Boutique Review

Today sees the launch of our 'Boutique Review'. Each week our roving
reviewers will be searching high and low to bring you coverage of the
very best independant retailers, flying the flag for innovation and new
& emerging design talent.

We kick off with one of my favourite shopping haunts & one of North
Londons best kept secrets!





GUATEGOAT is one of North London’s best kept secrets,
a real treasure trove of all things delightful....bags, accessories,
jewellery, clothing, more bags, the list goes on.....

Check out their designs on the video footage from last years
outdoor fashion show



The Owner/manager Hal Davis has got the market cornered
when it comes to quality, individual womenswear designs at
affordable prices. Plus his customer service skills are not too
bad either! He makes each customer feel special and nothing
is too much trouble.




Such is the quality & choice on offer, you could literally spend
all day drooling over the uniquely designed bags, clothing and
accessories.

This is what Hal had to say:

Welcome to GUATEGOAT LTD, a boutique for individuals.

One of the main things we pride ourselves on is staying away
from commercial mass produced items that all too often
involve child labour and exploitation of people less fortunate
than ourselves.

At GUATEGOAT we retail and wholesale a wide range of bags,
clothing and accessories. Most of our products are unique with
many of the designs created by members of our company.
We also offer a bespoke service onboth bags and clothing, and
specialize in larger size clothing (18-26).

It is not a taboo to mention that over the past decade or so,
Fonthill Road has seen a decline in standards of service, quality
and presentation - hence the numbers of discerning customers
have dropped off.

GUATEGOAT have been established in North London for about
2 years but have actually been trading for about 18 months. During
this time, we have received consistent feedback suggesting that our
presence has re-inspired customers of all ages, some of whom are
regular clientele from places like Upper St, Crouch End and Camden...
The word is spreading far and wide, and we now have many high
profile customers from as far afield as the USA, South America,
Europe and beyond.

Above all, we aim to provide the best service and highest quality
products possible at very affordable prices.

Guate Goat Ltd
65 Fonthill Rd, London, N4 3HZ
Tel:020 7561 9589

Fat Chat: Womenswear designer Samantha Cole

Samantha Cole London is an international award winning contemporary British Brand that draws influences from modern day trends without completely relying on it for direction and purpose of her collections.

She’s a designer who has always had a passion and flair for fashion which she was able to explore and develop further while working at Burberry and studying at the London College Of Fashion where she graduated with a degree and The Southampton Institute Of Higher Education

SCL challenges the definition of style and beauty and aims to make each garment an independent design capable of holding its own but still conveniently resides within the scope of the collection

SCL is currently focused on developing a womenswear brand that caters to image conscious, confident, independent discerning women who dare to be different, set-apart, unapologetic and enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Fat Talent managed to grab a few words from the uber talented lady ....

Name: Samantha Cole London

Age: A lady doesnt say...

Occupation: Fashion Designer (Creative Director/Owner: Samantha Cole London)

Links: http://www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk

What or whom inspired you to become a fashion designer?

My Mother inspired me, it sounds like a cliche but I used to watch her dress up on a night out with her friends an see pictures of her in mary quant Mini's, kitten heels an bee-hive do's of the 60's to the psychedelic prints, afro's and flares of the 70's, she was my first contact with fashion an it has always stayed with me. Even today I consult her on my creations, she may no longer be wearing the mary quant mini's but she definitely has an eye for what works.

What was your biggest fashion faux parr growing up ?

Too broad a question but will give one example, wearing a studded leather mini skirt and top with leather ankle boots to a party in the day in summer in Nigeria in what felt like a 100 degrees, I mean, seriously, what was I thinking??

Who is you all time favourite fashion rebel the late great Schiaparelli or Mr Mcqueen ?

Oh thats a tough one! both rebels in there own way but I can only speak for what Ive seen so Im going to have to go with Mcqueen

Designer clothes or High street bargains ?

Both, you always feel better about a look knowing that both ends of the fashion spectrum came together to create a fab total look

If you had the opportunity who in the media, would you like to dress ?

Honestly, not really bothered by that, if a celebrity likes what I do great if not, their loss....

And last but not least........which do you prefer flats or high heel's?

Depends on the occasion, backsatge at a show -flats, at a party -heels

A big thank you to Samantha for fitting us into her busy schedule, check out the website & the ever growing facebook group to keep up-to-date with all things SCL!

Interview: Andrea Dodd