NEWS| OTW designer Hellen Van Rees featured on BoF following Dazed Digital review

VFS's One to Watch Hellen van Rees has been mentioned on the front page of Business of Fashion following Dazed Digital's S/S13 review and interview. Read by creatives and entrepreneurs alike and with a worldwide following, the online platform is the first port of call for many in the industry. The designer has been included in one of the website's 'Daily Digests', with a quote from Dazed and Confused, who describe her work as a “wonderland of innovation – and success”. Having just recently showcased her pieces on the catwalk with VFS during London Fashion Week, the CSM graduate's experimentation with textiles, combined with her unique take on form and silhouette has definitely caught the eye of the fashion world.

Rise: Hellen Van Rees (Dazed Digital)

“Tweed may be an unlikely material of choice, but for Hellen Van Rees it represents a wonderland of innovation – and success. One season on from her Central Saint Martins graduate show, the designer last week triumphed in the hyped Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones To Watch.”

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Screen shots from BoF and Dazed Digital

NEWS| David Longshaw's Arthur and Francesca meet Helen Van Rees's climbing wall...

David Longshaw has well and truly brought a touch of humour to Vogue Italia with his latest comic strip. Including the work of our One to Watch Hellen Van Rees, the illustration plays on the statement and geometric work of the Central Saint Martin's graduate. Having displayed her S/S13 collection on the catwalk at our Freemason's Hall to positive reviews during London Fashion Week, the designer's garments have been described as many things. Here though, Arthur chooses “a terribly stylish climbing wall” as a fitting description. 

Having made a name for his illustrations already, Longshaw is the creator of the Maude character and is a previous VFS Ones to Watch winner. 

His latest comic strip can be viewed above or on Vogue Italia's website.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Illustration by David Longshaw

NEWS| VFS designers nominated for The Hospital Club 100

Two Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers have been shortlisted for The Hospital Club and Time Out London's THC100 list.

The 100 list represents the best in innovative and unique talent. From Fashion to Theatre the list brings forward people who have made excellent achievements over the past 12 months in their field. Featuring emerging talent as well as the more established, the prestigious list looks at talent over status, money, or fame.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch Charlotte Simpson and Merit Award Winner Heohwan Simulation make the Fashion list amongst established designers including JW Anderson and Jonathan Saunders and esteemed stylist Rebekah Roy. With amazing careers between the two of them, Charlotte Simpson and Hwan Heo have gained fans for their stunning designs signature aesthetics. 

Graduating from London College of Fashion, Charlotte Simpson has worked with designers such as Julien Macdonald and been awarded the Zandra Rhodes Textiles Award. Winning the Umbro Sportswear Project is one of many achievements from designer and RCA graduate Hwan Heo whose S/S’13 collection wowed audiences at the Freemason’s Hall in September. Their skills and talents have shown potential and earned them their spot on The Hospital Club 100.

Special mentions also go to stylist Rebekah Roy, Nick Knight and VFS alumni designer Peter Pilotto who are also nominated. 

The shortlisted nominations are now open for voting until the 28^th of October and anyone can get involved and vote! The final 100 will be announced on the 12^th of November and featured in Time Out magazine, representing the future of Britain’s creative industries.

By Vanessa Omoregie. 

Image edited from Hospital Club's website

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Timur Kim

Having displayed his S/S13 collection on our catwalk during the opening day of London Fashion Week as well as showcasing his line in our Exhibition Space for the duration of London Fashion Week - Timur Kim joined us in Paris to present his collection in our showroom as well. A graduate of BA Fashion Design and MA Fashion from Central Saint Martin's, the designer likes to approach his garments with a very fabric led aesthetic. Producing a collection filled with flowing dresses, stark denim and fluid silks, Vauxhall Fashion Scout took the time to talk to Kim on his latest pieces, the label and its inspiration.

How was your S/S13 catwalk show?

[It went] really well. I didn't expect as much exposure. The space was crowded, people were standing and the press were amazing, they really liked it.

What is fashion to you?

It's a clarity. You have an idea and a vision and you need to relate this vision to the market and the real person, to the women.

