Anna Scholz Blog

From February 7-9, Anna and our sales manager, Darren, headed to Düsseldorf to participate in the CPD trade fair.  CPD is one of the biggest annual fashion industry trade shows in Europe. It’s always a great opportunity for Anna to reach out to new buyers and fans of her clothing as well as to catch up with old friends.

Our lovely CPD model, Anna, and Rianne from our Benelux agent, Ooms

Anna with Jaq and Emma from the Emma Plus shop in Brighton

Anna being interviewed for German television

Our friends from Dix Boutique in the Netherlands

Anna with Rianne and Daphne from Ooms at the Big is Beautiful catwalk show

Anna with Aaron, publisher of Big Is Beautiful magazine

Tired but happy: Anna at the end of CPD

We have recently photographed the very talented model Kate Smith for our website and found out that she was not ‘only’ a model , but also a songwriter and singer !

I love her folksy, sultry voice and wish her much success with her new record.

Watch this space!

www.myspace.com/katelouisesmith

Submitted by Stefanie Agternkamp, senior pattern cutter

We had our first fitting prior to production this morning. These sessions seem much calmer than the ones before the trade fairs when we are rushing to finish the samples and our freelance pattern cutter, Yukiko, and I are frantically trying to note all the alterations the design/sales team want to make.  Those fittings are exhausting!

This morning, in contrast, we had lots of treats on the table:  German biscuits brought from the trade fair in Düsseldorf, home-made spiced pumpkin muffins and coffee.  All people present were much more relaxed.  This is work at its best!

When the stress of the first trade fairs is over and the sample collection is finished, we try every garment on our fit model again to tweak it into perfection before it goes into production. This usually means a lot of discussions about armholes and neck width… not as exciting as seeing the designs Anna and her assistants draw come to life, but for me a very important piece of my job. We have recently started working with a new fit model, Ann, who (we believe) is a better representative of our typical customer’s shape and therefore will improve the fit of our garments.

So, here’s a little teaser:  I will tell you we fitted some gorgeous leather jackets and lots of sumptuous knitwear. Looking forward to Autumn-Winter 2010 already? I can’t wait!

Mad Men starlet Christina Hendricks shows off her curves in a sexy corset on the cover of the February 15th issue of New York Magazine.

In the article she talks about the entertainment world’s obsession with her body.  “It kind of hurt my feelings at first,” says Hendricks.  “Anytime someone talks about your figure constantly, you get nervous; you get really self-conscious.  I was working my butt off on the show, and then all anyone was talking about was my body!”

She also talks about how she didn’t really compare herself to stick-thin actresses until Mad Men got insanely popular. “It might sound silly,” she says, “but I didn’t realize I was so different.  I was just oblivious.  Sometimes I would go on an audition and someone would say something like, ‘Girl, you’re refreshing!‘ That was it.”

We hope she doesn’t work her butt off too much!  What do you think of Christina Hendricks’ body?

Click here for the full article

http://nymag.com/fashion/10/spring/63808/

I am still a little shaken and sad by the news of Alexander McQueen’s death.
I deeply admired his craftsmanship, tailoring techniques, lavish embellishments and extraordinary shows.
I never met him although we studied at the same college and I am sure he touched every fashionista’s life.

My theory always was that a detailed obsessed genius mind can often be troubled ….

The most difficult thing is to find balance in life and to look after ourselves whilst following our dreams and ambitions.

Whom the gods love dies young – Plautus

The Valentine Palms

I wanted to get something a little different for Sharon this year and decided on a pair of palms that we could plant in our new garden. As the palms’ delivery time approached, I was getting a little nervous about her reaction. “Had I done the right thing?” was the only thought racing around my brain.
I needn’t have worried: she seemed really happy and pleased with them. [Perhaps the champagne breakfast I made for her beforehand helped a little!!]
Did anyone give or receive any non-traditional gifts this Valentine’s Day? It would be great to hear from you.
I don’t want to mention any names, but someone in our office [Kate] bought a Lego ‘ Buzz Lightyear ‘ for their partner!!
Love to all,
Cliff

Check out the behind the scenes shoot with interviews from the lovely Anna and Penny…

We spent hours speaking with our customers last season, hearing your thoughts on everything from cost to fit.  You expressed concern about cost, so we have created the Black Label which can viewed separately from or alongside the White Label on our website.

The Black Label is a fresh, funky extension of Anna’s premium label with a focus on daywear and at a lower price. You’ll love the on-trend prints and cuts and the quirky embellishments.  Playful print jersey frocks, nautical and military trends and fun knitwear will win your heart!

Anna’s premium White Label collection steals the scene with luxury fabrics, statement pieces and designer cut and detail.  Gorgeous dresses, digital and vintage-inspired prints, chic outerwear and fine fabrics get a standing ovation.  Fabulous fit, elegant draping and impeccable styling always bring the house down!

We have been working hard on our new home page, video content and this fab blog you are reading… Let us know what you think of it all. We would love to know so we can add more of what you want! Love, the Anna Scholz team xx

Then come and view the Autumn-Winter ‘10 Collection at any of the below venues. If you would like to come to the London or New York showrooms please call in advance to book an appointment. We would love to see you there:

Dusseldorf 7 – 9 February,2010 – CPD – Halle 11 Stand A20
Copenhagen 11 – 14 February,2010 – CIFF – Halle C2 Stand 020
London 17 – 18 February,2010 – annascholz showroom London
New York 21 – 23 February,2010 – AKA – Times Square – Suite to be confirmed
London 25 February – 30 March,2010 – annascholz showroom London

For further information please contact darren@annascholz.com or telephone 020 8964 3040.