William Tempest shows On-Schedule at New York Fashion Week

William Tempest AW11

Since showing with Vauxhall Fashion Scout and receiving the very first Merit Award in February 2009, William Tempest has continued to display his latest creations at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week for the last 3 consecutive seasons. However, for the Spring Summer 2011 showcase, we are saying goodbye to this much-loved British designer, after it was revealed yesterday that the 24 year old would show in New York this September.

Tempest’s first big leap over the Atlantic was fuelled by the designer’s decision to expand his label to the US market, and what better way to spark interest to American buyers and press by presenting in the new Mercedes-Benz IMG venue at the Lincoln Centre. We are in no doubt that the invite list will be packed full of his already-existing celeb clientele. Throughout his career Tempest has dressed many a-celebrity including Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham, Leona Lewis and most recently, Erin O Connor, who wore a ‘Tempest signature’ sharp structured dress covered in hundreds of LED lights and Swarovski crystals for the launch of Vauxhall’s electric car, the Ampera.

Of the move to NY, William said: "Showing on-schedule in New York is a fantastic opportunity for me to present my collection to the press, buyers and stylists in the US. I think that New York has such an amazing and positive energy and I really can't wait to show my collection there. The US is a also huge market and I am really looking forward to working with my sales team to help develop the label over there, which showing in New York will give us the platform to do."

Once selected as part of Vogue’s ‘Class of 2010’, it has already proved to be a successful year for William Tempest, and more praise and support is sure to be waiting for him and his Spring Summer ‘11 collection over in the States this season. Vauxhall Fashion Scout would like to wish William the best of luck in his new adventure.

Sarah Barlow

Hermione de Paula selected as finalist for the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize

Hermione de Paula SS10

Congratulations to our very own Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer and previous Merit Award winner, Hermione de Paula, who yesterday was announced as one of 5 shortlisted designers up for the very first Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize.  

Judged by a panel consisting of some of fashion’s leading designers, editors, writers and artists, including Giles Deacon, Daphne Guinness and Vanity Fair’s Elizabeth Saltzman, the lucky winner will receive £25,000 to support the creation of their next collection and the development of their career.

It was stipulated that applicant’s work must reflect the spirit and manner of the Dorchester’s luxurious hotels, so it was no surprise that Hermione, whose designs project a strong sense of style, luxury and elegance, was selected amongst the fortunate finalists.

Hermione and her fellow contenders, Mary Katrantzou, Louise Goldin, Chau Har Lee and Thomas Tait, will now have to wait until November this year to hear the judges announce the winner at a special ceremony held at the 5 star Dorchester Hotel in London.

Sarah Barlow

The Textile Institute - Design Means Business Exhibition

Yifang Wan

Martina Spetlova

Zara Gorman

Alice Early

Tuesday night marked the return of the Textiles Institute’s Design Meets Business Exhibition at the HM Treasury. The event provided a unique opportunity for nine of the leading art and design colleges to showcase their creative talents to a host of industry experts from across the fashion and textile business. Produced by Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s very own creative events division and in celebration of the events’ Centenary Year, it was a night not to be missed.

Champagne in hand, the likes of Browns, ASOS, Marks & Spencer and Topshop all flocked to see the 27-strong line up including recent CSM graduate and L’Oreal Professional Young Designer Award Winner, Yifang Wan. Wan’s BA collection enthused romanticism, with billowing blouses and Grecian-inspired gowns in hessians and nude torn silks.

Following suit was fellow CSM graduate Martina Spetlova. Her collection, made up of interchangeable leather, knit and jersey panels in a pallet of primary brights has caught the attention of Italian Vogue Editor Sara Maino who has short listed Martina for the ITS#NINE competition later this month. We can’t help but smile at her playful creations!

Zara Gorman first caught our attention at the RCA Graduate show with her noir, aviation turbine inspired collection. Brilliantly futuristic, her exquisite designs created a dramatic accessory statement. Zara will also be joining Martina at ITS#NINE this year.

The winner of the night was Kingston University favourite Alice Early. Inspired by the work of Antony Gormley, she created beautiful pieces in soft feather prints that added a subtle femininity to a structured collection. 

Kenny Wang

Katy Perry wears BODYAMR

Usually known for her crazy colour combos, fluro wigs and cartoonish accessories, Katy Perry chose to keep it sleek and sophisticated as she poodled about town this week.  Wearing a slinky, sassy jumpsuit from the SS10 collection of BODYAMR, Katy looked cute as a button in the slouchy, sand-toned outifit, complete with drawstring waist and edgy tailoring.  Teamed with a pair of aqua peep toes and delicately embellished accessories, it's a little bit safari, a little bit loungewear luxe, and a whole lot of easy, breezy LA style.  Gorgeous.     

Fiona Anderson

Backstage at the Sony Launch Party!

We snuck backstage at the Sony NEX5 launch show on Wednesday and snapped these great shots, just for you.  Enjoy!

