1.2 A Day in the Life of a Design Intern – Dan

The other day I was asked to help out with preparations for the press day for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. I helped to organize the looks that the mannequins and models would be styled in then packed these up to be sent off to the venue. All of the items needed to be logged to ensure we knew exactly what was being taken.

The next day I arrived early at the venue to help finish off the preparations before any members of the press arrived. Once there, I helped to unpack the boxes, steam the garments that would be put on the mannequins and hang the other samples on rails. After all the samples had been arranged, I helped to prepare the goodie bags that members of the press would receive, making sure each bag had a copy of the Spring/Summer 2010 look book in it – which was delivered at the last possible minute! It was great seeing some of the pieces I’d worked on, including a white tassel bag. The tassel bag was the job I was given on my first day working here in October.

After everything was set up and the first members of the press arrived, I headed back to the studio to carry on with a studded bag design I had been working on.

1.1 A Day in the Life of a Design Intern – Fflur

Monday morning- my first day working at the Karen Millen Studios.

As I cautiously approached Karen Millen HQ, my heart was racing, but not quite as fast as the first time I was here; armed with a map in one hand and my portfolio in the other, anxious and eager to impress! On this occasion, I felt ready to put the skills and knowledge that I had acquired on my BA Fashion Design course, into practice.

After a tour of the studios and the opportunity to meet members of the team, I got down to work. My first task was to design different rivet and studding detail for a bag. At first, it felt a bit overwhelming, and I didn’t know where to start, however Laura [footwear & accessories design assistant] quickly gave me some inspirational images and advice, so I managed to conjure a variety of different designs.

I was surprised that the atmosphere in the studio is so calm. Everyone has an allocated role within the design team, but having said that, everybody seems very eager to help one another. Not once was I left wondering what to do or where to get hold of a certain piece of equipment. Everybody made me feel incredibly welcome, and I was eager to return the next day to learn more.

Fashion Interns at Karen Millen

Our new initiative grad fashion week instigated to help graduates into the industry….

Our new protégés are Fflur and Dan. Our art director and head of design scouted them from their graduate exhibitions back in july. They’ll be working in the design teams on internships with Karen Millen for a year under the expert supervision of the KM design team.

We invited them for interviews after seeing their portfolios at grad fashion week.
Fflur had incorporated intricate cut leathers with flowing fabrics, inspired by her welsh heritage combined with Mexican and native American Georgia O Keefe influences.

Dan’s collection featured intricate hand embroideries and fabric manipulation inspired by joan of arc and armoury, it combined tough protective elements with delicate soft detailing in exquisite fabrics.

We asked them both to submit a design project focussing on Karen Millen for spring summer 2010, and asked them to design 3 outfits including accessories. We wanted to see how they adapted their own style to that of Karen Millen, and how they approached the entire look, we loved both projects so much we offered them both positions!

We’ll be posting their diaries and work soon, so watch this space for an insight into the Karen Millen design studio.

Dan's designs for Karen Millen

The Ruffle Dress is Back!

The Karen Millen  limited edition Ruffle Dress is now available online again! After selling out within 2 days, this dress has certainly been demanding attention! We loved how Cosmopolitan styled it down with a leather biker jacket in this beautiful shot.

Buy the dress in pink or black here…

Limited Edition Love

We love these limited edition ranges… they won’t be around forever and some of them are only available online or in selected stores, so you know that you’ve invested in something special.

Inspired by Cosmopolitan, made by Karen Millen

Taking inspiration from The Cosmpolitan Sexy Style Awards, we’d like to share some of our favourite Karen Millen pieces from each category… You can vote here for your favourite retailers.

1. HOTTEST PARTYWEAR
For which occasion? Here is our favourite Cocktail Party Dress, Work Party Dress and Christmas Party dress!

2. BEST WORKWEAR
Karen Millen uses in house expert ateliers with essential detail given at the same level as Milan fashion houses. Work Wear Collection.

3. SEXIEST LINGERIE
Now with 20% off, our lingerie is ready to heat up the cool season ahead. The Lola Plunge bra in satin creates a sensual look.

4. MOST ETHICAL RETAILER
Our fabrics are sourced from premium factories in Europe and around the world with hand finished touches such as Chantilly lace made on 200 year old machines in France.

5. SEXIEST HEELS
Our suede over the knee boots have proved a hit with press and customers alike, selling out in 2 days! Lace Embroidery Courts are our current favourite heels for black dress glamour!

6. BEST FOR BAGS
Quality bags made with the same attention, finishing touches and detail as many of the designer labels. Our best selling Stud and Eyelet Sling is great for day or night.  

7. BEST FOR JEWELLERY
The NEW range of fabulous glittering jewellery has now launched and is available online and in store. We love this Triangle Stone Pendant, which would make a great present.

8. LOVES YOUR CURVES
We stock ranges up to 16 and figure flattering dresses and skirts, we feel that this may be something we can look to in the future. Agree?

Christmas Collection Preview

Guests were welcomed to Brussels Avenue Louise for an exclusive shopping event at Karen Millen on Wednesday. Beautiful models dressed head to toe in Karen Millen showed off the Christmas Collection as guests enjoyed drinks, canapés and of course, shopping!

Black and White Tailored Dress
Lace Applique Dress
Red Folded Coclktail Dress

Suede Eyelet jacket
All Over Sequined top
All Over Sequined Dress
Graduated Sequin Dress

A Day in the Life of a Fashion PR

An early start on Wednesday 11th November for the Karen Millen SS10 presentation to press. Arriving at Home House at 8:00 it’s all systems go. We are showcasing key looks on a catwalk full of mannequins and three live models.
 
Goody bags, check! Signing in book, check! Sample request forms, check! Last minute chaos and then a quick run through the collection with Creative Director and Joint Managing Director Gemma Metheringham. The collection’s much softer this season, more fluid and draped with a lot of movement and I think we’ll get a good response.

 
At 9.00 the event kicks off and it’s non-stop! Over 120 press members from leading magazines such as Vogue, Elle and Cosmopolitan, and newspapers The Times and The Independent come and go. Our job is to talk them through the new collection and get Karen Millen samples to them for upcoming fashion shoots.
 
By 18.00 we’re footsore, but it’s been a fantastic day with a great response, so look out for our new collection in the spring press from March 2010.  Over a much needed glass of wine we go through the numerous sample requests.  Most of these will need to be sent first thing tomorrow so it will be another early start. 19.30…heading home!

Cosmopolitan- Sexy Style Awards

Cosmo is launching their Sexy Style Awards where you get the chance to vote for your favourite retailers based on how they make you feel, look and get looked at! Fill in their voting form and you could win £50 to spend on clothes.

We’ve been inspired by this and feel that we cover all aspects of fashion in a way that demands attention!

More coming soon!

Grafton Street Store Party

In Dublin, Grafton street’s Karen Millen store celebrated its 3rd anniversary in style on Thursday 12th November.

At the glittering event, customers were dazzled by the Christmas collection showcased by Karen Millen styled models while sipping drinks and enjoying a bit of shopping. Every customer was even treated to a surprise discount- perfect for buying those seasonal party essentials!

The models prepare to dazzle

LA Makeup Academy makeup artists gave customers red lips, smoky eye and lots of valuable advice on looking gorgeous. To sign up for events, be sure to register with Karen Millen for your exclusive invites. Coming to a store near you soon! Register here.

The experts from LA Make Up Academy work their magic