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

COLLECTION| International Catwalk Competition at Graduate Fashion Week 2014.

Adriana Perelli Gonzales - Istituto Marangoni Milan

Sabrina Pilkati - Academia Di Costume E Di Moda

Shan Liao Huang - Shih Chien University 

Claudio Cutungo - IED

Jessica Tarisch - Istituto Marangoni Paris

On the final day of GFW 2014, the International Catwalk Competition hit the runway. A stunning explosion of print, colour and texture from universities across the globe, the show was testament to the talent of our international counterparts. 

Highlights included Adriana Perelli Gonzales' ‘Afro-Cuban Beats’ collection, inspired by an Afro-Cuban jazz song. Gonzales’ collection overflowed with character as Cuban and African culture collided to form an eclectic combination of texture and print. Lively prints were adorned with feather, fur, beads and hand stitched embroidery. Orange, yellow and green tones featured heavily throughout and black provided a backdrop for a sea of ethnic print. A playful banana print was also worked into the collection. Feather cuffs and floral headpieces beautifully complemented Gonzales’ ethnic fusion. 

Sabrina Pilkati showcased a minimal, architectural aesthetic within her collection. Ultra high neck details in caviar leather were featured extended from mesh tops. Deconstructed silhouettes set the tone for Pilkati's collection. Leather and fleece fabrics were juxtaposed in designs from across the collection with panelling and curved zip details adding a sense of deconstruction and garment manipulation to each look. A particular highlight came in the form of a cream coloured coat with extended, structured shoulder detail. A colour palette of red, black and cream formed shell-like encasings which strikingly manipulated the female form. 

Shan Liao Huang used a limited colour palette of strictly grey tones throughout her collection. Featuring both mens and womenswear, Huang’s designs exuded a feeling of androgyny. Silhouettes were oversized, particularly in the shoulder area and garments were padded throughout the collection with Huang’s jacket designs resembling that of baseball jackets in terms of silhouette. Graphic black and white print was displayed in singular sections within each look. A distressed aesthetic set the tone for Huang’s collection which favoured a use of feather applique detailing, metal box bags and panelling to create a look reminiscent of modern armour.

Claudio Cutungo favoured a dramatic use of black in his collection. Mesh, feathers, lace and vinyl black detailing added to Cutungo’s striking aesthetic. Cutungo’s designs featured floor length designs in a contrasting array of textures, with heavy wool coats being juxtaposed against softly ruffled sleeves. Accentuated waists gave added form to an otherwise straight silhouette and vinyl black hats complete with lace detailing perfectly complemented Cutungo’s look.

Jessica Tarisch presented a traditional collection, taking inspiration from the Alpine region in which she grew up. Heavy flanneled fabrics were given a feminine twist as they were combined with softer silk pieces throughout the collection. Knitted crochet finishes offered a feeling of tradition to Tarisch’s collection and a traditionally feminine silhouette complete with cinched in waist added to a sense of culture - with heavy fabrics being reminiscent of the hiking clothing that Tarisch encountered growing up. Patchwork elements and a muted colour palette effortlessly complemented Tarisch’s homespun aesthetic.

By Charlotte Muscat, (@CharlotteLM9).
Images by Tram Nguyen, (@TramNguyenP).

NEWS: Tickets Still Available for GFW 2014

With GFW 2014 only a week away now, there's not long left to purchase tickets to the event.

Taking place between Saturday 31st May and Tuesday 3rd June 2014, GFW will take a major step forward with an exciting new venue - The Truman Brewery, London E1. Located in the heart of London’s buzzing creative district in East London, the Truman Brewery is a stunning industrial building that is conveniently positioned for the fashion industry.

For four days, the atmospheric venue will play host to the largest showcase for fashion graduates from across the UK and internationally. Those among the likes of Gareth Pugh and Agi & Sam are already confirmed as speakers for the event, as well as talks from Fashion Monitor, Drapers and the Evening Standard. Whether it's the stunning catwalk displays, the impressive exhibition space or the live mentoring, studio shoots and immersive talks from industry leaders, it's not an event to be missed.

This year, we have partnered with Vogue Italia Talents to present the International Catwalk Competition 2014. A show in which the world’s leading fashion universities are invited to enter their top graduate collections, it's set to be a fantastic display of innovative international design talent. The judging panel is headed by Sara Maino, Senior Fashion Editor from Vogue Italia and will include other industry experts including Prof. Wendy Dagworthy (RCA). 

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).

Images, Graduate Fashion Week 2014 Preview Shoot. 

NEWS: Little Shilpa Featured in Vogue Italia

Fashion Scout AW14 designer Little Shilpa has been featured in Vogue Italia. 

For Vogue Italia's 50th anniversary, the publication have teamed up with Pepsi and, through their 'Pulse of New Talent' project, invited 10 international designers to interpret the world of Pepsi through their distinct design aesthetic. Little Shilpa is one such designer who, through her fashion forward vision and expressive millinery, is sure to bring a fresh eye to the brief. 

"When I think of Pepsi, I think of refreshing summer days, youthful dalliances and the EDM generation," Little Shilpa explains to Vogue Italia. "For this project, I have designer a visor. It is a double-layered visor with two colour ways for men and women... The design is youthful, fun and imbibes street culture."

Little Shilpa showcased her AW14 collection 'Vesper Bloom' at our Freemason's Hall venue in February. Bringing a dark presentation of pieces to our presentation room, her designs were highly embellished and intricately detailed.  

To see illustrations of Little Shilpa's piece, photos of the design itself and to read the rest of the interview, click here. 

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).
Images, taken by Oliver Savage.

NEWS| Tickets On Sale For The International Catwalk Show

Tickets for the GFW 2014 International Catwalk Competition are now on sale HERE.

We have partnered with Vogue Italia Talents to present the International Catwalk Competition 2014 at Graduate Fashion Week in May. A show in which the world’s leading fashion universities are invited to enter their top graduate’s collection, it's set to be a fantastic display of innovative international design talent. The judging panel is headed by Sara Maino, Senior Fashion Editor from Vogue Italia and will include other industry experts including Prof. Wendy Dagworthy (RCA). 

For this year's event, the atmospheric Truman Brewery will play host to Graduate Fashion Week 2014. The largest showcase for fashion graduates from across the UK and internationally, it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in upcoming talent. Whether it's the stunning catwalk displays, the impressive exhibition space or the live mentoring, studio shoots and immersive talks from industry leaders, it's not an event to be missed.

Tickets are going fast so be sure to grab yours soon!

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).

NEWS: GFW 2014 Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets for GFW 2014 are now available for purchase HERE!

Graduate Fashion Week is the largest event in the world for fashion graduates. Internationally renowned for establishing the careers of leading designers including Christopher Bailey, Stella McCartney, Julien Macdonald and Matthew Williamson, Graduate Fashion Week works to launch the future talent to global markets.

Featuring UK and international universities, this year's event will consist of over 20 catwalk shows, extensive exhibitions and a number of talks from leading industry and media professionals, featured seminars, live mentoring, a job zone, digital cinema space, live photo studio space and much more.

With this year's Graduate Fashion Week taking place in a new venue, the atmospheric Truman Brewery in the heart of London's creative hub, it's set to be the best yet.

Graduate Fashion Week 2014 will run from 31st May - 3rd June 2014. A full catwalk schedule can be viewed HERE. 

Be sure to keep up with everything GFW:

On Twitter

On Instagram

On Facebook