Seasons Greetings

Apologies for the missing entry on Friday, there were more than a couple of sore heads to count for!

 

The Christmas party was a blast, the food was fabulous as was the company! On behalf of everyone at CVUK a massive thank you to Vanessa for such beautiful and thoughtful gifts and a party that those who can remember will definitely not forget!

 

Little Mix has won the X Factor (woo!), they have been dubbed the next big girl group by Mr Simon Cowell himself. The girls that have said they don’t drink nor smoke have made X Factor history by becoming the first group to ever win the show! Could these four be the next style icons for 2012? News is that they have several collaborations already in the pipeline for next year…Clearly the Christmas No1 isn’t enough anymore!! I’ll get my sequins at the ready with my knee-high socks and go grab myself a pair of high-tops, 2012 here I come!!!

Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery auction fetched $113m (£74.9m) double that Christie’s had estimated on the 80 items available. Christie’s Marc Porter said that the action was “one of the most extraordinary sales” that they had ever held, calling it “a testament to the love of Elizabeth Taylor worldwide”. The most famous piece was by far the 33.19 carat diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton which sold for $8.8m (£5.7m). This really shows that no matter the condition of the financial climate people still crave for the glitz and glamour that first came truly to light when the world set their eyes on Miss Elizabeth Taylor.

Other news (and all CVUK have been talking about) is Marni collaborating with H&M! I am so excited!!! I’m not sure if I will be able to afford anything yet, but I will definitely be pining over all the garments and accessories (especially the jewellery) I can not wait for the chunk, print, colour blocks and signature pieces at almost affordable prices!

 

To wrap this Christmas edition up (excuse the pun) I would love to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The next time you will hear from me will be in 2012!

 

CVUK Blogger x   

 

 

Hello from CVUK….

Dear All…or One?

 

I have just been assigned the new ‘Blog Writer’…So Hello and I hope you enjoy my words of wisdom(?), comments on current affairs and any other stories that I  hope will be of some interest to you.

 

It’s Friday… and what a week it has been! – Where would the Great British Public be without tears from Posh, Protests in the City and the late Miss Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ dress selling for over £43,000?…Well, actually, I would still be here, in the CVUK office surrounded by top notch recruiters and, as it happens, lots of sweets courtesy of one of the said top notch recruiters (Thank you Kara!). Sweet sharing is very important at Christmas, after all, we need all that sugar to keep warm (or so I keep telling myself).

Hang on. ‘THE DRESS WENT FOR HOW MUCH!?!?!

Yup, 43,000!  The dress was bought by the Museo de la Moda – a fashion museum inSantiago,Chile…Yes Amy could (sometimes) be classed as a Fashion Icon… but she was one of our greats (and we really don’t have many left). So I can’t help but feel a little resentment towards the Museum for taking away a legit tourist attraction.

Another feature in the news this week has been Victoria Beckham (aka Posh) crying at the Fashion Awards not once – no, no, three times. Now I’m not sure if that was actually only three single tears, in keeping with her reputation as poker-faced but either way, how sweet. Although others may disagree, I think she deserved to win the Designer Brand Award, and to finally be taken seriously. 

Finally, any ideas greatly received for the perfect Secret Santa gift for under a tenner would be most appreciated!  

Have a fab week everyone and I’ll be back next Friday – If I make it past the Christmas Party!!

CVUK House Blogger/Resourcer – Maybe I should use that as my Signature?

PS:  Did anyone else think that Kate Moss looked like a giant Fishnet stocking?

CVUK Run 10K for Cancer Research.

Well the big day crept up on us, race day –  the 17th March , and suddenly it was too late for excuses as team CVUK assembled outside a pub at Victoria Park with the Hobbs crew, on a brisk Sunday morning.  A combination of fear and worry was plastered across every cold face.  We tentatively made our way to the park, with talk of lack of training; blaming the kids, the husband, the boss, the hectic social schedule…

Luckily the sun began to shine across the park and spirits rose.  After a bit of hydrating and stretching, an incredibly enthusiastic, Sue Pollardesque fitness instructor took to the stage to warm everybody up….”left arm, right arm…and step, two steps”…and surprisingly, suddenly the adrenalin was pumping and we were all queued up and ready to go.

 And we were off, and before we knew it the 10k had passed.  Everyone from team Hobbs/CVUK finished without a hiccup and the group clocked some very impressive times.  The look of relief when people crossed the finish line was priceless, as were the groans of agony coming from the sore legs the next day in the office.