What inspired this collection?

There hasn't been a particular inspiration. It's basically what felt right and was a vision of my style. It's how I'd like to see my woman dress. It has long dresses, shirts, trousers. If I was a woman, it's what I'd want to wear.

Who is this woman?

It's a young woman who wants to be elegant but stay cool.

What's your background and does it influence your work?

I'm Russian born and then I moved to London at 17. I've been creating collections since I was 16 years old and graduated this February. My background has influenced me but I think being here in London has definitely shaped me more. It gives me this idea of clarity and how to balance things.

What are your plans for the future of the label?

I want to carry on. I need to get stockists and then move forward. I don't want to be this conceptual brand, with me it's more about the clothing.

Do you have any ideas for your next collection?

I do, but I'm not going to say anything about it! I like my corsets though, I want more corsets. I think I've found a good balance with my work. I like the unexpected combination between denim and full, beautiful dresses.

What's it been like working with VFS?

It's been really good. I got a place right in the early stages so I had a chance to build the collection, present everything and see the response from the press. They've done a really good job and it's come out really well so far.

Timur Kim's S/S13 collection is available to view at our Paris Showrooms today until 5pm, the final day of PFW. 

Interview and Images taken during LFW by Josh Walker and Lauren Marsh

NEWS| Tuesday - Final Day in the VFS Paris Showroom

What do Dover Street Market, Opening Ceremony, IT, Beams, Selfridges, H.P. France, LVMH, RA, D-Mop, Saks 5th Ave, Joyce and many other leading boutiques and department stores have in common? They know that the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom is the place to discover the best in new design talent during Paris Fashion Week. 

Tuesday 2nd October marks the final day in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom for Spring/Summer 2013. Tomorrow will be your final chance to see the collections from a host of designers who have caught the attention of buyers from a range of prestigious stores. Pop along to the showroom to view the following designers for one final day:

Alice Lee

Anna October

Anne Sofie Madsen

Charlotte Simpson

David Longshaw

Ekaterina Kukhareva

Emma J Shipley

Eugene Lin

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 

The showroom is located at 23 Rue de Roi de Sicile, 75004, and is open to buyers and members of the press. For more information or to RSVP email press@FSI-event.com

Can't make it to Paris? Stay tuned to the VFS blog as well as our Twitter page @FashionScout for full and exclusive updates. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Shao Yen

Tawaiinese born yet London based designer Shao Yen returned to showcase his Spring/Summer 2013 collection exclusively with Vauxhall Fashion Scout at our Paris Showrooms. His sixth collection returns to some of the forms used in his masters collection whilst retaining the usage of mixed materials which his collections are recognised for. We caught up with Shao Yen Chen on the penultimate day of showcasing his S/S13 collection.

1. What has been the initial response been to your S/S 13 collection?
I chose to use quite strong and bright colour this season so that's what caught people's attention first as well as the interesting mixture of textures.

2. Is there a favourite piece/ look form the collection/ a look that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?
The raffia sweatshirt top and pencil skirt reminds me of my MA collection. The look is much more wearable but the combination of fabrics is still interesting and playful.

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?
I aim to develop my brand and expand more stockists. It's a good opportunity to for me to meet buyers and press people as well as receiving feedback.

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

VFS has always been very supportive and understands what young designers need. I really like the space this season.

5. What will you be doing in Paris, outside of VFS showroom-making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?
I don't have much opportunity to go out since I need to be in the showroom all day but I do enjoy walking from my flat to the showroom and looking at the people and shop windows along the way.

By Cass Gowing, Editor
Images taken from Fashion 156 Creative's Preview Shoot and Shao Yen's S/S13 lookbook

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| MASC

Design duo MASC revealed their Spring/Summer 2013 collection exclusively to Vauxhall Fashion Scout in our exhibition space during London Fashion Week and the designers have followed us to Paris to display their collection at our Paris Showrooms.

The design label, created by Duncan Shaw and Billy Yick is internationally recognised for their strong yet undeniably feminine silhouettes and edgy folding technique.

