London Fashion Week to Pandemic

Before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hit.

I never could have imagined whilst planning a launch event to showcase my hair collection to the world, what was actually coming next. The plan was to create a beautiful elegant night, filled with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, to present The Precious Collection by Sleek Hair during London Fashion Week. The event was set for Tuesday 18th February 2020 at 6:30pm in a wonderful modern, sophisticated space filled with charming Art work located on Dover Street, Mayfair London called the MNKY Lounge. Preparations commenced with a few different obstacles and realization on certain aspects of the industry.

Planning an intimate gathering for fashion and industry professionals, I needed it to go smoothly and exactly how I envisioned it to be. From narrowing down the guest-list, to attending a pre-food and wine tasting at the venue, signing off on the design for the step and repeat, securing the partnership with Palmers UK and Lily England who provided the gift bags and making sure all the necessary pieces to the puzzle will be in place to set the tone, to be right on the night.

It's all in the details.

One of the most memorable moments that came up during the organising process; was regards to my conscious decision I made to have full body black mannequins wearing branded T-Shirts and displaying the vibrant colourful wigs. Almost like a clothing collection displayed in a showroom and a Lookbook handed upon arrival detailing the rest of the collection, which includes Hair Extensions, Ponytails and Braiding hair.

I never knew how challenging it was going to be to hire black mannequins, for my event. For me this was a significant part of my presentation, visual representation is powerful. As a woman of colour, I wanted to make a statement that women of all races are beautiful. White and beige mannequins aren’t the only option we should be using in the fashion and beauty industry. Yet it is thee most frequently used in-stores and online, I found out why.

White and beige mannequins are available in mass production and are set at a more reasonable price for hire and purchase, compared to any other colour. I was told by several companies that I contacted for a quote, if they even stocked coloured mannequins, specifically black mannequins it would have to be specially requested in advance 2/3 weeks to be sprayed black and the cost will be significantly more.

Now if you’re just starting out in the industry and you have a tight budget this will automatically restrict you, diversity in the fashion industry has always been a huge controversial topic, now I’ve learnt it even includes the props we use. I truly believe this needs to change. With intense research, I was able to secure 8 black mannequins in time for the event.

Overcoming every obstacle.

The time leading up until everyone arrived was an intense moment. The rain was pouring outside, which in February the weather can be very unpredictable. But the vibe was set, the mood lighting, the music and all the mannequins were dressed ready for show time. Glasses of champagne and trays of hors d’oeuvres were being served as guests began to arrive.

It was a great feeling of relief and success.

Every guest that attended complimented the way the collection was displayed, commenting on how they have never been to a fashion week event for a hair collection before and how unique it was to see them presented on a full body mannequin. I explained I wanted to make an impact bigger than just presenting the wigs on basic mannequin heads, displaying them flat on a table or even using real life models. I felt this was the best way to tell my story.

My true passion for hair.

Being a model for various major hair companies around the world, I have come to understand the hair and beauty industry very well. My passion for hair grew from that. A wig and various hair extensions can transform a persons look in an instant, creating almost a new personality. It is a great way to express your creative side. I wanted to create a collection that can inspire all women to embody confidence inside and out.

Women who suffer with hair loss, a thinning hair line or have hair that lacks volume and length would be encourage to use The Precious Collection range.

At the beginning of this year, the plan was to launch during Women’s History Month, a month we celebrate women and all their contributions and achievements to the world. A month we show support and encouragement to women who want to own and run their own companies and bring awareness to equality in the workplace. This would have been a perfect time to launch and make our own little moment in history but the moment wasn’t the right time.

When COVID-19 hit, the impact on all companies around the world was catastrophic, not knowing of what would happen next. Things were put on pause. With the decisions being made by the Government to close companies, so society as a whole could begin to self-isolate, social distance and quarantine at home. To fight the Corona Virus and to flatten the curve.

Abiding by the health and safety guidelines, Sleek HQ closed, until it was safe and permitted to reopen.

A New World.

Looking back at the year so far, getting through these historical moments, that we will never forget. We have learnt to adjust to unforeseen circumstances, remaining positive even when times are tough and staying united to support the movement to end the crisis.

The Precious Collection by Sleek Hair want to thank Palmers UK and Lily England for providing the wonderful Gift bags which our guests truly appreciated. Thank you to all our guests for showing your support and attending the LFW launch presentation. We look forward to seeing you at the next event!