NEWS| Fashion Scout Kiev launches Design It contest in partnership with Vogue Italia

Designers who have submitted an entry into Fashion Scout Kiev can now also apply for the Design It Contest in partnership with Vogue Italia.

The international judging the entrants include Hilary Alexander, the Editor of Italian Vogue Sara Maino, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Ukraine Masha Tsukanova, Martyn Roberts, the founder of Fashion Scout platform, Daria Shapovalova, creative director of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days and Margarita Zubatova, the Fashion Editor at LookAtMe. 

Applicants can win one of three prizes: 

• A grant to participate in the Fashion Scout Kiev with the support of Vogue It
• A grant to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days with the support of Vogue Ua
• A feature published on Vogue.it

In addition, works of the winner who gets the biggest number of likes, will also be published online on VOGUE.IT.

Can you apply? Yes if you are an applicant of Fashion Scout Kiev! All you need to do is upload example of your work (sketches and lookbooks) here: http://fashionweek.kiev.ua/design-it/ and encourage your friends and fans to vote for you to win!

Visit the Fashion Scout Kiev website for more information. 

ANNOUNCEMENT| Applications Open for Fashion Scout Kiev until 01.09.13

Application entry date for Fashion Scout Kiev has been extended until 1st September 2013. The next season of Fashion Scout Kiev  will take place in Kiev on 17-20 October 2013 and you can apply for catwalk shows, presentations and showroom exhibition.

Designers are selected by a panel of industry experts featuring leading buyers, media and business advisers. 

Fashion Scout is recognised as the strongest independent platform for emerging talent in the international market and from March 2013 Fashion Scout became an essential part of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion days. Kiev is the third strand in Fashion Scout global positioning, running alongside in London and Paris.

To apply please email fashionscoutkiev@gmail.com 

NEWS| Hellen van Rees featured on Vogue Italia following award win

Vogue Italia features Helen Van Rees and her Humanity in Fashion award win. 

Hellen Van Rees', Square3 Angle collection was awarded on the grounds of her attention to detail that enables the minimisation of waste along with her use of recycled material. Her work was influenced and inspired by the classic tweed Chanel suit, reworked with a modern, contemporary aesthetic.

Hellen described the collection to Vogue Italia as 'quite sculptural art, suitable for an extravagant celebrity like Lady Gaga', which can also be toned down to be both chic and ladylike.

You can read more about her win on Vogue Italia. 

By Brooke McCord @BrookeMcCord

NEWS| Phoebe English AW13 film exclusive to Dazed Digital

Former Fashion Scout Merit Award winner Phoebe English takes us to new worlds with a short film featuring the designer’s AW13 collection.  Focusing on shape, shadows bring a spellbound atmosphere to the collection where movement interacts with light.

Collaborating with director Marie Kristiansen and music by Golden Hum, Phoebe English showcases parts of her collection throughout the film featuring her signature monochromatic style. Flashes of dark visuals contrast with a serene mood, where the viewer is invited to see the multidimensional aspects of the collection.

Featured on Dazed Digital as an exclusive, the film highlights the importance of textures in Phoebe English’s work and pulls forward the garments themselves, whilst the model remains passive, face half covered.

“Whilst obviously displayed to us, the model is simultaneously removed or hidden by the masking of her eyes” says English explaining the film-making process she says “x-ray and spectre like transparencies, slide show layering and the voyeuristic plinth exhibit of the model protagonist.”

The designer showcased her collection at Fashion Scout in February earlier this year using this film to expand ideas on aesthetics seen on the catwalk.

Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)

NEWS| Ksenia Schnaider and Georgia Hardinge featured on Vogue Italia 'Emerging and Green Berlin'

Vogue Italia have featured two Fashion Scout designers who showcased at Berlin Fashion Film Festival. Georgia Hardinge's 'River Island for Georgia Hardinge' collection by Alex Turvey won the Berlin Fashion Film Festival 2013 Award for Best Fashion and Best Cinematography.  Meanwhile Fashion Scout Kiev designer Ksenia Schnaider showcased in the Edged Showroom initiative, a platform created to showcase emerging designers. To read the full Vogue Italia article click here, congratulations to both Georgia and Ksenia!  

By Cass Gowing, Fashion Scout Editor @CassGowing

NEWS| Emma J Shipley nominated for WGSN's Avery Dennison Emerging Fashion Brand Award.

