TRACEPublicity Press Event

Last Friday, Fashion Scout popped along to TRACEPublicity’s Press Event to rifle through some of their gorgeous designer’s new S/S 12 collections armed with a glass of complimentary wine in our hands.

TRACEPublicity was established by Rob Davies and Lian Hirst and has some seriously impressive testimonials from journalists, stylists and designers alike, cementing them firmly in place amongst some of the best PR companies in London.

Showing at the event was;

Maria Francesca Pepe.

Creating jewellery that is both avant-garde yet completely wearable, Maria Francesca Pepe has a firm following which includes Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Florence Welch. 

Georgia Hardinge.

A Vauxhall Fashion Scout ‘Merit Award’ winner, Hardinge creates beautifully feminine garments and has been featured in the likes of Vogue and other major publications.

H by Harris.

Originally studying Interior Architecture and Design, Harris Elliott turned his hand to design when, after being disappointed by the lack of practical yet stylish laptop cases for men, he decided to create his own. 

Katie Rowland.

Inspired by the female form, multiple award winning jewellery designer Katie Rowland’s new collection is, quite frankly, stunning. Using gold and semi precious stones to create a little bit of luxury for the modern woman.

Yasmin Kianfar.

Central St Martin’s Graduate Yasmin Kianfar designs with such a passion for sensual beauty, she wishes to produce garments that have an iconic, timeless appeal and that the women of today will want to wear time and time again. 

 

Sarah Potter- Editor

International Buyer & Press Reception At The VFS Exhibition

On Sunday morning (usually the sleepiest day of the week when Fashion Week isn't on the calendar) we joined forces with online hub 'Fashion Monitor', inviting a huge selection of press and buyers from around the globe to join us in the VFS Exhibition space for a noon reception filled with organic juice, gourmet sandwiches and fresh coffee. The aim of the reception was to bring the chicest boutiques, buyers, stylists and journalists alike to collectively mingle and browse the latest collections of our exhibiting designers.

An impressive display of sandwiches courtesy of Tramezzino looked tempting as you entered the room, whilst a colourful display of Organic Village Juice was plentifully supplied to wash them down. The grub described as an 'Italian delight' is becoming a noted fixture at fashion events, catering earlier in the season for Sass & Bide as well as a Vivienne Westwood event. Confirming this, I overheard one of the guests exclaim 'This is fashion ham!'.

The reception, which was well attended, including appearances by The Convenience Store, NOT JUST A LABEL, YKK Europe and Tribaspace Berlin. ELLE Russia, Front Row, WeAr and Idol magazines came to check out the collections as well as SHOWstudio.com and ASOS.com.

Over the course of the week designers have seen interest from stockists such as HP France, Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Apollo Group, Browns, Carte Blanche, and Mywardrobe.com to name a few. Additionally, we've welcomed the likes of publications throughout the specturm. From i-D magazine to The Times, we've had them all, and it's been a fantastic season for building exposure for our budding designers.

On the success of the event, Fashion Monitor's Hannah White enthused 'everybody is here networking and chatting, it's been a great turn out'. We agree, and are more than excited for all of our designers as they grow, forging crucial relationships with international press and buyers.

Words : Lara Angol
Images : Natalia Ilina
Panoramic Image : Lucas Seidenfaden

Our 10th Season Party Photos

The Klaxons DJ

VFS Director John Walford chats to VFS designers Kirsty Ward and David Longshaw

 Jessica Bumpus of Vogue.com Chats with our illustrators Kelly Anna and Andy Bumpus

TONI&GUY's Tim Furssedon and Eudon Choi

VFS Director Martyn Roberts congratulates designer Sara Bro-Jorgensen and Stylist Sara Gilmour

The Exhibition 

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s exclusive 10th anniversary party was a sophisticated event held in the grand Freemasons Hall, Covent Garden. Fashionable quests mingled amongst mannequins dressed in some of the finest examples of VFS designers from the past decade. This display of beautiful clothes coupled with the spectacular architecture in the Freemasons Hall and music spun by the Klaxons and Sunday Girl made for a truly stylish atmosphere. Partygoers were treated to handmade sushi from Hi-sushi and decadent Lucky-s chocolate cake and sipped f. vodka infused cocktails, Asahi beer and Korbel champagne. 

Words : Amy Lockwood

Photos : Lucas Seidenfaden and Natalia Ilina

‘Drawing Fashion’ at The Design Museum

Illustration is the oldest form of media used to communicate ideas of fashion to the world; a form that served a particular important purpose at the turn of the twentieth century. The cutting edge photographic covers of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle that we see on the news-stands today were once whimsical illustrative creations depicting the latest trends, designs and styles by world class couturiers. As with the introduction of any new technology, photography soon replaced illustration and its necessity to communicate fashion soon diminished. The art of drawing fashion is still taught and practised today but regrettably does not always receive the large recognition it deserves.