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

Excellent. We've had more buyers and press than ever before. Our directional silhouettes and rich textures have attracted a lot of attention. A highlight is being featured on Vogue Italia's website.

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

This season our multi -cultural coat-dress has really excelled for us. It features folding techniques, leather inserts and modular cutting. It encapsulates our signature

aesthetic and direction.

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Paris is the historical heart of fashion and sits late in the fashion week schedule. This is where real business happens and the best buyers and press attend. For MASC, Paris brings and audience who appreciate our chic minimalism and tailoring.

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

A fantastic venue in a convenient and impressive location. Alongside the effective marketing the VFS team do their upmost to remain professional and proactive. Thank you VFS.

5. 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?

Visiting other showrooms, meeting friends, sampling the food and getting rest! The parties cannot be missed in Paris too.

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images from MASC’s S/S13 Lookbook

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Anna October

Vauxhall Fashion Scout have an unrivalled platform for launching new talent and recent VFS addition, Anna October, is quickly developing a substantial following. As Anna joins us in Paris, we take a quick look at the inspiration behind her coveted new collection...

Please tell us about the inspiration and development behind the collection?
This season I was aiming to make a tribute to sky. A dreamy story about sophisticated, intelligent lady, with good manners, who loves art and the same time she is young and cool. It's the first time I used digital prints in my collection. The idea of prints is the view on sky through the digital bad render. This inspiration came to me through the photos made by broken phone camera and  bad internet connection which gives you bad pixelized image. But the same time I like how random and interesting could be the picture when it's destroyed- new colors and textures are appearing. All the printed art works were made in collaboration with artist Dina Lynnik. 

What has the initial response been to your SS13 collection during Paris Fashion Week?
I have already had a good response from buyers and press. They especially liked my digital prints which were created in collaboration with artist, Dina Lynnick.

Is there a favourite piece from the collection or a look which encapsulates your aesthetic?
My favourite piece would have to be a flat printed coat. It is minimalistic and elegant and shows my addiction to combining colours. 

What is the importance of of showcasing your collection in Paris?
It's my first season in Paris, so its very important to see the reaction from buyers and press and to place new orders.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season?
It has been an amazing experience to be part of the VFS Paris Showroom. I have learnt many new things about the processes involved in your first selling season in a showroom environment. 

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS Paris Showroom?
Going to fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week and meeting with friends. Paris is also a great city for inspiration!

You can view Anna's full collection in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Claudia Ligari

Italian designer Claudia Ligari has built up an impressive reputation based on her past lines of minimalistic clean and futuristic pieces that display her luxe avant-garde ethos. Claudia's Spring/Summer 2013 collection is being exclusively showcased at Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Paris Showrooms during Paris Fashion Week. Despite not being able to attend the showrooms herself, we caught up with Claudia to discuss her S/S13 collection in more detail. 

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

Really good. People love the white and the lightness of the fabrication. All of my fans and followers were very pleased to see I've introduced some menswear pieces and positively surprised to see some colours as well. 

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

Yes. The white padded bomber jacket shows exactly my aesthetic, really clean, timeless and using and unusual fabric. I also love my mocha dress, as my clothes are always quite masculine this pieces reflects more of my feminine side. 

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Definitely, the fact that Paris is the perfect European platform it gives a chance to be seen outside London.  

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

I'm really pleased with Vauxhall Fashion Scout as they have always been supporting the label since the beginning and this year more than ever. This means a lot to me as it shows that they really believe in what I do. It shows that they see potential and this is vital for me as it keeps me going. 

5. 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?

Unfortunately I couldn't attend personally this year so I guess my assistant will be enjoying Paris this time.. I just need a lot of rest.

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images from Claudia Ligari's S/S12 and A/W12 lookbooks 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Ji Cheng

Award winning Chinese designer Ji Cheng returned to Vauxhall Fashion Scout for a second season to showcase her S/S13 collection 'Teaism' during London Fashion Week and she is currently showcasing said collection at our Paris Showrooms. The designer, which brought Chinese fashion royalty - including Editor-In-Chief of Chinese Vogue, Angelica Cheung - to  the front row of Freemason's Hall at LFW, created an elegantly dramatic collection depicting a East meets West fusion illustrated with her trademark femininely-tailored elegance. 

