CATWALK| Ekaterina Kukhareva SS14

COLLECTION| Ekaterina Kukhareva FEB'13

Autumn/ Winter Ekaterina Kukhareva transported spectators to a world of high octane, retro 'Hallucinogenic Housewife’ glamour; inspired by the lives of coffee-morning girls, bored of straight-up caffeine and their 'tennis coach' dreams. Kukhareva shunned convention, replacing cookie-cutter "Moms" with Martini-fuelled fantasy-driven noons, and canapés served on Byzantine and Ottoman dishes.

The collection's lucid pink, violet and acid green viscose wool pieces showcased Ekaterina's textile-training, as well as the curvature of the female form. The combination of form fitting leotards, plunging necklines and striking lurex-knit floor length dresses created the most desirable saunter and silhouette on the runway.

The 50’s inspiration didn't cease there; headpieces and jewellery created by Lara Jensen came in the shape of extravagant bejeweled hair rollers and vibrant oversized jewel encrusted earrings which perfectly completed the lucid fantasy.

By Brooke McCord (@BrookeMcCord)

Photographs by Max Barnett (@MaxBarnettPhoto)

BACKSTAGE| Ekaterina Kukhareva FEB'13

The concept was 'housewives gone wild' backstage at Ekaterina Kukhareva. Fashion Scout spoke to the hair and beauty teams to find out how they created the look. Stylists for Toni&Guy created two looks. "The whole inspiration is the idea of a 1950s housewife who always looks perfect and wears everything in her wardrobe. But she is so bored of waiting home for her husband, drinking cocktails that she goes crazy." To represent this the models were styled in two different looks. "We have created a bob look, using volume mousse, medium tongs and hairspray to create movement. The second look is focused on the accessories. We have used diamante encrusted hair rollers to make it more glamorous yet still get that feeling of insanity."

LAN Nguyen-Grealis created a more contemporary interpretation of the 50s look. "We have only taken the essentials from the 50s look and made it slightly edgier to create a rock and roll vibe. We have used a slick of Body Shop liquid eyeliner, brow kit to give definition and lip gloss in 11 to create a lustrous red lip."

The aesthetic carried over to nails which were styled long and oval to create a groomed appearance, with individual nail art for each model.

Words by Darcie Thompson-Fields (@DarcieTF)

Images by Tram Nguyen (@TramNguyenp)

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Ekaterina Kukhareva

Ukrainian born, London based designer Ekaterina Kukhareva is exhibiting her most recent work in the VFS Paris showroom. Having recently displayed her S/S13 garments on the catwalk at our Freemason's Hall during London Fashion week, the collection revolved around strong prints and detailing inspired by the 60's and St Tropez. We caught up with the Central Saint Martin's graduate, to talk about her pieces and Paris.

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

I have had a fantastic response from my show in London. In Paris, there's a really good atmosphere, great crew and a lot of positive feedback.

Is there a favourite piece/look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

The look that encapsulated the collection is a woven suit that is really feminine and chic.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

The importance of showing in Paris is to meet international press and buyers that couldn't make it to the London show. For them it is an opportunity to look at the collection up close and to ask any questions they may have.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

For me it was an opportunity to do a show, to be able to showcase my designs to a

greater audience.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

I definitely enjoy the surroundings, food and wine in Paris.

Ekaterina's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout paris Showroom until 2^nd October 2012.

COLLECTION| Ekaterina Kukhareva S/S13

Best known for her strong use of prints and eccentric detailing. Ukarian born Ekaterina Kukhareva, CSM graduate with a degree in textile and knitwear provided the audience with assortment of prints and neon brights. Inspired by 60’s muse Brigitte Bardot and her St. Tropez lifestyle. The theme was seen throughout, flattering swimwear with 60’s inspired prints were followed with a selection of neon bright shift dresses.

The fabrics were based on geometric shapes and you can easily see Brigitte herself wearing any item whilst in St. Tropez. Ribs, pleats and weaving techniques were seen adorned on patterned jackets and loose fitting dresses. Circular sunglasses with flowers attached gave the looks a strong beach vibe. As well as hairbands and woven sunhats, making it a perfect holiday resort collection for S/S 13. A certain sex appeal was applied to the looks with models parading in cut out swimwear and patterned platforms. Hair and make-up was taken to the 60’s era with bouffant styles and lashings of candy eyeshadow. Ekaterina, gave us here at LFW a desperate urge to go on holiday and to take every piece with us.

Text by Lora O'Callaghan (@loraocallaghan)

Images by Ryan Bater

BACKSTAGE| Ekaterina Kukhareva S/S13

Ekaterina Kukhareva’s prepares for her show backstage with models dressed in candy colours and a vibrancy that radiates from the collection as well as the models.