The recently opened ‘Drawing Fashion’ exhibition hosted by The Design Museum, London, presents for the very first time an extensive collection of fashion illustrations ranging from 1910 to present, through an array of framed art work as well as video show reels which demonstrates the creative process of producing a classic fashion drawing. The collection, which took over thirty years to gather and collate, includes over 150 master pieces by world renowned twentieth century artists including Lepape, Gruau and Antonio, as well as those who continue the craft today, such as Mats Gustafson and Francois Berthoud.


The exhibition launched two Wednesdays ago with appearances from fashion industry faces including Vogue's Ella Alexander, legendary fashion writer and curator of 'Drawing Fashion', Colin McDowell (who generously gave VFS Director, John Walford, a signed copy of the exhibition's book), as well as our very own VFS designers, Eudon Choi and David Longshaw. "It's a fantastic exhibition, beautiful curated in a great setting." David told us after attending the launch party. "Getting to see the originals, being able to properly study them and look at their techniques (after seeing them in old Vogues and fashion history books) is massively inspiring." And of course David's date for the night, Maude the Mouse, had a thing or two to say on the matter as well: 


"Where were the f**#ing illustrations of me!!! Other than that massive oversigh, it was a gorgeous exhibition of  iconic imagery. A must see for any one interested in fashion: From students to seasoned practitioners we can all learn something from this exhibition... The booze was good aswell (great work with the sponsorship) Doris was  pissed after two minutes of arrival!"

David Longshaw's Maude in the ‘Drawing Fashion’ exhibition

I've often thought that the drawing of fashion is both a skill and a talent that should never be forgotten or dismissed (although with the world's constant demand for a digital and technological lifestyle, it does certainly look like it can go that way...) Longshaw couldn't help but agree: "Fashion illustration is an art form often neglected by galleries and under appreciated by the art and design world; this exhibition shows how incredible an art form it can be..." However, as was its purpose in the early twentieth century and that used by the design houses of Poiret, Chanel and Dior, many designers of today still use the traditional technique, whilst some style publications have too in recent years begun to embrace the illustrative form once again. This is documented in the exhibition’s ‘Fashion Drawing For The Future’ section through a display of Gustafson’s work for Chinese Vogue’s May 2010 issue as well as an introduction to fashion illustration of the future…

Our very own fashion illustrator (and i-D's 'top ten illustrators of the future') Kelly Anna, and myself pose with our favourite fashion drawings...

The exhibition runs until 6^th March 2011 at The Design Museum, London SE1 2YD. Please check their website for more details...

Sarah Barlow

Ralph Lauren 4-D Performance

On a chilly Wednesday in November at the junction of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens, intrigue and wonder built up when The Ralph Lauren building was turned into a six storey high, four dimensional cinema screen. By nightfall there was an eerie darkness as the street lamps and shop windows were turned off, and onlookers found a spot resting against bedazzled Cartier and Boodles windows.

The atmosphere was very like that anxious anticipation of a frosty New Year’s Eve before fireworks light up the sky. Ralph Lauren as such a prominent world renowned influence in the fashion industry had the crowd hopeful for a spectacular event.

RALPHLAUREN.COM was emblazed across the digital wall to highlight the intention of the occasion and a paranormal soundtrack was blasted. Fantasy masonry crumbled to the ground. Like an atomic bomb the windows detonated into a luminous glow. The heavenly building showed the silhouettes of 50ft models through the frames. These disappeared in an ‘Inception’-like cubist deconstruction of the walls to reveal a marble interior with columns and chandeliers lining a staircase. Luxurious designs on more giant models who marched towards the crowd and were showered in rose petals on departure. An oversized red crocodile skin handbag with gold plating spun in front of an enthusiastic crowd who let out cries of joy and appreciation: evidently a key staple for every Ralph Lauren fan this season. An emerald and gold belt followed this and fastened itself gracefully around the shop, then signature ties fit for Goliath hung from the roof, swinging in a breeze. The shop shook and shuddered before a Polo pony from Prince Charles’s team charged through smashing the stonework and continued on with an energetic match before Polo Ralph Lauren fragrance bottles took over the screen and detonated to shower the shop with scent. Spotlights shone over the wall providing glimpses into an elegant boutique and studio. Iconic Ralph Lauren images were framed and shot up into the skies. We were then greeted by Ralph himself, waving down to us from a glowing window.

The crowd came away with an eager desire to experience the new website after witnessing the technological display. The classical design and heritage of Ralph Lauren has been complemented by a digital revolution and confirms a forward-looking attitude for the traditional brand.

