HEMYCA

HEMYCA Ltd is an English luxury womenswear company based in Chelsea, London and it was founded in 2009 by its two designers.^[1]

History

Co-founders Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris met while studying at the London College of Fashion and have built a luxury fashion brand; with skills passed down through family generations,^[2] as Helen’s family worked in Saville Row, while Myra’s family from their Atelier in Italy. The brand aimed towards women that were city professionals and women who appreciated high end luxury and style.

In February 2009, after the two female designers spent several years in training with designers that include, Roland Mouret and Ben de Lisi,^[3] Helen and Myra broke away and launched their own business, which is now known as Hemyca London (Hemyca Ltd).

Hemyca faces

HEMYCA is a brand and known for dressing hard working women and celebrities in its advertising, since being founded in 2009 HEMYCA has dressed celebrities including: Dame Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Sally Hawkins, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Livia Giuggioli, Lisa Snowdon and Cheryl Cole.

Hemyca stores

The brand’s line is stocked internationally in the UK, New York, Europe, Hong Kong and on their website.^[4] Through the HEMYCA Ltd. label Helen and Myra also run a bespoke and bridal made-to-measure service for both men and women. The brand currently stocks in over six different countries.

Recognition

In 2008, Vogue declared HEMYCA as "One of fashion’s finest up-and-coming designers."^[5] In the same year Elle showcased HEMYCA in their fashion round up report, while The Daily Telegraph pronounces HEMYCA as, "the UK’s most sought after new designer".

In 2009 HEMYCA showed during Prêt-a-Porter as part of Paris Fashion Week. In May 2011 HEMYCA was awarded “the brightest and most directional fashion brand in the UK” at the Fashion Press Week awards.^[6] Following that in June 2010, Sony UK commissioned Hemyca to create a graphic print that was used on the Sony iPod Sk8 Dock Product.^[7]

2011-2012

In September 2011, HEMYCA was also selected to create a limited edition velvet handbag for Age UK; of which 100% of profits went to support the charity. HEMYCA was also chosen to showcase their S/S12 collection alongside Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Burberry, Paul Smith (fashion designer), Sonia Rykiel, and Giles Deacon as part of the international Campaign for Wool by Woolmark.

In February 2012, HEMYCA as part of AW12 London Fashion Week their collection was previewed by Anna Wintour as well as several UK fashion industry figures such as Jayne Pickering of Marie Claire.

In May 2012 HEMYCA was selected to show their AW12 collection to HRH Queen Elizabeth/ Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip/ Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh for the Diamond Jubilee Heritage Display representing British Fashion alongside designers Jonathan Saunders, John Rocha, Todd Lynn and PPQ.

In July 2012 HEMYCA was also selected to be the official designer patron for the Breast Cancer Campaign charity, designing a dress for Leah Weller which was auctioned for charity.

In September 2012 The British Fashion Council invited HEMYCA to go on Schedule at London Fashion Week for the first time, showing at Somerset House where Leah Weller showcased the dress in front of HEMYCA guests and father Paul Weller.

References

1. Lucy Sykes. "Designer Profile" www.independentboutique.com 2012, Accessed:10/12/2012
2. ,"About the Designer" http://www.notjustalabel.com/hemyca Accessed:28/06/2012.
3. Campaign, Breast Cancer. "Leah Weller Wears It Pink". Breast Cancer Campaign. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
4. Hemyca, London. "Stockists". Rootsy. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
5. Vogue, British (2008). Vogue UK (February). Missing or empty |title= (help);
6. Jenni, "London Fashion Week - Hemyca Presentation" http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/News/25225-London-Fashion-Week-Hemyca-Presentation.html Accssed: 15/10/2012
7. Sony UK. "Label Finder" http://www.thelabelfinder.com/storesearch/bath/hemyca-stores/index.php/shop/city/3052455/2656173 Accessed:18/02/2008.