Fiona Anderson

Fashion Scout Host Launch Party For Latest Sony Camera

Wednesday night saw Soho come alive with glitter, glamour and some rocking beats as Fashion Scout put on a catwalk show as part of the launch of Sony’s new camera, the NEX5. With Jameela Jamil on the decks, Alexandra Burke sipping cocktails and a host of cool media types milling about the place it was a super cool night. Sauntering down the runway to the side of the crowd were some smoking hot pieces by Gemma Slack, Hermione de Paula, BODYAMR and Edward Finney, all oozing sleek, sexy sophistication. That plunging, slashed BODYAMR catsuit that’s been spotted on several fashion forward celebs made a happy appearance, as did some gorgeous, storm grey prints and sculptural, metallic forms from Gemma Slack. Hermione de Paula sent her lusciously printed, body con silhouettes down the runway, and Edward Finney played with texture, clever cuts and ultra flattering muted shades.

Mixed up with some incredible circus performing in between shows, it was great to see some of our favourite, more innovative designers make an appearance, and whet our appetites for next fashion week. Gorgeous camera, gorgeous clothes, and a generous slice of celebrity spotting. Bliss.

Fiona Anderson

De Montfort University Contour Show

Nicola Tubbs

Samantha Tretton

Emma Davies

Carley Williamson

Last night saw fashion stripped down to its bare essentials for the De Montfort Contour show held at Fashion Scout’s Freemasons Hall. Sat next to Sue Loder, industry big wig from the lingerie empire Triumph, and two steps from some very well known PR players, De Montfort clearly takes its underwear very seriously indeed.


Nicola Tubbs’s pretty, swan like collection was the strongest of the first group, with dense, tufty peplum hips, frilly ivory knickers and hand painted silk. Fragile, mini crinis extended out jauntily from swinging hips and a champagne-toned, ivory colour palette gave a beautiful, old world feel to the modern silhouettes. Frilly but not fussy, Tubbs cleverly balanced architectural, sculptural shapes with fine, dainty details to create a clean, elegant aesthetic.


Samantha Tretton also gave ultra feminine a bash, however hers was a Breakfast at Tiffany’s, long white gloves and pearls affair. Crisp, zingy greens and lush, watermelon pinks sashayed down the runway, as models swung 50’s style hat boxes and prim little purses from their pristine, gloved arms. Strings of white pearls adorned every neck and neat, floral prints peeped from the curve of a cup and the panel of a corset. The star of the collection was a vast, rigid cage-like crinoline, with struts made from reams of stiffened lace.


Away from the retro ladylike look and fast forwarding into the future was Emma Davies and her space age, starry eyed collection. Glamazons in slick black aviators and with hooded, leather corseted bodies stalked silently down the runway, as monkinis, two pieces and vast, billowing hoods gave swimwear an entirely new level of sophistication. Incredibly beautiful, celestial inspired prints, splattered with stars, nebulas, comets and galaxies in earthy, mushroom tones shimmered and quivered under the lights, and alien-like, jutting vertebrae protruded from black, wet look latex.


Flowers and lingerie seem to be a match made in frilly pant heaven however; Carley Williamson was, for me, the one who came up with the goods on the night. After watching countless oyster-toned, satin creations glide down the runway, Williamson’s ice cream hued, botanical collection was as refreshing as a long, ice cold Mojito. Soft, pastel tones lifted dark, graphic prints and gorgeous marshmallow, sherbet and mint shades lapped against skin tight catsuits and feminine, pussy bow blouses. Romantic and rocky in one, Williamson’s collection was dreamy, creamy and delicious.


High on skill, colour combos and lots and lots of flesh on show, the De Montfort graduate collections were super wearable and right on trend. Pure, peachy perfection.


Fiona Anderson


Images: Simon Armstrong www.simonarmstrong.com

ASKH: A/W10 Latest Shots

They knocked our socks off last season with their cool, minimal style.  In case you missed it, check out the latest shots of Askh's A/W10 collection here!

Fiona Anderson

Kylie Wears BODYAMR

Everyone's favourite pop princess made an appearance on Wednesday night at the Face of Tous party in London. Dolled up in Tous jewellery, a pair of super glam, towering heels by YSL and a beautiful, peach toned dress by BODYAMR, Ms Minogue looked sleek, chic and relaxed. Finished off with tousled locks and some killer earrings, Kylie pulled off BODYAMR's draped, oversized gown to perfection.

Fiona Anderson

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Designers Win NEWGEN

David Koma AW10

Felicity Brown AW10

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers win NEWGEN

Congratulations to Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers, David Koma and Felicity Brown.

We are pleased to announce our Merit Award winner, David Koma, will be showing on the catwalk at NEWGEN this September and Felicity Brown will be taking part in the NEWGEN Exhibition.

David Koma won the coveted Merit Award in September 2009 and has never looked back. Going from strength to strength David’s designs are stocked in Browns Focus and worn by celebrity fans such as Beyonce and Rihanna.

David’s last show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout was packed to the rafters with a highly influential front row including Hilary Alexander, Sarah Mower and Mrs. B (Browns).

Felicity Brown has had over night success since being introduced to the fashion world at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s London Exhibition. They attracted the attention of many influential buyers at the exhibition and their new collection will now be stocked in Selfridges, Liberty London and Barneys New York.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout are thrilled that our designers have been selected for NEWGEN and taken under the wing of the BFC and aim to continue in our support for young, innovative designers. We would like to wish both David and Felicity the best of luck in their careers and look forward to working with them soon.

www.vauxhallfashionscout.com