Most importantly CVUK have managed to raise over £3, 700 for Cancer Research so far, with money still rolling in.  Everyone was delighted they took part in the end and some of the team have even signed up for a half marathon in Bath next March.

You can still sponsor here.

Same time next year then folks!!

Excellent opportunities to work at CVUK’s new Birmingham office!

Fashion Recruitment Consultant – Competitive Salary & Bonus Scheme

Are you an established recruiter operating in the fashion/lifestyle retail arena and looking for something new and very exciting?  Then this is for you.

We are very pleased to announce that we are opening a new office in the Birmingham area soon and are looking to source the best fashion recruiters!

If you love fashion, beauty and all the lifestyle brands out there then our business could be your next step to working with them all. Of course you need to be able to demonstrate a good all round understanding of recruiting: working to deadlines, business developing, excellent communication and of course being exceptionally organised are all key skills and requirements.

In return though you will be joining an industry renowned company that is growing and can offer great career prospects. Our basic salaries are very competitive and there is unlimited opportunity to earn lots of commission coupled with some excellent benefits. Please email lennie@cvukgroup.com to learn more about this exciting role.

Resourcer/Administrator – Competitive Salary & Bonus Scheme
Are you a resourcer or administrator within a recruitment company looking for a new challenge and something a little different? Then this could be for you.

We are very excited about our new office opening in Birmingham soon and are looking for that key player to join our team. You will need to be very organised, be used to working within an office environment, and be confident on the phone with cold calling and sourcing candidates through various means. A passion for fashion is advantageous but a hunger to succeed, work hard and bundles of energy are key. 

Please send your CV to lennie@cvukgroup.com to learn more about this great opportunity.

Heard of AccessoriesDirect.com?? You will…..

Here at CVUK we are slightly obsessed with accessories.  Every fashionista knows that no outfit is complete without the correct trimmings.  Baring this in mind we were all very excited  about the launch of AccessoriesDirect.com; a new website which promises to house some of the  finest  accessories from well-known brands, as well as the latest from new and exclusive designers,  all under one website for everyone’s convenience.  Sounds great…

Introducing a brand NEW all accessories website Launching October’10

AccessoriesDirect.com’s aim is to fulfil the desires of those of us who want the complete look and nothing but….

 A dedicated and experienced team of Buyers and Designers have made it their mission to source, create and edit the best Jewellery, Hand bags, Belts,  Gloves, Hats, Scarves and Gift Ideas…… and bring them all to you in one extremely stylish place.

From well known brands such as Mischa Barton and Modalu to new and exclusive designers including their very own Kate Benjamin label; there is something to suit most tastes as well as budgets.

Alongside bringing the best designs direct, Accessories Direct is set to be a one click destination for all those must have items for that special occasion or event; so no need to stress about finding that perfect party piece, unique gift or statement item.

New additions will be added every few weeks to keep up to date with all the latest brands and trends.

We hope you love what we do and how we do it…

CVUK run 10K in aid of Cancer Research.

At CVUK we are all very excited and slightly nervous at the prospect of running 10k. However, brand new trainers have been purchased and early training has commenced, so there are no excuses now. Wish us luck! Go team CVUK!

We would love it if you could sponsor us for this very worthy cause.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!

Catwalks on Bond St in West End vision

Fashion retailers could stage regular catwalk shows in the middle of Bond Street under plans to reduce traffic and entice more shoppers to London’s West End.

 The New West End Company (NWEC), which represents retailers in the area, this week unveiled its blueprint to drive the capital’s shopping mecca forward. Its targets include a 66% boost in annual shopper spend to £10bn by 2020 and attracting an additional 50 million visitors a year. The eastern end of Oxford Street is a particular priority.

Plans include new diagonal crossings at the junction with Tottenham Court Road and fast and slow lanes for pedestrians to ease congestion.

 In addition, NWEC plans to provide 50% more capacity for shoppers by 2020, which it said could include a new mode of transport, a dedicated bus route or widening of pavements. By 2015 it wants to introduce dedicated ‘shopping hours’ between 10am and 4pm, when there will be 40% less traffic, and potentially to close Bond Street to traffic between certain hours. The road space would then be used for events such as fashion shows.

