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A story of war and after life by Sydney Davies. Exhibiting first time for Fashions Finest at London fashion week, Euphemia Sydney Davies's collection featured gas mask-clad men, shoes bearing bullets and even the odd wedding dress with celestial overtones. Moved by this macabre yet transcendental collection, I had to interview this talented designer and find out more about where this design story begun.  Born and raised in a loving Christian family in Sierra Leone, Euphemia's first memories of fashion were of wearing mostly skirts and dresses in her formative years as trousers were not 'a popular favourite' for women in African communities back then. One of her earliest memories of being a fashion conscious teen was owning a chocolate brown sketch- short sleeve top with sheer panels on the chest and stomach area. Twelve years on, she still owns this shirt although would not wear it for sanity and dignity reasons despite it still fitting her! Although things are changing for women now in the big cities, this wasn't always the case. Things were also far from stable in her home country when, at the age of twelve Euphemia and her mum had to escape through neighbouring countries Gambia and Kenya, then eventually to the UK as war refugees. Recalling this nine year civil war as being one of the most brutal ever recorded, her collection 'BirthAlife' retells her experiences of war though the eyes of her innocent childhood. This immensely personal and biographical collection records hopes and fears she experienced throughout this time and her and her interpretations of Armageddon. With pieces representing her observations during and after the war such as an orange dress inspired by a rusting oil tank, prints taken from her personal journal and the bible, her clothes re-tell a moving account of loss, devastation, rebirth and new hope.  Michael Mba photography Total devastation and war: these hand embellished Paraboots bear the bullet wounds of combat and war. This black, vulture inspired dress representing death itself.  Michael Mba photographyThis orange rust dress, her most favourite piece, detailing the rust and decay she saw after the war on an old oil tank. The flashes of gold in this trouser ensemble representing experiences of celestial inspiration.  Michael Mba photographyExclaiming "I want these dreams to stop", this shirt features actual print taken from excerpts of Euphemia's personal diary retelling of enduring sadness and nightmares following a relationship break up during this time in her life. Despite describing part of her dying in this war she states that she did eventually rise victorious and embracing of the afterlife when she escaped Africa. What I like especially is that, despite enduring one of the worst ordeals anyone could imagine, she doesn't dwell on the negativity of it. "We all go through things we feel kills us. Whether financial demise or an unforgettable heartbreak. That moment of absolute low. But, when you recover, pick and dust yourself off, you are given new life, a new beginning a chance of freedom peace happiness. We can all live our afterlife."  Michael Mba photographyTo re-birth, hope and afterlife. This beautiful virginal angelic wedding themed dress speaks of hope and anticipated marriage dreams of a young girl. Indeed, this spirituality, positivity and empathy permeate though all areas of her life. She believes that her clothes are an extension of her and clothes can indeed become a physical representation of you. I suspect, humbled by experiences of having and losing things in the war, she also cautions though that not everyone can afford the luxury of experimentation and we should never judge people by their appearances. In her personal life she doesn't conform to following fashion trends, instead choosing to wear what she likes regardless of whether in fashion or not. Currently she is enjoying wearing a couple of sweatshirts by "illustrated people". She also has clothes in her wardrobe by Henry Holland, Aqua, and BCBG Max Azria. A wardrobe we would all love to root through for sure! As a teen she was heavily influenced by the works of Alexander McQueen Picasso and the general Cubist art movement. Still influenced by McQueen's brand now designed by Sarah Burton, she also loves the work of Todd Lynn, Christopher Kane, Chanel, Alexander Wang and Dior but one constant which remained throughout her UK life was her love for well-made and edgy clothing produced by Top shop. Liking their clothes for "as long as she can remember", she admits to enjoying spending much time down London's Oxford Street branch! Recently achieving a high BA Honours degree in Fashion Design for industry at Scotland's Herriot Watt University and developing expert skill in in knitwear, digital and screen print, tailoring, pattern and garment making, I had to ask this successful graduate what advice she would give to others in the same shoes as her. Her advice, especially for designers is to be hardworking, resilient, determined, and strong enough to take criticism and to be absolutely non-negotiable. In her experience the fashion industry is one of the most difficult industries to penetrate on talent alone. Comparing it to getting 'in' with the popular crowd at school she thoughtfully states: "It's mainly who you know and who knows you that grants you acceptance to this exclusive tight- knit club." However, she feels that, if you have LOVE and truly love what you are doing, regardless of the profit or gain, you will have zeal and passion to work hard and achieve your goals. So what can we expect next from this emerging talent I hear you ask? Well, after her successful exhibit at London Fashion week, Euphemia is working on her next collection, setting up studio space, working with PR and funding streams to really kick start the business side of things to get her next collection recognised and sold. And zeal and passion are words I definitely have for Euphemia. I anticipate a lot of future success for this hard-working and expressive designer and can genuinely say what a real pleasure it is to comprehend the thought-provoking and artistic work of this very talented lady.  Michael Mba photography
Sydney Davies BirthAlife: London Fashion week 16.2.13 Fashions Finest.