Fashion Scout designer Emma J Shipley has been nominated for WGSN's Avery Dennison Emerging Fashion Brand Award. Emma is one of four emerging designers who are finalists for the accolade which will be awarded in October at the 2013 WGSN Global Fashion Awards. 

Emma Shipley's unique merging of fashion and fine art in the creation of detailed, wearable scarves has led to her popularity grow rapidly after showcasing her SS13 collection with Fashion Scout in September 2012. Emma's WGSN nomination comes shortly after her win of the UKFT RISE Award for Best Newcomer.

Tim Voegele-Downing, global creative director, Avery Dennison RBIS commented "the entries were phenomenal; the finalists created inspired fashion collections and truly understand the importance of product branding."

You can view all WGSN Global Fashion Awards finalists on their website. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor @CassGowing

Images from Fashion 156

ANNOUNCEMENT| Merit Award Winner for SS14 is Yulia Kondranina

We are thrilled to announce that the Fashion Scout Merit Award winner for SS14 is Yulia Kondranina. Yulia, who made her debut on the Fashion Scout runway as AW13 Ones to Watch designer, graduated last year with an MA in Womenswear from the prestigious Central St Martins College.

Yulia, as the recipient of this season's esteemed Merit Award, receives a fully sponsored catwalk show and exhibition at Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Weeks £25,000.

This season’s Selection Panel included Hilary Alexander, Jessica Bumpus of Vogue.com, Stavros Karelis of Machine-A, Fashion Scout alumni David Koma and Eudon Choi, stylist Rebekah Roy and Fashion Scout Founder and Director Martyn Roberts.

Director Martyn Roberts commented on Yulia's win: 

“Yulia Kondranina has produced a directional and professional collection which demonstrates great creative vision. Yuila has the personality and the drive to make a highly successful Merit Award winner.”

Meanwhile, Yulia is over the moon at the achievement: 

"I’m incredibly happy and very pleased that Fashion Scout selected me for this season merit award. I hope it will be good challenge to bring my brand to next level."

For more information on the designer visit Yulia Kondranina's website here: www.yuliakondranina.com

NEWS| Former OTW winner Hellen van Rees wins The Humanity in Fashion Award.

We were thrilled to discover that former Ones to Watch designer Hellen van Rees was the winner of The Humanity in Fashion Award. As we blogged back in April, she was named alongside two other designers as a finalist for this prestigious award which recognizes creative fashion design through sustainability and eco-friendly clothing. This year’s theme was ‘Authenticity’ and entrants were asked to show vision and innovation for tomorrow’s eco fashion.  Hellen's entry was her Square^3 Angle collection which is a futuristic interpretation of the Chanel classic. 

Hellen was announced the winner following a final catwalk presentation during Berlin Fashion Week on July 3rd. Hellen received an award of 25,000 euros and an exclusive contract to create a women’s capsule collection for Hessnatur, Germany’s largest natural clothing brand. Many congratulations on your esteemed win!

By Blog Editor Cass Gowing

NEWS| David Longshaw presents Maude's LOVE-in for LOVE Magazine

Former Ones to Watch winner David Longshaw has created an animation for LOVE Magazine entitled 'Maude's LOVE-in' to celebrate their 5th anniversary. Featuring Clara and of course Maude, the short animation series sees the characters pull together letters to spell 'LOVE'. 

View the animation here on LOVE Magazine's website. 

COLLECTION| Iris van Herpen Couture AW13

Fashion Scout alumnus Iris van Herpen showcased her AW13 couture collection at Paris Fashion Week last week. Entitled 'Wilderness Embodied', the showcase mixed cocoon silhouettes and female form flattering shapes with digitally printing and avant garde structures.  Undeniably feminine with ethereal undertones, the accomplished collection shows Iris's progression since exhibiting with Fashion Scout in AW11.

By Editor Cass Gowing

Images from Dazed and Confused

ANNOUNCEMENT| Applications Open for Fashion Scout Kiev

We are thrilled to announce that designers can now apply for Fashion Scout Kiev. Applications are open for catwalk shows, presentations and showroom.

Fashion Scout is recognised as the strongest independent platform for emerging talent in the international market and from March 2013 Fashion Scout became an essential part of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion days. Kiev is the third strand in Fashion Scout global positioning, running alongside in London and Paris.

Following an extremely strong first season in March, the next season of Fashion Scout Kiev  is 17-20 October 2013. Designers are selected by a panel of industry experts. The panel features leading buyers, media and business advisers. Their decision is based in the creative vision of the brand and collections, and the quality of work and business potential/success.

