NKD Clothing

Her show stopping outfits are enough to make even the most liberal of us blush or indeed 'gag' so why oh why does this diva rank in Vogue's Best Dressed 2010?

She has undoubtedly added to this years biggest fashion moments but surely for all the WRONG reasons. As a performance dresser we salute her but as a style icon worthy of a place among the fashion glitterati.....the NKD jury is out!

Check out Lady Gaga's top looks of 2010 and tell us what YOU think?

As much as we NKD ladies confess it would be rather lovely marrying a bona fide Prince, we don't envy Kate the inevitable comparisons to Diana, Princess of Wales and THAT wedding dress.

But while stylists around the world aspire to kit out Kate for the 2011 Royal Wedding, our focus is firmly on Middleton's man. Prince William's more conservative approach to clothes might leave us a tad cold but he does look rather dashing in his RAF uniform. However, here's a faux pas his fashion conscious fiance may not forgive - an ill fitting, doubled breasted polyester suit on the second to the throne, surely not?

Fear not, this is of course the Wills & Harry waxwork from Madame Tussauds in London. Friend of NKD and sales specialist Wendy Nisbet of Kernis Communications thought of us when she clapped eyes on this terrible tailoring.

Perhaps the Princes would benefit from a NKD makeover, we'd certainly welcome a call from the Tussauds' team to support their suiting needs.

Yikes, it’s been ages since my last blog; so much has happened at NKD Towers of recent it’s difficult to know where to begin. The team had been stuck down by a mystery illness which floored me for about 5 days solid. Most unlike me I must admit but thankfully we are all feeling a lot healthier now!
In between feeling ill I’ve had a couple of fabulous days talking! Yes that’s right talking! It’s one of my favourite things to do. Zander commonly refers to me as Gill Eastgate ‘chatty b**ch’ and how true that is!
My ‘Chatty Tour’ began at the beginning of October at the wonderful Gleneagles Hotel. I had been invited to talk at the Inspire Change Enterprise Day which was an event run by the Junior Chamber International. As the proud winner of the Creative Young Entrepreneur 2009 I was delighted to talk about how winning awards has helped to transform our business and the added value award winning brings to me, my team, my clients and my business as a whole.
Later that same month I spoke at the Edinburgh Businesswomen’s Club (ESBC) where I gave a very honest and candid account highlighting the mistakes I’ve made in business! Whilst it’s great to hear the success stories of various business people I really enjoy hearing about mistakes people made and the lessons they learnt from them so decided that was the angle I would take for this particular talk! It was a really great night with a fantastic group of local ladies. I also want to thank the ESBC for their very kind donation which I have put towards a charity which means so much to me – the British Heart Foundation. Those of you who know me well know that I lost my beloved dad to a heart attack only 7 months after setting up NKD Clothing, so again a massive thank you to ESBC for your kindness.
My ‘Chatty Tour’ culminated today with my participation at the RBS Women in Business event at Gogarburn which was held today to support Women’s Enterprise Day. I was asked to join their ‘Expert Panel’ and enjoyed a very heated debate! Great to see so many familiar faces and meet some new really inspiring entrepreneurs!
Tomorrow brings the end to a very busy and stress fuelled week at NKD, my head is full of things which need to get done and a quick glance at my inbox shows 81 unread messages in my inbox! Ah well at least it’s Friday!

The Casa team are today donning their NKD uniforms with pride ahead of the hotel's November launch. It's the first of it's kind in Chesterfield, offering 4 star luxury accommodation with a difference! The mix use development will house a premium hotel as well as the headquarters for Global Brands owner Steve Perez's successful drinks company.

A subtle spanish theme runs throughout and staying true to it's name, the hotel aims to create a welcoming atmosphere. The uniforms also effectively communicate this sense of warmth & luxury with an exotic twist. Even Casa's Cocina restaurant screams decadence with Gordon Ramsay trained chef Martin Rushton at the helm.

We wish the team all the very best with the upcoming launch & look forward to the continued success of our partnership!

Winter may be approaching but we have something to brighten up your November! With FREE DELIVERY on orders received before 22.11.10, it's even easier to make sure your staff sparkle this Christmas (and beyond!).

What we love - dresses!

They're back in a big way and we were only too happy to embrace the trend, spending the summer months working rather excitedly on our very own collection.

Whether your priority is comfort and ease in a crease free jersey dress or you prefer the slimming effect of a simple shift style, dresses make the perfect addition to your corporate wear wardrobe. You can choose to accessorise with a belt or scarf or for a truly bespoke look, work with our design team to incorporate a contrast colour to promote personality and support your brand identity.

Pictured is our 50’s inspired box pleat dress. The fusion of modern fabrics and contrast colours with a classic cut represents NKD’s take on the little black dress that will make an impression in any business situation.

