Applications for Fashion Scout AW16 OPEN NOW

Applications for Fashion Scout AW16 are open!

If you are interested in our Catwalk or Exhibition presentations in London or Paris we want to hear from you!

For more information click here or to request an application email  charlotte@fashionscoutevents.com 

Marko Mitanovski: Escaping the Confines

Image: Maja Jankowska

Marko Mitanovski is known for his iconic dramatic dark designs, having previously dressed the likes of Lady Gaga, Paloma Faith, and Little Mix, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his afternoon show. 

His consistent use of black, allows Marko to further explore the possibilities of form and texture within his designs. His creations were full of differing guises and shapes. Inspired by organic natural forms such as volcanos, his outfits appeared to bubble and almost engulf the models themselves. As well as being encased by the overflowing structure of the dress, the models were also physically laced into the garments, giving the impression that the garment wore the model, rather than the other way round.

Image: Oda Eide

Marko told Fashion Scout that he could not have created his collection without the help of his chosen sculptors: partnering with sculptors Sonja Gajic, Ivan Stevanovic, Miroslav Lakobrij, Milan Stosic and headwear designer De Mode. The contributions of these sculptors bewildered and captivated the onlookers with their frightening, almost alien appearance, which often obscured the model's face. 

Referencing 'The Scream' by expressionist artist Edvard Munch, many of the black mini dresses featured moulded faces which seemed to want to escape the confines of the black leather and latex folds: the faces burst through the chests of the wearer. This theme of fear and escape followed through into every aspect of the garments, with Mitanovski showing corset inspired leg-wear bewildering onlookers.

Winged cape taking inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 Film 'The Birds'
Image: Maja Jankowska

The creativity and pattern cutting ability of this designer are so strong that is impossible to not enjoy his collections.  #SS16 Marko Mitanovski provided further insight into his signature aesthetic, we can't wait to see what's next from him...

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 

Images: Maja Jankowska, Oda Beide and Stefania Porcu 

Editor: Fiona Nicholls

MIMPIKITA SS16 Backstage & Show Review

Since establishing their brand in 2008, sisters Nurul, Mira and Syera Zulkifli have grown their brand and established a reputation for valuing traditional while also pushing boundaries. Debuting their first Fashion Scout collection 'A New Femininity', SS16 is a big year for the Zulkifli family.

Image: Anne Laymond

Image: Anne Laymond

Backstage, messy fishtail plaits were sculpted with label.m Volume Mouse, the front of the hair teased into a beehive and set with 'Extreme Hold' hairspray. The playful braids were styled to fit with the designers feminine aesthetic whilst also nodding to the SS16 plaited trend.

Image: Stefania Porcu

Image: Stefania Porcu

Skin was tanned using The Body Shop's Honey Bronze to create a sun-kissed base whilst Colour Crush lipstick, in Coral, accentuated the model's youthful, glow. Finally, skin was spritzed with Vitamin E Moisture Mist to give the skin a fresh, dewy appearance.

Image: Stefania Porcu

Image: Stefania Porcu

With a palette ranging from citrus greens to soft, warm sandy tones, Mimpikita's Collection came in a range of youthful colours, drawing influence from their childhood in Malaysia.

The collection, inspired by feminine silhouettes with an emphasis on traditional Malaysian Batik, was filled with soft flowing silks, crisp lines and asymmetric hemlines. The artistically draped fabrics accentuated the feminine form. Sleek garments were tailored with soft, silk belts whilst others left untied were artfully pleated, swaying as the models moved on the catwalk.

Image: Stefania Porcu

As the collection drew to a close, the proud sisters took to the catwalk to take their well deserved applause. Their debut Fashion Scout presentation a success, MIMPIKITA's SS16 collection is a sign that these sisters are beginning an exciting stage of their fashion career.

Fashion Scout for London Fashion Week runs from 18th-22nd 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

Words: Elizabeth Renfrey
Images: Stefania Porcu and Anne Laymond
Editor: Fiona Nicholls

Day 4: L'Amitie and C.J. Yao

L’Amitie

Yesterday L’Amitie unveiled her debut show at in the Gallery. Her vision of the modern woman was articulated through a sea of slinky silkwear. The elegant designs consisted of split wide leg trousers, plunging “V” necks, pointed flats and nordic inspired make-up.

One of the hero pieces to be presented was a raw silk suit complete with oversized lapels and cuffs. The accessories consisted of elegant gold geometric arm bracelets and geode pendants and brooches.

