PR Archives - Melanie Jones PR

Fashions Finest Welcomes New Media Partner EuropeanLife Magazine; Passion for Luxury

We are excited to share that Fashions Finest (FF) partners with EuropeanLife Magazine; Passion for Luxury for its SS19 season this London Fashion Week.

Like us, Fashions Finest are admirers of the fabulous glossy EuropeanLife Magazine; Passion for Luxury for their unique storytelling and aesthetics.

EuropeanLife Media S.L. is an international business-to-business media company with a public magazine and custom made magazines to showcase luxury brands in exclusive Luxury distribution channels all over the world.

They specialise in exclusive distribution channels for luxury and work with social media, bloggers, magazines in print and digital, VIP databases and many media partners.

Bernadet Bijsterbosch, CEO of EuropeanLife Magazine; Passion for Luxury said:

“Fashions Finest is a fabulous established platform for emerging and established designers. We are able to offer a great opportunity to present their design, their vision and their product to the world. Our vision: “success is to be seen in the right circles” Our aim is to inspire and achieve business success. We find Fashions Finest in alignment with both.”

EuropeanLife Magazine; Passion For Luxury

Deborah St Louis, Director of Fashions Finest commented:

“We are excited and looking forward to working with EuropeanLife Magazine. It’s a beautiful magazine and like us, they are passionate about creating opportunities for our designers and exposing their talent to the world. Our partnership has the potential to open doors globally.”

Fashions Finest is internationally renowned for discovering and giving opportunities to new talent. Attracting press, buyers, VIP and fashionistas from around the world.

Fashions Finest is one of the most popular and sought-after independent showcases and hailed as a vibrant and exciting alternative to London Fashion Week’s on-schedule shows attracting VIP’s from fashion, film, TV, and music.

Free beauty treatments are available for guests over two days from Fashions Finest partners Berkshire Beauty.

There are a limited number of tickets, which are made available to the general public and can be purchased via this link: http://www.fashionsfinest.com/tickets.

Fashions Finest thanks its partners:

EuropeanLife; Passion For Luxury, Fashion Enter, AOFMPro, R+Co, BerkshireBeauty, British Style Society,

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EuropeanLife. Passion For Luxury Website

Fashions Finest Returns For LFW And Welcomes Partnership With Fashion Enter

Fashion Finest launched with a bang in Nigeria earlier this year. Now the popular trade event returns to UK shores this September in time for its 16^th season during London Fashion Week.

Fashions Finest takes place on 15^th of September &16^thof September 2018 during London Fashion Week at The Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, Holborn, London.

As one of the largest off-schedule shows, it has been a key instrument in providing the launch pad, which has developed and nurtured designers both nationally and internationally to high acclaim.

This season Fashion Enter has partnered with Fashion Finest. Fashion Enter is an award-winning social enterprise that has been supporting start up and scale up designer brands since 2001 offering high-quality strategic business mentoring alongside sampling and production in its North London ethical factory. Over the last 18 years, it has been apparent that many designers lack the technical skills available to understand their collections in terms of construction, patterns and factory negotiations. To support designers in 2015 Fashion Enter opened the Fashion Technology Academy to ensure that all technical skills and accredited qualifications are on offer to all designers.

Deborah St Louis – Director, Fashions Finest says: “This season at Fashions Finest, Fashion Enter will be on hand to help you succeed in all ways possible. Many designers do not understand the complexities of technical skills or what ethical production really means. This is planned as an ongoing partnership as we have found many of our designers can benefit from access to ethical quality production at an affordable price point and with no minimum order requirement. The option is there to tap into resources as much or as little as needed. I believe it’s vital that manufacturing is retained within Britain and therefore benefiting economically here.”

Jenny Sutton – Development Director, Fashion Enter commented: –

“We are delighted to be partnering with Fashions Finest for this season’s off-schedule London Fashion Show. Fashions Finest is an excellent platform for emerging brands and combined with our skills training and development at the Fashion Technology Academy with courses in stitching, pattern cutting, and bespoke tailoring. We are confident that together we can offer the rising stars in the industry the right level of support and exposure they deserve.”
There are varied training opportunities at the FTA, plus business support services for designers from mentoring, master classes and networking events.

