Bath Spa graduate Chloe Jones, is this year's winner of the George Gold Award; the young designer won the award as a result of her presentation of a collection blending sportswear, couture, and a overcast look at the darkened perception of modern street-culture;
“I’m just following the Gold Award which was sponsored by George, I’ve been on a placement so Vauxhall Fashion Scout is perfect timing for me. I’d love to go in house and design for somewhere, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Central Saint Martins' Serena Gili's took an altogether different approach, with more structure, "focus"-oriented designs. Drawing on influences from sculptor Anish Kapoor, Gili’s architectural metallic skirts and meticulously embellished bibs were a fine representation of the designer’s disciplined ‘devotion to her work’.
“This is an amazing opportunity to show our (designs) in context out of school. It’s good to be able to talk to people about your work and get their feedback.”
VFS also grabbed five minutes with ELLE China's ‘Best Up Coming Chinese Fashion Designer’ Shengwei Wang, who- following acclaim from Hilary Alexander- was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to present to such notable members of the international fashion press:
“That made me really nervous- it was good; she loved my designs and wrote about them on Twitter [yesterday]!”
Wang also explained her graduate collection's inspirations, citing the complex character of Frida Kahlo as its source.
Freya Hill- VFS Blogger (@FreyaHillTalkin)
Images by Alice Luker