NEWS| Myrza de Muynck featured on Style.com

Myrza de Muynck Autumn/ Winter '13 images via Style.com

Think back to February of last year, and as distant as it seems, the 'One to Watch' picks for Autumn/Winter have proved there's truth to that claim with the successes following their inaugural showcase. 

The most recent to be featured online is Dutch-born Myrza de Muynck, whose subversion of classic silhouettes, and conventional qualities of the 1980's ubiquitous shell-suit has earnt her a steady-following of revered professionals.

Adding to coverage from the BBC, Because magazine, and several posts by Susie Bubble, a conceptual short supporting de Muynck's Autumn/Winter '13 collection now features as part Style.com's Video Fashion Week.

Watch the film here, and find our exclusive interview with behind-the-scenes images here.

PARIS PREVIEW| Paris Showroom Designer Myrza de Muynck

Former Ones to Watch designer Myrza Muynck is returning to Fashion Scout's Paris Showroom to showcase her A/W13 collection. Having not showcased her collection at any London showcases, the Dutch born designer will be solely displaying her latest collection to Fashion Scout Paris attendees. Alongside the A/W13 lookbook images which she has shared exclusively to Fashion Scout, Myrza has given this insight on what she's looking forward to about returning to Paris with FS. 

"I'm most looking forward to meeting up with fellow designers and new buyers. There’s an advantages of showcasing your designs in Paris as more buyers are present in Paris.

The inspiration behind my latest collection is 'elegant ladies that meet tomboys which go out together feeling like twins'."

By Cass Gowing, Editor - follow her on Twiter

Images from Myrza de Muynck

NEWS| 'Schlep Suit'- Myrza de Muynck on Style Bubble

Myrza de Muynck has racked quite the fan base since her inaugural showing with us back in February. Labelled 'One-to-Watch' for Autumn/ Winter, and featured by the BBC, and Italian Vogue, Muynck has clearly fulfilled- and exceeded- any expectations of a design talent worth watching.

Having tided alongside fashion's emerging throughout the early stages of their careers, one factor remaining constant, and at the crux of a designer's success is just that- remaining "constant"; consistently presenting innovative ideas. 

So, consider it a mark of success that Dutch-born Myrza de Muynck has again been featured by Style Bubble's Susanna Lau in her two season run. Having previously profiled Muynck's delicate reinterpretation of the ubiquitous 80s shell-suit, Lau goes on to detail the designer's developments for Spring, and justifies our previously ascribed 'One to Watch' tag. 

Read the piece in full here, and let us know what you think via Twitter.

NEWS| Vauxhall Fashion Scout, the Home of New Talent; scouting the next generation of British Design Talent

Merit Award Winner Heohwan Simulation

Raffaele Ascione

Zeynep Tosun 

Manuela Dack

Leutton Postle Backstage

Leutton Postle 

Sabina Bryntesson

Sabina Bryntesson

Myrza De Muynck

One's To Watch Designer Hellen Van Rees

Phoebe English

Phoebe English

Supporting, nurturing and showcasing new talent is what Vauxhall Fashion Scout is all about; bridging the gap between mainstream media, press and industry and emerging, new and even graduating designers. 

Hand-selecting designers each season, and scouting the Graduate Showcases from across the country make VFS a personal and intimate showcase to be a part of. With help from esteemed members of the industry- including Vogue.co.uk, Browns, Avenue 32, Not Just A Label, Selfridges and POP magazine, S/S13 saw an amazing array of new talent for our off-schedule London Fashion Fashion Week. 

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout One's To Watch showcase is always.. well, one to watch, however this season Hellen Van Rees, Charlotte Simpson, Hana Cha and Ming Pin Tien brought a series of collections that produced a wave of appreciation for the sheer magnetism of new talent in the industry. 

Last season's Merit Award Winner Phoebe English brought in the crowds, including Front Row Guests from The Shop Bluebird, Dover Street Market, CSM & Susie Bubble- who also visited One's To Watch designer from last season, Myzra De Muynck, backstage and Manuela Dack who has been featured many a time on Stylebubble.com. 

