EXCLUSIVE| Inbar Spector Interview

Hi Inbar, thanks for taking the time to talk to Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

We saw a head-to-toe Autumn/Winter look on Nicole Scherzinger last Saturday evening- how does it feel to know your work was being exposed that night to an audience of over 8.6 million people?

It was a great feeling. I didn't know that it was going to be on TV, so I completely forgot about it and planned a relaxed Saturday night in bed... Out of the blue Twitter went mad with friends telling me about it. It was such a nice surprise!

Your work is often seen on female stars with a strength of character and voice- Paloma Faith, known for her strong voice, and individuality; Nicole Scherzinger, thought of as a powerful, and independent woman; and Florench Welch, whose stage presence is unrivalled- how does it make you feel to see such a diverse group of women wear your clothes, despite their differing styles?

I think you described it very well. The commonality between these artists ladies is that all of them are beautiful and strong; they all have their individual style, and each of them decide themselves what they want to wear- the stylists recommend but the stars are making the decision. A woman doesn't need to be masculine to be strong, she can still be beautiful, sexy, and strong all at the same time. 

What is it about your work that you think attracts these strong, beautiful women? Do you feel proud as a designer knowing these women choose to wear your pieces for occasions when it's important to feel good, strong, and comfortable in their own skin?

It's always nice to listen to an artist in the studio, and to know that in few months from now she might preform in the outfit you're making her.

I think that if you don't feel good in your own skin, you won't like my style. My style is for very confident women; brave [and not] scared to look different. My costumers are usually the women who set the trends, not the ones who follow them.

How do feel having had the opportunity to showcase Autumn/ Winter with VFS- do you think it's contributed to these women's awareness of your pieces?

I believe that London and the international fashion industry is very aware with what is going at VFS. After shows people often tell me how much they love the venue, and how it complemented the atmosphere of the show.

The VFS team is very professional and the venue is beautiful. All the editors and stylists want to find new emerging talent, and everybody knows that VFS finds the talent. I think VFS is one of those few places you can spot [the] new talents that are forcing a change.

Interview by Sara McAlpine
Images from Vogue, Inbar Spector and VFS

NEWS| Florence Welch wears Inbar Spector in latest video

It's unsurprising that the most theatrical of songstresses turn to Inbar Spector for their stage-wears, given the standalone presence of Spector's cascading tulle pieces. We'd encourage you to gaze out of the office window to imagine the powerhouse couple that is a best-selling female artist, and an Inbar dress, but the above video does the job of marrying the two images for you. 

Seen rehearsing, and in action for latest single, "Spectrum", Florence and the Machine front-woman, Florence Welch wore pieces straight out of the show at Freemasons, selected by stylist Aldene Johnson. You can see how famed photographer/ director, David Lachapelle instructed Welch to move in the dress by clicking "play" above, and also check out our "behind-the-scenes" Spector shots here.

NEWS| Paloma Faith wears Inbar Spector whilst the designer is interviewed by 1883 magazine

Last night, you may have recognised Paloma Faith's eye-catching dress for her performance on Later with Jools Holland; it was from Inbar Spector SS12's collection. It seems that VFS designers's collections seem to be making a regular occurrence on BBC as of late, with Georgia Hardinge, Myrza de Muynck and Manuela Dack all being spotted. 

Meanwhile, the same gold origami dress was worn by the lead singer of English indie band The Noisettes for their performance at the Royal Albert Hall last week. 

Head over to 1883 magazine to see their recent interview with Inbar Spector. The magazine headed over to her studio-cum-apartment and chatted sequins, Florence Welch and pyjamas. Read the interview here. 

By Editor Cass Gowing

T: @CassGowing
Images - stills from Paloma's BBC performance

MAKE-UP TRENDS| How to create the perfect make-up for SS12 with Body Shop

Summer seems to have arrived early in Britain; meaning it's the perfect time to look back to last season at Vauxhall Fashion Scout to remind ourselves of the SS12 trends. VFS Blog Editor, Cass Gowing has interviewed Body Shop's head make-up artist Lan Nguyen to discuss the make-up looks that her team created for SS12. 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout: What are the key make-up trends for SS12?

Lan Nguyen: The key make up trends are strong bold and the beautiful, 'The Make-Up Look' Colour and graphic accents also appeared on the catwalk.

VFS: What VFS designers showed this trend?

LN: Examples of the creative strong make-up look at VFS were Elisa Palomino, Inbar Spector, Lako Bukia, A la Dispostion and FAD.

VFS: What's the easiest way for people to wear this trend day-to-day?

LN: The easiest way to wear the trends is to add a strong bold colour in just one area of the face, either just the eye, lip or cheek. Keeping it strong but simple is the key for a wearable look from day to day.

VFS: What's your top tip for making sure that your make-up lasts during warmer climes?

LN: My top tip is to use a face primer.

VFS: What are your favourite Body Shop products to create this look?

LN: My Favourite Body Shop products to create versatile looks are the Shimmer Cubes which are high in pigment and easy to blend, The Lip and Cheek Tint adds a great stain to cheeks and lips which can be layered to add intensity. The lip pencil in Rouge Rose give a beautiful matte deep red colour for lips and can be used as a lipstick or base. Finally the Liquid Eyeliner is a soft pen eyeliner that can be used as a eye base and mixed with the Shimmer Cubes and eyeshadows for intense eye colour. 


Interview by Editor Cass Gowing,T: @CassGowing
Images top to bottom: Elisa Palomino, A La Disposition, Inbar Spector

COLLECTION| Inbar Spector AW12

Inbar Spector opened day four at Vauxhall Fashion Scout and left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it, whether at the catwalk or via the live feed provided by VFS.

It’s rare when a show truly moves the audience but Inbar Spector’s ability to do so was apparent, leaving the audience and backstage crew in awe. Inbar’s presentation of dream-inspired dress left the audience in stunned silence. The pieces worked with the model’s body in harmony and pulling you in to Inbar’s fantasy. 

A palette of mint green, lilacs, peaches and candy pinks were interwoven into oversized concertina tulle ruffles, combined with embroidered, shimmering and intricate laser cut bodies. Charcoal grey, tweed jackets, with material cut on the bias created a fierce juxtaposition and gave the couture collection a modern, wearable edge. Bejewelled headpieces designed by Lara Jensen become more elaborate as each design graced the catwalk, completely embodying the ethos of the collection; the progression of dreams and the world of the dreamer.

The final piece was a full couture bridal dress which was met with a huge reception of cheers and applause, breaking the spell and bringing you back to reality.

Sarah Jayne Potter

Follow her @sarahhhhrah

Photography Abigail Gurney-Read.