Introducing Malene Oddershede Bach, Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch SS12

On Wednesday Vauxhall Fashion Scout announced Alice Lee, Malene Oddershede Bach, Phoebe English and Shao Yen as Ones To Watch SS12 winners, Congratulations to all of you.

It has come the time to make the introductions. Ladies and Gentleman Vauxhall Fashion Scout is really pleased to introduce you to one of our Ones To watch winner, Malene Oddershede Bach, this will be the first of four interviews where you will be able to get to know the designers and their thoughts a bit more. 

Danish designer, Malene Oddershede Bach, is a 2010 Middlesex University graduate who furthered her fashion credentials as the Assistant Designer for Preen by Thorton Bregazzi. This September’s Ones To Watch will see the launch of her own label which will be defined by a strong focus on texture and form, layering unusual cuts, bright prints and leather pieces.  

VFS: Congratulations for being announced Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch winner, what you felt when you first knew about?

MOB: I was really surprised and didn’t quite believe it at first. Showing as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scouts The Ones To Watch is an absolute amazing opportunity, so I was obviously over the moon after receiving the news. 

VFS: How are you celebrating?

MOB: I had a big steak and a glass of wine with my sister who was visiting at the time of the announcement. Any other major celebrations will have to wait until after the show as I’m currently working non-stop.

VFS: Did you always want a career in fashion? When did you decide this was your field?

MOB: No, I was broad up on a farm in the middle of the countryside of Denmark, playing football, doing horse riding and helping my dad around the farm, so it wasn’t until after I moved to London back in 2004 that I actually realised that this was a pathway that I had great interest in. 

VFS: What advice would you give to recent fashion graduates?

MOB: Get as much experience as possible while still being at university, be focussed, self-driven and work as much on your own initiative as possible as the best way of learning will always be from making mistakes.

VFS: If you weren't a fashion designer, what would you do?

MOB: Possibly be studying Maths.

VFS: If you could have any celebrity wearing your designs who would it be?

MOB: Not sure.

VFS: What/who are you listening to at the moment?

MOB: I tend to work in complete silence when working in the studio as it prevents distractions. However, when on the move I do often tend to listen to music. Most recently Daniel Johnston, James Blake, Bjork, Kap Bambino, Plug etc along with potential show music. 

VFS: Where would you like to see your brand in the future?

MOB: Grown steadily with worldwide stockist

VFS: Now on month to go... how are you feeling towards September?

MOB: Obviously feeling very exited. It’s going to be a great experience. At the same time it’s all slightly nerve wrecking as there is still so much work to be done in such as short time.

VFS: Tell us a bit about your SS12 collection.

MOB: My SS12 collection is inspired by psychedelic films and will mainly be focusing on strong prints, bright colours, textures, beading, knitwear, layering and unusual cuts all without compromising on quality and fit. 

VFS: How would you describe your own style?

MOB: My personal wardrobe consists of a mix of charity shop finds and designer pieces. I like the idea of individual style and being able to walk out of the house knowing I won’t meet my neighbour wearing exactly the same. 

Asger Juel Larsen collaborates with “The Awakening"

Earlier this week we documented S magazine's collaboration with Asger to make his first fashion film.

“Uncle Sam”, directed by Theo Prodromidis, is a beautiful and thought provoking film featuring Asger’s outlandish designs. With Paul Joyce providing styling this fashion feature oozes creativity and sensuality. 

But that is not all Asger is up to, the talented designer is also collaborating with “The Awakening”:

“The Awakening" is a gathering of Scandinavian creatives and designers that seek to express their individual esthetical philosophy within a common group.”

The artist’s disciplines range from fashion design to architecture and their exhibition begins on 4th August at the Forum Copenhagen during Copenhagen Fashion Week. They will be taking part in the Gallery International Fair. They will be celebrating the exhibition with a double party whammy at the official home of Copenhagen Fashion Week on August 5th.

Phoebe English:Fashion Film Debut

Phoebe English uses her long slim line creations to seduce the viewer into another world. A figure appears in the distance though you nearly miss her as she blends into the white almost florescent background. The illusion of floating garments is created, accentuating the focus of the film: Fashion, beauty and flattery of figure.

This other-worldy vixen slowly moves forward without emotion, the fringes of fabric caressing her luminous body. The use of the inverted black and white imagery represents a ghostly, possibly apocalyptic wasteland. A Kaleidoscope is created with the close ups of Phoebe’s designs which disorientate and yet intrigue, the patterns almost mathematical in view.

Phoebe wished to present her collection through various platforms. While the garments themselves remain the main body of work, the vision was extended through photographs for the media and catwalks shows. However, showing the garment through the medium of film allowed for extended and experimental movement in a contrived setting to attention and enhance the focus of the collection.

She collaborated with conceptual artist and filmmaker Marie Kristiansen, also a Central Saint Martins graduate. Kristiansen’s work revolves around the sinister side of human nature. Her inspirations for this piece include Tarkovsky and Alfred Hitchcock. On why she chose Kristiansen, Phoebe commented: “I have always admired the sense of proportion and composition within her filmmaking, an aspect I think she brings to film from her photographic work. This viewpoint translates well into film as her work exists at an equal level both as a static and a moving image.”