Fashions Finest host an array of catwalk events supported by extensive pop-ups and tailored exhibition space showcasing carefully curated designers not just from Britain, but from all over the world. Fashions Finest prides itself on being a key player in bringing exceptional talent to the main-stage; ensuring that opportunities for both recognition and reward, are more widely accessible and distributed.

“Let’s Talk Fashion Business” launched by Fashions Finest on 17^th September 2017 was developed to be an interactive Q&A discussion forum lead by a team of notable industry panelists whose primary goal is to enable emerging brands to successfully navigate the industry turning ideas into profit. Fashions Finest “Let’s Talk Fashion Business” has proven itself a successful solution, filling a neglected void; an extremely successful provision which remains in high demand. The popular and regularly oversubscribed Let’s Talk Fashion Business panel is back and themed Beyond Representation Inclusivity and Fashion follow the link to register to avoid disappointment. (free event)

In line with Fashions Finest global access ethos, there are a limited number of tickets, which are made available to the general public and can be purchased via this link: http://www.fashionsfinest.com/tickets.

Each season Fashions Finest offers catwalk training and model master classes for aspiring models venturing into the industry. Their team of trainers combine over 35 years experience between them and have worked (or walked) on internationally recognised shows across the world.

Purchase via the link below:
CATWALK TRAINING & MODEL MASTERCLASSES DURING LFWSS19
Alternatively initial deposit and installment options available, for further information & questions Email: info@fashionsfinest.com

Free beauty treatments are available for guests over two days from Fashions Finest partners Berkshire Beauty.

Fashions Finest thanks its sponsors and media partners:

Fashion Enter, British Style Society, Ragged Cult, AOFMPro, R+Co, BerkshireBeauty,

Event – Celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela with Colourful Radio DJs, poetry & Afro Contemporary dance performances at The Africa Centre

Reflection Route launches on Friday 6^thJuly 2018 with a vibrant summer soirée taking place at Arch 29 – the Africa Centre’s new contemporary arts event space.

Corrine Bougaard (Union Dance) in collaboration with Karina H Maynard (Muntu Arts) launches Reflection Route Nelson Mandela 100 programme of music, poetry, screenings and talks. Launching on 6^th July 2018 with a vibrant summer soirée featuring an original Contemporary Afro dance performance by choreographer Sarita Piotrowski. Set to a hypnotic South African soundtrack, Sarita and Afro dance specialist Ofelia Omoyele Balogun will perform with South African poet Leeto Thale.

Celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela with Colourful Radio DJs, poetry & Afro Contemporary dance performances at The Africa Centre

Reflection Route Celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela

“In the lead up to the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth on 18th July 2018, The Africa Centre & Colourful Radio are delighted to be honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela by hosting an evening of music, dance & poetry celebrating the culture of Africa and its diaspora. The evening is presented by Union Dance and Karina H Maynard as part of the Nelson Mandela 100 Centenary Programme.” – Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE

Nelson Mandela with Corrine Bougaard, Director Union Dance

Audiences will be welcomed by Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, Director of The Africa Centre & Kofi Kusitor MBE, Founder of Colourful Radio.

Music

From Afrobeat to Soul, Hip Hop and Jazz Funk, Colourful Radio DJs Jazzi Q, Pete Mello & Sammy Sam will provide uplifting, energetic rhythms throughout the night.

Friday 6th July 2018 | 6pm to midnight

Tickets £8 via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reflection-route-launch-party-friday-6th-july-2018-the-africa-centre-tickets-47143363068

Co-producers:

Corrine Bougaard (Director) Union Dance and Karina H Maynard (Director) Muntu Arts.

Sponsored by:

Colourful Radio & The Africa Centre

SATURDAY 21st JULY 2018 – REFLECTION ROUTE AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Nelson Mandela 100 Centenary programme

Following the launch, the production moves on to the British Museum on 21^stJuly 2018. As part of the official Nelson Mandela 100 Centenary programme, Reflection Route at The British Museum will feature dance and poetry performances, a screening of the Reflection Route film and panel discussion.

