NEWS| Vita Gottlieb AW14 Collection Preview

A womenswear designer focused on graphic prints, the subtle use of colour and innovative panelling, Vita Gottlieb is one who manages to fuse the world of art with that of fashion. Ahead of showcasing her AW14 collection with us on Sunday 16th at our Freemasons' Hall, Gottlieb shares the mood boards and illustrations that have inspired this season's creations.

Inspired by the image of Grace Jones in a Mahajara's Palace, caged birds fight for flight as the deep reds and golden hues are indicative of the setting sun. Born and raised in London, Gottlieb graduated from Central Saint Martins with an MA in Fine Art before setting up her label in 2012. Having already attracted the attention of press among the likes of Harper's Bazaar and i-D magazine, she's stocked in both London and the Middle East. With Gottlieb's collections taking their starting points from an imagined scene from an imaginary film, we look forward to seeing how she carries the contrasting themes of strength and fragility to the catwalk.

Be sure to check the full Fashion Scout catwalk schedule here.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Images courtesy of Vita Gottlieb

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT AW14| Lulu Liu

Few designers are able to capture minimalism and combine it with an elegant youthful quality. Lulu Liu is one of these golden few who possess this quality. Originally from China, Lulu has sought inspiration from her surroundings and, after living in Japan for six years before making the move to London to study at the prestigious London College of Fashion, this is evident in her designs. Lulu has worked under the guidance of some of fashion’s most influential designers including Alexander McQueen and Giles Deacon before setting up her eponymous label.

Her SS14 collection shown at Freemasons' Hall carried with it a fascinating romanticism with delicate ruffles and hand painted paisley prints. Lulu’s design aesthetic is firmly rooted in clean lines and strong voluminous silhouettes and is all about a beautiful balance, further emphasised by her desire to use only the best fabrics. She combined butter-soft leathers and luxurious silks with unique skills such as the ruffle detail and also weaving, which was key in her SS14 collection.

Lulu Liu will showcase her AW14 collection on Day One of Fashion Scout London at 11:30am in The Gallery.

By Olivia Hunter (@oliviahunter)

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT AW14| Jamie Wei Huang

A contemporary womenswear designer who combines the conceptual with the modern, Jamie Wei Huang is a designer whose work is nothing short of impressive. Having already been selected as one of the top five finalists for the international Designer for Tomorrow award, not to mention winning UKFT’s TAP award and gaining full sponsorship for her SS14 catwalk show at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013, Huang’s label is one based on the principle of bringing character to contemporary women.

One that uses fashion as a visual language to explore the self through material, texture and cut, her roots have become her foundations for developing the direction of her signature aesthetic. Personally mentored by Stella McCartney and having gained experience under both Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, we look forward to seeing what Jamie Wei Huang brings to the catwalk this season. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)