Phoebe has perfectly captured the essence of her looks in this dreamy and powerful fashion film, and we at Vauxhall Fashion Scout love the results.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout announces Ones To Watch SS12

Please join us as we announce the winners of our Ones To Watch Awards Awards. Alice Lee, Malene Oddershede Bach, Phoebe English and Shao Yen have awed us with their innovative creations and will be debuting them during London Fashion Week.

Our selected panel of judges carefully deliberated when choosing our winners , they were impressed with their technical skills and flair. Their youth and imagination is reflected in their style and embellishment. Ones To Watch is the critically acclaimed springboard for the new generation of emerging, innovative designers.

Our judges consist of  leading industry figures, who have extensive experience in working, supporting and promoting new talent and fashion pioneers including Vogue.com, Grazia and Not Just A Label.

Design duo, Alice Lee received international recognition starting in 2002 when they were awarded NewGen for three consecutive seasons and gained Browns, Harrods and Barneys New York as stockists. This followed Alice’s completion of the MA Fashion Knitwear course at Central Saint Martins and Lee’s development of underground street-wear label Guerillawear. The label was put on hold whist the couple raised their family, to re-launch again last season at VFS. Alice Lee’ gorgeous knitwear collections feature intricately handcrafted, modern pieces with a couture aesthetic.

Danish designer, Malene Oddershede Bach, is a 2010 Middlesex University graduate who furthered her fashion credentials as the Assistant Designer for Preen by Thorton Bregazzi. This September’s Ones To Watch will see the launch of her own label which will be defined by a strong focus on texture and form, layering unusual cuts, bright prints and leather pieces.

Central Saint Martins graduate and winner of the L’Oreal Professionnel Creative Award, Phoebe English wowed the fashion press last February with a collection made mainly of hair. Her impressive CV boasts stints at John Galliano, Diane Von Furstenburg and corsetier Mr Pearl and her signature style is defined as complex, disciplined and detailed.

Born in Taiwan, Shao Yen, graduated from MA Fashion Knitwear at Central Saint Martins in 2010 gaining experience at Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Claire Tough during his studies. His trademark experimental pieces play with unconventional materials and form creating delicate yet sculptural pieces. Last season, Shao was invited to curate a window display at Selfridges London as part of the ‘Bright Young Things’ initiative.

Ones To Watch is the designers’ first catwalk show and, as well as creating an exciting event, we will be supporting and helping them build sustainable businesses” Martyn Roberts, Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Congratulations to all of you! We are really excited to work with you towards Fashion Week from 16th until 21st of September at VFS permanent location Freemasons Hall, close to Convent Garden.

Last But Not Least, Nimesh Gadhia 4th Ones To Watch MEN winner

Last but not least, let us introduce you Nimish Gadhia, the 4th Ones To Watch MEN winner. Already Baartman and Siegel, KYE and Trine Lindegaard gave to us a closer look to their design ethos and a bit of their lifestyle, let´s discover Nimesh.

Nimesh Gadhia, a pharmaceutical scientist turned designer, is the man behind Posthuman Wardrobe. Gaining his fashion credentials by working on Savile Row for the likes of Ozwald Boateng and Vacher & Jacobs, Nimesh’s understanding for the complexity of human form and analytical approach to garment construction has lead to the development of Posthuman Wardrobe’s signature architectural outerwear, complex jersey pieces and sculptural trousers.

VFS: What were your feelings and thoughts when you knew you were announced as Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch MEN winner?

NG: Equal parts fear and joy.

VFS: How are you celebrating?

NG: That will come after the show - for now, there's simply too much to do.

VFS: Starting as a pharmaceutical scientist, then turning designer... could you tell us a bit more about your pathway?

NG: It wasn't as much of a departure as one might think. I was always keen to apply my thought processes to three dimensional problems. I design analytically and experimentally. in that respect, pattern cutting and chemistry are philosophically similar. there is a given and expected pathway for all chemical reactions. All equations must balance and the path of construction of any compound follows a specific set of laws. As with pattern cutting, all garments are constructed with a logic that predates what one would consider "modern design" and this logic is formed of functionality, economics and style. By bending or even breaking the laws within any given system, one can create new compounds or indeed shapes. This combination of deconstructing the laws while at the same time keeping a firm hold of functionality and wearability is what interests me the most.

VFS: When you get to design what inspires you the most?

NG: Inspiration comes less by moods and aesthetics and more by three dimensional problems in the form of questions. For instance, the new Spring Summer collection - All Systems Gone, looks at the science of sitting - mainly the shapes created when you sit or recline, the changes in the structure of traditional garments when put in different positions, their relationship with with other garments and in turn with the subject. I aim to re-create and deconstruct these garments and reconfigure them to create the same kind of energy in all positions and situations. For example, the twisting of seams while lounging, the gathering and riding up of layers is all recreated with definite purpose to produce a collection of familiar yet unfamiliar wearable pieces.

