Tag Archives: antithesis

The Antithesis Collective, Part II

Beach lovers and pool loungers rejoice! As you may already know, every season we work in collaboration with a new designer to expand our collection range and develop a product we wouldn’t have the skills to do on our own. For our second edition of the Antithesis Collective, we are collaborating with Cristina Adami, owner and designer of her eponymous label, to create an exciting, multi-way swimsuit. Born and raised in Italy, Cristina moved to London to complete an MA at Central Saint Martins. She then worked in various areas of the fashion industry, including a 4-year stint at swimwear giant Arena and a commission to create Florence Welch‘s stage outfits, before setting up her own label. Founded in 2011, cristinadami creates limited edition collections of handmade garments, crafted using vintage fabrics, end-of-line lengths, and sequins & beads from around the globe.

Cristina comments: ‘It was a pleasure working with Antithesis for the level of creativity and attention to details given to every garments. I first came across Antithesis on social networks and was impressed by the ethos behind the label. I equally promote slow fashion and individuality with a versatile yet unique approach to fashion. As I have first started my career in swimwear and have a personal love for beach side holidays, working with Antithesis felt like the perfect collaboration and was great fun!’ Results coming very, very soon!

Cristina1 Cirstina2Cristina3

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Intern-al Affairs 4: Ashleigh

Time to say good-bye to our latest intern Ashleigh Altham. Coming directly from Australia, Ashleigh completed a 3-month placement with us. From photoshoots to garment production, social media updates to press releases, she gave us a precious helping hand in the last months leading up to our second collection launch. Starting her studies in Criminology and Criminal Justice, she changed field and graduated with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising from the Australian Institute of Creative Design in Brisbane. She then gained styling experience in retail for an Australian designer as well as for fashion shows and shoots before coming over to London.

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Why did you want to work for Antithesis?

Antithesis was first introduced to me through an internship company that was helping me find an internship that was suited to my career wants and needs. After years of experience working in the retail industry back home, I was really inspired by the work that Antithesis do and what they stand for. It was really refreshing to work with a label that wants to connect with their customers and not only focus on what’s trending that season but how their clothes can be multi-functional but stylish at the same time. I also love that it is really important that everything is manufactured in the UK.

What have you learned during your internship?

I’ve learnt a lot throughout my internship, it’s been a really well rounded experience for me. I always had a range of tasks so it was never boring. There’s nothing worse than doing the same thing day and in and day out. It was also really great to learn more about sustainable fashion as it was never something I had a lot of knowledge about.

What have you most enjoyed doing in your time at Antithesis?

I really enjoyed working with both Renée and Zahra; it meant I always had something new and exciting to do. It could range anywhere from working in production and meeting with manufacturers and pattern cutters, to social media management and blogging.

What do you think this internship has brought you?

Above all else my internship has taught me a lot of myself and life and given me more knowledge and confidence to building a successful career.

 What are your ambitions for the future?

I’m still trying to find an answer to that question myself but I’m really excited to get back home and find out!

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Manufacturing Files 2: Pattern Pending

Here is the second article of a series dedicated to the wonderful production team who makes Antithesis’ clothing. Today we would like to introduce you to Olga and Dymphna, the founders of Pattern Pending.

Founded in January 2013, Pattern Pending is brand new self-funded pattern cutting service company located within the hub of Stock Newington. Between them, Olga D’Arcy and Dymphna Harrison have over twenty years experience and they are already working alongside a good range of designers and other start-up businesses. They specialise in pattern cutting and  sample-making but they occasionally take on small production runs.

The duo met when studying their Masters in Pattern Design and Garment Technology last year at the London College of Fashion. Setting up a pattern cutting business was not part of either of their plans but they fancied working for themselves and the freedom that comes along with being self-employed. Et voilà – Pattern Pending was born! But don’t be mistaken: starting and self-funding a business is a challenge for everybody.