Long standing Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers Leutton Postle are often featured in mainstream media and press, impressing the industry with their attention to detail and use of bright and vivid colours to produce an eye-catching, slight tongue-in-cheek but completely wearable collection; a stark contrast to this season's Merit Award winner Heohwan Simulation- who's sharp lines and clean aesthetic are some-what of a calling card for his unparalleled blend of menswear tailoring and femininity in his collections.  

This season, however, saw the celebration of the Graduate designer. With Kingston University showing their MA collection as part of of our off-schedule line up, and debut catwalk collections from Sabine Bryntesson and Zeynup Tosun- the industry can't get enough of these fresh and young-minded designers. Having received attention from Vogue, Sabina Bryntesson's collection did not disappoint, with Zeynup Tosun being highlighted by Susie Bubble as a highlight for the season.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout, unparalleled for the appreciation and support of next generation designers, showcase every season with a new line-up of hand-picked emerging designers. For more information on VFS and the designers themselves, head to the new-look website- www.vauxhallfashionscout.com

HIGHLIGHTS| The Final Day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Myrza De Muynck Presentation

Sabina Bryntesson Catwalk/Presentation

Leutton Postle Presentation

Toni & Guy Trends Backstage

Sabina Bryntesson Presentation

Nova Chiu Backstage

Leutton Postle Backstage

Backstage Model Line Up

Beach Blanket Babylon Pop-Up Bar, Media Centre

Sponsor Goody Bag & LFW Survival Kit

Images by Hannah Wilson, Rebecca Andrews, Dani Farrow, Lauren Marsh

INTERVIEW| Myrza de Muynck

Myrza de Muynck is known for collections that have fascinating starting points and an intelligent approach to fashion design. She does something really different to other designers, approaching the presentation of her collection in a unique way with juxtaposed musical beats and models gracefully floating, almost dancing, in and out of the room. VFS caught up with Myrza after the show to find out a little more about the collection and the show.

VFS: Hi Myrza, we saw the show and loved it! What was the starting point of the collection?

Myrza: It was a continuation of what i've been doing before so I saw a book about Holland mania and I thought it was interesting to have that 'mania' about something. In the 1920's it was Egyptomania so there is some Egyptian things in there with the embroideries because in the twenties a lot of the references were Egyptian so I put that in there. That was combined with sort of casuals and sportswear influences.

VFS: There was a really interesting juxtaposition with the music, where did that come from?

Myrza: I wanted it to slow down and be a bit awkward, less fast and sort of combining old with something new, being sort of nostalgic but in a new way.

VFS: What fabrics were you using for the collection?

Myrza: I used a lot of linen, and cotton, towelling and tulle. Summery fabrics basically.

VFS: So how have you found Vauxhall Fashion Scout as a whole?

Myrza: It's really really great. They support you and they've been wonderful. And the venue is beautiful! It's been amazing.

Interview by Katie Agar

Image by Rebecca Andrews

COLLECTION| Myrza de Muynck S/S13

Former Ones to Watch designer Myrza Muynck was back for the second time here at Vauxhall Fashion Scout today to showcase her new Spring Summer '13 collection. The designer, who is known to like mixing inspirations, styles and combinations of fabrics, gave a really unique presentation in the upstairs vestibule. As the slow, elegant music began, one of the models walked out into the space in a graceful walk and began to beat drums in a slow rhythmic beat over the top of the music creating a really interesting contrast. The remainder of the models floated into the room and began a series of static poses, reflective of the music.

The collection featured muted hues of pale pink, white and grey with injections of lime green, mint green and yellow and an outfit of black embellished velvet that gave the collection an evening look. The overall tone was sportswear inspired, but in fabrics of linen and cotton that were extremely wearable. The silhouettes were relatively loose fitting and comprised mostly of matching separates but also an interpretation of the 80's romper. Knee length styles had a childish element to them, furthered by the cute bow embellishments and coloured sneakers.

The details made the collection; the beading was either in a linear grid patterns or circular art deco style designs that gave the collection a 20's glamour feel. Myrza is known to favour combining different decades in her work, mixing decorative features of the early 20^th century with contemporary styles and shapes. She is known for putting a lot of effort into small details and it is very effective, the panelling was intricate and some of the details were adorable, a bow on the back of the trousers that was almost tail-like for example. Myrza, who was born in the Netherlands, is known to have said that “dutch people like to look plain but at the same time they are relatively wealthy”, and this contrast in her heritage is sure to be what inspires the juxtaposition in styles in her designs.

