar to Zulema, Morgan has a distinct woman in mind when creating her collections.


Described as 'the urban nomad', Morgan explains that her bags are designed for 'sexy, secure individuals - impatient and enterprising. She's a rising star." The handbags certainly do make a statement; strong in colour and unusual in design. They remind you of that unique vintage bag, originally from Paris that you would be hard-pressed to find at your favourite thrift boutique , only these are lavished with a delicious vibrancy and cleverly created to fit easily into modern day style - and that's quite an accomplishment. These designers are definitely ones to watch!

Nolcha London Fashion Week
Monday 23rd February 09
Web: http://www.nolcha.com

Amaka Showroom
75-77 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7LP