Today
Fashion Scout hosted the International Reception in partnership with
Fashion Monitor, at Freemasons Hall - an event designed to introduce
the brightest design talent from the UK and internationally to key press, buyers and members of the industry. At
the event, Fashion Scout caught up Fashion Monitor Publisher, Hannah
White and Editor, Sarah Penny to chat about the partnership, the
Fashion Monitor Style Lounge, Fashion Scout and Fashion Week survival
tips.
How
has the International Reception partnership benefited Fashion Monitor
and your presence in the industry?
Sarah:
The International Reception is a great opportunity for us to really
interact with the designers as a company allowing us to meet people,
network and socialise on a personal level. It’s also a great way to
hear about a designer’s inspiration first hand, as opposed to
reading about it. For example, I have learnt all about Taeseok Kang’s
Korean upbringing and how that has influenced his sexualized designs.
Hannah:
As an authoritative voice in the industry, actually
hosting the International Reception has allowed our editorial team to
interact with the designers on a personal level which is great. It’s
also a fantastic opportunity for buyers and press to spot new talent.
How
do you feel about Fashion Scout's transition from an emerging host to
a global international showcase?
Sarah:
It provides such a good platform for designers to
establish themselves, whilst offering everyone else the opportunity
to watch their collections materialise and grow, something I
particularly like.
Hannah:
It really is brilliant, it’s so important the talent
showcased in London goes global and that’s what is now happening.
Fashion Scout’s work in Paris is also great for this.
Tell
us about your Fashion Monitor style lounge, we have heard it has been
a huge success?
Sarah:
It’s been such a relief having the style lounge as our
personal hub to share with other people in the industry, it offers an
area of creativity and tranquility, we have had some fantastic
feedback.
Hannah:
Its been so successful in its mix of eclectic brands,
which have attracted key press to the lounge, it has also given us a
chance to network and meet people on a more personal level than
before.
Any
Fashion Week survival tips?
Sarah:
Wedges, as they offer height and comfort. Layer your
clothes, you never know how hot it may be in a show and wear
statement accessories to showcase your personal style.
Hannah:
Lots of liquids and keep a pair of flats in your handbag
for blister fuelled emergencies!
Fashion Scout also spoke to Rob Cavell-Clarke of the renowned online platform and e-retailer Not Just a Label about the exhibition.
Are there any designers you’re here to see?
Yifang Wan I think she’s amazing, I saw her collection yesterday which was really beautiful.
What do you make of the season so far?
Good and really exciting with the new stuff especially the young designers. The most interesting ones are the designers from international countries. There’s also the International Fashion showcase which has been really good.
Have you seen any trends that are starting to come through so far this week?
With men’s fashion week it was all about hyper practicality, clothes that turned into other things where as everything here seems more simplistic.
Interview by Brooke McCord (@BrookeMcCord) and Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)
Images by Siobhan Kerrigan (@SiobhanKerrigan) and Daniella Farrow (@danifarrow)
