Christopher Dadey

As some of you may have heard the very sad news, our friend and fashion photographer Christopher Dadey has passed away.  

Known throughout the industry as one of the best catwalk photographers, his photography helped launched a generation of talented designers including David Koma, Phoebe English, Georgia Harding, Inbar Spector, Felder Felder and many more.

His work appeared in every major fashion publication and digital space around the world: GQ, WWD, Vogue.co.uk, i-D, Wonderland, The Independent, Tatler, Spin, ELLE, Dazed, and The Guardian.

Christopher was highly respected by all of the designers and the whole team at Fashion Scout. 

Our deepest condolences go to his wife Rebekah Roy and his family.

A memorial will held on Wednesday 16^th September.

EXCLUSIVE | Fashion Scout Selection Panel AW15

The AW15/16 Fashion Scout Selection Panel converged on Tuesday 18th November to decide which designers would showcase with Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Week. A collection of Fashions finest, the panel included Vogue Italia's Sara Maino, renowned fashion commentator Hilary Alexander OBE, Judith Tolley from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, the British Council, former Merit Award winner Georgia Hardinge and Fashion Scout's own director Martyn Roberts. 

The panel spent the day time looking through all fifty shortlisted designers before deciding on this seasons Merit Award and One’s to Watch recipients. 

The judges where overwhelmed by the level of talent for AW15/16. Commenting on what seems to be a new ‘era’ of designer talent- with a focus on craftsmanship, creativity and colour. Those who are chosen by the judges will have the chance to showcase their collections during Fashion Scout London Fashion Week in catwalk shows, presentations or as part of exhibitions from the 20th - 24th February 2015. 

Look out for our new designer announcements soon, including the prestigious Ones to Watch and Merit Award winners. 

by Daisy Milward

Images from Fashion Scout Events

INTERVIEW| Stylist Rebekah Roy

Backstage, after the spectacular Gyo Yuni Kimchoe unveiling, we interviewed show stylist Rebekah Roy to get some insight into the collaborative process that helped to shape the aesthetic of the brand for this season. 

What brief were you given for the show?

One of the things I was told about by Gyo and Yuni was military, and that theme being juxtaposed with floral, but also about how military and flowers are sort of similar in some ways. Like how the bees are fighting to keep the flowers alive and the military are fighting to keep somebody else alive, and how this can come together. We really wanted the girls to be strong, the designers really like strong women and so we wanted them to look really fierce going down the catwalk. But because the garments still have all the draping and the flowers it's still really feminine. I particularly loved our machine guns with the watering cans, it was really fun!

What do you enjoy about Gyo Yuni Kimchoe's aesthetic?

What they do, and do really well, is a mixture of fabric and we saw that in their graduate collection. What mostly interests me about them is all their philosophy behind everything that they do and I think that's what quite inspirational about them. 

How collaborative is the process of styling a designer's show?

You have to work with the designer. It's all about the designer. If a show becomes about the stylist then it's not a fashion show, it's not a show for a designer. Plus this is the Merit Award so they really know what they want and what their vision is and what their philosophies are so it's for me to work with them on that.

You also styled the Ones to Watch show. Was it quite tricky to work with four different designers in one show?

It's always a challenge because you never want a designer to compromise. With the Merit Award show I never wanted them to compromise. I wanted them to have everything that they wanted and everything that worked for them. So on the Ones to Watch, even though you don't want it for your designer, when it's a group show everyone has to compromise, but the key is that everyone compromises the same amount. Some of the designers had very feminine looks and some of them had very androgynous looks so it was really about finding the balance between all of that. You don't want one designer compromising 75% while someone else compromises 25%, you have to make sure it's all equal. 

What has been your impression of Fashion Scout so far?

Well I've worked for Fashion Scout for so many years and it's always a pleasure to be here. I love working with Cat, every show works so smoothly with the team backstage and I just really love being a part of it. 

Have you seen any trends developing so far?

I've seen a few things actually, a few hair trends. I've seen a few 60s bouffants lately. Also there's a strength thing going on where women are looking a lot stronger.

Looking forward, what other shows will you be working on at Fashion Scout?

Now I'm just going to be seeing shows over the next few days. I'm all done doing my styling so I can just go and see and enjoy Fashion Scout now!

By Clarissa Waldron, (@thisisclarissa).

Photos by Elizabeth Hodson.

EXCLUSIVE| SS15 Selection Panel

As Fashion Scout London and Paris's September season approaches, a group of leading fashion professionals joined Fashion Scout’s Director Martyn Roberts to decide on the exciting new line up of designers for the upcoming season. As well as selecting those who would showcase on our catwalk, it was decided who would be awarded Fashion Scout’s prestigious Merit Award, as well as our Ones to Watch.