To apply please email fashionscoutkiev@gmail.com 

NEWS| Phoebe English joins CFE London's New Fashion Venture Programme

This week Fashion Scout alumni and Central Saint Martins graduate; Phoebe English has moved from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise New Fashion Pioneer program to the New Fashion Venture programme.

Aside from this accolade, Phoebe has also previously won the L'Oreal Professional Creative Award, the Ungaro Bursary and the Chloe Award; alongside her July 2011 English Easton Limited partnership, which involves Phoebe's amalgamation with Rose Easton, who is both the creative collaborator for the brand, whilst being responsible for the business side of the label.

Phoebe English and Rose Easton agreed that "The CFE has been an invaluable asset to the development of our knowledge and business. The New Fashion Pioneer Programme addressed our specific need and we will be forever grateful to the wonderfully kind and patient team". You can read more on the CFE website here. 

In relation to this, the CFE New Market Entry programme, specifically created for 'start ups that need the tools to grow'  is now exclusively open to Fashion Scout designers, who are registered to a London address with 1-2 stockists. There are 30 spaces available and the mentoring events take place on the 6th & 7th of July. More information here. 

By Brooke McCord, @BrookeMcCord

Images from CFE London and @PhoebeEnglish's Twitter

NEWS| Eudon Choi collaborates with River Island

Fashion Scout Alumni Eudon Choi takes on new things in a collaboration with River Island, creating a 16 piece collection to hit stores in September. The Korean designer, who has previously been awarded the Fashion Scout Merit Award, now showcases his collections on schedule at Somerset House. Originally a menswear designer, Choi went on to study womenswear at the Royal College of Art where his unique take on feminine structure can be seen in each collection. Launched in 2009 the Eudon Choi brand has gone from strength to strength being recognised for the designer’s use of rich cultural references as well as striking yet minimal shapes.

The River Island collection takes inspiration from the 1991 Peter Lindbergh photo series “Wild at Heart” where we see Choi’s interpretation in soft leathers and biker styled detailing. The River Island Design Forum initiative has seen collections from Fashion Scout’s T.Lipop and Georgia Hardinge giving talented designers the opportunity to take on a new audience.

Ranging from £30 to £250 the collaborative collection is set to be a hit, already garnering fans eager to see Eudon Choi’s vision of the high street.

Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack

ANNOUNCEMENT| CFE 's New Market Entry Programme exclusively for Fashion Scout designers.

We are thrilled to announce that the CFE has opened their New Market Entry programme exclusively for Fashion Scout designers.

Are you a past Fashion Scout designer who is registered at a London address and has 1-2 stockists? Now's your chance to enter CFE's esteemed New Market Entry programme specifically created for 'start ups that need the tools to grow'. 

Previous Fashion Scout designers that have been supported by the CFE's programmes include Eudon Choi, Agi and Sam, Leutton Postle, Hermoine de Paula and Georgia Hardinge. 

Georgia received the New Market Entry programme in 2011 and believes: "It has given me the ability to understand the ways of fashion enterprise and to use this in the every day running of my business. This support and advise has proved invaluable in moving my business forward to where I want it to be."

There are 30 spaces available and the mentoring events take place on 6th & 7th July. As mentioned, this opportunity is exclusively to Fashion Scout designers who have showcased with us before - please make this clear on your application! Contact info@fsi-events.com for an application form or visit CFE for more information. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images by Asia Werbel

NEWS| Kirsty Ward featured on Refinery29

Acclaimed site Refinery29 has featured former Ones to Watch designer Kirsty Ward under the feature '10 Indie Jewellers With Future-Heirloom Status Written ALL Over Them'. Listed amongst Moxam and Jessica de Lotz, Kirsty Ward explains her style, her current collection and why she expanding into jewellery. 

"It's something that I've always been interested in and something that I personally love to wear. I love that the wearer can always put their own spin on pieces." 

Read the full feature here. 

NEWS| Jennifer Morris, Liz Black and Pam Hogg nominated at Scottish Fashion Awards 2013

This week has seen the announcement that the 8^th annual Scottish Fashion Awards extravaganza will take place in London’s answer to picturesque Scottish heritage; Dover House, a magnificent Grade 1 listed Georgian Mansion, on Wednesday October 9^th 2013. Whilst the event will be hosted by awards founder Dr Tessa Hartmann and Scottish Secretary of State, Michael Moore MP; a number of high profile names are amongst the shortlist, which includes Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Louise Gray and Fashion Scout designers Pam Hogg. Liz Black and Jennifer Morris.

