SS15 PREVIEW| Ming

A brand focused on contemporary womenswear and known for their attention to sharp detail, clean lines and subtle manipulation of textures, London based Ming will be the first designer to take to the Fashion Scout catwalk next week. Having curated a strong aesthetic, wearable garments and clean cut pieces bring a fresh take to design season after season. In a preview of what we can expect to see for SS15, Ming talks what makes a strong aesthetic and showcasing with Fashion Scout. 

Fashion Scout: How would you describe the Ming aesthetic?

Ming: A mixture of clean silhouette and complex fabrications. 

FS: What’s the story behind your SS15 collection?

M: The collection is inspired by the novel "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro. From my interpretation, it is about daily lives and encounters, numerous incidents which occur and the inevitable, death. 

FS: How is this collection a progression from your past collections?

M: This collection is more minimalistic on the surface yet contains complex inner constructions.

FS: You seem to build a very streamlined aesthetic through pieces that have clean lines and silhouettes. What is it for you that makes a strong garment?

M: At this stage, I still think of myself as a story teller. My collections reflect my thoughts in different stages of life and I want them to be as honest as possible.

FS: How do you go about designing a collection? How does it start and progress to the final product?

M: I start by pulling inspiration from different sources of research, I then start sourcing fabrics, designing and sampling all at the same time because of limited time and then of course the collection is manufactured.  

FS: How does it feel to be showcasing with Fashion Scout again this season?

M: I am looking forward to it very much! There are different ways of presenting a collection and I think live show/presentation is the best way for the story to come across.

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

EXCLUSIVE| Ones to watch: Ming-Pin Tien

Originally from Taipei Taiwan, designer Ming-Pin Tien has worked up 9 years’ worth of experience that includes being a visual merchandiser for one of Taiwan’s most popular boutiques as well as assisting emerging Taiwanese womenswear designer Jolin Wu. This year Ming-Pin Tien brings his talent to Vauxhall Fashion Scout as one of SS13’s Ones To Watch.

A recent graduate from London College of Fashion’s most famed Fashion Design & Technology MA course, Ming-Pin Tien’s MA 2012 graduate show collection titled “Metaphorical Distance” displayed an eye for innovative design with a muted colour palette and unusually beautiful shapes.

His focus on pattern cutting is unmistakeably interesting with shapes that show creativity and craftsmanship. A talent for translating his ideas, Ming-Pin’s work is based on the abstract and conceptual, which are skilfully brought to life with shapes and intricate details that make his work stand out in the crowd.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout spoke to Ming-Pin Tien to see how it felt following the announcement.

"It has been an overwhelming experience so far as it has happened in a very short period of time - I'm still digesting it! I am very happy and proud to be chosen as VFS Ones to Watch this season. I see this showcasing opportunity as my first step towards to my career in the big city, as well as to let people know what Ming is about and to see if they appreciate my design and aesthetic. 

I am fully working on my new collection for SS13. [In regards to my collection] I would like to say, "Look into the details and never forget to have a good look of the back of each outfit." Like most things happening in the world it's perfectly normal on the front with a quick glance but who have noticed what has been happening behind and under the surface...?"

He will show his new collection alongside other Ones To Watch designers at Vauxhall Fashion Scout in September 2012.


Copy by Vanessa Omoregie, Ming-Pin Tien interviewed by Cass Gowing