EXCLUSIVE | Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch AW15

Fashion Scout is thrilled to announce the names of our AW15/16 Ones to Watch winners: Angel Chen, J Moon, Kim Stevenson and Minju Kim.

Selected from a shortlist of 50 designers by a panel of industry experts, the Ones To Watch judges this season included Hilary Alexander OBE, Sara Maino at Italian Vogue, Judith Tolley of the CFE London, Fashion Scout alumni Georgia Hardinge, British Council member Kendall Robbins, our Ones to Watch stylist Rebekah Roy, and Martyn Roberts Fashion Scout’s Founder and Director.

As part of being selected for The Ones To Watch each designer will be given a collaborative catwalk showcase in addition to an exhibition space per designer at the landmark Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden as part of Fashion Scout's 18^th Season, running from 20^th - 24^th February 2015. 

Angel Chen, who graduated this year from Central St Martin's BA course, honed her skills working with Vera Wang and Marchesa in New York.  Her work has featured in such respected publications as British Vogue, i-D and The Times.  She said of the win “Fashion Scout is one of the best starting points for young talent.  I am finally here, thank you very much for the opportunity!”  Her collection builds on bright colours, bold designs and a rebellious spirit.

J Moon is a new London label with a playful signature aesthetic from designer Jinhee Moon.  A 2014 LCF graduate, Jinhee made Vogue Italia's exclusive 200 best emerging talents list.  Excited by the win the designer said “It is incredibly exciting moment for me to show my new collection through the Fashion Scout in 2015.”  The experimental collection has found a unique way to juxtapose texture, colour and shape.

Australia native Kim Stevenson enjoyed a packed 2014, presenting at Graduate Fashion Week and graduating from the University of East London BA course.  Taking inspiration from youth culture the designer is known for handcrafted items with strong consideration of the ethical sourcing of her textiles. 

South Korean born designer Minju Kim has already found international success, currently being stocked in Opening Ceremony stores in both the UK and USA.  Shortlisted for the LVMH prize, a recent Disney collaborator and winner of the 2013 H&M Design Award Kim's aesthetic draws from exaggerated silhouettes, extreme curves and a range of textures.   

Fashion Scout Director Martyn Roberts concluded of the winner's selection “For AW15/16 we have had the strongest ever response of amazing talent from all over the globe, after a tough decision we are excited to be able to provide an unrivalled opportunity for these four new international designers to present with Fashion Scout.”

Essential Info 

London Fashion Week 

Fashion Scout's 18^th Season 

Freemasons' Hall 

Covent Garden 

WC2B 5AZ

Friday 20^th – Tuesday 24^th February 2015 

Paris Fashion Week 

23 Rue du Roi de Sicile 

75004 Paris

Thursday 5^th – Tuesday 10^th March 2015

Follow us on @fashionscout

#FashionScoutAW15

NEWS | Dora Abodi finds A-List Fans!

Fashion Scout designer Dora Abodi is celebrating not just one, but two huge celebrity endorsements to end 2014. The first saw mega-star singer & actress (and current Wonderland cover model) Taylor Swift donning the Twin Unisus silk T-shirt during an appearance on the equally legendary Ellen Degeneres show back in October to promote her worldwide Number 1 album “1989.” Swift wore the t-shirt whilst performing new single “Out of The Woods,” with the performance breaking five hundred thousand views on Youtube in just over a month.

Abodi built on this exposure with a second A-lister, this time R&B superstar Christina Milian, who wore a Lamborghini inspired top from the designer whilst speaking to E! Entertainment just this week.

With this support we're sure that 2015 looks promising for the Fashion Scout designer, and we're excited to see her show as part of Fashion Week at The Freemasons Hall, Covent Garden, February 20th - 24th.

What to see more? Check out Swift's performance on Ellen, here.