For more covetable corporate dresses from our collection check out our gallery and keep your eye on the NKD blog for the coolest ones-to-watch for your winter wardrobe.

Could cheap clothes be given the cold shoulder this winter? Devastating floods in Pakistan - one of the world's largest cotton producers - and fears over this year's crop in China have sent cotton prices surging to 15-year highs in recent weeks and warmer fabrics such as wool and cashmere are also increasingly blended with cotton.

At NKD, we're already feeling the pinch, with many of our garment suppliers driving up prices in line with higher cotton costs. To further complicate matters, the cotton shortage comes at time when production possibilities are also in decline. Many factories in the Middle East have closed their doors driving demand to China, but demand is overtaking supply, creating a bottle neck, causing headaches for garment makers like ourselves and our suppliers.

We have always endeavoured to support the textile industry in the UK, with two of our major manufacturers only a short car journey away, our clients benefit from shorter lead times and premium garments. Our participation at Premiere Vision earlier this month established fantastic fabric and production possibilities in Europe and our mission to increase this portfolio and create a comprehensive library of NKD fabrics and patterns continues with a trip to Portugal next week.

Retail experts forecast clothing inflation in the UK will hit a new 24 year high in 2010, meaning retailers take a hit on profits, or more likely put up their prices. While we admire catwalks brimming with couture at London Fashion Week, could we actually be about to witness the end of fast fashion? Let us know what you think about changes in the clothing market?

While many of us in Edinburgh remain unashamedly inconvenienced by this morning's road closures and diversions I couldn't help being impressed by the shiny new barricades diverting the traffic and preparing to pen the papal pilgrims. But what really caught my eye and I must confess made me giggle, was the street sellers brandishing a prolific array of Pope merchandise. This got Sarah and I talking on the drive back from the New Media Breakfast, because while I would have expected plenty of unofficial merchandise to appear in line with the Papal tour - I've just found a pretty smart metal-style Pope t-shirt for instance! - I was surprised by the volume of official merchandise on sale. A phenomena that has been well noted by commentators on the Internet.

It would appear that 'Brand Pope' is proving popular and gatherers at this afternoon's mass in Bellahouston Park could be mistaken for revellers at a rock concert as they raise aloft their official papal visit electronic candle! And while the demand for keepsakes and memorabilia doesn't come as a massive surprise, especially given the historic nature of this state visit, we're not talking about rosaries and candles here - the official store is basically selling branded souvenirs. I wonder if it demonstrates a shift in attitude towards capitalism and consumerism, which would be interesting given that the Pope is best known for his conservatism or perhaps 'Brand Pope' is just good PR!

I'd love to hear about, or better still see any Pope promotional goodies you've purchased. Maybe you're planning on using your Benedicataphone for a Pope podcast or you have a pocket pontiff on your keyring... I challenge anyone to do better than a Pope thong?!!

..and a rainy one at that, but it's not dampened our spirits in fact the week is looking bright despite the gloomy weather forecast.

While a rather manic Monday has ensued (4 new enquiries, 3 of which were pre 10am), I find myself feeling a tad distracted as I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the proofs from last week's photoshoot. Anna will be popping in with them this week and once we've done the very hard job of whittling them down to our favourite few I'll be straight down our local print shop so we can adorn the walls of NKD Towers with some fab new pics, as well as the pages of our portfolio and of course watch out for the updates to our website gallery. Having already had a sneaky peak at the shots I'm very excited to see the product of what was an absolutely fantastic day at Dakota Forthbridge. We were truly blown away by the staff at Dakota, nothing was too much trouble - between offering us access to our room a day early so we could set up several rails of clothes in advance of the shoot, concierge Alister (as pictured) chauffeuring our models around and Laura looking after our every need throughout the day - the whole team went the extra mile, so thanks again guys!

While Nicola has firmly become the face of NKD and ultimately a friend to the business, Fred Szkoda donned our designs for the first time last week. He, like Nicola was a joy to work with - the pair of them made it look very easy but then I guess that's when you know you're working with true professionals. I think it's safe to say Freddie was pretty impressed with our innovative approach to corporatewear. He seemed relieved to realise that this particular gig involved him wearing some pretty trendy threads opposed to the shiny polyester suiting he had envisaged. We do very much enjoy dispelling the myth that corporate clothing can't also be desirable - in fact I'm expecting a call from Freddie any day now as he greatly admired one of our blazers!

Our photoshoot ran AHEAD of schedule last week (anyone whose been on a shoot will know just how unheard of that is) allowing us to capture some fun and may I say sexy shots which we'll be keeping under wraps for the moment - watch this space, I can assure you it will be worth the wait!

