NEWS| Pam Hogg on Trendland

Fashion Scout contributor Josh Walker talks about Pam Hogg’s “New Nurse” on Trendland.com which features the seasoned designer’s well received Spring / Summer 2013 collection.

Dramatic showmanship and a “performance rather than a catwalk” makes Pam Hogg one of the most anticipated shows at Fashion Scout. The SS13 collection is an extension of the designer’s punk D.I.Y aesthetic, and it’s what keeps the audience on the edge of their seats each season.

Pam Hogg will showcase her A/W 13 collection on Saturday February 16th at 7:30pm.

Read Josh’s post on Trendland.com

Post by Vanessa Omoregie, Images from Trendland. 

NEWS| Heohwan Simulation's 'No Logo' S/S13 Fashion Film

Fashion Scout's previous Merit Award winner Heohwan Simulation has released a fashion film for his S/S13 collection, 'No Logo'. The film takes a futuristic and eerily technological tone to show the clean lined, structural pieces of the Royal College of Art graduate. Throughout the video, models walk the modern, minimal garments inspired by the literary work of Naomi Klein to an atmospheric soundtrack of beeps and glitches. In a fashion film that shows the designer's collection in motion, it adds yet another layer of creativity to Heohwan Simulation's unique aesthetic. 

Heohwan Simulation's A/W13 collection will be displayed on the catwalk on Monday 18th February during Fashion Scout London.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

LOOKBOOK| Heohwan Simulation S/S13

There's nothing like a touch of escapism to get you through the cold winter hence why the VFS blog team is glued to Heohwan Simulation's breathtaking S/S13 lookbook. Merit Award winner for S/S13 as well as former Ones to Watch winner - Hwan Heo created a stunning collection of strongly silhouetted, intricately detailed separates, dresses and jackets. 

For the full lookbook images, head to Heohwan Simulation's website whilst you can view all catwalk images from our S/S13 catwalk shows and exhibition lines here on the Vauxhall Fashion Scout blog. 

Post by Editor Cass Gowing

Images from Heohwan Simulation's S/S13 Lookbook. 

NEWS| Nova Chiu, Label of the Day in DASH Magazine

Bon Voyage is the theme so elegantly reflected in Nova Chiu Spring / Summer 13 collection featured as DASH magazine’s Label of the Day. Talking about the design duo’s “timeless yet versatile” statement pieces the magazine emphasises the journey both metaphorically and aesthetically shown in the warped yet beautiful landscapes that serve as prints for this beautiful collection. “Minimalistic tones merge with structured shapes”, the label’s concepts show passion and dedication that has seen their fan base grow from their first show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Check out DASH magazine here

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack

Images from DASH magazine

NEWS| Private Orders Evening & Sample Sale

Many Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers have united together for an exclusive S/S13 Private Orders Evening & Sample Sale event. The evening, which takes place on Wednesday 14th November is sponsored by Vauxhall Fashion Scout as well as Beach Blanket Babylon (where the evening is being hosted). 

We'll see you there!

NEWS| Fashion156 Creative's candid shots from OTW and Graduate Showcase S/S13

Fashion156 Creative, the spin-off creative arts agency from the acclaimed Fashion156, have released a set of backstage photographs from Vauxhall Fashion Scout's S/S13 Ones to Watch catwalk show as well as our Graduate Showcase. 

Katy Davies's candid photographs of the models and garments of our Ones to Watch stars portray the designs seconds before hitting the runway. Katy's photographs can be viewed on Fashion 156 Creative's website here. 

Fashion156 director Guy Hipwell joined forces with VFS to curate the Graduate Showcase space for our S/S13 showcase and Fashion156 Creative have released their own snaps of the presentation. 

The VFS Blog Team caught up with Guy prior to LFW S/S13 where he likened the similarities between Fashion156 and our Graduate Showcase event: 

"It just mirrors exactly the ethos and reasons I set up Fashion156 - to support the strong talent coming through our fashion schools each and every year. Graduates need all the support possible, especially with the current challenging economic climate."

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images from Fashion156 Creative

NEWS| Emma Shipley in IDOL magazine

Following her recent collaboration with IDOL magazine, luxury scarf designer Emma Shipley talks to the magazine about London Fashion Week and her SS13 collection. The Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer gives IDOL magazine an insight into her world of illustrated exotic animals and the inspiration behind her work.

The magazine commented on her fascinating use of a “half imagined and half real” jungle paradise. The young designer reflects on her trip to the Amazon which brought on inspiration for colours and the exotic atmosphere that runs through the collection. Commenting on her Anthropologie wallpaper launch, Emma Shipley catches up with IDOL on her Premiere Classe award for new accessory designer that she says “gave me a lot of exposure to international buyers”

As well as explaining her hand drawn pencil techniques and her recent collaboration with Tomasz Donocik, the accessories designer talks about working with interior designers where she can bring her own flair to items like wallpaper, rugs and furniture. She goes on explaining how important it is to find a style that is completely your own as advice for other young designers and illustrators.

On how much fun she had with IDOL magazine, Emma says she loved it and enjoyed the freedom of doing “just pure illustration for print” which she says is something she has never done before. “I loved how they ended up in the final images juxtaposed with the fashion shots, I thought it looked really great!”

Text by Vanessa Omoregie, images from IDOL magazine

NEWS| VFS designers nominated for The Hospital Club 100

Two Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers have been shortlisted for The Hospital Club and Time Out London's THC100 list.

The 100 list represents the best in innovative and unique talent. From Fashion to Theatre the list brings forward people who have made excellent achievements over the past 12 months in their field. Featuring emerging talent as well as the more established, the prestigious list looks at talent over status, money, or fame.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch Charlotte Simpson and Merit Award Winner Heohwan Simulation make the Fashion list amongst established designers including JW Anderson and Jonathan Saunders and esteemed stylist Rebekah Roy. With amazing careers between the two of them, Charlotte Simpson and Hwan Heo have gained fans for their stunning designs signature aesthetics. 

Graduating from London College of Fashion, Charlotte Simpson has worked with designers such as Julien Macdonald and been awarded the Zandra Rhodes Textiles Award. Winning the Umbro Sportswear Project is one of many achievements from designer and RCA graduate Hwan Heo whose S/S’13 collection wowed audiences at the Freemason’s Hall in September. Their skills and talents have shown potential and earned them their spot on The Hospital Club 100.

Special mentions also go to stylist Rebekah Roy, Nick Knight and VFS alumni designer Peter Pilotto who are also nominated. 

The shortlisted nominations are now open for voting until the 28^th of October and anyone can get involved and vote! The final 100 will be announced on the 12^th of November and featured in Time Out magazine, representing the future of Britain’s creative industries.

By Vanessa Omoregie. 

Image edited from Hospital Club's website

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Timur Kim

Having displayed his S/S13 collection on our catwalk during the opening day of London Fashion Week as well as showcasing his line in our Exhibition Space for the duration of London Fashion Week - Timur Kim joined us in Paris to present his collection in our showroom as well. A graduate of BA Fashion Design and MA Fashion from Central Saint Martin's, the designer likes to approach his garments with a very fabric led aesthetic. Producing a collection filled with flowing dresses, stark denim and fluid silks, Vauxhall Fashion Scout took the time to talk to Kim on his latest pieces, the label and its inspiration.

How was your S/S13 catwalk show?

[It went] really well. I didn't expect as much exposure. The space was crowded, people were standing and the press were amazing, they really liked it.

What is fashion to you?

It's a clarity. You have an idea and a vision and you need to relate this vision to the market and the real person, to the women.

What inspired this collection?

There hasn't been a particular inspiration. It's basically what felt right and was a vision of my style. It's how I'd like to see my woman dress. It has long dresses, shirts, trousers. If I was a woman, it's what I'd want to wear.

Who is this woman?

It's a young woman who wants to be elegant but stay cool.

What's your background and does it influence your work?

I'm Russian born and then I moved to London at 17. I've been creating collections since I was 16 years old and graduated this February. My background has influenced me but I think being here in London has definitely shaped me more. It gives me this idea of clarity and how to balance things.

What are your plans for the future of the label?

I want to carry on. I need to get stockists and then move forward. I don't want to be this conceptual brand, with me it's more about the clothing.

Do you have any ideas for your next collection?

I do, but I'm not going to say anything about it! I like my corsets though, I want more corsets. I think I've found a good balance with my work. I like the unexpected combination between denim and full, beautiful dresses.

What's it been like working with VFS?

It's been really good. I got a place right in the early stages so I had a chance to build the collection, present everything and see the response from the press. They've done a really good job and it's come out really well so far.

Timur Kim's S/S13 collection is available to view at our Paris Showrooms today until 5pm, the final day of PFW. 

Interview and Images taken during LFW by Josh Walker and Lauren Marsh

NEWS| Tuesday - Final Day in the VFS Paris Showroom

What do Dover Street Market, Opening Ceremony, IT, Beams, Selfridges, H.P. France, LVMH, RA, D-Mop, Saks 5th Ave, Joyce and many other leading boutiques and department stores have in common? They know that the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom is the place to discover the best in new design talent during Paris Fashion Week. 

Tuesday 2nd October marks the final day in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom for Spring/Summer 2013. Tomorrow will be your final chance to see the collections from a host of designers who have caught the attention of buyers from a range of prestigious stores. Pop along to the showroom to view the following designers for one final day:

Alice Lee

Anna October

Anne Sofie Madsen

Charlotte Simpson

David Longshaw

Ekaterina Kukhareva

Emma J Shipley

Eugene Lin

Hellen Van Rees

Heohwan Simulation

Ji Cheng

Kirsty Ward

Leutton Postle

MASC

Myrza de Muynck

Nova Chiu

Phoebe English

Raffaele Ascione

Shao Yen

Timur Kim

Yasmin Kianfar 

The showroom is located at 23 Rue de Roi de Sicile, 75004, and is open to buyers and members of the press. For more information or to RSVP email press@FSI-event.com

Can't make it to Paris? Stay tuned to the VFS blog as well as our Twitter page @FashionScout for full and exclusive updates. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Shao Yen

Tawaiinese born yet London based designer Shao Yen returned to showcase his Spring/Summer 2013 collection exclusively with Vauxhall Fashion Scout at our Paris Showrooms. His sixth collection returns to some of the forms used in his masters collection whilst retaining the usage of mixed materials which his collections are recognised for. We caught up with Shao Yen Chen on the penultimate day of showcasing his S/S13 collection.

1. What has been the initial response been to your S/S 13 collection?
I chose to use quite strong and bright colour this season so that's what caught people's attention first as well as the interesting mixture of textures.

2. Is there a favourite piece/ look form the collection/ a look that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?
The raffia sweatshirt top and pencil skirt reminds me of my MA collection. The look is much more wearable but the combination of fabrics is still interesting and playful.

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?
I aim to develop my brand and expand more stockists. It's a good opportunity to for me to meet buyers and press people as well as receiving feedback.

4. As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

VFS has always been very supportive and understands what young designers need. I really like the space this season.

5. What will you be doing in Paris, outside of VFS showroom-making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?
I don't have much opportunity to go out since I need to be in the showroom all day but I do enjoy walking from my flat to the showroom and looking at the people and shop windows along the way.

By Cass Gowing, Editor
Images taken from Fashion 156 Creative's Preview Shoot and Shao Yen's S/S13 lookbook

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| MASC

Design duo MASC revealed their Spring/Summer 2013 collection exclusively to Vauxhall Fashion Scout in our exhibition space during London Fashion Week and the designers have followed us to Paris to display their collection at our Paris Showrooms.

The design label, created by Duncan Shaw and Billy Yick is internationally recognised for their strong yet undeniably feminine silhouettes and edgy folding technique.

1. What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

Excellent. We've had more buyers and press than ever before. Our directional silhouettes and rich textures have attracted a lot of attention. A highlight is being featured on Vogue Italia's website.

2.  Is there a favourite piece/ look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

This season our multi -cultural coat-dress has really excelled for us. It features folding techniques, leather inserts and modular cutting. It encapsulates our signature

aesthetic and direction.

3. What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Paris is the historical heart of fashion and sits late in the fashion week schedule. This is where real business happens and the best buyers and press attend. For MASC, Paris brings and audience who appreciate our chic minimalism and tailoring.

4. As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

A fantastic venue in a convenient and impressive location. Alongside the effective marketing the VFS team do their upmost to remain professional and proactive. Thank you VFS.

5. What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

Visiting other showrooms, meeting friends, sampling the food and getting rest! The parties cannot be missed in Paris too.

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images from MASC’s S/S13 Lookbook

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Anna October

Vauxhall Fashion Scout have an unrivalled platform for launching new talent and recent VFS addition, Anna October, is quickly developing a substantial following. As Anna joins us in Paris, we take a quick look at the inspiration behind her coveted new collection...

Please tell us about the inspiration and development behind the collection?
This season I was aiming to make a tribute to sky. A dreamy story about sophisticated, intelligent lady, with good manners, who loves art and the same time she is young and cool. It's the first time I used digital prints in my collection. The idea of prints is the view on sky through the digital bad render. This inspiration came to me through the photos made by broken phone camera and  bad internet connection which gives you bad pixelized image. But the same time I like how random and interesting could be the picture when it's destroyed- new colors and textures are appearing. All the printed art works were made in collaboration with artist Dina Lynnik. 

What has the initial response been to your SS13 collection during Paris Fashion Week?
I have already had a good response from buyers and press. They especially liked my digital prints which were created in collaboration with artist, Dina Lynnick.

Is there a favourite piece from the collection or a look which encapsulates your aesthetic?
My favourite piece would have to be a flat printed coat. It is minimalistic and elegant and shows my addiction to combining colours. 

What is the importance of of showcasing your collection in Paris?
It's my first season in Paris, so its very important to see the reaction from buyers and press and to place new orders.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season?
It has been an amazing experience to be part of the VFS Paris Showroom. I have learnt many new things about the processes involved in your first selling season in a showroom environment. 

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS Paris Showroom?
Going to fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week and meeting with friends. Paris is also a great city for inspiration!

