London Fashion Week

Fashion East, Marques' Almeida & Isa Arfen

As ever, London Fashion Week did not disappoint, and it was a truly memorable one for us at Truman’s. Our very own Fashion East, in collaboration with Topshop, offered its fresh new selection of designers AW17 collections, held within the vast spaces of the brand new wing of the Tate Modern. Newcomer and RCA Womenswear graduate Supriya Lele made her very first debut with an opening presentation exploring her British and Indian dual identity, incorporating traditional Indian techniques into creating her contemporary work. If you're looking to pick up a truly one of a kind piece, Fashion East has also recently opened its pop up store at Selfridges on Oxford Street, open until the end of March, featuring past and present talent of Fashion East.

Up on our pavilion, womenswear designer Isa Arfen's collection explored the modern concept of femininity and womanhood. The presentation was complimented by spoken word, discussing what it means to be a woman, filling the air as a backdrop to the models who glided round the space. The collection reflected back on a forgotten era with its cropped jackets, A line skirts and fur-lined coats. The room was packed to the gills with bloggers, photographers and buyers alike, eager to view a snippet of the creativity on offer before them.

A fitting finale to Fashion Week at Truman’s was the AW17 collection catwalk in our Boiler House by Marques’ Almeida. The duo once cut their teeth through Fashion East, showing their first two seasons under Lulu Kennedy’s mentorship. Before the show began Brick Lane was buzzing with those in attendance, all dressed to make an impression. Once the show began, the room was filled with anticipation with what was to come. Sound-tracked by Nina Simone, the pair presented a collection that was reminiscent of 80's power dressing. Boxy cuts and colour blocking, armour like jewellery and platformed boots were all young, fun and styled with a gender fluid twist. With what we've seen so far, we're looking forward to see what Graduate Fashion Week will be like...

Rinse Showrooms

The best of independent fashion

Grace and Thorn

#greenupyourgaff

Rinse Showrooms opened their doors in July last year, treating those wandering around busy Brick Lane at the weekends to a whole new shopping experience. Carefully selected independent brands are offered a permanent shop space to share with fellow start-ups. This provides the opportunity for designers to support each other, whilst curating on their own unique and creative flair.

One of our five current designers, Babs Atta-Krah is the brain behind our current fashion obsession, Gingham Doll. Their ethically produced, handmade ladies wear is all about celebrating what it means to be a woman. The pieces are elegant, designed to last and are able to be customized so that every client looks and feels the best in their skin. Rinse is open Saturday 11-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm.

Our resident urban florists Grace & Thorn are planning big things for 2017. Since founding the company in 2011, female entrepreneur Nik Southern hasn't looked back, and for good reason. Fashionistas, creatives and Londoners from all over can't get enough or her minimal green designs. Taking inspiration from the art and fashion industry, each unique arrangement provides a breath of fresh air from florist traditions. Last year, Nik collaborated on the floral design spotted on Giles Deacon’s London Fashion Week show, but since then her skills have expanded into teaching workshops to fellow green-fingered souls who want to learn her magic ways. Pop down to Terrarium Tuesdays, Watercolour Wednesdays, and Floral Thursdays and watch out for her first book, How Not To Kill Your Plants, due to be published this year.

The IPA Festival of
British Advertising

9th - 12th March

Spirit of Prague
Pop-Up Beer Hall

16th - 19th March

Showcasing British wit, creativity, innovation and media power; the IPA Festival of British Advertising curates a free exhibition for members of the public in our quirky Boiler House this March.

In celebration of International Women's Week, an additional ticketed debate will reflect on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women on and off screen - asking whether adverts have helped or hindered gendered stereotypes. Prepare to here lots from the big cheeses in the industry, including creative director Vicki Maguire (who also opened our favourite kitchy East London sweet shop, Suck & Chew - who knew?).

As part of London Beer Week, Staropramen (a well-balanced pilsner) and Pravha (a lighter drink) are bringing the culture Prague to Shoreditch, where visitors will be able to get their hands on a 70p Prague-priced pint! In tune with the different drinks being served, the bar aims to educate Londoners about both the traditional side of the city and its modern, metropolitan vibes. To top it all off, attendants can make the most of the resident guided tasting and nibble different versions of the classic Czech snack - pretzels - matched to their drink of choice. Just remember the secret word to claim your Czech-priced pint: "Pohoda". For more details head over to the website.

GYAL FLEX by Yogahood and Breathe & Stop

Celebrate International Women's Day in style

On the 8th March, girl bosses Sanchia and Holiday take over our former Vibe Bar for a night of yoga, meditation and generally just celebrating the gyal dem. Inspired by Hip Hop music and fresh beats, get your Ohm on with Holiday for an opening meditation, then break the rules and throw it down on the mat with Sanchia for one hour of yoga. Be prepared for nothing but good vibes, a little heat and a playlist curated just for the event.

Sanchia Legister is a well known member of the global urban running movement with half, full and ultra marathon medals under her belt. She has over 10 years of drama experience and now works as a yoga teacher with her popular underground Yogahood classes. Last year, after feeling frustrated with the lack of diversity in yoga settings (and tight hamstrings) she decided to do something about it. She now brings her signature afro, big smile and good vibes to the mat in the hope of bringing yoga to the people dem.

Founded in 2016 by Holiday Phillips, Breathe & Stop is a meditation movement helping people use the world around them - no matter how hectic - as their meditation mat. Deeply inspired by her love of music, the mission is to teach a new generation of urban meditators how to live a more peaceful life without having to escape to a desert island or pay for an expensive retreat.

Bring your friends, your mum, colleagues and neighbours (and a mat, if you can)!

Wednesday 8th March 2017, 7-9pm
91 Brick Lane London E1 6QL (former Vibe Bar)

Just a reminder that all you ladies can book free adidas studio London sessions every week, from workouts and nutritional workshops to runs, unlock everything you need to know here.

Gallery Six

Introducing new member Katy Mason

Combining her love of punk with a feminist agenda, design graduate Katy Mason joined us here in January. She's part of Gallery Six, our co-working space offering creatives the opportunity to collaborate on in-house projects (such as the Gallery Six Three Days Exhibition, as pictured). Graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 2016 with 1st Class Honours in Fashion Design, she now works with up and coming designer Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, who is also a part of the Truman family, connected to our non-profit initiative for emerging designers, Fashion East.

On the inspiration behind the collection pictured;

"It's all about women and young girls who are forced into women, translated through live models styled as though they are trying to escape out of the fabrics. A word such as 'trapped' or 'restrict' will inform the design which is created from scratch, so you are never quite sure what will happen or what it will turn out like."