By Lewis R Waters

Images courtesy of Dora Abodi, NBC & E! Entertainment

Follow us on @fashionscout

#FashionScoutAW15

INTERVIEW | JAY BRIGGS TALKS FUTURE PLANS WITH HOPE ST MAGAZINE

Last week Fashion Scout designer Jay Briggs spoke to hip fashion, art and culture magazine Hope St to discuss his plans for the future. Briggs, whose stunning headpieces have already been donned by the likes of Kylie Minogue and Paloma Faith discussed life after “Ugly Duckling,” the designer's current collection which can be seen in the windows of Selfridges this Christmas.

Briggs revealed that he was “currently researching” his new collection, which will see a September 2015 showcase alongside his debut advertising campaign. Fans of “Ugly Duckling” will also be pleased that an expanded version of the collection will make-up a one off special next year.

Speaking on his attitude towards the future of his work the Hope St dubbed fashion “prince of darkness” said simply “...you never know what the universe has in store for you, which makes it all the more exciting.”

Want to see more? Check out Kylie's video for “Sleepwalker” featuring Jay Brigg's headpieces here. 

by Lewis R Waters

Images courtesy of Oliver Savage / Jay Briggs

Quotes by Jay Briggs, Mona Lisa Maclean & Hollyann Prince

Courtesy of our friends at Hope St Magazine

NEWS | Fashion Scout designers available in LCF Pop Up Shop

London College of Fashion's COLLEGE SHOP returns tomorrow for its fourth year running. The pop-up retail space will be located in the heart of Carnaby at 33 Marshall Street. Open from Thursday 11th until Tuesday 16th December, the shop will be stocking all things "sparkle and charm" created by LCF Alumni and current students.

The COLLEGE shop will feature pieces by Fashion Scout Ones to Watch designer Min Wu amongst many others, all limited edition but at affordable prices. Ranging from womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories and jewellery to fashion photography and illustration - the shop is the perfect place to discover the best new creative talent emerging from LCF. The perfect destination for all your Christmas gifts, this one stop shop lets you pick up items from the stars of the future.

Fashion Scout AW15/16 designers will be announced soon...

EXCLUSIVE | James Kelly Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner AW15

We are delighted to announce that the popular, talented new Royal College of Art graduate James Kelly will be the latest recipient of Fashion Scout's prestigious Merit Award.

James, who graduated from the RCA in June 2014, has already made waves throughout the Fashion Industry, being featured on i-D, Dazed Digital, Vogue Online and in the Fashion Scout Graduate Showcase at LFW September 2014.

Chosen from over 200 applicants by a selection panel of industry heavyweights including Vogue Italia's Sara Maino, Fashion Scout founder and director Martyn Roberts and Hilary Alexander OBE, James Kelly will be sponsored by Fashion Scout for three seasons with a prize worth over £20,000.
The prize offers an unrivalled opportunity for sponsorship and has become known as a talent launch pad. Previous winners of the Merit Award have included, Eudon Choi, David Koma, Hermione De Paula, Georgia Hardinge and more recently Phoebe English and Xiao Li.

On the winner Hilary Alexander commented; "I was totally blown away by James Kelly's collection at the Royal College of Art gala earlier this year. Marvellous marriage of function, fashion and form; beautiful colours of midnight navy, deep forest green, pewter, with hand-dyed ostrich feathers. The models looked like birds of paradise flying through a storm."

James describes his womenswear as a myriad of elements combined together to created something new. Inspired by the strange, dreamy and ambiguous, James pioneers an exploration into outerwear and sportswear by deconstructing and distorting sports jackets and trench coats. The collection seeps texture, in the form of Stieff Alpaca Mohair and Ostrich feathers, which billow away from the models on the runway.

On winning the award, James celebrated; "I am completely blown away with the fact that I was chosen for the Merit Award. I'm so excited to be working on my new collection to be shown at Fashion Scout this February and am so thankful for the opportunity!"

Fashion Scout will take place during London Fashion Week from Friday 20th till Tuesday 24th February 2015, at the Freemasons' Hall in Covent Garden. Alongside presenting the Merit Award Catwalk show and exhibition, Fashion Scout will hold over 30 catwalk shows and presentations in and an emerging designer exhibition.

A prominent fixture among the Paris Showrooms, Fashion Scout Paris will return featuring James Kelly and 21 of the brightest new fashion talents in March 2015. Fashion Scout Paris will be held at 23, Rue Du Roi De Sicile, Paris, 75004, from the 5th - 10th March 2015.

For industry ticket requests email press@fashionscoutevents.com.

EXCLUSIVE | Save the Date! Fashion Scout London & Paris

Save the date now for Fashion Scout London and Paris AW15/16. Discover the brightest new UK & International design talent at the Freemasons' Hall in Covent Garden from Friday 20th - Tuesday 24th February 2015. Join us in the Fashion Scout Paris showroom from Thursday 5th - Tuesday 10th March 2015 in the heart of La Marais.

Designers announced soon!

#FashionScoutAW15
@FashionScout

EXCLUSIVE | Fashion Scout Selection Panel AW15

The AW15/16 Fashion Scout Selection Panel converged on Tuesday 18th November to decide which designers would showcase with Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Week. A collection of Fashions finest, the panel included Vogue Italia's Sara Maino, renowned fashion commentator Hilary Alexander OBE, Judith Tolley from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, the British Council, former Merit Award winner Georgia Hardinge and Fashion Scout's own director Martyn Roberts. 

The panel spent the day time looking through all fifty shortlisted designers before deciding on this seasons Merit Award and One’s to Watch recipients. 

The judges where overwhelmed by the level of talent for AW15/16. Commenting on what seems to be a new ‘era’ of designer talent- with a focus on craftsmanship, creativity and colour. Those who are chosen by the judges will have the chance to showcase their collections during Fashion Scout London Fashion Week in catwalk shows, presentations or as part of exhibitions from the 20th - 24th February 2015. 

Look out for our new designer announcements soon, including the prestigious Ones to Watch and Merit Award winners. 

by Daisy Milward

Images from Fashion Scout Events

NEWS | Mairi McDonald & MTV

Fashion Scout Designer, Mairi McDonald was chosen by MTV EMA sponsor Essence, to discuss Fashion in her studio with upcoming music talent Jess Glynn. 

Ahead of the awards show in Glasgow, Glynn spent the day browsing the latest collection, before selecting her favourite piece, the Stardust baroque lace top from the Queens of Noise collection, launched at the Fashion Scout London Exhibition in September.

By Daisy Milward
Image courtesy of Mairi MacDonald

EXCLUSIVE | Sadie Williams x & Other Stories

Fashion Scout Graduate Showcase designer, Sadie Williams, has announced her incredible new collaboration with ‘& Other Stories’ due to hit the stores tomorrow.

Sadie, who was featured at London Fashion Week September 2013, by Fashion Scout, has been busy creating her signature glitter fueled pieces for the international fashion brand.

Sadie who has already worked with J.W.Anderson and Katie Hillier since gradating last year, is known for her ‘Disco Daleks’ as coined by Alexander Fury.

Sadie and Joe Williams have also created an exclusive film for the launch of her new capsule collection.

The collection will be in stores from the 13^th November, across 11 countries including London’s Regent Street.

EXCLUSIVE | Mariana Jungmann Joins the CFE's Fashion Pioneers

The Centre For Fashion Enterprise's Pioneer Programme is designed to nurture emerging London-based designer labels, identifying and providing solutions for some of the issues that may be stifling growth in the early stages of business.

Fashion Scout designer, Mariana Jungmann, who debuted her collection at Fashion Scout London in an exciting multi-sensory catwalk show, is the latest to join the best new designers accepted onto the CFE Pioneer Programme.

Mariana Jungmann, will follow in the footsteps of CFE Pioneer Alumni; Simone Rocha, Steven Tai, Haizen Wang and T Lipop amongst others. She will be joined by Fashion East designer Louise Alsop and new talents Faustine Steinmetz, Adrien Sauvage, Liam Hodges and Studio XO.