Text by Katie Agar (@katie_agar)

Images by Rebecca Andrews

BACKSTAGE| Toni & Guy lead hair stylist Chie Sato talks to VFS

Ahead of Myrza de Muynck’s Spring/Summer 2013 show, Vauxhall Fashion Scout head edbackstage and to chat with lead hair stylist at Toni & Guy Chie Sato about the looks the team are creating for the show. Chie tells us about the inspiration behind the hair, tips the top hair trends for S/S13 and lets us in on some key products to getting that perfect textured look. 

What look are you creating today?

The inspiration for the design is “This is England”, it’s kind of undone and we’re creating an undercut look. I wouldn’t say it’s a natural look, but it’s less neat more DIY.

How do you create a balance between the pieces in the collection and the looks for hair?

I think about the collection first. We meet with the designer and make-up artists and talk about the clothes and the colours. The first thing the designer showed me was an image from “This is England” to start off.

Are there any key products you’re using today?

Sea Salt spray for a sultry look, and we’ve been using Label M Miracle fibre too. This season the hair has a healthier look.

It’s the last day at VFS, are there any looks you’ve seen?

There have been so many shows! We’ve seen a softer look for the hair, not messy but like you’ve been on holiday and you let the environment take course. A lot of women like their hair on holiday and find it hard to recreate that texture.

Interview by Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)

Photography by Rebecca Andrews

NEWS| Myrza de Muynck in Because Magazine

Myrza de Muynck, the recent Central Saint Martin’s graduate and VFS 'One To Watch' continues to turn heads with her reimagining of eighties staple; the shell suit. Previously featured in TANK, and now Because magazine, the young designer’s knack for transforming ubiquitous 80s and 90s "looks" is being recognised for being at the forefront of the shell suit's reinvention.

The guys over at Because visited Myrza at her studio to take a closer look at the inspirations and ideas behind the designs.

Speaking of her unique juxtaposition between luxe 1920s embroidery, and the 90s “trashy” sportswear aesthetic, Because highlights Myrza’s talent for effortlessly marrying the two opposed images to produce a feminine, streetwise "cool".

Her designs call upon many influences from her upbringing in Holland; her grandmother’s style; and relationships with friends. The video takes you into the studio and gives you a more personal perspective of the work of this exciting young designer.

For the video, and more images click here.
Text by Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)

NEWS| Myrza de Muynck featured in Tank magzine

Myrza de Muynck - The Poverty De Luxe Aesthetic

Myrza de Muynck, Central Saint Martin's 2011 graduate and VFS One to Watch is renowned for surprisingly, yet successfully, reinventing and revisiting the shell suit through her collections. Myrza has received critical acclaim for this reinvention; the most recent being in Tank Magazine.

The editorial analyses the constant focus on sports clothing, looking at how her pieces creatively combine the nylon and polyester of sportswear with the intricacy and detail of couture (which as unlikely as it may seem, was shaped by 1920s evening dresses and 70's Jodie Foster films).

In the creation of what she likes to call 'poverty de luxe', the Dutch designer's future is an exciting one. With plans of not only producing more suits, but also of introducing her aesthetic to the world of menswear. 

By VFS's newest contributor Josh Walker

Images from Tank Magazine

EXCLUSIVE| Inside the studio of "One to Watch" Myrza de Muynck

Walking into Myrza de Muynck's studio having seen her soft, terry-loop sweaters, with their blush, gauze overlays, and intricate embellishments, you'd wander in expecting her surroundings to reflect the cotton-soft, femininity of her previous work. 

Unsurprisingly, we walk into a well-lit, well-tidied, flower-finished space; rolls of pastel coloured fabrics tucked neatly in the corner... but- again- we walked in with expectations mirroring what we'd seen walk down the runway, meaning we knew there was more to learn about the Dutch-born, CSM grad. 

