DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS13 | Steven Tai

Steven Tai is the womenswear design graduate from Central Saint Martins who was previously featured in Vauxhall Fashion Scouts Graduate Showcase last season. Being selected as a finalist at the 2012 Hyères Festival by Yohji Yamamoto and winning the inaugural Chloé award a few months ago, are just some of this young designer’s achievements. Originally from Canada, he has gained experience around the world from working in Amsterdam with Viktor & Rolf to working in London with Stella McCartney.

Berlin Fashion Week saw the debut of his SS13 collection, winning him praise and recognition for his unusual inspirations and whimsical “intellectual chic” aesthetic. Featuring a spectacular pen nib dress which he collaborated on with creative technologist John Nussey, the collection presents a reinvention of “geek chic” that we’ve seen many times before. This time Steve has taken this concept, focusing on the aspects of technology and the beauty of awkwardness. His techniques include mimicking the stacking of books with fabric, carving them into beautifully peculiar shapes.

Featured in Vogue Italia, Elle, Dazed & Confused, Wonderland Magazine and more, Steven Tai has been recognised for his talent and potential. His plans for the future include participating in Camper’s sponsored shoe workshop, going to Milan for the White Young Talent showroom, as well as presenting his latest collection at 4FashionShake in Athens in November. He will be showcasing his work at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Exhibition from September 14 – 18.

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack

Collection images - Steven Tai
Exhibition Image - Vauxhall Fashion Scout

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS13 | Patrick Li

Patrick Li started his career having completed a fashion design and business studies BA at the University of Brighton. Moving onto the MA Fashion Womenswear course at the Royal College of Art, he graduated just last year with experience working with Hussein Chalayan and Viktor & Rolf.

Chinese-born London based designer, Patrick Li was featured as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Graduate Showcase last season where his collection inspired by the photography of Edward Burtynsky gained recognition. Combining elements of organic shapes with mechanical structures, the Patrick Li brand aesthetic is focused on giving a feminine touch to architectural lines.

The RCA graduate will be one of many talented designers showcasing their work as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s exhibition during London Fashion Week from September 14 – 18.

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack

Images, VFS. 

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS13| Liz Black

It's modern design, elegant wearability and beautiful tailoring that come together to form the aesthetic of Liz Black. An already acclaimed graduate of Central Saint Martins, the designer launched her label in 2010 in an attempt to give her freedom to express her creativity. Designed for the “independent, empowered and fashion-forward” woman, Black's conceptual label is definitely impressive. Black has appeared in fashion publications among the likes of  POP magazine, Fashion 156 and Vogue - as well as press international following Lady Gaga wearing her Circle Bow Dress - whilst her garments are already stocked worldwide. Add to that being selected by Roland Mouret as a semi-finalist for the 2011 Fashion Fringe awards and being described by Vogue Italia's Senior Fashion Editor Sara Maino as a 'Vogue talent', and it's safe to say that Liz has well and truly caught of the eye of the fashion world. To see the aesthetically beautiful yet minimal statement pieces from Liz Black do not miss her showcase at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Exhibition Space at Freemasons Hall throughout London Fashion Week, 14th-18th September 2012.

By Josh Walker, Follow him on Twitter @josh_walker_

Edited by Cass Gowing, Editor. Images from Liz Black's website.

EXCLUSIVE| Phoebe English Pre-LFW Interview

To celebrate there being just two weeks until London Fashion Week and Vauxhall Fashion Scout's SS13 showcase, we've got an exclusive interview with last season's Merit Award winner Phoebe English. Phoebe talks to the VFS blog team exclusively to discuss her recent fashion films and future SS13 showcase. 

You've recently worked with SHOWstudio through your two day live stream; how did the opportunity to work with the site, and Nick Knight come about?
SHOWstudio kindly contacted us in regards to making a costume for the dancer Leah Debrincat, i think they were drawn to my work as it has negated themes of frenetics and movement in the past.

What is it about representing your aesthetic through film that attracts you to the format- do you see it as another [separate] creative outlet, or a medium supporting your clothes?
I see the films as a completely separate component from the collection. The thought process and development of these pieces differs greatly from working on the clothes. It is often not until the period of time after a collection is finished do i have the time and energy to fully understand what informed that body of work, I use this latent realisation to inform the thematics which I explore in the films. The medium of film is still very new to me and I feel i have only just begun to comprehend it and realise its potential.

Do you see your representation of AW12 through film as one that corresponds with the 'Phoebe English Girl' (customer) that you would expect to see in your clothes? 
The styling we use in the film is specifically planned as a method to explain the possibilities of how to actually wear our pieces. Despite the heavy overtones of fantasy within the film the actual breakdown of the clothes into new ideas of styling them is exactly how Rose and I would like the ideal 'Phoebe English' girl to take control of her wardrobe and be imaginative enough to reinterpret our product into her own ideas of dressing. 

You will be showcasing your SS13 collection once again with Vauxhall Fashion Scout in September- what can we expect from this collection? Will you be maintaining the colourful streak that shocked last season, or something different altogether? 
When i start thinking about a new body of work, i always think about in terms of where i have been before and where i would like to now go, my thought process is in equal parts and similtaneously; an evolution and revolution. You will have to watch and see!