12pm & 2pm Reflection Route Music, Dance & Poetry, The Great Court

Union Dance presents Reflection Route – Dynamic Contemporary Afro dance performances featuring spoken word by South African wordsmith Leeto Thale, set to driving African rhythms.

FREE ENTRY

3pm-4.30pm Screening & Panel Discussion, BP Lecture Theatre

‘Reflection Route: inspired leadership in the 21st Century’

Exploring Mandela’s legacy in 2018, a diverse panel of cultural leaders discuss vision, representation, creativity and entrepreneurship for positive social influence. Introduced by artist and former British Museum Curator of African art Chris Spring, and chaired by journalist, broadcaster and Muntu Arts Editor Karina H Maynard.

Featuring:

Cobbie Yates, Lola Jaye, Derek Taylor, Ibilola Femiola, Femi Aseru, Wumi Olasebikan and Corrine Bougaard.

With contributions from: Kathi Scott, UK Director of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Leeto Thale & Chris Spring.

FREE ENTRY – BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Link to book free tickets on The British Museum website:

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/event_detail.aspx?eventId=4506&title=Reflection%20route:%20inspired%20leadership%20in%20the%2021st%20century&eventType=Special%20event

Cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe – Next Fight set to take place at the 02 Arena

Richard Riakporhe – Fight Announcement

Cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe announces his next fight on the 28th July in the O2 Arena! Tickets will be available soon via his website https://www.richardriakporhe.com or via whatsapp/call on 07446787113.

The boxer also started Vlog over on YouTube check out his chanel here.

Richard Piakporhe v Adam Williams, Boxing at the O2, O2 Greenwich, 24 March 2018.
Image by Keith Gillard

Nominate local heroes, businesses, charities, talent and entrepreneurs from Essex – Nominations for Essex-TV Awards are now open!

Nominations for Essex-TV Awards are now open!

Essex TV Awards in partnership with EssexPower100

The EssexTV Awards is your opportunity to nominate local heroes, businesses, charities, talent and entrepreneurs from Essex or who are working to benefit the people of Essex.

Last year inaugural event drew national media attention. This year promises to be even more exciting!

** NOMINATIONS OPEN UNTIL 11th September 2018**
Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony in December 2018.

To nominate or for more information visit https://www.essex-tv.co.uk/awards.

Couture Designer and Business Woman Julia Suzuki featured in Viva Magazine

Fashion Designer Julia Suzuki talks about the launch of her couture collection and clears up tabloid speculations about Nick Knowles in VIVA Magazine

Businesswoman, author and now fashion designer Julia Suzuki talked
all things fashion, the launch of her couture label and clears up rumours about her romantic involvement with Nick Knowles and what her immediate future holds in Viva Magazine.

6 reasons why you should enter business awards

Over the years we have worked and build brands through working on awards or nominating clients who went on to win awards. Their initial skepticism of being firstly a) worthy and b) if it was even worth the effort was always puzzling. However, each of them went on strength to strength to gain business and acclaim internationally. Having recently worked the Essex TV Awards and with the Fashions Finest Britain’s Top Designer Award coming up we thought we would cover the importance of entering awards.

London, England. 19 February 2017. Fashions Finest celebrates the fifth anniversary of the competition, “Britain’s Top Designer”. John Herrera, an innovative designer of Filipino heritage took the title. Featured in photo © Peter Hogan

Where ever you are on your business journey, just starting off or further along and no matter the size there are business/industry awards out there you can enter. The variety of awards can range from local to national industry-based or within a specific criterion. To find awards opportunities check with your local chamber of commerce, local and business press or simply search the internet.

Some awards may come with monetary prizes or other benefits like coaching, advice, workshops or further opportunity attached. Regardless it’s not all about winning!

Stretched resources often mean awards nominations are not always the top of the agenda. Here are six reasons why entering an award could be good for your business.

1.Free pr and marketing

Awards are frequently overlooked in your marketing arsenal. Being shortlisted can improve brand awareness and promote your business to new customers. Maximise PR exposure and update your marketing materials with the award logo including business cards, website, literature, email, and sales material. Share and celebrate the award resulting from your hard work and success and utilise great PR opportunities. Being recognised is great so it’s important to make sure that people know your achievement. Winning an award can open doors to getting contracts, finding new supply channels and breaking into new markets.