When asked if things ever get too busy or overwhelming, they laughed and responded “sometimes we wish we had tens hands and feel as though we need assistants, but more so in our personal lives.” Luckily they will shortly have an intern starting a placement with them, which they are very excited about!

To keep up to date with Pattern Pending’s latest news, visit their Facebook page.

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Intern-al Affairs 3: Marcia

Good things come and go, such as our wonderful interns. Marcia Asante has been helping us in the studio for a little over two months. Sourcing textile digital printers, visiting trim suppliers, sketching new attachments ideas, filling in cost sheets; in terms of design assistance, she has pretty much done it all! Born and raised in London, she first started her studies with a Foundation degree in Art and Design before going on a Fashion Design course at the University of Hertfordshire. She now works in retail as a key holder and is looking at gaining experience as a pattern cutter.

Marcia at work!

Marcia at work!

Why did you want to work for Antithesis?

I came across some of the brands pieces on one of their model’s social network page and loved the designs. Doing more research into the company, I discovered what they stood for and the multi-functional clothing amazed me.

What have you learned during your internship?

I have learnt a lot during this internship, the most important being pattern cutting on a professional level. I studied pattern cutting during my degree but not on this level so I have to thank you guys for that.

What have you most enjoyed doing in your time at Antithesis?

What I enjoyed most was working with Renée.  She was amazing to work with and taught me so much. I also enjoyed the trips that to various fabric and trimming stores, it opened my eyes to the large amount of creative stores in London .

 What do you think this internship has brought you?

I feel that this internship has brought me a world of experience. It was an all-rounder and I gained experience in everything; from design research, pattern cutting to general admin. There was always thing new to do when I came in to work which made it a  experience.

 What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition for the future is to continue to gain more work experience and to do a pattern cutting course to brush up on my skills. Hope to later on be a senior pattern cutter and then go on to start my own fashion label .

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Intern-al Affairs 2: Ellis O’Gorman

We’d like to introduce you guys to our latest superstar intern: Ellis O’Gorman. Ellis has been helping us out in the studio since the beginning of August, she’s an amazing copy writer and works hard to make sure we are visible to  our online social media network. One of her first missions was helping out at our Launch night back in September, making sure that all our guests we warmly welcomed and could walk away with a lovely Antithesis garment in hand! Ellis has previously been studying an online Foundation Retail Marketing and Management degree whilst training as a creative events planning & promotions assistant at a samples sales company based in Sussex. Ellis is originally from Brighton and has recently been living in Central London, but will be returning home to the seaside this December. We’ll miss her terribly, but our loss is Brighton’s gain! Before we let her go off to her bright future we wanted to share her lovely smile and experiences with you!

Our lovely Intern Ellis

Why did you choose to work with Antithesis?

I was first introduced to Antithesis by an internship company who had been helping me to find the right kind of internship for me. I looked them up online and the minute I watched their first video and saw how clever the designs were I really wanted to go and interview for the opportunity to work with Antithesis. Not only did I love the designs, but the whole concept behind Antithesis intrigued me and I’m particularly interested in womenswear. So I was really excited for the chance to work for a label that I found both interesting and exciting.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would like to go on and study a Fashion Marketing & Promotion course either at University or through an online course. I would also like to spend some more time getting experience within a marketing role at larger fashion companies and carry on learning more about this career path to (fingers crossed) work within a role in this field later on.

Hard at work!

Have these ambitions changed since working with Antithesis?

Not at all, if anything I feel like it’s helped me to be more certain about the career path I hope to take. I feel less indecisive about where I want to go in the Fashion industry.

What have you most enjoyed doing in your time at Antithesis?

I’ve really enjoyed contributing towards the blog posts, I enjoy creative writing so it’s been fun to get the chance to do quite a bit of it. I’ve also loved learning more about sustainable fashion as it wasn’t something I had always paid attention to before. Its been great to learn more about it, and I’ve even found myself thinking a bit more about my purchases and what I’m wearing these days.

