FORMER JOURNALIST AND CLUB PROMOTER BARRY LADEN AWARDED LONDON’S HIGHEST ACCOLADE

22nd June 2009 FASHION DIRECTOR AWARDED LONDON’S HIGHEST ACCOLADE Barry Laden, founder of East End fashion house, The Laden Showroom has just last week, been admitted as a freemen of the city of London. Barry was nominated by the Drapers Company whom he joined last year. One of the "great 12" Livery companies, this City Livery company was founded 800 years ago and continues today as a charitable organisation who's membership work for the good of communities around the country. Barry was accepted as a member because of his work in the fashion business, especially how small independent designers are assisted through his work. . Only a selected few are admitted as freemen of the city of London. Freemen include the likes of Nelson Mandela, The Queen and Tony Blair, amongst many other people who contribute to the life and economy of the City. Laden Showroom is home to over 60 young cutting edge designers who are each given business advice, marketing support and importantly a shop window to the world via the internet and in-store. The Laden Showroom was founded in 1999 by Barry Laden and Adele Laden. The inspiration for the self-styled ‘social entrepreneurship’ that Laden has evolved into started close to home, when successful property developer Barry offered to expand the business side of his sister’s burgeoning fashion empire. Adele had been selling successfully at the cream of London’s fashion markets when Barry spotted the potential to take her brand to a wider audience. What followed has now become the template for the mentoring and business support that The Laden Showroom has offered to over 100 designers from a wide variety of fashion disciplines. For more information, samples and interviews with Barry Laden please contact Lisa or Emma at JBPR on 01273 622555 or e-mail lisa@jb-pr.com http://www.thedrapers.co.uk/ www.ladenshowroom.co.uk