Brigitte Bardot inspired hair comes from the hands of the team at Toni & Guy who created big 60s styles that complement the vintage vibe of the collection. Make up from The Body Shop added classic cat eyes in neon brights giving a modern spin to the beauty looks.

The energy backstage was fun and youthful a theme of a day at the beach got the models into the character of the collection, which mixed bright colours with varied textures and structure.

Text by Vanessa Omoregie

Images by Kevin Chesnais

DAY THREE| International Reception, Ekaterina Kukhareva, Phoebe English, House of Evolution

International Reception currently taking place, today 10am-1pm

VFS Director Martyn Roberts with Hannah White, Editor in Chief - Fashion Monitor

Laura Hinttula, Deputy Editor - Fashion Monitor wearing and chatting to with Patrick Li

It's Day Three at Vauxhall Fashion Scout and everyone is preparing for another exciting day of innovative collections from the industry's most anticipated emerging designers. Featured at the Freemason's Hall today are Ekaterina Kukhareva, Former Merit Award winner Phoebe English and House of Evolution.

Currently taking place in our Exhibition Space is our International Reception - hosted in partnership with Fashion Monitor. The fourth International Reception which has taken place is designed for VIP's, international and national press and buyers to talk to this year's exhibiting designers about their coveted collections.

The event is by invitation only and therefore provides the perfect platform for the designers to network with some of the industry's most respected in a relaxed atmosphere. Hot beverages are provided from returning sponsor  Tea*Shed whilst SNOG deliver delicious frozen yoghurt topped with fresh fruit - a perfect way to start your Sunday morning. 

The established event allows our Exhibition Designers - including Merit Award Winner S/S13 Heohwan Simulation and Ones to Watch Designers - to relish in the opportunity to discuss their collections and gain advice from prolific figures in the fashion sphere. Fashion Monitor are proud to sponsor the event with Editor in Chief, Hannah White explaining that for the designers,“It is great to have the opportunity to meet with the international press attending LFW at the International Reception”, providing them with an amazing platform which, of course, is Vauxhall Fashion Scouts main aim.

Showcasing their S/S13 collections today is Ekaterina Kukhareva, Former Merit Award Winner Phoebe English and House of Evolution (Danilo Gabrielli, Lug von Siga and DB Berden)

10:00 – 13:00 International Reception

12:30 Ekaterina Kukhareva

16:00 Phoebe English

19:30: House of Evolution

Photography by Kevin Chesnais

NEWS| VFS Designers Ekaterina Kukhareva and Alice Lee Sample Sale

Have you ever gazed hopefully at the VFS catwalk wishing you could afford one of the ready to wear pieces that are sashaying in front of you?


Now's your chance! Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers Ekaterina Kukhareva and Alice Lee have teamed together (alongside jewellery designer Helene Turbe) to offer a whopping 70% off discount on previous stock. The event takes place on 25th and 26th May from 12 - 7pm (with an opening sale evening tonight - 24th - 6pm til 9pm). All details are in the invitation above, including the RSVP emails, but you can read more on Ekaterina's blog here. 


By Editor, Cass Gowing, 
Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing
Images from Ekaterina Kukhareva

NEWS| VFS designers stocked at one of London's hottest boutiques

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers Georgia Hardinge, Ekaterina Kukhareva, Baartmans & Siegel, T.Lipop as well as VFS alumni Jasper Gardiva are all stocked in the fab boutique Wolf & Badger. 

The boutique focuses on showcasing innovative and emerging designers both in its stores and online. Described as 'Britain's best boutiques' by Vogue UK, Wolf & Badger first opened 'The Lab' in Notting Hill two years ago, but now also has a flagship site 'The Shop' in Mayfair and a store in Porto Montenegro. This retailer makes exciting and innovative new designers accessible to all, view their site now.

By Editor Cass Gowing 

T: @CassGowing

Images from the Wolf & Badger website

COLLECTIONS| VFS Press Day Picks at POP PR

Nova Chiu

Pam Hogg

Bernard Chandran

Prose

Ekaterina Kukhareva

POP PR look after many VFS designers, so we'll keep the praise-heavy comments to a minimum and let the pieces say it all. This press day illustrated our designers' diversity and the different ways innovative, design talent can manifest itself. The polychromatic quirks of Nova Chiu's collection, and the structured, leather black from Bernard Chandran mean that every colour of the spectrum is covered; and in terms of texture, Prose's tiered-woven tufts, and Ekaterina's macramé have got that covered too... 

Look upon the images, and make what you will of our international talents. Let us know what you think below,or on the @FashionScout Twitter and Facebook.

Images and text by Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine