IQONS Launch Fashion MySpace

Fashion made important steps this week in utilising modern technology, putting into place a fantastic opportunity for encouraging the next generation of designers

Article by Nick Dines

Wednesday 14th February 2007, 14:55

IQONS is a new on-line fashion community with the aim of replicating the impact on fashion that MySpace had on music. The free on-line community enables communication and promotion of everyone from inspirational recognisable designers, stylists and photographers to fashion fans and consumers.

Co-Founder, Rafael Jimenez stated at the launch, “The on-line global communication took off last year, with MySpace becoming an inspiration for highlighting music talent and we thought, how could we apply that to fashion?”

The site officially launched to a global audience in London this week, coinciding with London Fashion Week. The site already had an experimental launch over the past two months, hosting events in Paris and New York and proved an immediate hit, attracting thousands of like-minded fashion fans.

Members have already connected with fashion retailers, models and manufacturers around the globe. IQONS has initiated fashions first inclusive environment that supports and unearths new talent.

Two current IQONS members were present to promote the site, with young fashion designer Romina Karamanea particularly indulgent in her praise. “It’s the best thing I did last year and it’s given me a lot of confidence. I’ve gained press reviews in several influential fashion magazines and got lots of requests from stylists who want to work with me. And it’s all free.”

Colin McDowell, one of fashions most recognisable commentators, explained his reasons for joining the project as an ‘Iqonographer.’ “It will make a big impact not only on the young people but it will prove a great help for the designers. The aim is to bring together top designers and new talented members as the fashion industry needs to be fed all the time.

McDowell unveiled the chosen fashion icons for the coming months. Each month IQONS will invite influential fashion industry figures to become a guest and their role will be to select, comment and offer advice to chosen IQONS members.

The next four months, IQONS.com will be under the watchful eye of Maria Luisa Poumaillou, Vivienne Westwood, Alber Elbaz and John Galliano.

Jimenez praised the additions stating “I am absolutely delighted that fashion industry pioneers like Maria Luisa, who gave the first breaks to John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, can now spot emerging design starts on IQONS. To have the legendary designers such as Vivienne Westwood is the best start we could have dreamed of.”

Fellow Co-founder, Suran Goonatilake, used the launch to promote future projects for the site. Their initiatives offer young designers the opportunity to showcase their talent in Milan and plans to collaborate with major international model agencies in a global search for new faces in fashion. Further projects announced cover environmentally friendly, ethical fashion and also the chance to record short one-minute films about fashion, beauty and style.

The IQONS launch promoted the team behind the site, consisting of a small group, each highly respected in their own field. Co-Founders Jimenez and Goonatilake are joined by McDowell and their independent Non Executive Director and Strategic Advisor Lee Daley and Co-mentor Diane Pernet.

Jimenez summed up the concept of IQONS explaining, “We allow the real fashion community to interact, appealing to both designers and fashion fans. IQONS is all about people who care and are passionate about fashion. There’s now a platform of richness and elegance using the modern media world.”

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