How do you feel Vauxhall Fashion Scout and our Merit Award has impacted your career?
It has a pleasure to have been so supported and nurtured by such a wonderful and passionate team of people.

See Phoebe English's SS13 collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Freemason's Hall on Sunday 16th September at 4.00pm. 

Images taken from Phoebe English's AW12 film
Text by Cass Gowing

NEWS| Autumn/ Winter Carlotta Actis Barone in August issue of i-D

Always one to address socio-political issues past, and present, pieces from Carlotta Actis Barone's Autumn/Winter collection dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims have been featured in the August 'Just Kids' issue of i-D.

One of the stark, barbed-wire print bodysuits that intermittently punctuated the designer's most recent collection has been featured in an editorial inspired by the 70s psychedlia of the drug-fuelled antics of a previous generation's youth.

For the remaining editorial shots, be sure to pick up the issue on newstands before September issues hit shelves. Also check out our review, and show images here for more details from Carlotta's A/W'12 collection.

COLLECTION| Anne Sofie Madsen AW lookbook images released

Autumn/ Winter 'One-to-Watch' Anne Sofie Madsen has just released lookbook images of the looks unveiled earlier this year with us at Freemasons. The Dutch-born designer's Inuit-inspired hues, and haunting print-work can be seen styled here on Madsen's website, along with the A/W VFS show video.

Follow, and Tweet us @FashionScout on Twitter, and Twitpic your favourite Autumn/Winter Madsen look.

Also read our post-show Anne-Sofie interview for more from the designer, and see her feature on Vogue Italia here.

NEWS| Kirsty Ward wows with further coverage in the press

It was only a few weeks ago that we showcased on the blog a ton of Kirsty Ward press, from both print magazines and online publications, which led to us to chat to the designer regarding such coverage. Over the last couple of weeks, Kirsty Ward clothing has been featured further, this time in a range of breathtaking, yet contrastive editorials. The ones selected above, from Fatice, 1883 magazine and REVS, portray pieces from Kirsty Ward's collections, mostly AW12. 

In addition, a Kirsty Ward AW12 necklace was deemed an AnOther magazine 'love' for the 'BIG statement' it makes. Never a truer word spoken. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter

NEWS| Exclusive catch up with Kirsty Ward

Because Magazine 

Harper's Bazaar 

Crack Magazine

 Grazia Magazine

 Susie Bubble, from Style Bubble, wearing Kirsty Ward

A certain Ms Kirsty Ward has been very popular as of late, in fact it seems you can't open a magazine without seeing her name - or jewellery - emblazoned across the page. Kirsty was first hotly tipped by yours truly - Vauxhall Fashion Scout showcased Kirsty's designs as an exhibition designer for SS11 and as VFS One's to Watch for AW11 - whilst Vogue hailed her 'Designer to Watch in 2011'. 

Here's a snippet of the recent press that the acclaimed designer has received, make sure you also check out the My Fashion Life's feature as well as the Because magazine's interview with her. 

Editor Cass Gowing caught up with Kirsty Ward to see how it feels to receive such positive press...

"The press exposure is really great at the minute, I'm working with such a great PR agency (Sane Communications) they are lovely people too. The press side of the business is really important as it definately leads onto sales and helping the brand grow, which is really important to me. 

I've also been getting some really amazing press in the Middle East as my pieces are stocked in Dubai and I visited there for an event earlier this year, the press out there have been really supportive, clocking up features in Grazia, L'Officiel, Time Out, Harpers Bazaar amongst various important Middle Eastern magazines, Newspapers and TV channels."

It seems like Kirsty Ward has been a very busy bee, but what is she up to at the minute?

"At the moment its a mix of production and S/S13 which I'm really excited about, I'm currently working on the final toiles for the garments and I have various jewellery elements lying around inspiring me. As I mentioned in my Twin Factory interview a hint of my inspiration is: Tea ladies and tabards with a modern sci-fi edge."

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter

Images accredited above

NEWS| Paloma Faith in Bernard Chandran for new single '30 Minute Love Affair'

Singer Paloma Faith has opted to wear another Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer; this time  opting for Bernard Chandran. 

Paloma Faith's second single from her new album '30 Minute Love Affair' features her in a Bernard Chandran AW12 gown on the single cover. Styled by Karl Willett, Paloma is wearing one of the electric blue dresses from a mostly monochrome AW12 collection, as showcased at Freemason's Hall in February. Laser cut detached shoulders and high necklines were an intrinsic part of this line, whilst the variation of fabrics and heavy embellishment featured predominantly. Malaysian designer Chandran's silhouette-focussed designs have proved popular with female songstress heavyweights such as Lady Gaga and Rita Ora whilst Paloma - a clear fan of emerging designers and new talent - recently donned fellow VFS designer Inbar Spector for a performance on Jools Holland. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images from Google and AMF

NEWS| Malene Oddershede Bach featured in The Upcoming

Malene Oddershede Bach impresses with her AW12/13 collection and is featured in The Upcoming.