Of being inducted into the Programme Mariana says; "London is one of the most inspiring places I've ever been, more than that it is the place to be if you want to grow a business. The Pioneer Programme has helped designers that I look up to, to become the huge success they are now. I can't wait for it to start so we can venture into this new journey."

EXCLUSIVE | Jay Briggs' Selfridges Christmas Windows

London Selfridges Christmas Windows displays team up with Fashion Scout designer Jay Briggs.

Their enchanted fairytale inspired window displays, will be around for the duration of the winter season. Jay Briggs was chosen by the Visual Merchandising team to collaborate on one of the stories, after seeing his wonderful head pieces. The ‘Ugly Duckling’ theme is perfect for the spellbinding Jay Briggs brand.

“It’s been a dream to collaborate with Selfridges on this occasion and I’m so pleased they chose to work with me on this project. Hopefully this is the start of an ongoing collaboration.” – Jay Briggs.

Since presenting his collection at Fashion Scout, Paloma Faith has already worn his signature white dress and his headpieces are featured in Kylie Minogue’s latest music video.

You can view the display now at the London Store on Oxford Street.

By Lauren Slater

Images by Elizabeth Hodson

HIGHLIGHTS | Colin Leslie at Fashion Scout London

Eco Friendly, handcrafted bamboo sunglasses brand, Colin Leslie, made a splash with their retro styled sunglasses found on the front row at Fashion Scout London SS15.

VIP guests where treated to a pair of shades in the FROW goodie bags at various shows during Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week. Colin Leslie Eyewear’s Eco Unit.T range is made from recycled acetate frames and plantation sourced bamboo, protecting natural wildlife.

The Eco Friendly ideals of Colin Leslie Eyewear fit in with that of the Fashion Scout Merit Award winners this season – Gyo Yuni Kimchoe nature friendly sensibilities, where they where also featured in the front row goodie bags.

VIP front row guests at Fashion Scout SS15 include; Amber Le Bon and Yasmine Le Bon, Kimberly Garner, Brix Smith Start, Philip Green, Hilary Alexander, Sara Maino from Italian Vogue, Tamzin Outhwaite, and fashionista Pandemonia.

If you where lucky enough to get your hands on a pair, show us how you style your Colin Leslie Eyewear using the hashtag #becoolwithouttrying for a chance to be featured on the Fashion Scout twitter and blog!

@ColinLeslieUK

#becoolwithouttrying

EXCLUSIVE| Fashion Scout AW15 Applications Now Open

We are pleased to announce that applications for the AW15 London and Paris showcases are now open.

From the 20th to the 24th February, Fashion Scout London will take place for another season at the Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, London over the five days of London Fashion Week. Showcasing the very best in upcoming fashion talent, designers can apply to show their collections as catwalk shows, presentations or part of our exhibition.

This season’s applications will also open for the prestigious and highly desired Merit Award, won by Gyo Yuni Kimchoe this season. The Merit Award new talent initiative is worth £25,000 over three seasons and is responsible for the launch of design careers including that of William Tempest, David Koma, Hermione De Paula, Eudon Choi, Georgia Harding, Leutton Postle, Phoebe English, as well as Xiao Li. The Merit Award is open to new womenswear designers who have already graduated and wish to show during London Fashion Week.

Additionally, new designers can apply for the Ones to Watch collaborative showcase. Known as the first and best place to see the future of UK and International design talent, the Ones to Watch provides four designers with a high profile catwalk show and, along with the Merit Award show, attracts an audience of both buyers and press season after season.

Fashion Scout Paris will also return to its Paris home in the heart of Marais, where designers will be able to individually display their collections to the elite fashion Industry. Visitors to the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom last season included Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, Lucinda Chambers, Fran Burns, Sarah Mower, Sara Maino, Worldwide Vogue and Worldwide Elle. 

To request an application pack and for full information, please email: press@fashionscoutevents.com.

HIGHLIGHTS| Fashion Scout London SS15