Bond Street, Mount Street, Jermyn Street and Savile Row were this month grouped into a new district called the Luxury Quarter, which will focus on attracting international retailers to open European flagship stores in the West End, aiming to secure an additional 21 by 2012. According to Colliers, the target would make London the foremost shopping city in the world, measured by international retailers represented there. Currently it is second only to New York.

Courtesy of Drapers.

Unwrap your future with CVUK….

R.I.P Nick Samuel, our colleague, mentor and friend.

Our dear colleague, mentor and friend, Nick Samuel has sadly passed away this week.  Nick has been a constant advocate and support to both CVUK and the fashion industry and will be hugely missed.  His contribution to the industry, his knowledge and wealth of experience has been responsible for the success of very many companies. His approach has always been that of a gentleman and his kindness to others surpasses few.

 We will miss Nick very much and want to offer our deepest sympathies to his family.

We are going to honor his memory later this year by running 10k to support Cancer Research, we will up-date you with the details in due course.

CVUK Job Board June 2010.

Merchandiser/ Senior Merchandiser -Central London – £55, 000 per annum
Fast paced award winning brand are looking for high caliber merchandisers who can help grow their multi national business and continue to drive sales and maximize profits. There is huge growth and opportunity with this brand as well as a great salary and amazing benefits.
Please apply with your CV to Hannah Weaving – hannah@cvukgroup.com

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Kidswear Wholesale Brand Manager – Central London – £50, 000 per annum
This internationally renowned UK brand are looking to recruit a Wholesale Brand Manager on the Kidswear side of the business.

You will need to have experience selling branded fashionable kidswear, with a proven sales track record and a portfolio of key accounts in the UK both multiple and independent stores. You must have experience of managing a team and be able to make commercial decisions.
Please apply with your CV to Kara Heward – kara@cvukgroup.com

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Concession Manager – Dublin City Centre, Brown Thomas – £34, 000 per annum
Our client is one of the worlds leading brands when it comes to accessories and show-stopping shoes! We are seeking an experienced and very motivating Concession Manager to run their beautiful site. You will be target driven, a strong people manager and customer focused.

In reward for your efforts you will be offered a generous salary of £34,000 + Bonus + Discount! Luxury retail experience is essential, within footwear, accessories or fashion. A current Client Book would also be an advantage.
Please apply with your CV to Sandra Jackson – sandraj@cvukgroup.com

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Head of Merchandise – Maternity Cover – Central London – 75k
This amazing womenswear brand are looking for a Head Of Merchandise who can start immediately for a maternity cover contract. The brand is a key fashion leader on the high st and the experience from this role could open many more doors to your future career.
Please apply with your CV to Hannah Weaving – hannah@cvukgroup.com

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Store Manager – London – £26,000 + Bonus + Benefits
We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial Store Manager to join this premium English brand at their up-market Liverpool Street store.
As the Store Manager you will not only demonstrate your exceptional service, operational and management skills you will have the opportunity to run the store as your very own business – bringing in new business and making the most of corporate opportunities within the Central London Business District is essential.

We are looking for a current Store Manager that is dynamic and great with people! Personality and passion is the key to this role! Our client offer their staff fantastic training and in turn great opportunities to progress. They have beautiful stores across the UK and Internationally.
Please apply with you CV to Sandra Jackson – sandraj@cvukgroup.com

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Dispatch & Stockroom Manager – fabulous luxury online retailer £19k
If you are an experienced and highly organized Stockroom Manager or Stock controller with relevant experience this is your chance to join a growing online luxury gift company. Record sales have resulted in a need to expand and relocate to Kensington and this company now need a meticulous and strong Stockroom Manager who can independently manage all aspects of the stock – from processing deliveries, to managing stock takes to picking and wrapping items.
Apply now for further details – clairet@cvukgroup.com – 0207 4915326

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Fashion & Beauty Product Manager – Staffordshire – £45, 000 per annum + Car
A unique opportunity has arisen for a talented and trend aware ladieswear buyer to join a leading retailer to grow their exciting new clothing range. You will play a key role in sourcing, developing and building fashionable and commercial ranges to draw in a young and fashion forward customer – and will take on great responsibility for managing your own department and team. The role will offer diversity, requires someone who is highly motivated and entrepreneurial and who loves a challenge.
This is an unmissable opportunity – apply now for further details. clairet@cvukgroup.com – 0207 4915326

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