2.Benchmarking against peers

The application process for entering a business award often makes you look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors. Ensure that you stand out from the competition either through strategic thinking, innovation, diversity, growth, customer service or investment in people.This will identify processes and areas for improvement and is one way of benefiting your business regardless of winning the prize.

3.More credibility

An award win, shortlisting or nomination provides a 3rd party endorsement for your business and can signify a seal of approval and quality for potential customers. Your relationships with suppliers may also benefit. An award helps to differentiate your company from competitors in a positive way.

4.Improved Employee Motivation

Awards nomination and wins also reflect the hard work and achievements of your employees so win so, in turn, can boost staff morale and motivation.

It can focus staff attention on what’s great about the company they work for and instill pride in their work and the company. Leverage this opportunity by making giving your employees the recognition they deserve with a celebratory meeting, dinner or other activity to share the victory. Employees could be invited to the awards ceremony or dinner which can bond the team closer, yield networking opportunities and also be a great night out.

5.Attract talent

Business awards validate you as a great company to work for. This can attract the talent you need to propel your business forward. Don’t forget your motivated existing workforce will also enforce this notion.

6.An opportunity to treat clients and partners and attract new business

Awards are the best way to showcase the calibre of your work. Awards are the perfect backdrop for bonding with partners or customers. Winning or being a finalist improves client retention, and your clients will be chatting with their friends about how great you are. Word of mouth and personal recommendations are still the most influential factor in the buying process.

Glenn Tamplin Essex TV Awards

Essex TV Awards – Winner: Pivaz Restaurant

Top 5 PR and Marketing stunts of 2017

The new year always calls for a review of the standout moments in most fields. The field of PR & Marketing is no different. We picked the top five stand-out pr and marketing stunts of 2017 that encouraged change, had us thinking or simply cracking up with its downright cheeky humour.

Of course, they can also encourage and inspire to think outside the box and to keep looking at current trends with a fresh perspective or see opportunities that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

David Lloyds initiative to battle rising obesity with its ‘Run for your Bun campaign’ deserved a space amongst these top five. No cash or credit cards were required to pick and pay for your healthy lunch at its cafe, instead, punters literally rowed, jumped or ran for their meals.

The worlds of tech and sport collided when sportswear giant created the ultimate pop-up for runners. It was the first LED running track where you could race against yourself. From birdseye view, the track was shaped like a running shoe. Check out Nike’s LED running track:

Taking one of the most boring products and making it exciting, Proctor and Noble’s Mr. Clean managed to amass a grand total of 11,700 mentions across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in just one minute.

In their “World’s Apart” campaign, Heineken put people from opposed political and social worldviews in a room together. They then had them work through their differences toward a common goal.

1.
Hate him or loathe him but Pornhub managed to not only leverage the inauguration of Trump but made sure to stay relevant in the world of politics when its visitors to its site came across his speech. It went viral and gaining an influx of visitors.

Melanie Jones in Good Housekeeping Magazine January 2018

I had the pleasure to be featured in January 2018’s issue of Hearst’s Good Housekeeping Magazine, as one of five women chosen for a real-life feature titled 2018 Our Year To Shine!

Melanie Jones Good Housekeeping Magazine Jan 2018

Melanie Jones in Good Housekeeping Magazine January 2018

All of our journeys were different. We all had faced challenging times and are now looking forward to a new year and chose it as our time for a fresh start. Our stories ranged from death and becoming a carer to a parent (Sarah-Jane), surviving breast cancer (Juliet), achieving the desired weight loss (Kathryn), a career change later in life (Jenni) to letting go and moving forward after a painful divorce (me).

Melanie Jones PR, Good Housekeeping Magazine,

Melanie Jones founder of Melanie Jones PR featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Hearst Magazine

All these experiences are not the easiest to talk about and share let alone publically. Yet collectively we agreed the process was cathartic. It allowed us to process, let go and share the burden. Sharing our stories allowed us to demonstrate that life and business don’t require perfection but resilience, the willingness to take on challenges, grow with and learn from them and share the process in the hope that we may learn from one another.

