FAD Finalists to show at Fashion Scout AW16

During AW16, Fashion Scout are pleased to be hosting the 2016 FAD Competition. The 17 finalists, whose impressive entries are shown below will each showcase two looks on the Fashion Scout catwalk.  ALICE BAYLISS Bath Spa University "Inspired by photographs I took of everyday corners of San Francisco. When zooming in on textures and cropping into views that I passed in the street, I discovered that an image of something considered un-interesting and ordinary could be turned into a wearable piece of the city." HANNAH BASCOMBE University of Central Lancashire "For this collection, I slow down to take inspiration from my favourite books. A collection of books written from members of ‘The Beat Generation’." MARY MAGGS UCA Epsom The Kindred of the Kibbo Kift. "Drawing on the nature of my beloved Buckinghamshire landscape. Rambling the hills, touching the trees and breathing the clean air of Ballinger Grange. Looking into the history of crafts in my local village and discovering the ‘back-to-the-land movement’ of 1920's Kibbo Kift." LAUREN GLENN Manchester School of Art "I am in Ningbo, Eastern China, standing in the middle of one of the country’s many abandoned buildings. The cracked paint and walls carpeted in undergrowth are imposing and leave a lasting impression on me." DANIELLE O'NEAILL DeMontfort University "Looking at my sense of place; my studio at university. Observing and being inspired by the technical elements happening around me day-to-day, the deconstruction and construction of garments in the studio. Challenging knitwear’s sense of place. Re-creating traditional tailoring garments and herringbone fabrics in knit." BIANCA VON STEMPEL Kingston University "We can all miss the beauty around us, but for those who are visually impaired this is even more so. Murky colours bleed together through light entering my eye. This draws me to the moving and intense light in ripples and reflections, in water or caught by the glass of my magnifier. To capture and communicate the barrier of the blur that separates me from detail." MARIKA FUJITA Sheffield Hallam University "I share my vision of the city around me. Without the aid of contacts or glasses, I reveal the beauty and purity of my blurred vision. Neon lights and static skyscrapers are seen as sparkling stars and spectacular fireworks of silver and gold. A new appreciation for the imperfect." ALICE POTTS Norwich University of the Arts "To get a sense of place you need to remember your own roots, and realise we all live within our own realities. The contrast between my reality and society is my social anxiety." HANNAH XINYAN TAN The Glasgow School of Art "A journey through the urban environment I live in. Everyday men on the streets influence the silhouettes. I found style lines in the most insignificant and over looked details such as drain pipes, maps, overlapping buildings and the influence of artists such as Charles Sheeler." BEATRICE JACKSON Arts University Bournemouth "Reflecting on my childhood growing up by the sea and collecting fossils with my Dad. Looking closely at the layers and patterns of shell formations." ELEANA BURROWS University of West England Being in a boat…there is more to it than most people are aware. "As a competitive sailor I have sailed, watched sailing, been watched while sailing, analyzed boats and their components in great detail." CHARLOTTE ROLLINGS Nottingham Trent University The Rear Window. "It is out the rear window where three lines are strung about a post. The Morning awakens to a basket, brought out to the line full with laundry." ELEANOR RICKERS Manchester Metropolitan University Fishing in the city. "Clocked off at high tide. Swells were pushing Old Queeny hard today; these overalls don't keep me dry for long. The smell of salt water lingers, its like the smell seeps out of my rucksack on my walk home from the docks. I sometimes feel like I'm caught in a net, struggling my way through the harsh lines of the city buildings while I walk under the neon lights." CHLOE JACKSON Nottingham Trent University Once you have past that Fernwood Gate. "I found my inspiration from spending three months at Camp Fernwood, located in East America. Life was stripped back to basics, no technology and no electricity. Fernwood represents simple living and the enjoyment and beauty of natural surroundings." EMILY WITHAM University of Middlesex "During a summer spent working in retail on Carnaby street in Central London, my main encounter was with hordes and hordes of tourists and tour guide groups. Observing their behavior, clothing and spending rituals, I became fascinated with their perception of London. I think it’s ironic, that all over the world the only reminder visitors have of a prestigious monument, historic figure or significant location is often a cheap re-appropriated plastic souvenir." ANDREAS BUCHER London College of Fashion "Monday 9.11.2015, 8am, Overground from Highbury and Islington to Hoxton: 90% of the passengers are busy staring at their phones, liking this celebrity's new hairstyle, tweeting that the train is 1 minute late, or splashing balls in this cool IPhone game...My project 'Communis' (latin for sharing) is inspired by a return to face-to-face, non-digital communication between people." CHARLOTTE GOODAYLE UCA Rochester No Swim. "On my walk I notice a whole range of washed up treasures floating alongside the bank. So many unloved objects drift by daily. These mundane, lost objects are just disregarded and thrown away. With my entry I want to unearth the beauty in the most abstract of things." Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date!