What will you remember most about your time at Antithesis?

There’s quite a few things I’ll remember about my time at Antithesis. I think I’ll remember the experience as a whole and the great time I’ve had working for Antithesis. I’ll remember the Launch Night at the Park Plaza which was an amazing evening as well as spending some time getting to see first hand the processes that go into designing a collection. I’m also going to remember some of the good tips on how to be an effective marketeer that I’ve picked up whilst working for Antithesis.

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Sharing is Caring: The Green Guide

While some reach for an A to Z travel guide, some their little black book and others a diary or creative note book of some sort, ANTITHESIS has a slightly different battered and bruised love affair with a book.

 This week ANTITHESIS would like to share some information about the book we reach for to navigate around all things green and ethical. In a pinch it’s our secret weapon for finding the right way, rather than taking the easy route.

For those of you out there in search of an guide to all of your planet friendly needs, the Green Guide brings you just that, being both a printed and online directory, you can find the best way to discover and easily access ethical products and experiences.

 

Over the past twenty years the contributors behind the Green Guide have been collecting an ever-widening range of listings that cover all sorts of green ways of living, being and thinking. From entries on academic research to sustainable shopping choices, the Green Guide brings their readers a totally absorbing experience. Fulfilling the Greener lifestyle needs of families and fashionistas searching for a more sustainable way of living. So if you green guys and girls need some support and direction on where to shop, visit, how to get about and so much more then follow the link and head straight to their webpage.

Or if you’re an ethical practitioner too you can enter you’re very own standard listing for free as long as you meet their inclusion criteria. You can also pay a 12 month subscription fee for a more enhanced listing on their website.

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Spring Is In The Air

Yes, we know it’s autumn and feels like winter right now, but as you may know the fashion world is always working one or two seasons ahead. This is why here at the Antithesis studio, we’re talking halter tops, beach gear and swimsuits (can you give us a better way to forget about the shortening daylight hours out there?). And because we love to talk about what we do, we’ll let you have a peak of the developments of our next collection. We won’t reveal it all but expect geometry, pleats and turquoise!

Mood board: contrasting colours & geometrical repetition

Fabric sourcing from French & Italian mills

3D experimentation

Collection plan & fabric swatches

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ANTITHESIS & The Return Of The College Shop

One of our favourite pastimes  here at ANTITHESIS is discovering pieces by fresh young designers. In this respect, LCF’S College Shop in Kingly Court, where our own garments have been featured this year, has not only been a professional opportunity but also a chance to indulge one of our greatest pleasures. In fact we’d go as far as to suggest the 2012 LCF College Shop offers some much needed winter retail therapy for London’s fashion sect!

We are so excited to be a part of this brilliant two-week pop up shop this year. Last Thursday’s launch event allowed us to catch up with the lovely people behind “The Very Simon G” blog, as well as the makers of Designer Look Book to discuss our College Shop offerings and inspirations behind the collection. 

But we wanted to spotlight some of the extraordinary talent which comes out of LCF, so if you’re looking for some fabulous additions from fresh young talent to add to your wardrobe this autumn, or in fact for that special someone in time for Christmas! ANTITHESIS are here to bring you our Top 6 picks from College Shop 2012.

(1) For a gorgeous new dress take a look at what the brilliant Ada Zanditon has been up to. This simple piece can be dressed down for the daytime with some chunky boots and colourful tights to brighten the outfit up or add a nice leather jacket and killer heels for that dinner date outfit.

(2) If you’re in need of something stylishly waterproof, then you should to get your hands on our Circular Parka with drawstring details that allow you to change the way you wear it depending on your outfit and mood!

(3) For the perfect bag to wear with the dress or the parka so that you can carry around your matching lipsticks, we recommend this vegetarian leather handbag from the talented Danielle Foster – we became very familiar with her work and invited her to present her collection at our at out launch event in September, we are so pleased to see her star rising in the fashion accessories world.

