Fashion Exhibit at the British Library
29 May 2009
Luxury label Motasem provides inspiration with Nightingale and Lotus dress display
4 June - 3 July 2009 (www.motasem.co.uk)
Experienced fashion and graphic designer, Director of luxury label Motasem, Sabina Ali, found independent success in 2007 with a commission to design a cocktail style wedding dress versatile enough to wear more than once.
Having already used the British Library's resources to research designs and explore target markets, Sabina turned to the Business & IP Centre for inspiration and advice as she took the plunge into running her own label.
Four years on, Sabina's designs, with their fluid shapes, exquisite cutting, and trademark silky fabrics, have made her one of the Centre's most successful users. Even in the current climate, her ethical business principles and the financial appeal of more versatile wedding wear, Motasem continues to go from strength to strength. In celebration of Sabina's success, the British Library is proud to display two wonderful examples her work, the Nightingale and the Lotus dresses, in the heart of the Business & IP Centre as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers.
Sabina commented:
"The British Library's Business & IP Centre has been a constant source of advice and support throughout the development of my business, and it is a real privilege to have my work on display at the Library. I hope other aspiring fashion designers using the Centre can take some inspiration from my work and with similar support from the Library can develop their own successful brands."
For more information on how the British Library's Business & IP Centre can help your business please visit www.bl.uk/bipc
Sabina's work will be on display throughout June in the British Library's Business & IP Centre. For all press enquiries, interview requests, and photo opportunities please contact Jacob Lant at the British Library Press Office on +44 (0) 20 7412 7105 or email jacob.lant@bl.uk
Notes to Editors
Motasem's dresses are timeless and understated, in styles brides, bridesmaids and mother of the brides want to wear again, guests can wear to weddings and are perfect for work. Prices start from £550 for wedding dresses, £175 for cocktail/day-to-evening dresses, made in the UK, available within 5-weeks. Wedding dresses use natural silks (haven't undergone a dyeing process so it's kinder to the environment than normal silks) and can be transformed afterwards into a chic party frock. Found online and at the London showroom, off Brick Lane. Motasem is the middle name of Sabina Ali, meaning "having an attractive and imposing appearance suggestive of health and strength; good-looking and beautiful".
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. It provides world-class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. Further information is available on the Library's website at www.bl.uk, which currently receives almost 2 million 'hits' or visits per month.
The British Library Business & IP Centre is supported by the London Development Agency (LDA) to provide a single access point to support entrepreneurs and SMEs in London to gain access to and exploit existing and new business and IP information, and other relevant content and data, guided by impartial Library information experts and associated partners. The Business & IP Centre has been used by over 90,000 people since it opened in March 2006. An independent survey of 230 users in 2007 showed that it helped create 47 new companies, took a further 48 to start-up and helped create 115 new jobs. Access to the Centre is free, but users need a Reader Pass. For more information visit: www.bl.uk/bipc
The London Development Agency (LDA) aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth. www.lda.gov.uk