Place of birth: London, England
Height: 5'10"
Education Background: Bsc. Criminology, Criminal Justice & Law.
Country of origin: Nigeria
How would you describe yourself?
I'll describe myself as a dedicated, hardworking yet funny and resourceful individual. This reflects both in my personal and professional life. I love setting myself challenges and being able to attain such goals with the progression onto newer aspirations.
Why did you choose to become a model?
I chose to become a model because it has always been a passion of mine, a big lover of fashion & style, staging home fashion shows or even creating my own designs of what I wear & how to wear it. Being a chameleon and a blank canvas for the photographer or designer to recreate their artistic vision gives me that adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment once completed.
What type of model are you?
I will describe myself as a catwalk, editorial model because this is where my strength lies. However, I do not limit myself only to these areas of modelling because being a model you have to be versatile and not box yourself in which could potentially cut you off from new audiences, clients and experiences.
Any interest in acting? If so what type of roles attracts you?
I do have an interest in acting and with a varied range of interest within the acting/media industry. From playing a model or fashionista in a romantic comedy to playing a down and out individual who has lost everything and fallen from grace. Basically, a stripped back performance as an artist. My acting interest echoes what I said earlier, being a blank canvas with no limitations and at the mercy of the Director or writers.
Whats the part od your body you like the most?
The best part of my body is my legs. Being 5'10", I'm fortunate to have long legs which have helped me in the modelling industry in way of specialising more in catwalk, runway and editorial modelling. The ability to glide down the runway in gorgeous, fabulous gowns doing the designer justice to their creation and also creating great forms and shapes whilst working with a photographer.
What would you like to achieve in life?
What I will like to achieve in life is being successful & comfortable in anything I involve myself in. This ranges from having a well rounded & established family & friends lifestyle balance, a modelling career & to be happy & fulfilled.
Any advice to those aspiring to become models?
My advice to aspiring models is if this is truly your passion and desire, you will face a lot of obstacles in your journey and to continue walking the modelling path. You will hear a lot of no's before you hear a yes. To be educated in the field which your about to embark on and be knowledgeable in the various areas of modelling/fashion because designers, clients & photographers like working with people who know something about the modelling/fashion industry, because this shows dedication in your craft.
As a model is there any particular thing you'd like to campaign for or against?
As a model you always dream of being part of a worldwide campaign or to have worked with a well renowned client. I am no different, I will like to work with a celebrated designer/photographer within the fashion world, great exposure and to work in Europe, The Americas & beyond & to headline or be the face of a few campaigns.
How can someone book you?
Twitter -@nikkieniks
email –
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follow me on Instagram - NkayNkay
Place of birth: London
Height: 5ft8
Educational background: Studying Medicine MBBS
Country of origin or parents' origin: Nigeria
How would you describe yourself?
Hardworking, friendly, chatty and inquisitive problem solver forever searching and rejoicing for the silver linings of the cloudy moments in life.
Why did you choose to become a model?
Modeling has been a passion of mine for a long time, flipping through my mum's catalogues as a young child telling her one day that will be me getting the free clothes in the catalogues and magazines. ... and finally when I got to medical school I took the opportunity to audition for uni charity fashion shows and catwalked for 2 different shows. This gave me the courage to pursue it for real, made a small portfolio and tried applying to different agencies. I stumbled across mahogany model management in the process. and later entered their competition:
I came third in the Top Model of Colour modeling competition UK 2011
Currently the 'Official Face of makeup show live 2012' and happily signed to Mahogany Model Management from here on out with faith in God the only way is up.
What type of model are you? ie catwalk, commercial, editorial, not sure?
