NEWS| Shao Yen & Kirsty Ward featured in Vogue China

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers Shao Yen and Kirsty Ward have their designs featured in Vogue China’s Futuristic themed editorial shot and styled by Jiro Hsu.

The Taiwanese born designer’s use of gold and metallic hues in his Spring / Summer 2013 collection is picked up on for its hint to the editorial’s theme. Known for her panelling and intricate use of materials Kirsty Ward’s designs fit perfectly with the fashion story’s aesthetic.

Former Ones To Watch winner Shao Yen showcased his Spring / Summer 2013 collection exclusively at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Paris Showrooms where bright colours and interesting shapes brought attention to his work. Also showcased exclusively at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Paris Showrooms, Kirsty Ward’s bold cuts and intricate panelling has had this designer a permanent favourite with audiences.

With a focus on fluidity, this Futuristic fashion editorial goes along with the mix, bringing together high street styles with new and established designers. Shao Yen’s gold transparent skirt is paired with Kirsty Ward’s open sided white top for a look that is fresh and energetic.

SEE THE EDITORIAL HERE

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack

Images from Vogue China

NEWS| Yifang Wan named Merit Award Winner A/W13

We are thrilled to announce Yifang Wan as the Merit Award winner for AW13/14. As the internationally recognised home of new talent, we have selected Central Saint Martins graduate Yifang Wan as the winner of this inaugural accreditation. 

Wan showcased her debut collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout last season following her 2012 graduation from CSM's MA course (where she also won the CSM LʼOreal Professional Award in 2010). 

The highly acclaimed Merit Award is worth £25,000 over three seasons and provides the winner with a fully sponsored catwalk show and exhibition at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Weeks. Testimonies to the statue of this accreditation are clear through previous recipients William Tempest, David Koma, Eudon Choi and Heohwan Simulation.

This seasonʼs Selection Panel included Hilary Alexander, Jessica Bumpus of Vogue.com, Hannah Emslie of Selfridges, VFS alumni Georgia Hardinge, stylist Rebekah Roy, Vauxhall Fashion Scout Founder and Director Martyn Roberts and VFS Talent Scout Charlotte Gunstone.

Martyn Roberts on newly announced Merit Award winner Yifang Wan:  

“Yifang Wan is set to join the ranks of leading fashion innovators in London. Her square cut shapes coupled with quality fabrics, lends itself to clever draping and sensational design. Her contemporary design aesthetic has been grabbing the attention of leading buyers and won her fans from around the world.”

NEWS| Charlotte Simpson and Hellen van Rees in Red Pages Hot 100 for 2013

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones to Watch winners Charlotte Simpson and Hellen van Rees have both secured a place on the Red Pages Hot 100 for 2013. The seventh annual list from the online directory is a prediction of "the moves, shakers, and headline-makers for 2013," and features individuals from fashion, film and literature to name a few. Both designers have received nothing but positive feedback since debuting their S/S13 collections with us during London Fashion Week and we, like Red Pages, very much anticipate what they'll be bringing with the new year.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

NEWS| Hellen Van Rees for Samsung

It seems the name and work of our One to Watch Hellen van Rees has been popping up everywhere. This time round, the designer has been featured in a commercial for Samsung as part of the promotion of their new Notebook series. Describing their products as the right tools to achieve your dreams and ambitions, the company have featured an interview with the Central Saint Martins graduate to get their customers inspired. Showing Rees in her studio amongst her fabrics, mood boards and geometrically inspired SS13 pieces, it's an advertisement that achieves exactly that.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

NEWS Eudon Choi has been awarded the Samsung Fashion and Design Fund

We're please to announce that Eudon Choi has been awarded the Samsung Fashion and Design Fund for the second year in a row. Launched with the aim to discover and sponsor young Korean designers around the world, the award makes design dreams a reality. Choi graduated with an MA in Womenswear from the Royal College of Art and launched his label in 2009. Since then, he's not only been our One to Watch and received our Merit Award in 2010 but presented his SS12 collection in honour of the Vogue Fashion Fund at Milan Fashion Week and was awarded the Lycra Style Emerging Talent Award. A designer with experience, talent and an impressive number of accolades under his belt has earnt Eudon Choi an international following, making him one of the most exciting upcoming designers of our time.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker), Images from Samsung.

