An afternoon with Giacomina designer Jacqueline Headlam

Whilst attending an exhibition in London this weekend, my eye was caught by a strikingly chic collection of designer leather handbags and I got chatting to the inspirational designer, British born Jacqueline Headlam .

Stunning to look at, it was no surprise that Jacqueline entered the fashion industry as a model and even won a national modelling competition judged by the likes of Elite a few years ago. She modelled in New York, London and Germany, regularly taking part in London Fashion week financing her way through University. Following her subsidiary degree in Broadcast Journalism, Headlam worked on TV as a Television Fashion expert, re-styling individuals on make-over shows.

Jacqueline went on to complete a Fashion Journalism course at the London College of Fashion and wrote a series of articles on the industry's emerging young stars. She then set up "Jacqueline's Unique Boutique", a boutique specialising in the sale of classic English designs for women.

In Jacqueline's own words:

"I found selling other people's designs frustrating especially as I had so many ideas of my own. I started producing sketches for accessories, buying quite spectacular materials, but not having formal training, there wasn't any correlation between the images in my mind and my final creations."

Jacqueline travelled to Italy where she met a team of talented Italian and English artisans who have produced goods for the likes of Fendi and Harrods. They collaborated to create Italian named Giacomina, a designer label producing a beautiful range of exclusive, one-off and limited edition hand-made bags.

These super chic designer handbags are gorgeous to touch and the attention to detail is unrivalled. The various ranges include the Shopper, a Vintage collection, Classic range and the La Luna. You'll find furs, wool, soft leathers and patent leathers across the range in bold colours and animal prints, something for every occasion! Right now Giacomina's product line includes Handbags and Hats, however there are future plans for a leather accessories line for men.

These are designer handbags with a story, exceptionally superior in quality and made to be noticed! Most certainly worth the investment for any fashionista with fabulous taste.

To browse through their range, go to their website: giacomina. Check back regularly as new products are added.

The best of the week (London fashion week!)

After the success of New York Fashion week, last weekend saw the fashion packs go crazy for the start of London, and there was not a spare seat in sight as British and International press along with celebrities came by to see what was on offer from designers such as Luella Bartley, Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane and Vivienne Westwood.

Despite the economic situation, the designers insured their collections were still original and many revamped the catwalk by bringing back past trends but with a twist. Giles Deacon’s creations were inspired by the feel of London in the late 80’s when he was at St. Martins Fashion College mixed with London style today. Pieces included thigh high leather boots, body-con dresses with a rebellious feel to them using studs and spikes, and unique prints on silk dresses. In an interview with Vogue TV, he said, ‘we wanted to do a cross-section of what’s exciting about London at the moment with how I felt when I first started college.’

Many other designers impressed the fashion elite as they sent their models down the runway. Probably the most anticipated show of the week was that of Savannah and Sienna Miller, whose label, Twenty8Twelve, is most certainly designed for the urban, sexy girl; and with that in mind, their creations for Autumn/Winter 2009 certainly didn’t disappoint. For more on their debut, you can click here.

The design duo enjoying some well deserved applause. [Image via Vogue.com]

The week however is not just for the established designers who are used to showing off just how good they really are, but also for the fresh faces in fashion who are still working just as hard but need a way in to the designers domain, where recognition and respect are crucial for success.
This is where Vauxhall Fashion Scout comes in; a catwalk venue just up the road from the main fashion tent which supports these up and coming designers.
One of the most sophisticated shows to pop up on the sunny Saturday morning at the VFS, was that of Bryce D’Anice Aime, a French designer who was showcasing his work on the catwalk for the first time. D’Anice Aime, whose first ever collection was for Spring/Summer 2007 has clearly moved fast and is working hard in order to achieve a spot on the main fashion runway schedule in seasons to come.

With Natalie Wansbrough-Jones, senior fashion editor at ELLE UK styling the show, and Larare shoes beautifying the models feet, it was sure to be a stylish affair.

As Lady GaGa along with Mozart (an eccentric mix) blasted from the speakers, models emerged as what can only be described as exquisite pieces, with structured tailoring and luxurious fabrics coming together to make a dramatic infusion.



Structured shoulder styles are huge for Autumn/Winter 09.

My two most favourite looks included a long sleeved ivory shirt with longer side panels teamed with a metallic charcoal skirt which exuded the chic factor and some shiny skinny trousers in a metal colour pulled over a beautiful peach chiffon blouse.









The colour palette for the collection seemed to be this way inspired, with black, midnight blue, ivory and metal all providing a contrast to the softness of some of the pieces.

When I caught up with Bryce himself after the show, he explained that this collection ‘explores the dramatic universe of the Burlesque, inspired by the soft and hard edges of the showgirl world. Each piece is aimed at enhancing the wardrobe of the woman who likes to wear her garments from day to night.’

With this is mind I was instantly attracted to the pieces which on the one hand are somewhat daring with sheer mesh bodysuits but on the other extremely feminine with floaty dresses, but all very wearable.


The powerful themes behind Bryce’s creations have certainly worked well and with many of his key styles being spotted on the main runway later in the week with the mainstream designers, there is no doubt that he is bang on trend and it won’t be long until he is showcasing with the best of the best. (The piping spotted on one of Bryce’s skirts was a theme also used throughout Christopher Kane’s show later in the week.)

I will leave you with the designer’s final words to myself which completely sum up the perfection of the pieces and give you an insight into the creative mind of Bryce D’Anice Aime. ‘This collection is for the woman who wishes to create a distinct yet quiet drama within her wardrobe.’

To view Bryce’s current collection, Visit his website
The Autumn/Winter 2009 collection will also be presented at Tranoi, Paris.
For all sales enquiries contact @bryce-danice-aime.com
For all press enquiries contact harriet@bcpr-uk.com
All Bryce D’Anice Aime catwalk photography supplied by Mads Perch.

Post written by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR