EXHIBITION| Timur Kim FEB'13

What was your inspiration for the mixture of prints in this collection?

It was a mixture of thoughts, but I wanted to get away from the long silhouettes that I had used last season and in my MA Graduate Collection; I wanted to crop everything, so it is all short.  I have been inspired by the ceilings of The Hermitage building, so the print encompasses this really baroque texture.  There are two different types of prints, which mirror the two ceilings of The Hermitage; the first is very baroque, very flowery in a way, and the second is inspired by old Caviar cans, such as those in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. I wanted to use very pop-up colours in a very 1960s way. 

Your clothes appear to exhibit some historical references in terms of the way that they are cut.  Was this intentional?  

It was. I wanted to achieve something lighter and younger, like floaty skirts; i’m concentrating on what my customers want now. My market is quite young, so I wanted to give them freedom in the fullness of the skirt, with a playful touch.  The clothes are accessible because the length is short, and we have different jackets so a girl would have a wardrobe that she could mix.  

Can you explain your range, and combination of fabrics in this collection?  

It is based on silks like the last collection, but on some we have the insertion of the silk-cotton blend, as well as some taffeta pieces. 

Interview by Abigail Gurney-Read (@AbbyGurneyRead)
Images by 
Max Barnett (@maxbarnettphoto)

Abigail Gurney-Read (@AbbyGurneyRead)

ILLUSTRATION| Timur Kim FEB'13

Illustrated by Josh Osborn

Illustrated by Vivien Chan

CATWALK| Timur Kim FEB'13

Images by Simon Armstrong
www.simonarmstrong.com

COLLECTION| Timur Kim FEB'13

Set to the music of Don McLean’s, American Pie, ‘youth’ and ‘vitality’ were the words du jour at the Timur Kim A/W’13 Collection.  A combination of vibrant patterns in a vivid colour palette emphasised the easy-sophistication that so typifies Kim’s work. 

Since graduating from the MA Fashion course at Central St Martins, the Russian-born designer has been expanding his portfolio and prestige across the industry.  Taking inspiration from his native country, Kim’s recent collection showcased prints inspired by the ceilings of The Hermitage Museum; juxtaposing the rich stylistic tendencies of baroque, with simple, modern cuts.  These initial prints contrasted with the following looks, which manifested a more austere inspiration; caviar tins from the 1970's Soviet Union.

Kim’s use of light silks added fluidity and movement to the collection; becoming highlighted by the later presentation of taffeta dresses and silk-cotton blend shirts.  The Timur Kim girl was fresh, playful and exuded an air of unpretentious confidence.    

Words by Abigail Gurney-Read, @AbbyGurneyRead
Photography by Max Barnett

BACKSTAGE| Timur Kim FEB'13

With Timur Kim's designs set to hit the catwalk at 13:30, we went backstage to see how The Body Shop and Toni & Guy teams were preparing make-up and hair for the show.

“Timur's inspiration is in between architecture and really natural so the hair matches the clothes,” says head of hair, Toni & Guy's Chie Sato. “It almost looks undone. It's about movement, it's really soft.” Claire De-Graft, head of make-up for The Body Shop UK has taken the same approach. “It's really natural, clear skin with a bit of contour on the cheeks,” she said. “Because the clothes have a lot of texture and pattern we felt with the designer, it should be kept quite minimal.”

Backstage abuzz with activity, we look forward to seeing the collection in its entirety.

Text by Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images by Lauren Marsh

NEWS| Fashion 156 The London Fashion Week Preview featuring Fashion Scout

A number of Fashion Scout designers have been featured as a part of Fashion156's A/W13 preview issue. The work of Timur Kim, Nova Chiu, Heohwan Simulation, Eugene Lin, Yulia Kondranina, Patrick Li and Apu Jan all make an appearance, and give a real taste of what we can expect over the Fashion Scout London showcase. From floral prints to black knitwear, geometric design to fringed embellishments, its clear all of the designers have created unique and personal aesthetics through their work.

All of the above designers will showcase their AW13 collections on the catwalk between the 15th and 19th of February at our Freemasons Hall.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images from Fashion156.com

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

CATWALK| Timur Kim S/S13

Images by Christopher Dadey