POSCARD FROM PARIS|| Nova Chiu

Nova Chiu SS13 Catwalk Show from VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT on Vimeo.

Ones To Watch alumni, Nova Chiu, made her solo catwalk debut this season to critical acclaim. The luxurious SS13 collection flourished with a precious palette of digitally printed landscapes, paying homage to the design duo’s transatlantic adventures. We catch up with them in Paris... 

You made your solo catwalk debut this season. How has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection? 

We've had a really positive response to our SS13 collection. The main response has been that the garments are light and very wearable. We developed a progression of AW12/13 with colour and print with new fabrics. 

This season you played with new techniques and materials. Is there a favourite look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

We have a silk draped top/dress (depending on how you wear it) that we feel encapsulates the collection and our aesthetic. It displays our favourite print of the collection.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

We feel that showcasing in Paris gives us a wider audience to showcase our collections to. Paris attracts buyers from all over the world and we believe that this helps immensely in moving the brand forward and onto a global platform. 

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

The support that VFS has provided us this season has been great. They have really supported our first solo catwalk show. We really appreciate what Martyn has done for us this season and look forward to his continued support in the coming season.

What will you be doing in Paris when the doors close at the VFS showroom?

Apart from sightseeing we plan on taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks. Eating good Parisian food will definitely be on the agenda while we are here!

Nova Chiu's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

POSCARD FROM PARIS| Anne Sofie Madsen

Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones To Watch alumni is receiving international recognition. Danish designer Anne Sofie Madsen, presented her SS13 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week this season, and as the coveted designer joins the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom, we catch up with her on her show response and the importance of Paris Fashion Week...

You have recently shown your SS13 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week an in New York, how did you find the response from the shows? 

We started this season with a show during Copenhagen Fashion Week after which we did another show in New York. Additionally, Anne Sofie Madsen was selected as part of Vogue Talents in Milan during fashion week, where we also participated. The feedback has been really nice from all places, but in each place, different pieces were highlighted and complimented, which I always find really interesting.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Paris this season is the most important fashion week for our brand in terms of sales and production.

What are you most looking forward to during Paris Fashion Week?

I have learned that Paris is the most important fashion week regarding the commercial aspects of the brand, so to me VFS was the obvious choice. I really enjoy being presented together with other designers that are also working with the same techniques that me – and also the fact that the VFS showroom creates a very intimate space and therefore enables opportunities of meeting all the buyers who are visiting.

Anne Sofie Madsen's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012.

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Hellen Van Rees

Central Saint Martin's graduate Hellen Van Rees walked her geometric, uniquely cubed creations down the catwalk as one of our Ones to Watch during London Fashion Week to positive acclaim. Now, she's taken her pieces across the pond and currently has her work on display in the VFS Paris showroom. With what's been an already exciting season, we chatted to the designer on the collection's response and being in Paris.

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

I've got a lot of positive responses with my SS13 collection, it was good to see the collection make so many people curious and cheerful.

Is there a favourite piece/ look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

Look #10 is a mix of traditional and sculptural elements with a contrast of textures.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

It is a great opportunity to meet different press and buyers who may be interested.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

It's given me the opportunity to have my work presented in a professional way to a large group of interesting people.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

A bit of both. I've been enjoying the city by having walks and meeting some friend, but want to have some rest so I am fresh to continue with the next season and production. 

Hellen's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout paris Showroom until 2^nd October 2012.

Intro by Josh Walker
Images by Christopher Dalley, Asia Werbel

Postcard from Paris| Charlotte Simpson wows in Paris

Charlotte Simpson

Charlotte Simpson’s debut collection for Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones To Watch was a celebration of understated elegance and wearable-luxury.  

Describing the collection as an exploration of the taste system, Charlotte's embellishment and beading are slowly integrated into the pieces; emphasising the ‘luxe‘ nature of the collection, yet maintaining its consistent wearability. In accordance with her fascination with organic biology, the entire collection was, admittedly, a show of palpable sensory delight. 

As Charlotte prepares for a successful selling season, we catch up with her in Paris...

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

It has been very positive. The OTW show went very well and received a lot of good press!

Is there a favourite piece/look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

My favourite piece is probably the green dress with the bright yellow embroidery. It really captures my clean and simple style mixed with the elaborate embroidery that is my signature feature.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Paris is very important to be able to meet with the buyers. The visitors at the Paris exhibition are more international so you have a chance to showcase your collection to people who might not otherwise see it.

As a platform, what support that VFS has provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

The OTW show definitely! It was great experience and really good exposure. The team have been wonderful to work with and their support is ongoing.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom?

Shopping and eating macaroons!

Charlotte's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

PARIS SHOWROOM| Raffaele Ascione SS13

Former Central St Martins graduate and Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer Raffaele Ascione is showcasing his S/S13 line of contemporary line of urban-chic wear at our Paris Showcase. His first catwalk show premiered to critical acclaim at VFS's Freemason's Hall during London Fashion Week where his embellished pastel cut-out dresses and separates caught the attention of the media. VFS chatted to Raffaele during our day two of our showcase about his Vauxhall Fashion Scout and Paris Fashion Week experience so far..

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

It has been really good so far! The reviews have been great and I have had some nice features online. Day one in the Paris Showroom has been good, it has a nice buzz!

Is there a favourite piece/look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

Yes the closing look of my runway show - a black A-line skirt with black embellished top.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

It is really important to show in Paris. The selling season is crucial to show buyers the new pieces and develop new relationships.

As a platform, what support that VFS has provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

For all the support VFS have given me and for the team and selection panel believing in me. It has been amazing to work with such a supportive platform and I am super grateful!

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

I will be catching up with friends who I have worked with in the past. I hope to see other showrooms and get to know the other VFS designers while in Paris.

Raffaele's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Emma J Shipley

Royal College of Art graduate Emma J Shipley debuted her collection of luxury scarves at London Fashion Week in February 2011. Showcasing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, the designer’s creations have gained attention for their beautifully intricate patterns which all derive from Emma’s original pencil drawings. Nature’s hidden treasures create the backdrop of inspiration for her work where artistic vision and technical work meet. Her modern interpretation of some of Britain’s great artists comes together with scientific theories of evolution that create stories within the scarves themselves. She has since been picked up by Browns, Fenwick, and Wolf & Badger here in London. The young designer is now over in our Paris Showrooms where she hopes to expand her brand internationally. Vauxhall Fashion Scout caught up with Emma J Shipley in Paris: 

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection? 
I've had a great response to the collection. People have commented that it is very unique and something they haven't seen before, which is great because that is what I wanted to achieve.

Is there a favourite piece/ look from the collection/ a look that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?
The Amazon Jungle silk chiffon scarf. It's one of the most simple pieces, in that its direct translation of my original drawing, in monochrome colour. I would say it encapsulates my collection perfectly.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?
It is so important for sales as most 'serious business' is done in Paris. It also gives us amazing exposure to buyers from all around the world such as the far east and USA.

As a platform, what support that VFS has provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?
The fantastic amount (and quality) of press generated - people in the industry really respect the VFS name and choices. Also the opportunity to show us in Paris, which can be prohibitively expensive and daunting for new designers.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?
Definitely making the most of the city... It's still exciting to be in Paris even if it is for work! I have some friends over for fashion week who I'll meet up with and I have had some good tips for restaurants and galleries that I want to make time for.

Emma's full collection will be on display at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

PARIS SHOWROOM| Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Paris Showroom opens its doors

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom opened today and within the first few minutes the first orders were placed!

With visitors from Dover Street Market, Beams, Cement, H.P France, Vogue and Vogue Italia through the doors this morning, Vauxhall Fashion Scout's brightest new design talents are reaching a global market.

The Paris Showroom is designed to promote young designers and encourage business development internationally. The showroom features an exciting selection of the very best in emerging design talent and includes:

Anna October  |  Anne Sofie Madsen  |  Alice Lee  |  Charlotte Simpson  |  Claudia Ligari  |  David Longshaw  |  Eugene Lin  |  Ekaterina Kukhareva  |  Emma J Shipley  |  Hellen van Rees  |  Heohwan Simulation  |  Ji Cheng  |  Kirsty Ward  |  Leutton Postle  |  MASC  |  Myrza de Muynck  |  Nova Chiu  |  Phoebe English  |  Raffaele Ascione  |  Shao Yen  |  Timur Kim  |  Yasmin Kianfar

Full collections can be viewed at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom and is open until Tuesday 2nd October from 10am - 7pm daily. You can find the showroom at: 23 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004, Paris. 

NEWS| Paris Fashion Week Designer Preview SS13 with Vogue Italia & Fashion156.com

Alice Lee

David Longshaw

Emma J Shipley

Kirsty Ward

MASC

Heohwan Simulation

Raffaele Ascione

Shao Yen

Myrza de Muynck

Timur Kim

As Vauxhall Fashion Scout opens it's doors in Paris, view a preview of featured designers SS13 collections exclusively with Vogue Italia. 

