Idol Press Event

The Idol press event was so much fun, there were so many exciting elements like our super glossy stand filled with Idol gems and the alcohol fueled bar manned by generous staff! Also the camera men filming for the New Look channel were making us strike a pose, the mini scones with jam & cream that were just scrumptious and of course not forgetting the stylish editors and celebs milling around. The music was electric and kept us entertained whilst gossiping with our fave fashion bloggers. We also had time to catch up with Idol’s Design Director Donovan Pascal to quiz him on a few things Idol related….

Tell us about the new womenswear collection that launches in New Look stores in March 2011
The collection captures a pretty rock style with lots of romantic ruffles; it’s pretty, flirty and feminine. There are lots of easy-to-wear day dresses that are very 1950’s inspired also casual, over-sized boyfriend shorts that look hot with signature rock tees. The collection is perfect for lazy park days and is what you would want to wear at all the summer festivals. I was feeling a blue mood so there are lots of turquoise, electric blue and navy to keep spring nights looking cool.

What is a typical day and more importantly night for the girl you design for?
The Idol girl is always on the go and does not follow rules or trends, she likes to live life to her own rhythm. She is fun, vivacious and does not take herself too seriously. She loves going to gigs, dancing ‘till dawn, experimenting with fashion, hair & beauty and her friends and socializing is what makes her smile.

What has been the highlight of the two-day press event?
The event has been action packed and we have had some very important fashion editors and bloggers visiting us and enjoying a glass of champagne or two! It was interesting to see more men’s editors visiting this season and there’s a lot of buzz around the new menswear line, which is very exciting. My highlight was definitely catching up with Amelle from the Sugababes who came by to get a sneaky preview of what she’ll be wearing in spring!

Tell us a secret from behind the scenes of the press day...any gossip?
The evening before the press event there were many people running around making sure that everything was just so. Admittedly there were a few hiccups…the mannequins were late and some of the lights were not working…at one point I was a little concerned that everything would come together. But everyone worked very hard and when the press arrived the next day they would never have known about our little dramas the night before!

What is your favourite piece from the collection and why?
I really like the white platted, chiffon number, shown here, I put a lot of love into it with my own hands and I think it’s fresh and poetic. It also encapsulates the theme of the collection, which is True Romance, as it’s pretty and ultra feminine. I can imagine this being the perfect dress to wear dancing on the beach barefoot in Ibiza in the summer. It seems weird talking about summer, when it’s sub zero outside!

Who is the Idol man you design for?
My Ideal Idol man is Pharrel Williams.