NEWS| Ming Pin Tien in Idol Magazine

Spring / Summer ‘13 Ones To Watch designer Ming Pin Tien talks to IDOL magazine about his recent collection and success at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. IDOL talks to the young designer about his use of deconstruction, his techniques and his reinvention of beauty, as well as bringing up the topics of portraits, East London girls and the predictability of dark colours for winter. Known for his bold shapes, Ming Ping Tien wowed audiences in September, proving him to be One To Watch.

On his inspiration behind the SS13 collection the designer talks about the concept of uniform being the starting point for his ideas on colour, pattern and cut. Showing depth and complexity these concepts translate in his approach to design.  In this interview he discusses pattern cutting and the dissymmetry that explores individuality or surrealist imagery in his collection. He tells of how reading helps him to pin down ideas, sourcing materials and creating sketches in his design process.  “Those East London girls” he says; a strong self-awareness and wanting to look more than just pretty is the client that Ming Pin Tien designs for.

IDOL gets into the mind of this talented designer, going back to the harness designs from his MA collection and the message of uniqueness and individuality that he brings to his work. Mentioning the Zen-like quality that he brings to his collections, in which he attributes to his cultural background in Taiwan. This interview takes a look at all aspects of Ming Pin Tien, from his design process to his ideas on spirituality that seems to be communicated so effortlessly through his pieces.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack, image from Idol. 

NEWS| OTW Charlotte Simpson listed in hClub100

A humongous congratulations to Charlotte Simpson for being listed in the h.Club100 (in association with Time Out London) list under the sector of fashion. The list which seeks influential individuals within the creative and media sectors was voted by industry experts as well as general public votes. 

Ones to Watch designer Charlotte Simpson, graduated this year with an MA in ‘Fashion Design Technology’ from London College of Fashion, having previously completed a BA Fashion degree at Northumbria University and showcased her S/S13 for the first time as part of our S/S13 catwalk show to rave reviews. 

"Charlotte Simpson: designer and founder of Charlotte Simpson brand

Having recently established her London-based luxurious Strewomenswear brand, Simpson was announced as one of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch designers for spring/summer 2013. "

Read the full hClub100 list on Time Out London's website here. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

NEWS| Pam Hogg at Institute of Contemporary Art's 'Culture Now' sessions

Pam Hogg talked inspirations, influences, and upbringing recently, as part of the Institute of Contemporary Art's 'Culture Now' sessions. On 2^nd November, the VFS designer joined Gregor Muir, the ICA's Executive Director, in what was both an inspiring and informative conversation. During the talk, Hogg discussed her growing up in Glasgow, her art based education, the influence of the Blitz Club and her rise in the fashion world. “When I started making clothes, it was to get into clubs,” the designer said. “But the fashion became my business.”

Hogg continued to discuss the importance of music in her life through stories and anecdotes, as well as her creative process. “Everything is impulse,” she described. “Everything takes this place, it just flows.” The session ended with the designer showing and talking through her equally stunning S/S12 'Notre Dames' collection, and S/S11 'To Kingdom Come' fashion film.

Since her first collection in 1981, Pam Hogg's reputation has been nothing but on the rise. Having made the name she has for herself, gaining access to this designer's world, even just for an hour, was a real treat.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Image from Sleek Magazine and Asia Werbel