EXHIBITION | Niro Wang

Niro Wang challenges on of the oldest materials used in clothing design; linen. He does this by the way he drapes the pieces so that it creates fluidity and therefor pushing it into a more contemporary context. His vision is to change the young generations stereotypes of linen fabrics. With his designs he seeks to develop every possibility to make linen more exciting and interesting for people. He wants to find a balance between the juxtaposing elements in everyday life; urban and nature, fast and slow, synthetic and natural, destruction and birth.

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Carmen Procopiuc

@carmenprocopiuc

INTERVIEW | GF Hawthorne

Every season the exhibition space at Fashion Scout is home to a select group of designers whose collections are available for view throughout the week. Part of the new crop this year are Kingston University graduates and identical twins Grace and Faith Hawthorne, better known as G.F. Hawthorne.

The pair's sports-luxe collection is inspired by "the exploration of Antarctica" and features classic sportswear silhouettes, with geometric prints that "reference angular ice structures" and rolling mountain-scapes. We caught up with Grace to find out a little bit more about G.F. Hawthorne.

  

How did you focus the inspiration for this collection?

Initially we started with the colour palette and we knew that we wanted it to be quite navy and about the exploration of antarctica and the coats and traditional dress which is how we started with the jackets-and then that turned into the idea of preserving the penguins in the liquid in some of the coats.

What made you want to exhibit at Fashion Scout this season?

We'd been to a show a few years ago and it seemed great. There are always so many young designers and we wanted to be a part of that diverse group of people so we applied.

What's your favourite thing about London Fashion Week?

I just love the energy and the different types of people you come across.

Who is the G.F. Hawthorne woman?

I don't think she's a specific type of person, some of our stuff is more sporty and then we've used silk for the more sophisticated looks. There's something for younger and older women so I will just say that I think she's pretty cool. She's just doesn't take herself too serious and loves to have fun!

What three fashion week survival tips would you give new designers hoping to exhibit next season?

Drink coffee, go to bed at 9pm and bring food!

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@Floriesms

Photography by @clairedavey

INTERVIEW | J Moon

Designer Jinhee Moon recently launched her fresh London based womenswear label, J MOON, making her definitely One to Watch. Ever since Moon graduated from LCF in 2014 she has been making her mark in the world of fashion. Alongside being named as one of the Fashion Scout Ones to Watch Winners for AW15/16, she was selected as one of the 200 Best Emerging Talents by Vogue Italia. The BA Press Show in 2014 was responsible for her experimental garment design being noticed and to celebrate this she was named the winner of 'The Best Directional Use of Colour and Textile Award'.

Fashion Scout AW15 launched her highly anticipated collection of playful garments which have embraced the wonders of using juxtaposition of texture, colour and shape overall creating a unique aesthetic for her designs. Moon's use of blending frilled, sheer and woolen fabrics create an extravagant 3D effect demonstrating the fact there are just no limitations to the designers wondrous work. 

Post show, Jinhee Moon thanked Fashion Scout for the amazing opportunity to showcase her debut collection and was overwhelmed with the response and support she received. 

Q: Where did you draw your inspiration from for this collection?

A: My collection drew inspiration from JeJu, an Island in Korea, where female divers called Haenyeo explore the sea. The Haenyeo would dive, without oxygen masks on, to collect seafood from the bottom of the ocean. The clothing the divers wore was beautiful and used straight line cut techniques and embodied an overall simplistic design. I approached and played with their use of geometrics in my designs and added my own 3D aspect. In terms of the mix of colours I used, I drew inspiration from how the divers had a slight blurred vision underwater but could still see lots of beautiful bright colours. 

Q: What was the most exciting part of this whole process? From designing to actually showcasing your collection?

A: Every step, for me, was exciting due to the fact it was my debut collection. I found it amazing to see how my finished, wearable and 3D garments actually looked after they started from simple designs. 

Q: What are your plans for your next collection? 

A: (Laughs) Well, I have only just finished this one! However, I definitely will continue to mix fabrics and experiment with patchwork, similar to how I have worked previously. I will keep developing and testing new techniques until I discover new outcomes. 

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By @melissapoulton