PARIS SHOWROOMS| Taeseok Kang AW14

A London College of Fashion graduate, Taeseok Kang has pushed the boundaries of handbag design, presenting us with collections which combine luxury leathers with surrealist elements. Utilising human hair in his handbag designs, Kang creates hair tassels and braided hair handles, challenging preconceptions of tradition.

All hand-crafted in vegetarian leather, Kang’s designs explore sexuality and the human body, with past pieces using shape function and detail to reflect aspects of the sexual human body. Inspired by his own sexual curiosity as a child growing up in Korea, Kang gives us a lesson in controversial couture. Upon first glance, Kang’s collections appear to be as you would expect from a luxe fashion brand however on further inspection, erotic undertones seep to the surface as he juxtaposes the subtle with the extreme.

Having previously exhibited at Fashion Scout London, Kang has gone on to show his SS14 collection at Fashion Scout's Paris Showrooms, where he will be returning this season with his latest offering for AW14. Expect sexual narratives in premium leathers as Kang’s innovative and unique vision continues to tackle taboos.

By Charlotte Muscat, (@CharlotteLM9), Contributor

Images, courtesy of Taesok Kang.

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Andreeva AW14

A Ukrainian brand founded in 2010, Andreeva is known for its impeccable detail and application of hand-made elements and embroidery. Founded by Olga Andreeva, luxurious fabrics mix with the finest jersey and knitwear. All things which, combined with her hand-made accessories and hand-painted shawls, make for strong collections. 

People and fine arts, as well as impeccable taste are the values the brand prides itself on, with a constant desire to encourage women to live the lie they want to live. With five complete collections now under her belt, Andreeva has presented at Aurora Fashion Week is Russia as well as the Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days in Ukraine. 

For AW14, Andreeva will be on display in our Paris Showrooms, which run until Monday 3rd March. 

By Josh Walker, (@josh_walker_), Editor.

Images, courtesy of Andreeva.

ILLUSTRATION| Sue Dray Illustrates Belle Sauvage and Pam Hogg at Fashion Scout London

Belle Sauvage

Belle Sauvage

Belle Sauvage

Belle Sauvage

Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg

Illustrations by Sue Dray, (suedray.tumblr.com)

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Dioralop AW14

Dioralop, brainchild of design duo Andreja Bistricic and Maja Merlic is a Croatian label based in Zagreb. Dioralop collections are inspired by polaroid pictures, composed from spilt chemicals which are exposed to different temperatures creating unique and innovative patterned prints. Bistricic's eye for cut and experimentation with deconstruction perfectly combines with Merlic's print and textile expertise as a formidable design team.

The brand's name utilises clever reflective wordplay. Street fashion and subcultures inspire the Diorlop brand and each design is executed in luxurious, enigmatic fabrics. Creative, experimental pattern cutting makes for innovative silhouettes which play with shape and proportion. Dioralop's dark and edgy aesthetic has gone from strength to strength since their launch, with Bistricic and Merlic being awarded an Elle Magazine Style Award for ‘Best Young Designers’. The design duo have also stamped their mark on fashion capitals London and Paris, showing at London Fashion Weeks, International Fashion Showcase in 2012 and at Paris’ ‘Capsule’ fashion fair.

Bistricic graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in 2009, where she specialized in womenswear. She went on to gain design experience, interning at Alexander McQueen. Merlic is an architect, her contrasting expertise and knowledge of texture and print compliment Bistricic’s skill set and make for beautifully structured designs in contemporary prints.

Dioralop showcased their SS14 collection at Fashion Scout Paris showrooms, giving us a lesson in print and textile manipulation. They are currently showing at our Paris showrooms this season with their AW14 collection.

Charlotte Muscat, Contributor, (@Charlotte LM9).

Images, courtesy of Dioralop.

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Day One Highlights AW14

As Day One of our Paris Showroom comes to an end, we look back on today's highlights. From Liz Black, whose collection, inspired by Salvador Dali, introduced itself in the form of a presentation during our Freemasons' Hall AW14 showcase in London to the strong, art and architecture inspired pieces from Yasya Minochkina, the talent has been impressive through and through.

Also including the work of recent LVMH Award finalist Hellen van Rees, with her tweed, straightforward designs as well as our Merit Award winner Xiao Li, the showrooms have already attracted a number of industry individuals and we look forward to what the second day brings. 

Our showroom will be open tomorrow morning from 10am - 7pm and is situated in the heart of Paris at 23 Rue de Sicile, Paris, 75004. 

By Josh Walker, (@josh_walker_), Editor.

Photos by Hannah Farrell, (@HFazzzz).

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Fashion Scout PFW Party

We're thrilled to announce that tomorrow, February 27th, we'll be celebrating at Titty Twister. Organised by O.N.O, with live music from Katro Zauber, Livoo and Fredelux and it taking place in the heart of Paris, it looks set to be the perfect way to kick off our Paris Showrooms. Our showrooms open at 10am tomorrow morning and will run until 4th March.

5 Rue de Berri

75008 Paris

France

-

From 11:00pm

To be added to the guest list, please email: info@fashionscoutevents.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

PARIS SHOWROOMS| D'Albert AW14

Yorkshire born Julia D’Albert has come a long way in quite a short time. After studying tailoring at the London College of Fashion, she was the winner of the Merchant Taylors’ prestigious Silver Shears award, putting her tailoring skills to the test against some of Savile Row’s finest. She went on to further her studies at Central St Martins and even went to Paris where she gained an MA in Creative Couture before going on to develop the line as it is now.

D’Albert is preparing to showcase her second season in Paris, and after a successful first unveiling of her SS14 collection, she will not disappoint. Her experience in tailoring and her pattern cutting skills are evident in her SS14 collection, with a modest blend of fabrics including wool, silk and leather, the looks are tailoring with a sports luxe edge. Shift dresses with oversized sporty sleeves and well cut tapered trousers paired with crop tops were key themes for D’Albert SS14. Her aesthetic largely focuses on clean lines and a sleek tailored look, but is given a twist with sharp pops of colour. As an emerging designer D’Albert is still refining her brand ethos and honing her many skills but we expect big things from her for AW14 when she shows at Fashion Scout.

By Olivia Hunter, Contributor, (@oliviahunter).

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Kirsty Ward AW14

Kirsty Ward presents a bold and sculptured aesthetic in her designs. Named ‘One to Watch’ by Fashion Scout in AW11, the jewellery designer is known for her striking statement pieces so it is no surprise that embellished jewellery and body garments feature prominently in her collections. Combining awe inspiring, innovative jewellery designs with delicate and refined silhouettes, Ward provides a beautiful juxtaposition of clean, understated lines with bold accessories. An exploration of masculine and feminine aesthetics along with the incorporation of contemporary jewellery create innovative designs with a playful nature.

Ward honed her craft at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design where she studied for an MA in Womenswear. Soon after graduation, Ward was jetted over to Italy to design for Alberta Ferretti. She has gone on to attract attention from the fashion elite, collaborating with designer David Longshaw to create a jewellery line for his AW10 catwalk collection.

Having previously shown her SS14 collection at Fashion Scouts’ Paris showrooms, Ward will be making a return to Paris this season to showcase her AW14 collection where we can expect to see a celebration of vibrantly exaggerated accessories and textured garments toughened up with masculine features.

By Charlotte Muscat, Contributor (@CharlotteLM9)

PARIS SHOWROOMS| ÆTHER AW14

A womenswear label based between London and Stockholm, Aether pride themselves on forward thinking, sustainable design. Founded by fashion designer Neliana Fuenmayor and graphic designer and fashion photographer Paula Maso, their differing skills complement the other in the creation of products that have a balance of both style and sustainability. 

When it comes to their designs, the skill become quickly apparent. With a manufacturing process kept as local as possible, high-quality, feminine and sophisticated pieces that steer away from trends and fads combine to create their first collection. Entitled Chapter One, distance is placed ever-further from seasonal dictation through prints and a bold colour palette. Describing themselves as a ‘transparent company’, information on the production process, suppliers and clothing's honest journey sets the scene perfectly for an honest and trustworthy, if not timelessly innovative brand.

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).
Images courtesy of ÆTHER Studios.

PARIS SHOWROOMS| Hellen van Rees AW14

With our Paris Showroom opening on Thursday, we take a look at the designers who'll be showcasing their latest collections. First, is Hellen van Rees.

A Dutch designer, Hellen van Rees graduated with an MA in womenswear from Central St. Martins college of Art and Design in 2012 and has gone on to take the fashion world by storm. The designer showed her debut collection in both London and Paris and was named one of our Ones to Watch for SS13, before going on to show again at Fashion Scout for SS14.

Van Rees reworks tweed in her designs, giving it a modern edge. Inspired by contemporary art, van Rees also utilises 3-Dimensional elements within her designs creating a fresh new approach to a classic material. Silhouettes are sleek and minimal in their construction with inspiration being taken from the 1920s. Digital printed silks also feature in Van Rees’ collections and provide a beautiful contrast to the frayed edges of her handmade tweed. A demure, feminine aesthetic juxtaposed with innovative textures make for a stunning combination and gives designs a tactile quality.

Based in Hengelo, The Netherlands, van Rees won the Humanity in Fashion Award during Berlin Fashion Week in 2013, being recognised for her skill in creating sustainable fashion designs by use of her one hundred percent recycled, hand crafted textiles. Her signature style of classic cuts combined with innovative design techniques make for an exciting fusion of the old and the new.

Returning to Fashion Scout for another season, Hellen Van Rees will be showcasing her AW14 collection at our Paris Showrooms.

By Charlotte Muscat, Contributor, (@CharlotteLM9).
Images courtesy of Hellen van Rees.