Last but by no means least, I want to thank 'wee Sarah' from our design department for all her hard work cataloguing the garments for the shoot. While it was of course a massive team effort, Sarah in particular worked extremely hard to ensure we maximised our time on the day - Sarah you're a star!

Speaking to various people recently, there seems to be a perception that when investing in staff outfits, companies are giving them away to staff for free.

When you have invested in launching or refurbishing a bar, spending many thousands of pounds in fixtures, fittings and finishing touches, why scrimp on the appearance of your own best ambassadors?

Staff outfits are worn every day by your team to help promote your brand and enhance your customers' experience. You are reaping the benefits, so spend wisely, not miserly.

It doesn't have to cost the earth, just be open to spending a little bit more and getting it right, rather than the false economy of poorer quality unflattering clothing.

Some may say they're barking mad but we think Sandy and Sarah from Citidogs Creche are an inspiration and we're delighted they're hitting the headlines today for all the right reasons. While their appearance on Dragon's Den last night saw them leave empty handed the dog-minding duo have since been approached by another investor and are enjoying extremely positive national press coverage in the wake of their TV debut. So as our client and friend we'd like to say well done! We predict exciting times ahead for the Citidogs team, who we know left the den 'all fired up' and we wish them well! Ofcourse with plans to grow the business comes a requirement for more fabulous NKD corporatewear....you know where we are ladies! ;)

We've come racing to the conclusion of another whizzy week at NKD and a special week it has been...9 new client enquiries in just 5 days - a new NKD record!

A presentation in London offered Miss Boubert her first Big Ben 'bong' and the lovely ladies in design unveiled a fabulous new collection of dresses which will be pictured on the stunning Nicola Mimnagh at our shoot in September at Dakota Forthbridge.

But more exciting than that - boss lady Gill plans to celebrate with a couple of days off next week to enjoy the final flurry of the fringe.

While we down tools and hang up our capes after another week solving your corporatewear crises, fear not, we will return stronger than ever on Monday morning, charming and innovative as ever!

Well there's not been much time to take a break in the last fortnight or so at NKD Clothing! Seems like ages since I've been on here so tonight I thought I would bring you up to date with all the latest goings on in the action packed world of corporate clothing!

August kicked off with a meeting at Dakota who are interested in some new designs for their reception and food areas so the design team have been heads down creating some exciting new looks which will be unveiled to our client tomorrow.

Steph and I took part in some filming with our lovely friends at Fatbuzz (watch this space for the end results!). Lisa and I had a fantastic day down in London on 5th Aug - with meeting after meeting including a holiday company who want us to design their new staff uniforms, upmarket shirt company Hawes & Curtis, retail giants Marks & Spencer (who were SO lovely), a factory who want to produce OUR designs and a great meeting to end the day with Learn Purple, a great business who think like we do!

That week finished off with a lunch date with an old client of mine who I'd not seen for about 12 years! We certainly had lots to talk about!

To add to my already action packed week the Edinburgh Fringe was now in full swing so I managed to fit in 2 shows over the weekend (one of which was giving me great inspiration for 1930's style uniforms!) Do I ever stop thinking about work? No, not really!

Last week was a repetition of the previous week in terms of the speed it whizzed by! Planning for our presentation with Malmaison & Hotel du Vin was a priority for me (we are presenting some new design ideas down in London this week) Our very lovely Claire is going to be modelling and the garments are looking fabulous even if I do say so myself!

New Media Breakfast at the Tower on Thursday - very interesting talk on social media and hosted by Belinda Roberts who was looking stunning in her new bespoke NKD Suit

Lisa headed down to see a new client in the financial services world on Thursday and spent Friday visiting some new fabric suppliers to source exciting new fabrics (we're currently getting very excited about PRINTS).

Thursday night I was very lucky to get tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which Ray and I went to (highly recommended) and 2 more shows over the weekend! I even managed to squeeze a drink in at Edinburgh Hotel du Vin (and yes I do go to check the uniforms are looking lovely but they do have a very nice courtyard and very nice wine!) I love Edinburgh but love it even more in August where the fast paced feel of the city really strikes a chord!

Phew, it's Monday night already, my 'to do' list is over 2 pages - would I swap my life for peace, tranquility and no deadlines? Like hell I would!

Behold the fatbuzz flower, this was a very lovely surprise on a very hectic NKD day and makes a lovely addition to our office. Oh and the choccies were delicious too...you're spoiling us!

Thanks fatbuzz - we think you're bloomin marvellous!

This morning I spent an hour or so at Dakota Forthbridge with our favourite photographer Anna Crolla as we plan for our forthcoming photoshoot which will take place on 9th September 2010. Doing a photoshoot is bit like doing some decorating - the key is in the planning and preparation beforehand!