Renowned fashion journalist Hilary Alexander commented that the overall quality of designer's pieces, describing them as “really interesting,” being sure to comment on the “ingenious craftsmanship” of some of the collections on offer. Alongside Hilary Alexander was Judith Tolley from the CFE, stylist Rebekah Roy, Not Just A Label’s Robert Cavell-Clarke and previous Merit Award winner, Phoebe English.

“Really original, you can tell they have really enjoyed making it, really lovely.” Phoebe English.

Since winning the coveted Merit Award, Phoebe English works closely with CFE London and has grown her business into a staple name in the fashion industry. Next week, English will be flying to New York with her latest collection for an exciting new launch event in Dover Street Market's new US branch. 

                               

The event was covered live on our social media platforms with quotes and photos during the selection process for which the winners will be announced shortly. 

Alongside the selection of designers applying for Fashion Scout September, the panel also viewed a collection of the best fashion design graduates work from this year. From these collections, the panel then curated a collective of the 10 best UK fashion grads. 10 graduates who will comprise to create the Graduate Showcase, which will be shown at our Freemason's Hall venue in Covent Garden for the fourth year this season. 

Fashion Scout London will take place from 12th - 16th September 2014. 

Images by Hannah Farrell 

Writer: Lauren Slater + Lauren West 

INTERVIEW| Rebekah Roy

We caught up with Rebekah Roy, stylist of Fashion Scout's ‘Ones To Watch’ catwalk show backstage after the show.

How has your experience been working with the ‘Ones To Watch’ designers?

All four designers are so incredible and so warm, and the wonderful thing is they have all been so supportive of each other. I think that they will all remain good friends after this, it is a wonderful moment for them.

What have been your favourite things about this years designs?

I’ve been styling this for fourteen seasons and its always amazing, there has been so much creativity, the designs this year are all so unique.

What do you think about Fashion Scout as a platform for new designers?

Its so incredible for emerging talent, its maybe the only platform for young designers, so many designers have gone on from Fashion Scout to do amazing things such as Fashion East and New York fashion Week.

Finally, you are also styling for Pinghe later on this evening, what can expect to see?

Texture, attitude and resistance.

By Charlotte Muscat (@CharlotteLM9)

Photography by Jamike Latif (@JamikeLatif) taken with the fashion foward LumixGM1 (@PanasonicUK)

FRONT ROW| Rebekah Roy at Heohwan Simulation SS14

We caught up with stylist and Fashion Scout selection panel member Rebekah Roy at the first show of Fashion Scout SS14, former Merit Award winner Heohwan Simulation. 

Yes I did- it was brilliant. The colour palette was beautiful with the yellows and the blues. There were lots of classic shapes to be seen and the patterns were also a highlight. I love Heohwan, I actually own several of his pieces!

Photography by Grace Sanchez @gracyphotograph

BACKSTAGE| Ones to Watch FEB'13

With Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch winners Patrick Li, Yeashin and Yulia Kondranina showcasing their three new collections at 12:30 today, backstage was well and truly a hive of activity.

“It's going great,” said Rebekah Roy, the show's stylist. “It's a first show for them so I think they're a little nervous but the clothes are extraordinary. It'll be a really great show this season.” She continued to explain how she finds “everyone really helpful, really professional and each year I find we up the ante. It becomes stronger and stronger.”

“It's more dynamic this season and there are more interchangeable pieces,” One to Watch winner Patrick Li said about his AW13 collection. On her new collection, Yeashin stated how “I want it to look very cute but luxurious. This season the inspiration was Korean traditional wood furniture and David Hockney paintings.”

When it comes to hair and make-up due to the creativity of all three creations, both take a relatively simple approach so as not to take anything away from the garments themselves. “The hair is glossy, shiny and tight in a very low ponytail,” explained Toni & Guy's head of hair, Silje Vincent. “Because the designers are so different, we have to keep it simple.”

Only a matter of hours away now, the Ones to Watch show is set to be an exciting one.

Words by Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images by Kris Elliott (@kriselliott)

FRONT ROW| Rebekah Roy and Kate Nash

Vauxhall Fashion Scout were lucky enough to speak with familiar faces Rebekah Roy and Kate Nash in the front row at Ji Cheng. 

Kate Nash:

I’m wearing Ji Cheng today, I’ve just discovered her stuff - I love it.  I don’t really know what to expect from the show though, only good things though!   I think it’s really beautiful, right down to the invitations and the tea on the floor.  London is really nice in that it is really multicultural and embraces loads of different cultures; anything can be inspiring, so the more you’re exposed to things that are unlike what you know, the better.  