NEWS| Phoebe English in Trendland

Phoebe English's interview with Dossier Journal has been featured on Trendland. The conversation, in which the designer discusses her experience with VFS, her SS13 collection, influences and signature style, is a real insight into her feelings and thoughts. Since her graduation from Central Saint Martins in 2011, English has made herself known to the fashion industry, featuring in publications among the likes of i-D, Vogue and Dazed and Confused.

On their website, Trendland call the designer "the new it Brit," and explain how "English, who designs alongside creative director Rose Easton, clearly understands the visual over stimulation of the times, adding subtle theatricality to her clean looks through fabrication and texture." A go-to source for many in the industry, Trendland has gained a significant following and reputation internationally for their discovery of fresh, stand-out talent.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Editorial shoot from Trendland

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| Ming Pin Tien in Idol Magazine

Spring / Summer ‘13 Ones To Watch designer Ming Pin Tien talks to IDOL magazine about his recent collection and success at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. IDOL talks to the young designer about his use of deconstruction, his techniques and his reinvention of beauty, as well as bringing up the topics of portraits, East London girls and the predictability of dark colours for winter. Known for his bold shapes, Ming Ping Tien wowed audiences in September, proving him to be One To Watch.

On his inspiration behind the SS13 collection the designer talks about the concept of uniform being the starting point for his ideas on colour, pattern and cut. Showing depth and complexity these concepts translate in his approach to design.  In this interview he discusses pattern cutting and the dissymmetry that explores individuality or surrealist imagery in his collection. He tells of how reading helps him to pin down ideas, sourcing materials and creating sketches in his design process.  “Those East London girls” he says; a strong self-awareness and wanting to look more than just pretty is the client that Ming Pin Tien designs for.

IDOL gets into the mind of this talented designer, going back to the harness designs from his MA collection and the message of uniqueness and individuality that he brings to his work. Mentioning the Zen-like quality that he brings to his collections, in which he attributes to his cultural background in Taiwan. This interview takes a look at all aspects of Ming Pin Tien, from his design process to his ideas on spirituality that seems to be communicated so effortlessly through his pieces.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack, image from Idol. 

NEWS| OTW Charlotte Simpson listed in hClub100

A humongous congratulations to Charlotte Simpson for being listed in the h.Club100 (in association with Time Out London) list under the sector of fashion. The list which seeks influential individuals within the creative and media sectors was voted by industry experts as well as general public votes. 

Ones to Watch designer Charlotte Simpson, graduated this year with an MA in ‘Fashion Design Technology’ from London College of Fashion, having previously completed a BA Fashion degree at Northumbria University and showcased her S/S13 for the first time as part of our S/S13 catwalk show to rave reviews. 

"Charlotte Simpson: designer and founder of Charlotte Simpson brand

Having recently established her London-based luxurious Strewomenswear brand, Simpson was announced as one of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch designers for spring/summer 2013. "

Read the full hClub100 list on Time Out London's website here. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

NEWS| Pam Hogg at Institute of Contemporary Art's 'Culture Now' sessions

Pam Hogg talked inspirations, influences, and upbringing recently, as part of the Institute of Contemporary Art's 'Culture Now' sessions. On 2^nd November, the VFS designer joined Gregor Muir, the ICA's Executive Director, in what was both an inspiring and informative conversation. During the talk, Hogg discussed her growing up in Glasgow, her art based education, the influence of the Blitz Club and her rise in the fashion world. “When I started making clothes, it was to get into clubs,” the designer said. “But the fashion became my business.”

Hogg continued to discuss the importance of music in her life through stories and anecdotes, as well as her creative process. “Everything is impulse,” she described. “Everything takes this place, it just flows.” The session ended with the designer showing and talking through her equally stunning S/S12 'Notre Dames' collection, and S/S11 'To Kingdom Come' fashion film.

