Designer: Maria Cuji            Maria Cuji  - Her elegant collection consisting of high waisted wide leg trousers, sophisticated headgear and gorgeous evening dresses left the crowd wowing and reminiscing on the 1940’s era. Contact: E: cujimaria@yahoo.com Left: Designer Maria Cuji wearing one of her amazing hat creations.

When did you first start designing things?
15 years ago in Ecuador

How would you describe your designs/collection?
Just simple but with class

What 3 words best describe your collection?
Natural, Simple, Chic

What or who inspires you in terms of your collection?
Coco Chanel

How did you initially become involved in the fashion industry?
I started off working for a modelling agency and making hats.

A model wears one of Maria’s headgear creations:

Designer:Tinashe Immanuel Label: New Born Designz With a graffiti style edge “New Born Designz” sure did reflect street wear with edge! Tinashe, a business graduate, used his artistic skills to create this fresh innovative street wear label with inspirations ranging from Marc Echo and Sean John. Contact: For more info on New Born Designz visit www.newborndesignz.com

When did you first start designing things and what was it that you designed ?
I have always done Art but I started designing fashion items in 2004. It was my friends initials on a cap.

How would you best describe your designs/collection?
It is a fresh urban look. The look is inspired by London Youth Culture and my African roots.

What 3 words best describe your collection?
Unique, Edgy, Fresh

What or who inspires you in terms of your collection?
My inspiration is Marc Echo, founder of Echo clothing. Other inspirations are Sean John and Oswald Boateng.

How did you initially become involved in the fashion industry?
I was just a kid who drew pictures on paper then one day a friend suggested I do my art on clothes. The rest is “history!!”

What differs your products/collections from what is currently available on the market?
We are essentially clothes custommisers, we give clothes a unique look that is inspired by the customers themselves.

Jacket design by New Born Designz

Designer: Samantha Ndirika  The elegant striking evening wear collection by Samantha Ndirika “Worth More Than Rubies” was congratulated and loved for the use of colour, structure and comfort of the clothing range. With its ethnic influences throughout we just couldn’t get enough of this collection. Contact: Email: worthmorethanrubies@googlemail.com Left: Designer Samantha with model in More than Rubies dress.

When did you first start designing things?

Several years ago but have only started properly a few months ago

What three words best describe your collection?

Elegant, creative and Fresh.

What or who inspires you in terms of your collection?

D&G, New Designers, H&M

What differs your collection from what is currently available on the market?

The experimentation with shapes, materials and patterns.

Anything else you would like to add?

Worth More Than Rubies is more than a fashion, it’s a ministry.

Model in one of Samantha's creations

How long have you been modelling?

Since last year

How do you keep fit?

By going to the gym

What are your hobbies?

Shopping, Acting, Netball

What have you done or been involved in?

I have done two fashion shows and a music video.

Where do you shop?

H&M, Topshop, Bershka

Most memorable modelling moment?

Hearing people shouting my name

Favourite food?

Chinese

Favourite book?

“A piece of cake”

How did you get into modelling?

I have just always loved it and wanted to do it so took opportunities that came my way.

How long have you been modelling?

I started doing shoots about 3 years ago

How do you keep fit?

I walk a lot

What are your hobbies?

Acting, having fun, listening to Gospel music

What work have you been involved in?

Mainly photoshoots, this is my first catwalk show.

Favourite food?

Don’t have one but I love food!!!

Favourite book?

The Holy Bible

How long have you been modelling?

I’ve done a few informal fashion shoots in the past but nothing professional.

How do you keep fit?

I walk a lot and drink a lot of water, eat lots of fruit and veg. I want to start jogging too.

What are your hobbies?

Singing in local church choir, playing the piano and reading.

What work have you done or been involved in?

I done an informal fashion show for Topshop and several others at schools.

Where do you shop?

Vintage markets (Portobello Road), Topshop, H&M,

Most memorable modelling moment?

Being selected last minute to model in a show.

Favourite food?

Anything

Favourite Book?

Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Travelled”