Jocelyn Williams a local dressmaker turns her designs to high fashion sort after .

Showcasing at the Fashions finest London fashion week could be Jocelyn's biggest achievement in getting her brand the exposure it needs. But if she thinks her biggest achievement was this then she will have to think again. For us her biggest achievement is giving these designs the unique and personal touch that can only be described as epic. No wonder heads were turning from left to right in astonishment and admiration. In our chat, Jocelyn tells C.Hub how she has developed and grown her brand and the journey through and out of the so called local designer to becoming an international fashion brand that her collection has fast become.



Jocelyn 27 originally from Welshpool embarked on her design ambition from the tender age of 14. With the enthusiasm, she went on to work at Laura Ashley and also designing for the Welsh National Opera. Later, she went on to work in Australia under a New York fashion label for 2 years after which she returned to the UK to pursue her design dreams.

Since then, Jocelyn have continued to create designs after designs. Due to the growing demand she says, I have decided to expand my designs including creating bespoke wedding dresses and reproducing key pieces made to order.

How this young woman comes up with the design concepts is something that could not escape my thought. "Describing my design concepts, I would say, the fabric is lyrically composed together to create flow from structure. My latest collection features pieces inspired by the durable, home-made work cloths of Victorian times with an elegant twist.Most of my designs come to life on the body giving more definition to the necessary areas".

What does this fast becoming designer want to achieve in the shortest time? 

"I hope to inspire a revival in home made clothes making, believing in the importance of protecting our British fashion heritage".

And speaking to fellow designers, Jocelyn says, "don't be afraid to cut fine fabrics and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You may end up with a happy accident.

Currently, Jocelyn is preparing to launch her collection in Sydney whilst continuing to offer clothing designs and dressmaking workshops around the county.

Follow Jocelyn William on twitter @classicdesigns, and 

C.Hub magazine here : @C_Hubmagazine.

Rihanna brings her magic to fashion for River Island.

This spring/summer, Riri is set to wow us yet again this time not just with her multi-platinum voice but with her gorgeous fashion collections at River Island stores globally.

River Island have just announced their joy of collaboration with our very own Riri to
launch her clothing  and accessories collections designed by Rihanna herself exclusively for River Island.

To get you in the cheeky Riri style mood this summer she has made these collections wearable and in different styles to suit every taste. There are satin dresses, Jersey skirts and dresses with thigh high splits as you would expect, denim, tensile  twill parkas, cup tops, t-shirts, fine gauge and more.

The 120 piece collections includes spring which went on sale today 5th of March and summer which will go on sale in May at selected River Island stores globally and online with exclusive launch events in US and China only.
Prices start from £16 on all designs. For more info, www.riverisland.com

What do you think of Rihanna's fashion moves with River Island?

Pitching Africa in the city. A must attend event for all Africans in Diaspora.

Event dates:  April 23, 2013, 5.30pm – 9.30pm

Venue:           Cass Business School, London EC1Y 8TZ

Organisers: African Peoples Advocacy and Developed Africa.com

Details:
Prominent members of the African Diaspora will brief City investors about innovative and lucrative ideas for Africa’s development at Cass Business School on 23 April 2013.

It has been just talk and no work from the Diaspora on finding ways to move Africa forward in terms of development. This time African sons and daughters are out to make sure that the practical approach to getting investors right into Africa is taken seriously hence this event. This is aimed at giving investors and businesses tips on the practical steps they can take to boost their presence in the African market and how they can engage with Africa Diaspora professionals to take advantage of ongoing and forth coming development opportunities in Africa.

Ben Oguntala, CEO of DevelopedAfrica.com, an online resource which will allow international companies unprecedented access to commercial development opportunities in African countries. Mr Oguntala will outline the usefulness of this resource to companies already operating in Africa, and to those seeking to move into this expanding market.

Also speaking at the event is Sylvie Aboa-Bradwell, CEO of the UK-based think tank African Peoples Advocacy (APA). She will brief attendees about the documentary Leading Lions, which APA is currently producing. The documentary follows four outstanding members of the African Diaspora, including several panellists, as they work and implement their ground breaking ideas in the City, London, Africa and elsewhere. Ms Aboa-Bradwell will discuss how investors and business people can position themselves at the forefront of the positive transformation of Africa by participating in the Leading Lions project.

There will also be interventions from Didier Meledje, president of Alpha Professional Network (APN), and Justine Lutterodt, co-founder of the Africa Women’s Circle. Mr Meledje will highlight the need for investors to engage with APN in order to gain invaluable insights into African as well as other emerging and frontiers markets. Ms Lutterodt will outline how businesses can tap into the Africa Women’s Circle’s unique pool of leading and inspiring women with a passion for Africa.

Henry Bonsu, Colourful Radio director, and narrator of the Leading Lions documentary, will chair the briefing. Speaking on the event, He says, ‘I am excited to preside over this unique mobilisation of the African Diaspora aimed at engaging businesses in order to boost Africa's development'

The event will also feature an exhibition by businesses with services related to the African market; a showcasing of African Diaspora services to the City, and a drinks reception.

Sylvie Aboa-Bradwell, who is organising the briefing in collaboration with Ben Oguntala, said: ‘This is an unmissable opportunity for astute investors to get ahead of the game in Africa, and participate in the positive transformation of Africa in the 21^st century.’  

To register your attendance for this event go here for more information email