A little riffling through annotated print-outs of 20s flapper-girls, and we find our first insight into the quirky streak the "Muynck Girl" is so known to have (look closely at the first image, and you'll see it too...), so we sat down to discuss who exactly the "Muynck Girl" is, whether she's ready to mature, and where she's likely headed next- starting with how things have developed since previous seasons...

... It's a follow-up of my previous collection; different, but with the same 'spirit' as before. It looks kind of... sweet, but it's not. It's still got attitude.

Is that the kind of girl in your head when design? She's feminine- maybe even "girly"- but effortlessly "cool" at the same time?

Well, I can see anyone wearing [the pieces] really- even an older woman- because it has that... light, feminine look. I've got some women I really like that I think about, but... [in my work], when I design, it's mainly me, I guess. I do really like Gena Rowland; she's really lady-like, but with this "young" spirit, and she's... a bit odd- in an interesting way. I also think about Diana Vreeland; she's an "odd" character too, and there's this... authenticity about her. Women like that. I like to think of them.

So, there's something about your girl that's different; slightly off-kelter, not your "usual" sort... 

Yeah, they have their own femininity. It's not your "usual", it's something coming from them.

Is this where the solid, intermittent blocks of red and leopard come into it- injecting, and enforcing that point of difference?

I chose the leopard because it has two readings: it is feminine in an "old-fashion" sort of way. [But] there's another side to it... it can have this... sort of "chavvy" feeling at the same time. So it has two elements that really fit with the casualness, and the luxuriousness of the collection. When you wear the pieces, you can interpret that in either way.

"Chavvy"...?

[Laughing] Well, the idea to have the shell-suit came from their uniformity, because- in a way- they're in a sort of uniform, but they're very authentic. There's something I really like about the idea of uniformity. Also there's this weird sort of "sexiness" [about them]; there are no inhibitions. They're just who they are. That's what I like about them, because they're not pretending.

Was introducing lingerie into next season's collection a way of subtly hinting at the "Muynck Girl" maturing, and injecting that sort of "sexiness" into your work?

I like the sexiness about the way you can style it into your look, like with the look-book image we did: the model has just a little beading showing through the [shell]-suit. I would really love to have a range.

The beading in the underwear, and  embroidery throughout most of the collection has become a sort of "Myrza" staple; is this something you think we'll always be seeing?

I think so. I really like the 1920s, because of they way they worked, and the beading really comes from that. They had this really beautiful, couture way of working, with beautiful embroidery. So, yes, I think it will stay.

We gather there's a lot to the Muynck girl, but then there's a lot to the real, everyday girl, and woman- ladylike or not- which is what there is to appreciate about every bit of Myrza's work. Yes, it's feminine, but it doesn't have to be. There are the leopard-block bottoms to cater to your inner- upfront- temptress, and there's the amaranth-pink, gauze-fronted sweater, should you have a day you're feeling "dainty". 

Myrza ties it up unknowingly with a statement made, walking us to the door...

I just like taking the sort of "cheap" feeling about [something], and making it into something really luxurious with beading... quilting... embroidery....

So, essentially, it's dressing something "up"... It's what girls do.


Interview by Sara McAlpine (@sara_mcalpine)
Images by Claire Pepper (@claire_pepper)

COLLECTIONS| Myrza de Muynck's Autumn/Winter pick

Earlier this month, "One to Watch", Myrza de Muynck picked out her collection-favourite, explaining her choice to the VFS team. Holding up a terry-loop sweater with blush, gauze overlay, and hand-finished embellishment, the young designer explained the selection as "really feminine, but easy-going- you can just put it on- I like the lightness of it, really." She also went on to explain the "cheeky" element to the show styling- seen in the video above- claiming the "quirkiness" injected via bold animal prints, and colour-blocked accents was a play on the effeminate pastel pinks, adding character to the cool, "at-ease" Muynck-girl we're now so used to seeing. We suppose all that explains why VOGUE.com's Jessica Bumpus picked this "One to Watch" as a fashion week favourite.

If you missed Myrza discussing other elements of her Autumn/Winter collection on the BBC's "One Show" last week, you can catch up here. You can also follow her on Twitter @myrzademuynck, and us @FashionScout.