Charlotte Summers

Louis Vuitton Exhibition in Paris

Fashion Scout was able to get a look at the Louis Vuitton Exhibit “Voyage en Capitale. Louis Vuitton & Paris”

The exhibit showcases the past present and future of Louis Vuitton and its sacred relationship to Paris. The Louis Vuitton empire all started when the man of curiosity, Louis Vuitton began designing and selling practical and fashionable trunks in their Paris house. The Japanese art inspired Louis Vuitton has contributed to a long history of travel and today is still well known for its luxurious designs in baggage and accessories. The exhibit displays Louis Vuitton’s most brilliant pieces from 1837 to the present. If you are in Paris be sure to check out the exhibit at the Musee Carnavalet, this once in a lifetime experience is only available until February 27th 2011.

Erin Ingleton

Craig Lawrence x Machine A

Craig Lawrence and VFS Sales Manager Emma Crosby

Yorkshire Pearl designer Robert Glayton with VFS director Martyn Roberts

Machine A, a store renowned for stocking young talented independent designers, last night hosted a fun-filled, gold themed, launch party for the arrival of Craig Lawrence’s AW ’10 diffusion line, stocked exclusively in the UK at the Soho based boutique.

Pieces from the collection including crop tops, leggings cycling shorts, body con dresses and sets of gloves (all knitted of course,) follow the same appealing aesthetic of Lawrence’s acclaimed AW ‘10 collection in striking shades of copper, gold and black.

These pieces are all available to buy at Machine A now with prices ranging from the £200 mark to £900. And while your instore why not check out a few other stocked items by VFS designers including Bolshie, Gemma Slack, Romina Karamanea and Studio_805.

Sarah Barlow

London goes 'Baaaa-rmy' for Wool Week!

I am sure you all have heard of Fashion Week, but have you ever heard of Wool Week?

Last week London was overrun with sheep themed celebrations and events to mark the very first National Wool Week; an initiative headed by Prince Charles to help struggling sheep farmers and the wool industry by raising awareness of the vast beneficial qualities of the fleecy fabric.

On Monday 11th October, Flocks of sheep invaded London’s renowned tailoring district, Savile Row, blocking off all traffic for a ‘country field day'. The street also presented the public with an exhibition by R Cledhill; the British woolen yarn spinners whose yarns create the cloth that is used by Savile Row tailors to create their bespoke suits.

Over fifty fashion and interior brands supported the cause and many dedicated their store windows for the week to create special wool themed displays. The Lyle and Scott store in Covent Garden Piazza displayed four brightly colour sculptures of the woolly creatures with their traditional Golden Eagle logo stamped on their rump, whilst Selfridges did one better by dying a real flock of sheep their signature sunny yellow, which were released outside the department store’s front doors.

Wool week may have come to an end but it’s not too late to get involved in such a good cause; simply get wrapped up for winter in your snug jumper dress and chunky knit scarves and support the wool industry!

Sarah Barlow

Swarovski Elements - Fashion Meets Tradition

We were delighted to have been invited to Swarovski Elements' Fashion Meets Tradition event that took place last night. 



We all gathered at the Swarovski Crystallized lounge to celebrate Jawaher: The initiative that was recently launched in Dubai, combines traditionalism with modernity to create innovative fashion for the Arabian Women of today.

Some of Middle East’s most influential designers have created pieces for the project, all incorporating Swarovki Crystals into their designs. We were fortunate enough to view them first last night during Jawaher’s fabulous fashion show and a beautifully composed exhibition display.

Following last nights opening the Jawaher exhibition will remain on display from 20th October–1st November 2010.

Kenny Wang



Scotland Rediscovered Exhibition

Last night we were delighted to be involved with The Scotland Rediscovered Exhibition by The Scottish Textile Industry Association which was organised by Genuine PR at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

The purpose of the event was to showcase the ingenuity, creativity, heritage and experience of textiles from Scotland, to highlight the diversity of textiles which Scotland offers the London market. Well known brands such as Begg Scotland (who produces scarves for Hermes and Dior), Johnston’s Cashmere (Christopher Kane) & Mackintosh combined with emerging talent from Bebaroque, Holly Fulton, Angela Cassidy and newcomers Jaggy Nettle to show the versatility of Scottish design and textiles.

It was great to experience the wealth of textiles products, which were displayed together to highlight the full spectrum of products available from Scotland. We also had an opportunity to see first-hand how the industry is flourishing despite economic pressures and competition from abroad.

VFS Director Martyn Roberts said: “ The event had a great turnout with representatives from across the fashion, design and interiors industries seeing all that Scotland has to offer. There was an exciting buzz and a number of the designers I spoke with had made sales to new stores and met new media.”

Kenny Wang