After an impressive SS12 show, Malene Oddershede Bach brings another captivating collection with bursts of colour and intricate patterns. The Upcoming talks about her continuous rise since stunning the panel at Vauxhall Fashion Scout with her graduate collection, and their appreciation for her amazing way of mixing fabrics and textiles to create bold pieces.

One that tells a story, the collections holds inspiration that comes from “the feeling of being lost and unfulfilled”. This powerful and captivating message is brought to life with a remarkable use of cuts and shapes, in which they hail her as “the designer that proves emotions can be expressed aesthetically through clothes”.

The Upcoming show their excitement for the designer’s AW12/13 collection giving you a rundown of their favourite looks. We’re not the only ones thrilled to see what Malene has in store for us next!

By Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)

Images from Malene's AW12 Lookbook

NEWS| Kirsty Ward featured in TWENTY6

The jewellery of London based designer Kirsty Ward has been featured in the editorial of online fashion magazine, TWENTY6. With her creations taking unconventional structures with an emphasis on form, the A/W12 necklace is shot alongside pieces by Acne and Bora Aksu. A graduate of Womenswear at Central Saint Martins, the designer launched her label in 2010 and was named the Rising Star of 2011 by Elle.co.uk. Having also been featured alongside David Longshaw in the June issue of Retail Jeweller magazine, Ward has appeared on Maudezine, the blog of Longshaw's fabric mouse creation Maude.

By VFS Contributor Josh Walker

Images from TWENTY6 and Maudezine

NEWS| T.Lipop's AW12 Lookbook

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer T.Lipop has released his lookbook images for his AW12 collection. Edgy, tailored yet somewhat Neanderthal, Tom showcased the  frostbitten collection at the The Fashion East Menswear Installation moments before hitting the Freemason's catwalk in February.


Designer Tom Lipop is one of ten designers who have been granted the opportunity to showcasing their Spring / Summer creations through Fashion East as part of BFC's brand new London Collections: Men which takes place this month.

T.Lipop's SS designs will be displayed through the installation on June 17th and you can still register for an industry pass here, Meanwhile, make sure you follow T.Lipop on Twitter as he has been excitedly tweeting about the progress he's making with his designs and the upcoming event!

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images from T.Lipop and Twitter

NEWS| Merit Award Winner AW12 Phoebe English is featured by Elle China

Merit Award Winner AW12 Phoebe English has been featured on Elle China's blog. The article looks over Phoebe's AW12 collection which was showcased at VFS's Freemason's Hall in February. The blog post pays particular attention to the simple cuts of the outfits mixed with accents of latex, whilst accrediting the different use of materials in this line as opposed to her previous collections. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

T: @CassGowing

Images by Rose Easton

INTERVIEW| VFS catches up with Grazia winner

Back in February, just hours before the official start of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's AW12 season Grazia launched a competition to win an amazing opportunity at Vauxhall Fashion Scout as well as a whole load of amazing goodies... 

Rachel Charlton-Dailey, a blogger from Mon Polkadot Cheri was the lucky, lucky winner of two tickets to VFS's Ones to Watch Men's and Women's shows, a chauffeur driven car courtessey of Vauxhall (to chaperone them to and from the venue) as well as a whole host of goodie bags from our lovely sponsors. Editor, Cass Gowing, caught up with prize winner Rachel this week, to look back at her amazing opportunity.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout: What made you enter the Grazia competition?

I saw the chance and I took it, I was already at LFW as I'm a writer so I thought there was no harm in trying.

VFS: Did you ever think you'd win?

Because of the appeal of the competition, no I didn't, but someone had to win!

VFS: Briefly talk us through your day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

Myself and fellow blogger Rachel Michaella were picked up from Somerset House by our driver at 3.30pm and driven to Freemasons Hall, it was a lovely journey and he even stopped to get coffee for us! When we arrived, we were allocated our backstage passes and allowed to wander around the exhibition. Just before the show started we were ushered to the front of the queue where we were given second row seats. We saw the Ones to Watch Womenswear show and then were allowed backstage. Afterwards, we visited the press lounge and wandered the grounds. Then the driver took us to our next show. 

VFS: What goodies did you grab?

Free sweet treats [from SugarSin], magazines, Toni&guy hair products, Body Shop make up products and other press items.

VFS: What do you think of the Freemason's Hall as a showspace?

I thought it was a great place, very historical and cultural but easily transformed.

VFS: What designer caught your eye during your visit to VFS's Freemason's Hall?

Shao Yen because of their cellist playing live and Nova Chiu for the bright colours and fabrics.

VFS: What was the best thing about the experience?

Being treated like someone important in the industry and not just another competition winner!

Here at the VFS, we’re thrilled that Rachel had such a great time at Freemason’s Hall during Fashion Week. Read Rachel's report on her blog here. 

Interview by Editor, Cass Gowing. 

T: @CassGowing

Grazia image, edited from Graziadaily.co.uk and photography by Natalia Ilina