I have been lucky to have a face and body shape that allows versatility, just give me some clothes and a theme then we can make it work. I am always up for a challenge and love to work hard to succeed and know that I have the skills to a great commercial model with a splash of that editorial jazz. I am a quirky model ready to delve into new ventures and have walked at London Fashion Week, done hair and beauty modeling, I am blessed and have no bounds in modeling (well there is one domain I won't venture into glamour)
Any interests in acting?
If so, what type of roles attract you? Acting whether in an advert or programme would be a new experience that could prove to be quite fun. I would like to feel stretched by my role that I had to find a character within myself I never imagined. Yet again a challenge I could get my teeth into
What's the part of your body you like most?
My legs
What would you like to achieve in life?
I pray that I'll be the household name synonymous with great general practice and model icon.
Any advice to those aspiring to become models?
They say 'if the mind can conceive it, you can believe it', if you add a bit of realism of your strengths and weaknesses you can achieve so much. Long term success comes from hard work and commitment, if you keep this in mind who knows how far you can go.
As a model, is there any particular thing you'd like to campaign for or against?
I am a great believer of charitable work that make a significant difference in people's lives especially health related charities. I have felt obligated to take part in fundraising activities as I know how hard it can be for some charities to gain donations, as the president of the African and Caribbean Society at my university we held a cultural event at Nollywood bar, raising a large sum of money for charities ACLT (African and Caribbean Leukaemia Trust), and Touch of Light (a charity to help treat blind people in Ghana set up by eye doctors at Moorfields Eye hospital). It was almost a year in planning for the show, to organize dance acts, catwalks, singers, food, venue etc but it warmed my heart to receive letters thanking us for our efforts and knowing that we had made a difference. Many great models have gone on to do amazing philanthropy work across the world and would be so happy to be an ambassador for a charity if this could help raise awareness for their cause.
Any other information you'd like to share with our readers?
Life is precious, cherish it and your loved ones, enjoy each moment in all it's beauty.
How can someone book you?
EXPERIENCE & AVAILABILITY
High Fashion/Catwalk, Commercial, Catalogue, Swimwear, Headshots/Body Parts, Extras, Dancing, Hosts/Hostesses, Fashion Styling
If you wish to book me please contact my agency mahogany model management on 0845 388 7249 or by email
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and quote my name.
Thinking of surgery, and surgical treatments, what comes to mind? Operations to remove cancerous tumours? Operations to correct eyesight?
The Vitality Show takes place from 21st-24th March 2013 at Earls Court 2, London.
Place of birth: I was born in Warri, Nigeria.
Height: I'm 6'2.
Educational background: I had my primary, secondary and university education in Nigeria. I also did my law school there and got called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010. I later came to London and did my masters degree at the University of Westminster where I graduated with a masters degree in International Commercial Law in 2011.
Country of origin or parents' origin: My country of origin is Nigeria.
How would you describe yourself?
I'm a very hardworking and disciplined person, but fun too.
Why did you choose to become a model?
I didn't really choose to become a model, because I came to London solely to study. I guess the modeling just happened slowly and all thanks to Fashions Finest who gave me my first ever shot at it here in London.
What type of model are you? ie catwalk, commercial, editorial, not sure?
I'm more of a fashion model but I'm trying and willing to explore different new areas now.
Any interests in acting? If so, what type of roles attract you?
I actually had a main interest in acting until I found out that I'm not really a good actor, but I can play extra roles, because most times they don't require too much acting skills.
What's the part of your body you like most?
I like my whole body because the whole of it makes up God's temple.
What would you like to achieve in life?
I would like to be a person of great influence in the society and also be able to render service to humanity in the best ways possible.
Any advice to those aspiring to become models?
I would say just be yourself and be natural. Don't try to be like any other model, create your brand and sell its uniqueness.
As a model, is there any particular thing you'd like to campaign for or against?
I would just like to campaign for more black models in the mainstream fashion industry which is itself improving yearly already.
Any other information you'd like to share with our readers?
Not really, just keep reading and following up Fashion Finest and their events.
How can someone book you?
The easiest way to get through to me for bookings is via my email
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.
Following the decision of Priscilla Shote the named winner of Top Model of Colour Season 7 to step down for personal reasons, this breaking news is to inform you as to the current standing of the TMC Top Five.
Fashion and Textile Museum launches events to coincide with BBC Great British Sewing Bee.
Add some flower power to your summer wardrobe and channel the daisy embellishments as seen on the Prada catwalks.
An interview with designer Jocelyn Dee.