The FAD Fashion Future Finalists Catwalk and Awards

Hosted by Fashion Scout, the FAD charity catwalk celebrates the design talents of of sixth form and college students across London. These 19 finalists were picked from a pool of over 100 for the Fashion Futures Awards, which is a competition sponsored by George at Asda showcasing designs created in only five days during the FAD summer school.

Shahiyan Mason from Archbishop Tenison Sixth Form presented a crisp, monochrome sport's luxe outfit.

Lolita Stegmar from BSix Sixth Form College showcased a modern, white powersuit with exaggerated cut out shoulders.

Mylena Silveira Vidal Matos's metallic dress, was artistically draped at the waist to accentuate the female form.

Damilola Ajani from La Retraite presented a geometric co ord in stoney metallic shades.

Zedeesha James from Lewisham Southwark College used stencilling to create a feminine design on a contrasting structured cape.

Sophie Watson's metallic streetwear used black netting for a punky 90s edge.

Maisie Rennie-Carter presented a hand dyed summer dress with ragged edges for a casual feminine aesthetic.

Gurkiran Chana's garment used 3D floral applique on a flowing semi sheer coral dress for a classic, feminine feel. 

Phuoc Ngo from Sacred Heart RC Secondary School presented an ombre blue cotton dress with a plaited back from a beachy aesthetic. 

Arjeta Husuma presented an asymmetric tiered cream dress with stencilled butterfly prints. 

Bernadette Obode's relaxed, masculine tailoring used velvet cuffs to add a luxurious feel. 

Weronika Biernat from Maria Fieldelis Sixth Form presented a neon yellow dress with a transparent perspex jacket and contrasting royal blue faux fur trim. 

Sarah Adetutu's coral dress had a semi sheer overlay with floral applique for a formal summer impression. 

Georgia Walsh from Raine's Foundation School showcased an other worldly look, decorated with 3D tubing and oversized shoulders. 

Luce Anumba presented a regal outfit with a fanned cape with golden oriental accents. 

The 2015 Fashion Futures Winner, presented with a design placement with George at Asda, went to the extremely talented Hana Minova from Prendergast Hilly Fields College. Her design, a clean cut white crossover top, paired with hessian trousers gave her modern tailoring an organic feel.

The FAD Charity also presents three awards to those showing excellent craftsmanship in their designs. The Technical Excellence Award went to Anakin Telle Nakata from City & Islington College, her clean cut neoprene collection wowed the judges so much that she too was offered a design placement with the team of George from Asda. The Innovative Surface Design Award went to Nurdan Sinal, her white, modern dress was artistically spray painted with primary colours. Finally, the Directional Outerwear Award went to David Benny for his innovative leather outwear with beautiful tribal embroidery.

Words : Elizabeth Renfrey
Photography: Oda Eide
Editor: Fiona Nicholls

Days 4&5 - Coming Up!

Although the weekend might be over, Fashion Scout are still showcasing designers and presenting catwalk shows. To make sure you’re fully clued up on all that’s going on, we have put together a comprehensive run down on each scheduled event.

L’Amitie

After graduating from University of the Arts London in 2014, designer Amitie Zeng founded her brand ‘L’Amitie’. Tailored towards what Amitie describes as the L’Amitié Women, “hard working, and enterprising". Zeng hopes every female can "feel extremely confident, independent and sexy" when wearing her collection. The main aesthetic vision for this designer is chic classic lines and use of current and forecasted colours and has already made a big impression in China.