'On show, the best designers as a representation of the brightest new UK and International design talents' Vogue Italia

Shot in collaboration with Fashion156Creative.com, the preview features a first look at the collections of Alice Lee, David Longshaw, Emma J Shipley, Kirsty Ward, MASC, Heohwan Simulation, Raffaele Ascione, Shao Yen, Myrza de Muynck & Timur Kim.

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom is open now and runs until 2nd October 2012. You can find the showroom at 23 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004, Paris.

For the full story click here.

Image credits: PHOTOGRAPHY: INDIA HOBSON AT FASHION156CREATIVE.COM
STYLING & CREATIVE DIRECTION: GUY HIPWELL AT FASHION156CREATIVE.COM
MAKE-UP:  JO SUGAR USING BODY SHOP
HAIR STYLIST: TIM FURSSEDONN AT TONI&GUY USING LABEL M
MAKE-UP ARTIST ASSISTANT CAT LANGDON
MODELS:  ANNA S & LOU LOU AT PROFILE.  EMILY D A AT STORM
SHOOT PRODUCTION: FASHION156CREATIVE.COM
ASSISTANTS: Becca Deakins, Lisa Fifer, Lauren Whitehead & Mei Corbett
SHOT AT: ROCKWELL STUDIOS www.rockwellhouse.co

PARIS SHOWROOM| S/S13 Designers

Following an outstanding season in London, Vauxhall Fashion Scout get ready to take on Paris. With the launch of a new showroom, VFS will present a selection of 22 of the best UK and international designers during Paris Fashion Week. Always promising to bring you the brightest new design talents first, Vauxhall Fashion Scout will feature eight young designers who have not yet shown their SS13 collections in London, alongside the most coveted collections from LFW SS13. 

Ahead of the launch tomorrow, we introduce the new designers...

Anna October is a young, Ukrainian designer who launched her label at the tender age of 19. Creating pieces of timeless elegance, she uses a mix of fabrics and colours. Made with the sophisticated and expressive woman in mind, she's inspired by contemporary culture and traditional craft.

Born and bred in Denmark, Anne Sofie Madsen has a unique aesthetic and creates avant-garde yet wearable garments that make clever use of materials and textures. Combine that with her having worked under John Galliano and Alexander McQueen and it becomes no wonder why she's one of our previous Ones to Watch.

Another former One to Watch winner, Alice Lee is comprised of Alice Smith and Lee Farmer. The design duo, who met after Smith's graduation from CSM with an MA in Knitwear, pride themselves on their intricate, textured and often embellished knit-work.

Claudia Ligari is an Italian born designer and moved to London after studying at the Instituto Marangoni in Milan. The designer's work explores femininity with a minimal touch, featuring garments that create interesting silhouettes in the production of something timeless.

Since his graduation from Central Saint Martin's, David Longshaw has been shortlisted for multiple international awards. A previous VFS One to Watch and creator of the renowned fabric mouse Maude, Longshaw's intricate print work fuses his love of illustration into his statement designs.

Detailed and intricate, Eugene Lin's sharp cut, eye-for-detail aesthetic is one that certainly stands out. Having graduated in Fashion Design Womenswear and earnt a distinction in pattern-cutting on a post-graduate course, Lin's creative craftmanship is unique, luxurious and thrives on quality.

It's an emphasis on form and unconventional structures that Kirsty Ward's designs are known for embodying. Fusing luxurious fabrics with stunning jewellery, the Central Saint Martin's MA Womenswear graduate has already been hailed the rising star by Elle and Vogue's Designer to Watch, both in 2011.

Shao Yen, yet another of our previous Ones to Watch, pushes the boundaries of fashion in his designs for the confident and creative woman. The London based designer launched his label in 2010, and since has played with fabric and form to find a striking balance between the traditional and the unconventional.

Beautiful designs of elegance and femininty are at the heart of Yasmin Kianfar's label. Since her graduation from Central Saint Martin's she's received both press attention and a celebrity following. Merging traditional tailoring with a modern edge, the palette of greys, blacks and nudes complement the designer's clean lined, streamline shaped pieces perfectly.

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom opens tomorrow! Running from 27th September – 2nd October. For more info and to RSVP please contact press@fsi-events.com

Text by Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Images - in order of designers mentioned - from VFS and designers websites