You can view Anna's full collection in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Kirsty Ward

Celebrated for her bold cuts, defined structures and powerful embellishments, Ones To Watch alumni, Kirsty Ward, showcases her SS13 collection exclusively with Vauxhall Fashion Scout in Paris. 

Staying true to her signature aesthetic and love of tea ladies, Kirsty has evolved last season's tabards and apron fronts with a deconstruction of form. Experimenting with fabrics and contrasting textures, whilst keeping minimal silhouettes, Kirsty has emphasised garment structure. 

A simple yet striking palette of grey, white and black creates a monochrome background for her distinguished statement jewellery, introducing a rainbow spectrum for Spring. Her intrinsic splash of colour has already become a talking point and we catch up with the young designer in Paris...

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

It has been great- I'm just at PFW this season but with press days etc. I am finding this is all I need for good exposure to buyers and press.

Is there a favourite piece/ look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

It generally is the biggest piece of jewellery each season - this season it is a gold and red woven necklace. there is also a layered tabard dress this is a key piece to the collection.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Its the end of fashion season, so this means there is a good selection of buyers viewing my collection.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

Everything from advice to help press support. The mentoring sessions are great help too.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

Drinking wine and site seeing.

Kirsty Ward's S/S13 collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom untill 2nd October 2012. 

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Ekaterina Kukhareva

Ukrainian born, London based designer Ekaterina Kukhareva is exhibiting her most recent work in the VFS Paris showroom. Having recently displayed her S/S13 garments on the catwalk at our Freemason's Hall during London Fashion week, the collection revolved around strong prints and detailing inspired by the 60's and St Tropez. We caught up with the Central Saint Martin's graduate, to talk about her pieces and Paris.

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

I have had a fantastic response from my show in London. In Paris, there's a really good atmosphere, great crew and a lot of positive feedback.

Is there a favourite piece/look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

The look that encapsulated the collection is a woven suit that is really feminine and chic.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

The importance of showing in Paris is to meet international press and buyers that couldn't make it to the London show. For them it is an opportunity to look at the collection up close and to ask any questions they may have.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

For me it was an opportunity to do a show, to be able to showcase my designs to a

greater audience.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

I definitely enjoy the surroundings, food and wine in Paris.

Ekaterina's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout paris Showroom until 2^nd October 2012.

POSCARD FROM PARIS| Anne Sofie Madsen

Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones To Watch alumni is receiving international recognition. Danish designer Anne Sofie Madsen, presented her SS13 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week this season, and as the coveted designer joins the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom, we catch up with her on her show response and the importance of Paris Fashion Week...

You have recently shown your SS13 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week an in New York, how did you find the response from the shows? 

We started this season with a show during Copenhagen Fashion Week after which we did another show in New York. Additionally, Anne Sofie Madsen was selected as part of Vogue Talents in Milan during fashion week, where we also participated. The feedback has been really nice from all places, but in each place, different pieces were highlighted and complimented, which I always find really interesting.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

Paris this season is the most important fashion week for our brand in terms of sales and production.

What are you most looking forward to during Paris Fashion Week?

I have learned that Paris is the most important fashion week regarding the commercial aspects of the brand, so to me VFS was the obvious choice. I really enjoy being presented together with other designers that are also working with the same techniques that me – and also the fact that the VFS showroom creates a very intimate space and therefore enables opportunities of meeting all the buyers who are visiting.

Anne Sofie Madsen's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom until 2nd October 2012.

POSTCARD FROM PARIS| Hellen Van Rees

Central Saint Martin's graduate Hellen Van Rees walked her geometric, uniquely cubed creations down the catwalk as one of our Ones to Watch during London Fashion Week to positive acclaim. Now, she's taken her pieces across the pond and currently has her work on display in the VFS Paris showroom. With what's been an already exciting season, we chatted to the designer on the collection's response and being in Paris.

What has the initial response been to your S/S13 collection?

I've got a lot of positive responses with my SS13 collection, it was good to see the collection make so many people curious and cheerful.

Is there a favourite piece/ look from the collection that you feel encapsulates your aesthetic?

Look #10 is a mix of traditional and sculptural elements with a contrast of textures.

What is the importance of showcasing your collection in Paris?

It is a great opportunity to meet different press and buyers who may be interested.

As a platform, what support has VFS provided you with this season that you are most grateful for?

It's given me the opportunity to have my work presented in a professional way to a large group of interesting people.

What will you be doing in Paris outside of the VFS showroom- making the most of the surrounding city, or taking much deserved respite from the pace of recent weeks?

A bit of both. I've been enjoying the city by having walks and meeting some friend, but want to have some rest so I am fresh to continue with the next season and production. 

Hellen's full collection will be available to view in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout paris Showroom until 2^nd October 2012.

Intro by Josh Walker
Images by Christopher Dalley, Asia Werbel