(4) The prize for coolest addition to your winter wardrobes would have to go to the brilliant Laura Aspit Livens whose interesting hats will make your heads the talk of the high fashion street – which we heard was most recently located somewhere in Dalston, but it’s always on the move!

(5) If your boyfriend, husband or brother are all looking for a super cool jumper this Autumn/Winter then they should look no further than the fab Joe Turvey whose uncompromising print need to be seen on our pavements this season!

(6) Another great item, which we recommend you perhaps encourage your man to invest in for himself! Is this awesome Biker Jacket from the brilliant Domingo Rodriguez, it’s perfect for adding a health does of bad boy edge to any wardrobe.

Those are just a few of the great designers and pieces that we have seen over the past couple of days at College Shop. However there is so much more for you guys to have a look at, so if merely browsing from your computer desks at home isn’t enough, make sure you get down to The College Shop before the 1st November to take a look around, the gems you’ll find and loves you’ll harbour are not to be missed. Happy shopping!

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Coming Soon: Hana & George Bespoke Vintage and Upholstery service!

Here at ANTITHESIS one of our favourite past times is following the posts and progress of our fellow bloggers. We’re sure many of you will agree, the blog-o-sphere is a wild and wonderful land of discovery!  However the sheer scale of the internet means inquisitive minds can get lost out there. 

Some days that’s the pleasure of it all when you fire up Stumbleupon and throw yourself into the void, other times you yearn for the consistancy of a good blog with fresh content – you know, that blog ‘where  everybody knows your name’!

Well, for ANTITHESIS one such blog is “Hana and George” the carefully crafted blog by the lovely Miss Hana Reynolds.

If you’ve followed the hyperlink there, you’ll have found yourselves transported to a charming online “documentation of beautiful things, all in one place”.  This blog presents beautiful visual imagery which shows special attention to colour palettes andwill have any vintage, kitsch decor loving individual weak at the knees and dying to skip straight home to re-decorate with the perfect inspiration in mind.

Hana’s amazing eye for choosing stunning prints and beautiful designs has kept us at ANTITHESIS very excited for their upcoming vintage and upholstery service, which will be launching in January 2013. The brand will be bringing us all news years gifts this January with adoringly restored vintage furniture available for purchase.

We particularly loved their sneak peek preview of  what’s to come with this gorgeous re-upholstered Button Back Nursing Chair in a floral Peony print. So if you like what you see and want more information on what to expect in January, give them a follow on their Blog, Twitter and Facebook page.

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ANTITHESIS and The College Shop!

As some of you may or may not already know, our ANTITHESIS journey was born when Renée and I met whilst studying at LCF. I was at LCF studying an MA in Fashion Entrepreneurship whilst Renée was learning all about Fashion and the environment. As alumni of the London College of Fashion our paths crossed when we were both attending a SEE event on how to set up your own fashion business. It’s thanks to our time spent at LCF that Renée and me learnt some amazing things on how to set up your own label as well as how to maintain a sustainable business!

The support that we have been so fortunate to have received from LCF has been truly brilliant! Even upon graduating, LCF have continued their support, when they sponsored the Goody bags for our Park Plaza launch night.

At ANTITHESIS we’re now excited to let you guys know that ANTITHESIS will be taking part in LCF’s 2012 College Shop! After last year’s success, the ANTITHESIS team are more than pleased to be involved in such a great project and give you fans of our collection the chance to come down and try on the clothing yourselves! We will be retailing throughout the 3 week opening period, so if there is anything that takes your fancy from our web store, then please come down and have a look around!

The Autumn College Shop will be launched on Thursday 18th October and will carry on through until Thursday 1st November. The store will be located on the ground floor of Kingly Court, please see the link below for further details!  I look forward to seeing you guys there!

http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/about/college-shop/

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