CJ Yao

Shanghai designer CJ was awarded the 1^st Runner up of Asian Young Fashion Designers Contest in Singapore, and debuted in China during 2014. CJ Yao is a womenswear designer who regularly presents heavily layered designs and tailored shapes.

Marko Mitanovski

As seen in Dazed, Vogue.co.uk, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Grazia, L'Officiel, Cosmopolitan, Vision, Time Out, Q Magazine, and Hello! among others publications, Marko Mitanovski has partnered with Fashion Scout previously in both 2009 and AW15. Also collaborating with a jewellery designer and sculptor for his most recent showcase, his designs are extremely dramatic and notably gothic in style.

Belgrade Fashion Week

This was the first fashion week in Eastern Europe to promote Belgrade Design & Creativity. Contributing designers consist of Ana Ljubinkovic, Budislava: George Styler, Ivana Pilja, and Vlada Savic. They form the non-profit BFW collective, which has the end goal to develop and improve their local fashion sector. From graphic geometric designs to highly conceptual couture, the BFW encompasses it all.

FAD

An organisation, which looks to help support and promote the partnership of young people and fashion, it's described as “an undeniable springboard” by Vogue.com.

This season they have chosen twenty young finalists to exhibit in their SS16 show for Fashion Scout, which is inspired by Korea and Japan. 

Fashion Scout for London Fashion week runs from 18th - 22nd September 2015 at the Freemasons' Hall, WC2B 5AZ.

Remember to follow our Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the shows as they happen, and use the hashtag #FashionScout


Writer: Paris Richardson 
Editor: Fiona Nicholls 

2015 FAD Competition Final at Fashion Scout!

We are hugely excited to announce the 2015 FAD Competition final at Fashion Scout, as undergraduates from the UK's top universities present the next generation of design talent!

Vogue hailed as “an undeniable springboard” George at Asda sponsored FAD supports and nurtures young talent, bringing life changing opportunities to talented young people from all walks of life, offering free mentoring and support.

This season the esteemed judging panel includes: Imperial College Physics Artist in Residence Geraldine Cox, Professor Clare Johnston, Head of Textiles at the RCA and Tamsin Blanchard, Fashion Features Director at the Telegraph Magazine.

We can't wait to see the February show!

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#FashionScoutAW15

COLLECTION| FAD SS15

The Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) Fashion Futures Final 2014 saw 23 teenage talents showcase the designs that impressed an esteemed jury, including Louise Ibak (designer at George at Asda), Maria Alvarez (founder and CEO at FAD) and Martyn Roberts (founder and director at Fashion Scout), amongst others. The charity supports young designers from all walks of life, helping them to get internships and experience in the fashion industry. This culminates in an annual Fashion Futures awards ceremony, sponsored by George, bringing finalists to Fashion Scout each season.

Presented by Annaliese Dayes, a Next Top Model herself, the packed Vestibule of family, friends and industry members took their positions to watch the six themed collections. 

First up, a tough, urban collection; Renée John Baptiste an all black menswear look, with emphasis on shape and dropped or cropped silhouettes. Andrea Loaiza Giraldo’s blue skirted coat with feminine seaming was made modern with black puffa-style sleeves, while Renée Mutsunge’s floral embellishment added detail to an otherwise simple monochrome dress, with flashes of blue and white zip. Toni Elysse Wright finished the collection with a column-esque white shirt dress, with Perspex band around the bust and lime green mesh ruffle around the hips.

Daniela Silva Velasquez opened the following African inspired collection with a black halterneck gown complete with primary coloured bustier. Tim McDonagh’s grey printed menswear shorts and strong-shouldered blazer combination looked pleasantly retro, while Gabriela Guana’s simple blue sundress with white zig-zag stitching looks perfect in any era. Ellie Boothman’s grey shift dress featured printed panels of 90s style tessellated triangles at the waist and hem.

