Vauxhall Fashion Scout, the only full sized independent event at London Fashion Week, is delighted to announce Georgia Hardinge as the Merit Award Winner for AW11.
The widely acclaimed Merit Award is chosen by a panel of industry experts and gives the winner a fully sponsored catwalk show and exhibition space at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Born in London and raised across Europe, Georgia Hardinge’s international background is interpreted throughout her work and her signature architectural style holds firm in her creation of art pieces as fashion. Winning the prestigious “Golden Thimble” on her graduation at Parson Paris, SS11 saw Georgia’s first catwalk show at London Fashion Week as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s ‘Ones to Watch’ initiative. Since then Georgia has continued to shine, most notably through her label’s celebrated collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski sponsorship and support through Vogue.
“I am honoured to have been chosen to represent the Merit Award this season. Vauxhall Fashion Scout have been wonderful advocates of my brand since day one. I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to have the support of such a rare creative platform. Showing as part of ‘One’s To Watch’ last season was a fantastic experience and to be now given the opportunity to do my first stand-alone show during London Fashion Week is a privilege in itself. I’m very excited!”
Georgia Hardinge
Georgia Hardinge’s AW11 ‘Spined’ Collection is one that embodies empowerment as her striking silhouettes are coupled with detailed, sculptured contour design. Georgia’s inspiration is taken from the unorthodox, macabre photography of Joel Peter Witkin, combining the concepts of death, destruction, mutation and disfiguration with those of anatomy.
“The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of the hottest new designers to the market and we see Georgia naturally fits the profile. We’ve been watching Georgia grow since Ones To Watch last season and we are very impressed to see what she has achieved since. We can see great potential in her”.
Martyn Roberts, Director, Vauxhall Fashion Scout
The winner of the highly coveted, three-season Merit Award is given the opportunity to showcase their collection at a high profile fully sponsored show during London Fashion Week. The award also offers the winner access to a specialised mentoring programme throughout the year to help them grow and develop a successful, sustainable business.
Merit Award is chosen by panel of leading industry figures who have extensive experience in working with and promoting new talent including Vogue.com, ASOS and Tank Magazine.
Kenny Wang