Since her first collection in 1981, Pam Hogg's reputation has been nothing but on the rise. Having made the name she has for herself, gaining access to this designer's world, even just for an hour, was a real treat.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Image from Sleek Magazine and Asia Werbel 

NEWS| Helen Bullock in Time Out Magazine

Helen Bullock has been featured in Time Out magazine. The publication, which is distributed around London and displays the best in what's happening in the city, mentioned the designer's 'h by helen bullock' collaboration in their shopping and style section. They described how her garments “mix scribble prints and splashes of colour to accomplished effect.”

The collection of dresses is an embodiment of the Central Saint Martin's playfully delicate aesthetic. As someone who's inspired by seaside huts and blossom trees, her pieces are delivered in a feminine and bright style.

'h by helen bullock' is available now from Anthropologie and you can read the story online. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

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!

EXCLUSIVE| Inbar Spector Interview

Hi Inbar, thanks for taking the time to talk to Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

We saw a head-to-toe Autumn/Winter look on Nicole Scherzinger last Saturday evening- how does it feel to know your work was being exposed that night to an audience of over 8.6 million people?

It was a great feeling. I didn't know that it was going to be on TV, so I completely forgot about it and planned a relaxed Saturday night in bed... Out of the blue Twitter went mad with friends telling me about it. It was such a nice surprise!

Your work is often seen on female stars with a strength of character and voice- Paloma Faith, known for her strong voice, and individuality; Nicole Scherzinger, thought of as a powerful, and independent woman; and Florench Welch, whose stage presence is unrivalled- how does it make you feel to see such a diverse group of women wear your clothes, despite their differing styles?

I think you described it very well. The commonality between these artists ladies is that all of them are beautiful and strong; they all have their individual style, and each of them decide themselves what they want to wear- the stylists recommend but the stars are making the decision. A woman doesn't need to be masculine to be strong, she can still be beautiful, sexy, and strong all at the same time. 

What is it about your work that you think attracts these strong, beautiful women? Do you feel proud as a designer knowing these women choose to wear your pieces for occasions when it's important to feel good, strong, and comfortable in their own skin?

It's always nice to listen to an artist in the studio, and to know that in few months from now she might preform in the outfit you're making her.

I think that if you don't feel good in your own skin, you won't like my style. My style is for very confident women; brave [and not] scared to look different. My costumers are usually the women who set the trends, not the ones who follow them.

How do feel having had the opportunity to showcase Autumn/ Winter with VFS- do you think it's contributed to these women's awareness of your pieces?

I believe that London and the international fashion industry is very aware with what is going at VFS. After shows people often tell me how much they love the venue, and how it complemented the atmosphere of the show.

The VFS team is very professional and the venue is beautiful. All the editors and stylists want to find new emerging talent, and everybody knows that VFS finds the talent. I think VFS is one of those few places you can spot [the] new talents that are forcing a change.

Interview by Sara McAlpine
Images from Vogue, Inbar Spector and VFS

NEWS| Helen Bullock launches 'H by Helen Bullock' with Anthropologie

Print based designer Helen Bullock is to launch 'h by helen bullock' with Anthropologie. From November, the Central Saint Martin's fashion print BA and textiles for fashion MA graduate is to be stocked in both the UK and the USA. Having previously exhibited with VFS for two seasons, Bullocks designs are colourful and textured, making for a unique and distinct aesthetic.

Using fabrics as her individual canvases, the designer has gained experience under John Galliano and produced garments that have filled the wardrobe of Julie Verhoeven. With Anthropologie describing the range as “a very modern and exciting interpretation of colour and print,” with “artistic and playful dresses that make a strong statement while also expressing femininity,” we look forward to what the collection will bring.

'h by helen bullock' will be available from Anthropologie in the UK from November 2012.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images - Exclusive Anthropologie Sketches by Helen Bullock

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

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| 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.