Holly Coutts opened an athletically regal collection with her sporty tennis dress, realised in red with exposed black zip and metallic mesh skirt. The following gold embellished top, featuring a squiggle pattern by Henrietta Dent, was paired with a brown midi skirt, and followed by Zhané Anjum completion of the collection; a red velvet menswear cape and white shirt with gold embroidery, pearl embellishment and chain shoulder detailing.

Things took a darker turn with Charlotte Dillon’s Victoriana structured patchwork grey and black evening gown with lace back, followed by Hayat Chehab full skirted lace dress with graphic leather modest panelling. A striking bustier by Chenai Jack stood away from the body, finished with a peach lace asymmetric skirt. Yinka Williams’ silver cross-front cape looked modern paired with the deeper shade of steel underneath, and Emily Bass’s shell embroidery on a drop-waist black tulle skirt was unexpected for a long sleeved shirt dress.

Seada Merkulaj bought mermaid ethereality to the next collection, with a navy blue gown and white heart-shaped lace overlay. An aqua and brown waterfall front utility jacket by Kayla Miles surprised when light caught the laser-cut leather panels. Niove Louca’s elegant mermaid skirted dress in neutral lace was made alluring when its backless design was revealed, while Elleanor Goodall’s grey 20s inspired tennis dress with box pleats was accented in lemon yellow.

Finally, Bella Dunne’s Perspex raincoat with black fur trim looked 60s futuristic when paired with a pastel playsuit, the raincoat dotted with the same brushstroke print. The blue, pink and orange cape dress that followed featured subtle animal prints by Tilly Tambini Cooper was a highlight for presenter Annaliese. Shalon Siqueira completed the show with a menswear coat, pink and purple in hue in sporty materials.

Following the show, jury members Alvarez, Carol Robb (freelance designer) and Dorota Watson (Head of Fashion at University of East London) announced the recipients of this year’s awards for Embellishment (Harriet Dent), Colour (Tilly Cooper) and Innovation (Shalom Siqueira). The overall winner of the Fashion Futures Award 2014, announced by Louise Ibak, was Andrea Loaiza Giraldo for her creative and commercial design.

With some serious talent on show, the jury had a tough decision on their hands. This year’s FAD finalists proved just how valuable FAD is for getting a tough break in the fashion industry, and we hope to see some of these young talents as Fashion Scout designers in their own right in the future.

By Isabella Silvers, Contributor, (@izzymks).

Photographs by Elizabeth Hodsin.

DAY FIVE| Fashion Scout London SS15

The final day at Fashion Scout London continues its showcase of international and emerging talent. Going out with a bang the catwalks here at the Freemasons' Hall will play host to Spring / Summer 2015 Collections from Dioralop, Isabel Garcia and George Styler. 

The exhibition open until 6pm will see a platform from PR company Lewis & Leigh showing a selection of pieces from their various designers. With the evening ending in a celebration of young talent from FAD, an audience of press and guests look forward to the day's events!

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SS15 PREVIEW| FAD

On Tuesday 16th September, the last day of our fashion showcase, FAD will not only see 23 young people from London and Manchester take their designs to the catwalk, but will be celebrating 10 years of their Fashion Futures project.

FAD, or Fashion Awareness Direct, aim to bridge the gap between careers and the creative industries for young people - regardless of circumstance or background. Providing hands-on training, industry experience and opportunities to individuals, the support and mentoring FAD offer is invaluable.

“FAD have so many professionals coming in, helping us and giving their knowledge," says Shalom, last year's Fashion Futures finalist. "It has taught me to be more ambitious – in order to achieve your goals you have to think big and be prepared to work hard.”

   

Working closely with key names in the fashion industry, knowledge and confidence about career pathways and employment opportunities becomes a key part. 

"FAD have been showcasing with Fashion Scout since 2008," says Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of FAD. "For us it's a perfect fit. Fashion Scout's commitment to nurturing emerging designers works perfectly with FAD's aim to support young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds into industry. Being given a platform at Fashion Scout is simply life changing for many of the young people we work with."

Be sure to check back to the blog throughout Fashion Week for show reviews, as well as exclusive interviews and backstage coverage and as it happens.

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