Pam Hogg and Liz Black are nominated for the Creative Excellence accolade, whilst Jennifer Morris is up for the Young Designers award.

The event will provide an incredible platform for Scotland’s finest designers, emerging talent, textile manufacturers, and fashion players for the nations most high profile celebration of fashion and style; and the Awards shine a global spotlight on Scottish work and honour those high profile global brands that continue to use Scottish cashmere and textiles within their own collections.

The event is renowned for its string of high profile guests to include celebrities, models, designers, fashion figures and dignitaries; and this years finalists will be judged by a panel of leading fashion professionals, including 2012 Fashion Ambassador award winner Colin McDowell.

In addition to the awards already released, a series of special awards including the ‘Hall of Fame, ‘Fashion Ambassador’, ‘Fashion Innovator of the Year’ and a new ‘Founders Award’ will be revealed in October at the presentation in London.

By Brooke McCord, @BrookeMcCord

NEWS| Ksenia Schnaider's AW13 Bodywarmer collection

Ukrainian designer Ksenia Schnaider has combined her latest look book, inspirations and presentations, including the Fashion Scout exhibition, and placed them within an online publication. The designer, whose AW13 collection entitled Bodywarmer is inspired by the classic body warmer of the Soviet Union, founded her label in 2011 and showcased her work as a part of our Kiev Fashion Days in February. "For Ksenia Schnaider collections we're inspired by the clothes themselves," she said in an interview on her latest collection. "We only work with codes, utility and the history of clothes."

Schaider's digital showcase of work can be viewed here. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

NEWS| Vogue Italia and The Dubai Mall's Eco Talents Scouting Initiative

Vogue Italia  have launched Eco-Talents Scouting, a new organisation created with The Dubai Mall in order to encourage creativity in eco-fashion and eco-design. Aimed at both emerging and established designers, all the selected projects will be exhibited in October at The Dubai Mall during the “Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience”.

Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani commented on the enterprise: "The Dubai Mall is a Fashion World. Vogue Italia is a Fashion Magazine. To make an event together means to welcome all the people who love fashion, and also to give an opportunity to young talents to show their creativity and their talent”

Want to enter? You need to send to ecotalents@condenast.it the following information:

• Biography and info on the brand
• A lookbook of the two latest collections
• A list of stores where the brand is sold
• A short text illustrating your project with relevant sketches and designs

Deadline to be part of this global eco initiative is 30th June 2013. For more information, visit Vogue Italia's Eco Talents pages. 

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

NEWS| Angus Chiang from Shih Chien Taiwan wins International Show

Taiwanese graduate Angus Chiang was yesterday announced as the winner of the inaugural International Show. His futuristic colour popping pom pom designs caught the eye of the esteemed panel of judges - headed by Vogue Italia's Sara Maino and the audience alike. 

Chiang, a graduate from Shih Chien Taiwan, will showcase his collection at Fashion Scout London during London Fashion Week. He has also won £1000 for himself, £500 for his university. 

By Editor Cass Gowing, Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing
Photographs by Tram Nguyen, Follow her on Twitter @TramNguyenP

NEWS| International Show at Graduate Fashion Week

Yesterday saw the first ever International Show take place at Graduate Fashion Week. Held at Earls Court, the International Show saw 20 graduate designers from the following schools take the stage. 

Academy of Art, San Francisco

BUNKA (Japan)

Shenkar (Israel)

Shih Chien (Taiwan)

FIT (Italy)

Istituto Marangoni Milan

IED (Institito Europeo di Design - Italy)

Accademia di Costume e Moda (Italy)

IUVA (Italy)

Kolding (Denmark)

Istituto Marangoni Paris

ESMOD Berlin

ESMOD Oslo

Parsons New York

Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (Pakistan)

Mimar Sinan Fine Arts (Turkey)

An eclectic mix of cultures and styles were showcased through a series of accomplished and astounding designs - the very best of graduate collections globally. 

Aside from the showcase itself, the International Show was also being judged by an esteemed panel including Hilary Alexander (read her article for The Telegraph on the show here), blogger Susie Bubble, Royal College of Art's Professor Wendy Dagworthy and chaired by Vogue Italia's Sara Maino. After deliberation, the winner, Angus Chiang from Shih Chien Taiwan was announced. See full post of the winner here. 

By Editor Cass Gowing, Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Photographs by Tram Nguyen, Follow her on Twitter @TramNguyenP.