NEWS| Georgia Hardinge for River Island Design Forum

Former Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner Georgia Hardinge's partnership with high street retailer River Island as part of their River Island Design Forum has gone live. The Spring / Summer 2013 demonstrates Hardinge's well known architectural designs through a monochrome palette. Already receiving rave reviews since launching yesterday, Georgia's collection is being presented through an installation in the window displays of River Island stores nationwide. 

By Editor Cass Gowing
Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

NEWS| AW13 Private Orders and Sample Sale

Ten Fashion Scout designers are holding a AW13 private order evening and sample sale on the 9th April. Running from 6-10pm at Beach Blanket Babylon, you'll be able to purchase A/W13 pieces and samples from the following designers:

Eudon Choi

Patrick Li

Kirsty Ward

Danielle Foster

Alice Lee

David Longshaw

Shao Yen

Eleanor Amoroso

Claudia Ligari

Ming Pin Tien

Jennifer Morris

Manuela Dack

FASHION SCOUT KIEV| Lera Leshchova

Womenswear designer Lera Leshchova showcased her AW13 collection as a part of Fashion Scout Kiev on 24th March. One of the youngest and most popular Ukrainian designers, you can certainly see she's one who knows what she's doing. In a presentation that seemed to evoke an essence of the underwater, feminine dresses of various lengths walked the catwalk in a collection of clean, functional pieces. With a focus to detail, innovative draping, the textured embellishments and introduction of graphic cuts only served in giving a notable edge to the designer's work.

Born with a dream to become a couturier, Leshchova hit the ground running, mastering the fundamentals of dress-making from a notably young age. Having already won a number of competitions and awards in her native country, the designer's talent shone through here with a tailored collection of timeless wearability.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images by Natalia Ilina

FASHION SCOUT KIEV| Anna Kolomoets

Kiev Fashion Days designer Anna Kolomoets, who showcased her designs at Fashion Scout London FEB'13 began her designing career at the age of 15 and presented her A/W13 collection as part of Fashion Scout Kiev last week. 

The collection takes a look at definitive shapes spinning them with a mix of metallic inserts and relaxed pieces that are quietly complex. Statement pieces stand out with beautiful and intricately designed cut outs that show the designer’s stunning attention to detail. Anna Kolomoets’ youthful energy is reflected in the collection’s innovative reinvention of separates and classic shapes.

By Cass Gowing, Editor
Images by Natalia Ilina

FASHION SCOUT KIEV| Yana Chaplygina

This Sunday saw the showcase of the AW13 Yana Chaplygina Collection on the Fashion Scout Catwalk in Kiev; and with Yana being a renowned master of juxtapositioned fabrics, heavy print and contrasting fabric compositions in her previous work, this collection was by no means an exception. 

Using a colour palette centered on black, contrasted by autumnal red, orange and yellow hues; the collection takes inspiration from the element of fire in both print and pigment. The pieces demonstrated combine masculine outerwear, softened by feminine bralets and cropped hemlines; and heavily printed blazer and short duos, alongside leather and print bomber jacket and skirt combinations. The fabrics used comprised of leather, fur, silk and sheer organza. Accessories were presented in the form of masculine worker boots, chunky stone like necklaces; and the occasional fur clutch bag.

By Brooke McCord @BrookeMcCord

Images by Natalia Ilina

FASHION SCOUT KIEV| TVORTZ

As part of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days, TVORTZ showcased their latest work in the Fashion Scout Kiev Exhibition. Born in 2010, the young brand approaches fashion with experimentation and accentuation in mind. Having graduated with a degree in Interior Design, Dasha Gluhova is the creative force behind the brand in which her mastery of space and structure are clearly apparent. Using a cold, monochromatic colour palette, the TVORTZ aesthetic is one of texture and attention to detail that fuses femininity with ergonomics in the production of garments that evoke intelligence and hint romanticism.

By Joshua Walker @Josh_Walker_

NEWS| Myrza de Muynck featured on Style.com

Myrza de Muynck Autumn/ Winter '13 images via Style.com

Think back to February of last year, and as distant as it seems, the 'One to Watch' picks for Autumn/Winter have proved there's truth to that claim with the successes following their inaugural showcase. 

The most recent to be featured online is Dutch-born Myrza de Muynck, whose subversion of classic silhouettes, and conventional qualities of the 1980's ubiquitous shell-suit has earnt her a steady-following of revered professionals.