We are all vulnerable and survivors in many ways. Showing our humanity makes us relatable and able to connect. It’s the relief of recognising, “Oh my, she struggled too! She made it out the other end! She achieved and is achieving her goals despite or maybe even because of what life is throwing at her! I C-A-N do it too!” The stories of my fellow interviewees moved, encouraged, inspired, and motivated me.

The feature included a bit of each of our journeys but we were also treated to some major pampering, and breakfast and a delicious lunch. And most of all a makeover prior to the photoshoot. I was invited to Charlotte Mensah’s award-winning salon The Hair Lounge in Portobello on a Friday and in true VIP style, a car was sent to deliver me. There I was treated by the amazing hair stylist herself who to a contouring colour technique and highlights to sections of my hair. Of course, I couldn’t leave without her coveted award-winning Manketti Oil. The actual shoot took place the following week.

Arriving first thing I entered the Hearst headquarters and was directed upstairs to a large studio space.

I was greeted by buzzing activity but a very warm and friendly team; one of the most personable beauty editors I have come across Gillian Davies, the Bare Minerals make-up team Liz and Georgina, nail technician Tracy Dudziak at Opi and the hair team headed by the wonderful celebrity hair guru Laurence Close, one of the nicest people to meet.

Stylist Emma Bigger managed to surprise me with items I would have never considered but absolutely adored as she pulled my look together. Liam Duke managed to get all of us ladies comfortable and relaxed in front of his camera and captured some beautiful images.

Check out Good Housekeeping Magazine here: http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/news/mary-berry-christmas-tips-january-cover-star

Melanie Jones, Good Housekeeping, Melanie Jones PR, Mary Berry

Front Cover of Good Housekeeping Magazine with TV chef Mary Berry inside real-life feature on Melanie Jones founder of Melanie Jones PR

Celebrities turn out for the Inaugural Essex TV Awards

Glenn Tamplin with Bliss Tamplin arrive at Essex TV Awards, followed by awards presentation, St Johns Road hall, Epping, 02.12.17

Melanie Jones PR handled the guest list and managing VIP’s for the inaugural Essex TV Awards set up to acknowledge and celebrated local heroes, businesses, charities, talent, and entrepreneurs from Essex.

The Awards were hosted by actress Joanna Andr, who invited chief executive Tim Tiernan to present the highlights of Essex TV’s portfolio of work over the year.

Actress and presenter Joanna Andr Essex TV Award Host

President of the EssexPower100 List Nicholas Taylor LLBshared via VT before the awards ceremony. EssexPower100 List sponsored the Essex TV Awards alongside WeEngraveEpping, Hereford Films, Fashions Finest, Bux Beauty and Kokomelt.

The awards ceremony was presented by The Mayor of Epping – Cllr Church, The Mayor of Redbridge – Cllr Huggett, The Mayor of Basildon – Cllr Harrison, The Mayor of Brentwood – Cllr Russell and Epping Forest District Council chairman – Cllr Stallan.

Paul Danan, Arrivals at Essex TV Awards, followed by awards presentation, St Johns Road hall, Epping, 02.12.17

Shelby Tribble arriving at the Essex TV Awards

Model Shelby Tribble, Arrivals at Essex TV Awards, followed by awards presentation, St Johns Road hall, Epping, 02.12.17

Chelsea Singh with Daniella Westbrook arrive at Essex TV Awards

Amongst guests attending Glenn & Bliss Tamplin, TV personality and actor Paul Danan, actor and producer Jamie Chambers, actress Danielle Westbrook, Rodrigo Alves, Chelsea Singh, former Miss Great Britain and model Shelby Tribble, model Crystal Foster to name a few. Shaynne O’Shea wowed with her performance on stage.

The 2017 winners are:

Business Of The Year – PIVAZ

Charity Of The Year – Helen Rollason Cancer Charity

Entrepreneur Of The Year – Glenn Tamplin

Talent Of The Year – Amar Adatia

Celebrity Of The Year – Chelsea Singh

Start-Up Of The Year – Capricho Portuguese Kitchen

Sportsperson Of The Year – Zayn Bux

Community Group Of The Year – Brentwood Centre

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year – Rochelle Wood

Press coverage: Daily Mail, The Sun, OK Magazine, London Post, Essex TV, Albawaba.com and Phoenix FM Radio.