Rebekah Roy:

I completely agree.  A lot of the fabrics she uses, the way she layers the fabrics, and a lot of the lovely little details she uses are wonderful. We don’t live in a void, and with fashion we really don’t want to. Ji Cheng is a huge designer in China, but when she comes here it’s like she’s starting again: that is the flip-side for when someone starts. There’s a huge market for Chinese designers to come to Europe and to England.  Super-brands have been going to Asia for quite a while, so it’s about time that we see the reverse happen.  

Interview by Abigail Gurney-Read

NEWS| Exclusive Insight - Vauxhall Fashion Scout S/S13 Selection Panel

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel for London Fashion Week S/S13 has come and gone, but the excitement is still with us a week on...

Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch housed over 40 designers, 14 industry experts and hundreds of beautiful garments last Tuesday, which saw the seasonal Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel hand-pick the designers that will be joining us at the Freemason's Hall for September's London Fashion Week and the Fashion Scout Showroom in Paris.

Amongst the selected designers, the Merit Award Winner & One's To Watch Designers were selected- the awards that highlight the leading emerging talent at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. These highly esteemed awards have gone to truly talented designers in the past, helping them launch their careers into the industry. Previous Merit Award Winners have included:

Georgia Hardinge

Hermione De Paula

David Koma

William Tempest

Applying for catwalk, exhibition and Paris Showroom places, Vauxhall Fashion Scout had nearly 200 applicants for S/S13.

With just the afternoon to select the designers they believe will be the leading new talent for Vauxhall Fashion Scout, our panel of prestigious fashion industry individuals came from all areas within the fashion world- buying, marketing, designing, anything a designer could possibly need when trying to break into the industry.

Our Vauxhall Fashion Scout Panel this season were:

Martyn Roberts- Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Charlotte Gunstone - Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Ruth Runberg - Browns 

Erin Mullaney - Avenue 32

Stefan Siegel - Not Just A Label

Jessica Bumpus - Vogue.com

Tui Lin - POP Magazine

Judith Tolley - CFE 

David Koma - Designer & VFS Alumni

Eudon Choi - Designer & VFS Alumni

Rebekah Roy - Stylist

Laura Margott - Vauxhall Motors

Katie Oyler  - Vauxhall Motors

Karen Harper - Toni&Guy

Now heading into our 14th season, the "home of new talent", Vauxhall Fashion Scout is the leading platform for exciting new fashion designers to showcase their talent to London Fashion Week and the world. 

Make sure you stay tuned to the Vauxhall Fashion Scout blog for all the information for September's London Fashion Week and our new line up of designers, and keep up with up-to-date news with the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Twitter, here. 

NEWS| Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel for S/S13

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Director Martyn Roberts with David Koma

David Koma, Erin Mullaney (Avenue 32) & Judith Tolley (CFE)

Ruth Runberg (Browns), David Koma & Eudon Choi

Selection Panel Space at Beach Blanket Babylon

Collections

Stylist Rebekah Roy with VFS Events Manager, Charlotte Gunstone

The Full Selection Panel

Collections

Yesterday saw the S/S13 Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel take place at our venue partner, Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch. 

With nearly 200 designer applicants, the "home of new talent" has proven itself as an established and celebrated platform for supporting emerging design talent in the industry, and S/S13 looks to be one of the best ever for Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

Key industry experts came together to hand select the future designers for Vauxhall Fashion Scout S/S13 at both London & Paris Fashion Week, including the coveted Merit Award and prestigious One's To Watch showcase, that is held as a highlight every season.

Designers are considered for Catwalk, Presentation and Exhibition places and with that  gain access to Vauxhall Fashion Scout's renown Mentoring programme.  

The esteemed Selection Panel for S/S13 included some of the industries most respected and talented individuals, each bringing their own unique perspective and opinion of the shortlisted collections. On the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel this season were:

Martyn Roberts- Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Charlotte Gunstone - Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Ruth Runberg - Browns 

Erin Mullaney - Avenue 32

Stefan Siegel - Not Just A Label

Jessica Bumpus - Vogue.com

Tui Lin - POP Magazine

Judith Tolley - CFE 

David Koma - Designer & VFS Alumni

Eudon Choi - Designer & VFS Alumni

Rebekah Roy - Stylist

Laura Margott - Vauxhall Motors

Katie Oyler  - Vauxhall Motors

Karen Harper - Toni&Guy

The Vauxhall Fashion Scout Selection Panel also marked the launch of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Instagram, capturing exclusive behind the scene's imagery from the event, straight to the VFS Twitter.

Stay tuned to the Vauxhall Fashion Scout blog for news on selected designers for Vauxhall Fashion Scout S/S13. 

A big thank you to Beach Blanket Babylon for giving us the beautiful space for the VFS Selection Panel.