Iqons launched online

Forget myspace, youtube and msn, a new online fashion community called Iqons is about to take over the fashion world. Iqons is a free online community focusing on all things fashion and style, where users can showcase their work and network with designers, photographers, stylists, pr's, retailers, models and like-minded individuals. The site's content is created by its members and has a structure committed to providing support to new talent around the globe in partnership with established fashion leaders - icons.

Sunday Times Style fashion editor and author Col in McDowell announced forthcoming Iqons, who include Maria Luisa Poumaillou, Vivienne Westwood, Alber Elbaz and John Galliano. The Iqons will help spot emerging talent and be able to leave constructive remarks on users' profiles.

Co-founder Rafael Jimenez said: "I am delighted that fashin industry pioneers like Maria Luisa - who gave the first breaks to John Galliano and Alexander McQueen - can now spot design stars on Iqons. To have the legendary designers Westwood, Galliano and Elbaz is the best start we could have dreamed of." The site currently has 80,000 members and is receiving 600 monthly new members, however these figures are related only to a soft launch and are expected to at least double following the official launch on Tuesday.

Two Iqons members, Romina Karamanea, a new fashion designer and Susie Bubble, an influential fashion blogger, spoke at the conference yesterday, held the private members and media club, The Hospital in London. Romina says: As I am starting out, I don't have the money to employ dedicated PR and marketing people and from Iqons I have got a stockist in Hong Kong, press reviews in several influential fashin magazines, and lots of requests from stylist who want to work with me."