The flowing designs appeared to be cut on the bias enabling the material to appear fluid. The use of muted pinks, greys, and black complimented the collection. Embellishments consisted of black and gold sequins. L’Amitie has enables to sexiness while also attending to the need for tailored pieces. 

C.J. Yao

Even before C.J. Yao had presented her first piece on the catwalk there was a lot of curiosity surrounding her very specific start time of 18:37.  The designer explained to Fashion Scout that the use of numbers '3,7,2 and 1’ held particular significance with the Chinese belief surrounding impulsiveness. 

The collection definitely captured that energetic spirit that C.J. aimed to create, she describes the garments as 'put on and go, sports chic' pieces. Even the catwalk was modified with vinyl decal to mimick a sprint track- with bold green race lines and starting blocks. 

This linear theme translated into the clothes too, with vertical and horizontal stripes on the shirts, trousers and skirts. Yao gave Sport luxe a futuristic update complete with bright colours, metallics, frayed denim, and graphics.

Fashion Scout for London Fashion Week runs from 18th-22nd 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 

Images: Maja Jankowska and Oda Beide 
Editor: Fiona Nicholls

An Afternoon: Maral Yazarloo, CCUOCO and Zeynep Kartel

It’s hard to believe that the talent already showcased this weekend could possibly be topped, but yesterday afternoon the designers of Fashion Scout SS16 proved that the versatility is endless.

House of Middle East & Asia with Maral Yazarloo presented a vibrant collection, entitled ‘Deja Vu’. Outer-wear shone bright, in shades of orange, mustard and teal. Each colour reflected the positive energy the individual outfits had been labelled with; joy, pride, desire. We felt them all.

House of Middle East & Asia presents Maral Yazarloo

Beneath the thick fabric waistcoats and jackets, often clean cut with dipped hems and exaggerated pleats, the models wore soft brown, shift style dresses. The sleek leather and suede worked well as an understated canvas for the show-stopping velvet textured overcoats. Working with traditional Middle Eastern conventions, each garment exhibited intricate floral embroidery, reinforcing the differing ideas and moods.

House of Middle East & Asia presents Maral Yazarloo

In complete contrast, the CCUOCO collection brought contemporary, elegant yet provocative looks to the Fashion Scout catwalk. The garments came in dramatic shades; maroon, black, cream and midnight blue. The models were styled with either slicked, wet look hair, or bouncy curls, in-keeping with the current 70s trend. However, black lipstick and faux facial piercings defined the look as modern-gothic.

CCUOCO

CCUOCO

Exposed, raw seams were the highlight of the collection and perfectly framed the sheer panels, with organza adding femininity to the edgy aesthetic.The daring combination of harsh leather and sheer organza was a perfect representation for the many, and often contrasting facets of what defines a woman. A complexity which is key to the concept of CCUOCO’s designs.

CCUOCO

Day two saw elegant designer Zeynep Kartel return to the Fashion Scout run way. Her romantic, formal collection, pulled an eager and fashion-forward crowd. The pieces consisted of tailored waistcoat co-ords and floral, leaf patterned gowns, displaying both androgyny and femininity. Flashes of deep coral broke up the muted collection of navies and creams.

Zeynep Kartel

Zeynep Kartel

Zeynep Kartel

The neck line bared all or nothing, working plunging deep-v necklines or Bardot style capes into the dress design. Many of the floral gowns also exhibited sheer paneling and bare skin, a dominating trend from the styles presented this London Fashion Week.

Zeynep Kartel

To keep up with the latest trends, follow #FashionScout.

Words: Alexandra Craft (@alexandrasaidso)

Images: Maja Jankowska (@babypolsky) & Stefania Porcu (@stefaniaporcuphoto)
Editor: Fiona Nicholls (@fifinicholls)

The Swedish School of Textiles SS16 Graduate Collection Part 1

A cornucopia of talented designs, the Swedish School of Textiles show displayed the work of 20 talented graduates. Displaying technical skills with an imaginative aesthetic, these young students created collections showcasing their individual talents.

'Form fusing' by Louise Wanggren displayed a skilfully crafted collection demonstrating architecturally folded shapes in bold tones using a fusion technique.

Alva Johnson challenged the traditional conventions of fashion with her displaced garments in earthy tones draping off the models bodies. Her 'Bodydressed' collection used bodystockings to contrast with the undressed feel of her garments.

Moa Antonsson also used an undressed style for her 'Arranged Distortion' collection with muted toned garments suspended asymmetrically off the models shoulders giving a sultry distortion of modern workwear.