Adding to coverage from the BBC, Because magazine, and several posts by Susie Bubble, a conceptual short supporting de Muynck's Autumn/Winter '13 collection now features as part Style.com's Video Fashion Week.

Watch the film here, and find our exclusive interview with behind-the-scenes images here.

ANNOUNCEMENT| Fashion Scout Kiev Begins

Following our announcement this week of Fashion Scout's expansion to Kiev with Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days, we are ecstatic to greet day one! Fashion Scout are showcasing a selection of designers from Eastern Europe at the event which runs from today (March 21) until Sunday 24th March  at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Place, Moskovsky Avenue 22. 

Showcasing as part of the Fashion Scout Catwalk:

Lera Leschovajann Kolomoets

Yana Chaplygina and Yulia Efmtchuk

Showcasing with Fashion Scout Kiev's Exhibition:

Bevza/Litovskaya

Valery Kovalska

RCR Khomenko

Yasya Minochkina

Domanoff

Ksenia Schnaider

Zinaida Lihacheva

Dash

Vova Vorotniov

Idle Idol

Roman Lazar

Borovik

Tvortz

Daniil Kovachev

Dzhus

Maria Proskurovskaya

Cyan

Pure Shop

Also running Fashion Scout Louis Franck Party at Bibique Bar and a lecture as well as mentoring programme by Director and Co-Founder Martyn Roberts. 

View the full schedule here on Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Day's website. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor. 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Fashion Scout Kiev

We are thrilled to announce our continuing partnership with Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days has continued and expanded into a Fashion Scout Kiev platform.

Following our partnership with Kiev Fashion Days during our Fashion Scout London FEB'13 showcase, we will now be adding a showcase in Kiev to our international design showcases.

Over the past 14 seasons, Fashion Scout have scouted and presented in London and Paris a whole generation of creative, international talent including  designers David Koma, Peter Pilotto, Felder Felder, Pam Hogg and Eudon Choi. Since our rebrand at the beginning of this year, we have enforced our global audience and international outreach through continuing to present worldwide talent- something that has now expanded further with Fashion Scout Kiev.

We caught up with Fashion Scout Director and Co-Founder Martyn Roberts on the news: "I am thrilled with the further expansion of Fashion Scout and the continued partnership with Kiev Fashion Days through Fashion Scout Kiev. 

Through exhibiting key emerging Ukranian talent at our Fashion Scout London platform, we provided them with the global audience and recognition they deserve. This continued partnership enforces Fashion Scout's global expansion as the key platform for creative talent worldwide and I am proud to add Kiev to our Fashion Scout enterprise."

For more information please visit our website. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor. 

NEWS| 'Design is heating up across the pond' according to Paper Mag with Kirsty Ward

 

Featured in Paper magazine's "new london: Design is heating up across the Pond" editorial, Kirsty Ward for David Longshaw's S/S13 necklace. The spread, which sees the acclaimed American magazine Paper celebrate emerging British designers with their edgy shoot, features two necklaces from continuous Fashion Scout designer Kirsty Ward's S/S13 collaboration with fellow Fashion Scout designer David Longshaw. 

In addition, Kirsty Ward have been receiving excellent UK consumer coverage with features in Marie Claire, Company Magazine as well as on ELLEUK.com.

For more information on Kirsty Ward, visit our interview with the designer ahead of her showcasing at our Paris Showroom this season.  

NEWS| Shao Yen A/W13 Film 'Stalker'

SHAO YEN 2013 AW Stalker from LaLaLa on Vimeo.

Fashion Scout former Ones To Watch designer Shao Yen released his surrealist inspired fashion film showcasing his AW13 collection shown at Fashion Scout’s Paris Showroom. 

The designer who has been featured in Vogue China features his collection of metallic panelling and feminine shapes in a film that calls on references from the likes of Dali, Bunuel, and Cocteau. Never at loss for references, Shao Yen’s work mixes various avant garde genres from the 80s and 90s with street style being a focus point. The Taiwanese born designer's exciting pieces brings a vibrant perspective on creative design incorporating craftsmanship with art savvy nuance. Having previously worked on projects with Selfridges, “Stalker” is the designer’s latest creative project that captures a world outside fashion with a persona that ties neatly with his pieces. 

