It's that time of year again...!
On Wednesday 28th November the Selection Panel for Fashion Scout AW13/14 converged at Beach Blanket Babylon to select the future design talent for the new season. The panel, amongst which included; Hilary Alexander, Vogue.com's Fashion Features Editor Jessica Bumpus, Hannah Emslie of Selfridges, stylist Rebekah Roy, Martyn Roberts and Charlotte Gunstone from Fashion Scout, were treated to an exceptional selection of talent and the task of deciding the winner of the inaugural Merit Award and Ones to Watch.
Fashion Scout has forged a reputation for being step ahead of the design talent curve, reconising the best new emerging designers. “What makes Fashion Scout so special is, as well as providing an amazing platform for new talent. They also mentor and develop their designers to ensure their careers are steered towards success and not only a moment in the spotlight. It's this approach that is has helped launch some of the most exciting new designers in London." Hannah Emslie, Selfridges.
The internationally acclaimed Merit Award is the ultimate launch pad for its recipients, becoming the most hotly anticipated event in the London Fashion Week off-schedule calendar. Now in its ninth season, the award has gone on to launch some of our most recognised design names, amongst which include David Koma, Eudon Choi, Hermione De Paula, Leutton Postle and Phoebe English.
The standard of Ones To Watch is notoriously high and this years selection are no exception; "It is great to see the diversity and the different paths (all of the designers) follow. It's also nice to see how talent from previous years has developed." Jessica Bumpus, Vogue.com
The coming season's Merit Award and Ones to Watch designers are still under wraps for now but the breaking news will be coming soon!
Text: Lauren Slater
Images: Max Barnett