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

The initial responses are very positive from LFW. We are looking forward to finding out the feedback from PFW.

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

The favourite piece of this season is the Ivory silk dress, which is the closing look of my London runway show.

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

It’s our first time in Paris, meeting buyers and understanding the fashion industry are very important.

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

We very much appreciate VFS with providing the London runway and Paris showroom platform to us. It is a truly nurturing platform for international designers to develop in the European market.

5. 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?

We have hosted a VIP press lunch event with top 10 Chinese fashion press in the W Hotel. We will go visit some other showrooms and tradeshows. 

SS13 collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom untill 2nd October 2012. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor
Images by Christopher Dadey

POSCARD FROM PARIS|| David Longshaw

Former Ones to Watch designer David Longshaw's character inspired collections have earned him a wealth of acclaim and recognition since launching his solo label in 2010. We were ecstatic to welcome David to our Paris Showrooms in order to display his S/S13 collection - a line inspired by a short motion animation 'Eva & Doug Go on Holiday'. 

We catch up with David Longshaw (and Eva & Doug) in the VFS Paris Showroom to discuss his wildly imaginative and edgily vibrant Spring/Summer 2013 collection: 

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

Good. people have been enjoying the prints and silhouette with the animation.

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

That changes daily. I think probably the first two looks sum up the collection with the combination of drape, print and silhouette. 

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Not all buyers can make it to LFW because of store commitments etc - so Paris is an opportunity to meet them.

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

It is a great showcase for emerging talent. There is not really another showroom like this in Paris.

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?

Catching up with friends and visiting some of the other showrooms. I went to the Petit Palais the other day which was really interesting. 

David Longshaw's SS13 collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom untill 2nd October 2012. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Kirsty Ward

Celebrated for her bold cuts, defined structures and powerful embellishments, Ones To Watch alumni, Kirsty Ward, showcases her SS13 collection exclusively with Vauxhall Fashion Scout in Paris. 

Staying true to her signature aesthetic and love of tea ladies, Kirsty has evolved last season's tabards and apron fronts with a deconstruction of form. Experimenting with fabrics and contrasting textures, whilst keeping minimal silhouettes, Kirsty has emphasised garment structure. 

A simple yet striking palette of grey, white and black creates a monochrome background for her distinguished statement jewellery, introducing a rainbow spectrum for Spring. Her intrinsic splash of colour has already become a talking point and we catch up with the young designer in Paris...

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

It has been great- I'm just at PFW this season but with press days etc. I am finding this is all I need for good exposure to buyers and press.

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

It generally is the biggest piece of jewellery each season - this season it is a gold and red woven necklace. there is also a layered tabard dress this is a key piece to the collection.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Its the end of fashion season, so this means there is a good selection of buyers viewing my collection.

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

Everything from advice to help press support. The mentoring sessions are great help too.

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?

Drinking wine and site seeing.

Kirsty Ward's S/S13 collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom untill 2nd October 2012. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Ekaterina Kukhareva

Ukrainian born, London based designer Ekaterina Kukhareva is exhibiting her most recent work in the VFS Paris showroom. Having recently displayed her S/S13 garments on the catwalk at our Freemason's Hall during London Fashion week, the collection revolved around strong prints and detailing inspired by the 60's and St Tropez. We caught up with the Central Saint Martin's graduate, to talk about her pieces and Paris.

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

I have had a fantastic response from my show in London. In Paris, there's a really good atmosphere, great crew and a lot of positive feedback.

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

The look that encapsulated the collection is a woven suit that is really feminine and chic.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

The importance of showing in Paris is to meet international press and buyers that couldn't make it to the London show. For them it is an opportunity to look at the collection up close and to ask any questions they may have.

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

For me it was an opportunity to do a show, to be able to showcase my designs to a

greater audience.

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 definitely enjoy the surroundings, food and wine in Paris.

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