The Central Saint Martins graduate has developed a signature style, becoming known for his use of unconventional materials in classic techniques that has cultivated a fan base eager to see his next work.

Vanessa Omoregie(@wewearblack)

NEWS| Fashion Scout designers featured in Collezioni magazine

Four Fashion Scout designers have been focused on by Collezioni magazine as part of their accessories edit for A/W13. The Editors from Collezioni came across Fashion Scout designers Taeseok Kang, David Longshaw, Nova Chiu and Kirsty Ward at the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom last season and has consequently selected them for this feature. 

COLLECTION| Raffaele Ascione launches A/W13 collection and holds sample sale

Big things are happening for Fashion Scout designer Raffaele Ascione as he launches his A/W13 collection, short film and holds a sample sale.

Raffaele chose to focus on finalising his A/W13 designs as opposed to showcasing them through an exhibition or catwalk presentation this season. Consequently, launching the collection live on his website and across his social media platforms (through his lookbook and subsequently his short fashion film - see above-) shortly after fashion week. 

The collection itself? Darker and more subversive than his prior collection, each garment's shapes have ballooned to oversized yet maintain an intense element of femininity and wearability. A progression of more luxe fabrics are completed with lace appliqué, material juxtaposition and strong zip detailing.

Raffaele will be holding a sample sale of his last four collections this Saturday (16.03.13). For more information, visit Raffaele's Facebook page. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor. Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images from Raffaele Ascione

NEWS| Pam Hogg joined SHOWstudio's live panel discussion for McQueen A/W13

Pam Hogg recently talked Alexander McQueen's AW13 collection during Paris Fashion Week as a part of SHOWstudio's live panel discussions. Throughout the talk, the cult-punk designer gave insight to her own work, as well as McQueen's influence as a designer and the show pieces themselves. Describing the work of McQueen as something with “undeniable energy that's so powerful and so beautiful”, she offered both an interesting and genuine take on the pieces.

Rewatch the video here on SHOWstudio or click on the YouTube video above. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

NEWS| TANK magazine features Yifang Wan and Ai Weiwei

TANK magazine have highlighted on their social media channels FEB'13 Merit Award Winner Yifang Wan's encounter with Ai Weiwei prior to her A/W13 show. Published on their Twitter and Facebook channels, the eponymous magazine stated:

"Young designer Yifang Wan met with Ai Weiwei when she was in China. Little did she know she was about to get a make over.

As a way to test how comfortable people are on letting a total stranger in, Ai Weiwei cuts strangers hair and documents this on his instagram. 

Here's Yifang's finished do!"

We blogged about Yifang's meeting with renowned artist Ai Weiwei during fashion week, read the full post here. 

Blog Post by Editor Cass Gowing

First photo, images from Ai Weiwei's Instagram as used by Tank Magazine, second images courtessey of Yifang Wan

NEWS| Kirsty Ward collaborates with Williams Handmade

London- based, British born designer Kirsty Ward and fellow British designer, Sarah Williams of Williams Handmade has collaborated for a most inventive, AW13 collection. 

Whilst Kirsty’s brand aesthetic celebrates unconventional structures, bold cuts, defined form and the most powerful of embellishments; Williams Handmade is renowned for it’s utilisation of historic regional craftsmanship, which celebrates traditional British heritage while illustrating the need for a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and preservation of local and regional differences – an element personified through innovative, original designs.

Through their joint work, the duo have produced a capsule range consisting of four bag styles, each featuring detachable and interchangeable straps. The designs include a structured rucksack and three satchel varieties, showcased through a palette of rose pink, turquoise and grey. The fusion of traditional style and craftsmanship, twinned with quirky, bold signature embellishments provides wearable bags, whilst illustrating a conceptual amalgamation of two innovative brand aesthetics.

By Brooke McCord (@BrookeMcCord)
Images by Alexander Jordan, from Twin Factory

PARIS| Fashion Scout Paris Showroom Overview

Another Fashion Week season comes to a close as Fashion Scout return from presenting the very best of global fashion and design talent at our Paris Showroom. Held from Thursday 28th February through to Tuesday 5th March 2013, the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom was once again a resounding success. 

Our eighth season in Paris, yet the first since our global relaunch as Fashion Scout, we showcased the best of UK and International designers, straight from our Fashion Scout London showcase. 

Thank you to the designers who showcased at our Paris Fashion Scout showroom as well as all buyers, members of press and industry who attended.