After watching her sensational catwalk at London Fashion week and having the pleasure of meeting this warm and passionate designer, I was surprised to hear that all her garments originated from modified upcycled garments. Moreover, astounded that they were created by a designer who never formally studied fashion design. Already captivated, I had to find out more about what made this designer tick.Brought up in a rural mid Wales, Jocelyn's first influences of fashion were from her mother and father. Her mum wearing her hair in a Mohican and making punk clothing, her dad influenced by the early Glastonbury scene, customising items of clothing such as a jacket he wore one year. Indeed, proof that cool parents breed cool children came at fourteen when she first put on her very own fashion show at school featuring no less than twenty items of clothing! Such an achievement for someone who was capable and creative yet not in the top sets at school. In her experience, she feels that many creative types either created or disrupted at school. Luckily, Jocelyn was most definitely the former type. Throughout her earlier life she recalls sporting an individualistic style until her late teens when outside influences such as Andrew Logan, a local jewellery designer collaborating with Zandra Rhode's at the time, started to influence her designs. This freedom and expression still alive today within the clothing she makes, and even down to her creating process which is enhanced by wearing her favourite short batik dress which allows freedom of movement when designing new clothes. History and coincidence then repeating and presenting themselves later in 2005 when she too got the chance to collaborate with Zandra Rhodes, model for her and exhibit her own clothes on the same catwalk!  Is if this wasn't enough to determine Jocelyn's fashion destiny, despite studying Art and Environmental studies at Falmouth university, she continued making her wonderful clothes to fund her studies. All was not at lost though, as her studies in the ecologically conscious community of Falmouth shaped the strong ecological values she holds today. By upcycling pre-existing garments and giving them a new lease of life, Jocelyn keeps business local and reduces the impact on industry on the environment. She believes that; "Designers should be responsible and realise the consequences of their actions on all factors they are creating or distracting such as social welfare, economy and other peoples lifestyles." Working with recycled materials does come with some issues though such as reluctant buyers worrying about correct fabric care instructions. Reproduction can also be tricky as all her pieces are one off and do not originate from a traditional design block, rather, the garment inspires her and takes shape from that point onwards. Taking inspiration from the environments around her and channelling this into her creation process, she especially enjoys the challenge of recreating the patterns from clothing seen down London's Bond Street and evolving them in new ways. Classing herself as a shy person, particularly in her former school years, she feels that clothes are an imperative way to communicate our interpretation of the world around us. Her recent exhibition our London fashion week featured her individual take on tweeds, metallic's, tapestry and silk styles from the "English eccentrics" look. Already inspired by this collection, I had to ask her what she would communicate via her next collection. I learnt that she had recently returned back from Australia and experiences of the outback and the Great Barrier Reef were influencing her current design thoughts. She envisages the use of ripped leathers to represent land and textured bright rubber to reflect the marine biology and has also been thinking about creating more stylish environmentally conscious clothes for cyclists. Such clothing, both comfortable and bright, so people can be seen.  Starting out as curtain fabric by Laura Ashley-(another Welsh-based designer), Jocelyn felt that this fabric was simply too good for curtains and pinned it up instead to make this high spec dress. Michael MBA photography This London fashion week was her first time exhibiting for Fashions Finest and she felt inspired by the designs and thought processes of designers such as Keneea Linton Designs, Shenna Carby and Gregory H.O.D Williams of the Jamaican Collective and appreciated their beautiful ball gowns and flashes of Caribbean influence. She also attended a pure trade show in London and got drawn in by the sparkle of a plastic diamond smothered fabric which she'd usually find a turn off but states is now close to covering every wall in her house with it! Given her success despite not studying fashion at university, I had to ask what advice she would give to people starting out in the world of fashion. Her advice is simple yet very wise: "Stay focused and do what you feel is worthwhile. Have a 'can do' attitude and see where it takes you. Help yourself by helping others such as models, writers and photographers. Swap trade to enhance your portfolios. " Indeed Jocelyn is very passionate about helping others. She helped new designers back in June 2007 by hiring a big top circus tent to host an event where she invited many fashion 'creatives' to collaborate. She is appears driven by the desire to help others and states that she would love to put on a fashion show in the future to help young designers. What a truly thoughtful and inspiring woman. Jocelyn, you give hope to so many of us out there and I wish you every success for the future.  Jocelyn Dee 17.2.13 Fashions Finest London Fashion week show.Contact: www.jossdee.wix.com/wwwjocelyndeedesignd
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