So the countdown to two weeks of sun cream, sand between my toes and yes the inevitable mozzie bite or two is truly on and while I contemplate tomorrow’s day of ‘holiday handovers’ I’m also choosing to reflect rather proudly on the last month before throwing myself into a new one.

She graces the pages of our portfolio and website and today Nicola Mimnagh sparkles on the front pages in her glittering Miss Scotland crown. The stunning model was awarded this year's coveted title by TV's Gok Wan at a star-studded bash in Glasgow while mum, dad and brother cheered her on.

We're fortunate to have known and worked with Nicola for several years and look forward to working with her on future NKD shoots. So from all the team at NKD, well done Nicola - we're delighted for you!

I enjoyed a night of great company, delicious nibbles, a few tipples.... and LOTS of dancing at the launch of www.fatbuzz.com - for anyone who couldn't make it, this guy is amazing! Enjoy...

We think we may have found the perfect remedy for that point in the day when you hit the 'Wednesday Wall'...a sizzling torso shot of the delightful and lets face it cheese-tastic Zac Efron. And while there may be a couple of genuine fans of the child-star in our office, most of us are only too happy to forgive his lack of acting ability in 'movie greats' such as High School Musical, in order to enjoy his hidden talents on our desktops...YUMMY!!

...at the home of stylish, bespoke corporate clothing and we're pretty darn good at keeping a secret as our friends at Podcastmatters know. We're proud to support the launch of their re-brand - it's a real privilege to be involved (in small part) with the transformation of their already very successful new media business. The grand unveiling takes place at a glamorous event in Glasgow on Thursday 17th June and as anticipation grows, I'm left pondering a very important question....just what am I going to wear?? It's sure to be a fantastic bash, marking a very exciting time for the team at Podcastmatters who we adore!

Paul Adams of Marlborough College has just called to congratulate the NKD team for our exceptional customer service levels. Apparently he hasn't experienced anything like it before...further evidence that working with NKD means staff uniforms with a DIFFERENCE.

TO THE CONISTON HOTEL & RESTAURANT!

As one of the newest additions to the NKD client list, the Coniston Hotel is THE place to visit in leafy Sittingbourne. The team has sympathetically transformed a 100 year old landmark into a luxurious boutique hotel. Working with us to create a stylish look for their staff was an obvious pairing and we're proud to service such a sophisticated new brand!

Last night with my NKD Clothing hat on again I attended another fantastic event run by my favourite friend Belinda Roberts, Founder of Edinburgh based business networking group Winning Entrepreneurs http://winentrepreneurs.com/ Ricks Edinburgh was the venue (it’s rapidly becoming my favourite place in Edinburgh what with their Ambassador Card which I am very privileged to be a holder of). The guest speaker was Shaf Rasul who gave us an insight into his life, his failures and successes in business. Perhaps even more fascinating was the young Tom Mursell, a 20 year old entrepreneur who is now the youngest member of Winning Entrepreneurs. Tom is a very inspiring young man who set up notgoingtouni.com and is now working with Shaf at E-Net Distribution. I sat alongside Tom’s mum and dad for dinner - they had come up to Edinburgh from Southampton for the week and the sun was shining (doesn't it always?). Not being overly maternal myself I did feel myself wiping away a tear from my eye when Tom’s dad spoke so openly and warmly about their son’s achievements. Felt very honoured to be in the company of such a cool guy whom I imagine in years to come will be the Lord Sugar of the 2020’s but oh so much more successful!

Back to my table – who would imagine that you could have so much fun with both your dentist and lawyer at the same time??! Biju Krishnan and Alasdair Peacock. With the cocktails flowing in abundance the boys were in good form. Biju got a sale thanks to my new sparkling white teeth, Alan drank my cocktails I so wanted to drink but couldn't, whilst Alasdair got a bit jealous of my impending trip to Chicago and my Johnny Depp photographs! All in all a fab night – shame I had my sensible hat on and drove home before I turned into a pumpkin!

Accusations have been flying round the office today. Boss Lady apparently referred to me as a Drama Queen to a client.

Well, I stamped my foot, stormed off to the warehouse and haven't spoken to her since!

I hate it when she's right.

It's coming to the end of another busy week at NKD and as well as looking forward to what is supposed to be a bright and sunny weekend (and you really can't beat Edinburgh in the sunshine it's beautiful!!), we're gearing up for 2 uniform roll-outs!

Roll-outs are an exciting time for us, it's the point where we see our designs come to life! We're really looking forward to kitting out the teams at Central Pharmacy and Witney Lakes Resort, Oxfordshire next week.

We love working with like-minded clients who care about their staff's appearance and want to invest in an image that aligns with their brand identity. Now more than ever it's important to stand out from the crowd so make sure your staff dress to impress!