VFS: If you weren't a fashion designer, what would you do?

NG: I'd probably still be in pharmaceutics

VFS: Who are you dreaming to collaborate with?

NG: Currently and for the next season, we're working with the luxury furniture company: de Gournay - which is really exciting and is taking us in some unexpected directions. In the future, I'd like to get involved with musicians and bands. Also, I've always had a micro-passion for film and music. There are a few more collaborations in the pipe line but I can't say anything yet...

VFS: Where would you like to see your brand in the future?

NG: Um... everywhere

VFS: Now one month to go... how are you feeling towards September?

NG: All tingly. It feels like all the hard work over the past few years may actually start to pay off. I'm grateful of the team I have around me and I'm really looking forward to the aftermath.

VFS: What kind of music are you listening in your studio?

NG: It varies depending on my mood. I'm feeling Foster The People in a big way at the moment - they always ease me into it in the morning. I need to hear the Kills at least once a day (Alison Mosshart - oh my goodness!) and like the Kills, Awolnation and Skrillex encourage me to sew quicker. A bit of Cold War Kids always levels me out if I'm a little too stressed as does a bit of Will Young. Radio-wise I like a bit of Ken Bruce's pop master (but I rarely get a score higher than 20). Shaun keaveny on radio six followed by Lauren Laverne is always a treat but having said all that,  I never miss Jeremy Vine at twelve o'clock.

Really , nice to meet you Nimesh. Looking forward to see you on September.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch MEN have been introduced and the 4 of them has provided us with lots of insights and feeding VFS´s excitement, we hope yours too...

"Uncle Sam":Asger Juel Larsen's Fashion Film Debut

 A navy mock of the American flag eerily floats above a desolate concrete landscape.
 Asger Juel Larsen received Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones To Watch MEN Award last season, showcasing his AW11 designs last February during London Fashion Week. The London College of Fashion graduate creates grunge, dark almost villainous outfits. He is also influenced by the American flag; he inverts and cuts the pattern on some of his garments. Subtlety, he refrains from using showy colours and sticks to a palette of blacks, greys and browns. The use of zips and spikes in his work accentuates and reflects a by gone era of anti-socialism. Leather is a consistent trend in his work, with spikes protruding away from the skin and through accessories which intensify the fetish feel behind some of his projects.

 S magazine collaborated with Asger to make his first fashion film. “Uncle Sam”, directed by Theo Prodromidis is a beautiful and thought provoking film featuring Asger’s outlandish designs. With Paul Joyce providing styling this fashion feature oozes creativity and sensuality. The premier took place on Thursday 28th of July with an exclusive launch at Shoreditch house.

 To watch this innovative fashion film please click here.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Would Like to Introduce KYE as Ones To Watch MEN Winner.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is really pleased to introduce you Kathleen Hanhee Kye Ones To Watch MEN winner. 


Now that you already know Baartman and Siegel and Trine Lindegaard, it is time that you get to know the designer behind KYE. 

Kathleen Kye, graduated from Central Saint Martins MA Menswear in February 2011. KYE’s design ethos is to represent fun-loving new menswear shapes that maintain powerful lines whilst conveying a sense of humour. Kathleen’s graduate collection was able to turn the most unlikely theme, “King Kong dream”, into a spectacular collection.

To discover more about this designer with TV presenter skills, about her main theme for SS12 or what she did to celebrate keep reading. 

VFS: What it feels being announced as Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch MEN winner?
KYE: I feel such honored to be part of the OTW this year, such a great opportunity for starting young designer.


VFS: Champagne to celebrate? or any another pampering?
KYE: Well! there is no time to celebrate! the show is coming up real soon! must work work work!


VFS: What is you previous industry experience?
KYE: I studied from Central Saint Martins, both BA and MA. I have done some freelance tv show presenter for Fashion TV. Im actually 23, and just graduated from MA this march, so i dont have many industry's experience.


VFS: What inspires you? What is on your mood board?
KYE: For SS12, my main theme is about anti-war. As a Korean American, I was born in the States and studied in london for a while, I recently moved to korea and got a citizenship there. Korea is the only divided country in the world and its mandatory for all korean men to serve military service for two years. So when I gained my citizenship recently, made me think about the country, history and present. It may be a very serious and heavy subject but Im trying to convey the message through the light and witty mood that KYE pursuit.


VFS: What would be your preferred job if you were not a designer?
KYE: a movie star


VFS: Who in the world would you like to collaborate with?
KYE: I want to collaborate with sporting companies.


VFS: Where do you want to see KYE in 5 years?
KYE: Although KYE is more like unisex menswear, I want to design some cool womenswear just for women.


VFS: What kind of music you listen to when you are working?
KYE: I listen to a lot of rap music. 

VFS: How are you expecting September to be?

KYE: Crazy busy. But it will be rewarding and Im very looking forward to it. Its gonna be amazing.

Congratulations for being one of Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch MEN, and we hope that the rhythm of rap inspires you while designing for your anti-war SS12 collection.