Collection number four was Sofie Larsson with her 'Contract Knit' collection displaying semi sheer knitted metallics with burnt orange accents. Floaty designs were overlaid over bodycon knitted black midi dresses.

Josefin Runquist's 'Change in Motion' exhibited graphic monochrome lines offset on flowing capes, with the standout piece being a monochrome bandau jumpsuit accompanied by a billowing polyethylene cape.

'Cut and Paste' by Emilia Elfik paraded beautiful applique over the top of soft, muted tones. The stiff folds in the fabric contrasted with the feminine embellishments.

Miriam Julin's 'Elastit' explored how elastic bands can work as a catalyst to define shape. The bands were places around the models waist, accentuating their curves by gathering folds of fabric.

'Crumbling/Distressed' by Tove Ulisaker used laser cutting and fraying to create innovative denim designs.  Candyfloss like frayed cotton on outerwear contrasted with a sharp cutout denim dress, creating a formal look on a naturally casual fabric.

Joel Prehn Anderson's 'Slashing' explored the relationship between the body and fabric through hand painted abstract prints over layers muted fabrics. Feminine belts compliment the gathered overcoats.


Words : Elizabeth Renfrey (@erenfrey)
Images: Stefania Porcu (@stefaniaporcuphoto)
Editor: Fiona Nicholls (@fifinicholls)

NEWS | Cassandra Verity Green & Little Dragon for Crack Magazine

Today sees the release of Fashion Scout designer Cassandra Verity Green's collaboration with quarterly art, music, fashion and film magazine “Crack” in an exclusive shoot featuring critically acclaimed Little Dragon singer Yukimi Nagano. 

The “Wildfire” singer, who was chosen for the magazine's Aesthetic Fashion feature because of her signature vibrant colourful style, fittingly wears Green's shredded yarn shawl for the cover story. 

A great start to 2015 for the Fashion Scout designer.

Check out the behind the scenes video here.

By Lewis R Waters

Images courtesy of Crack Magazine / Tom Andrew / Cassandra Verity Green

Follow us on @fashionscout

#FashionScoutAW15

Fyodor Golan bought by Harvey Nichols

The fashion brand Fyodor Golan has had it’s spring/summer 2012 snapped up by none other than the prestigious Harvey Nichols. Their collection, which included block colouring and beautifully obscure silhouettes was praised very highly by the head of womenswear buying at Harvey Nichol’s, April Glassborow in which she states she was ‘very impressed by their direction and development’. 

The collection is set very much in the luxury department and Glassborow revealed her insight in the brand, in that it ‘will readily fit the profile of our First Floor international customer’.

Sarah Potter- Editor

Fashion’s Music Night In

Notting Hill’s own little Aladdin’s cave, Village Bicycle, collaborated with Parisian brand Paris Eleven to host an exclusive event last week. Promoting Eleven Paris’s limited addition Joy Division T-shirt; paying a homage to the bands vast contribution to music over the years. This event was an ethical promotion as all proceeds of these limited men’s designs go to MDF, the Bipolar Organisation.

The party scene was set in Village Bicycles treasure trove of a shop, surrounded by trinkets and innovative, emerging designer brands such as Aishesh, Devastee and of course Eleven Paris.

Village Bicycle first opened its doors earlier this year, located opposite Matches in Notting Hill. The shop is a concept store created by London socialite and heiress Willa Keswick. Inspired by the iconic Sixties Chelsea store ‘Granny Takes a Trip’ and her travels around the globe; this bespoke boutique is not something you see every day.  With huge neon crosses, religious iconic projections and day of the dead memorabilia, this place is a visual feast!

The Party kicked off with Four Roses Bourbon whisky sours served in cute little jam jars, aptly named ‘She’s lost control’. We listened to American record producer (known for working with Joy Division) Arthur Bakers' choice of tracks followed with a set from model and ‘It girl’, Mary Charteis. 

The rock and roll glitterati were of course in attendance for this special night, we spotted a couple of The Rolling Stone’s offspring, Tyrone Wood and Jade Jagger along with Super-Model Jade Parfit and the Hurts’ Theo Hutchcraft! After all that excitement we went outside to be greeted with what I can only describe as the tastiest hotdog I have ever eaten, provided by Old Street's foodie sensations ‘Big Apple Hot Dogs, amusingly named huge pole hotdogs.

With Village Bicycle’s unique and exciting retail treasure trove and prog-rock royalty t-shirts going to a worthy cause, I definitely recommend a visit.


Beth Gallagher