BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad winners: We congratulate you!

Eudon Choi AW11

David Longshaw AW11

Vauxhall Fashion Scout would like to congratulate The BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad Winners; Claudia Catzeflis, Saloni, Sophie Hulme and Vassilisa. The winning designers impressed a panel of judges who included key industry members such as Helena Christensen (Former model and photographer), Rebecca Lowthorpe (Fashion Features Director, ELLE UK) and Designer Sara Berman.

These designers are following in the exciting footsteps of Vauxhall Fashion Scout alumni Eudon Choi and David Longshaw, both who were among six of London’s most talented creatives to first to win this coveted award in September 2010. This season, Eudon Choi will be presenting his collection on the VFS catwalk as part of his ongoing Merit Award support and David Longshaw will be joining us in Paris for the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom. 

 ‘The BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad aims to provide nascent British designers with the opportunities, acumen and support to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.’ ELLE’s Acting Editor Jenny Dickinson.

Stylist Magazine: London Fashion Week competition!

Stylist Magazine are offering two VIP tickets to our Merit Award show.

Our lovely sponsors have come together to create a bundle of goodies for our VIP London Fashion Week competition!

Vauxhall Motors, our official sponsor will be providing a chauffer driven car to take the winner between the show and a special salon appointment for a hair makeover with Toni and Guy.The winner will also receive a bag of make up products from The Body Shop worth £150!

Get entering here

IZMAYLOVA

IZMAYLOVA AW11

Antonina Izmaylova and Nathanael Gam

The London based brand IZMAYLOVA is run by duo Antonina Izmaylova and Nathanael Gam. Nathanael focuses on the business elements of the company while Antonina is the Creative Director. The two twenty-somethings have created and built up a brand which specialises in creating garments that convey empowerment and yet each creation is still able to capture an alluring sense of elegance. The modern woman is what this brand appeals to, a woman who isn’t afraid of trying out new and daring fashions. The brand may hold edgy and futuristic trends but they never falter in their quality when it comes to the fabric or the structure.

Here's the brand profile:

What is the essence of IZMAYLOVA?

Both in their early twenties, two bright young entrepreneurs have a vision founded on their combined Russian and French heritage, to redefine the concept of modern luxury. Antonina Izmaylova and Nathanael Gam are the Design-Duo behind London-based luxury womenswear brand, IZMAYLOVA. In operation for just one year, IZMAYLOVA has established a strong in-house design studio, where each piece is handcrafted by a skilled artisan – some pieces taking up to 50 hours of labour to produce. The core value of the brand remains sharply focused on craftsmanship and this is evident in the new SS12 Collection more so than ever. The distinctive IZMAYLOVA silhouette harnesses architectural design and emphases shape and femininity.

Who is behind IZMAYLOVA?

IZMAYLOVA was co-founded in 2010 by Antonina Izmaylova and Nathanael Gam, both at age 22. Antonina is a graduate from London’s Central Saint Martin’s College of Art, while Nathanael studied Fashion Business Management at London College of Fashion. Nathanael worked for many seasons with the British Fashion Council where he was responsible for handling the International Relations for the bi-annual London Fashion Week event and the annual British Fashion Awards. The pair were drawn together after they met at Antonina’s graduate showcase. Their shared vision of redefining the concept of modern luxury drew them together and fuelled their dream to create something fresh and unique. They both agreed that Luxury is about the subtlety and believe the detailing and finish of the garments should speak for itself.

How would you define IZMAYLOVA Woman?

The IZMAYLOVA Woman is confronted by limits and boundaries and daringly breaks through these fearlessly. She is eccentric and a risk-taker in her bold fashion choices. She appreciates fine quality craftsmanship and understands the power of dressing. She is the woman who enters the room and everybody notices.

Where does IZMAYLOVA find inspiration from?

The IZMAYLOVA Design Duo are inspired by both Antonina’s Russian heritage and by the fashion-forward edge of living and being based in London. Antonina’s Russian heritage is strongly infused into her designs as bold, imperialistic architecture, and the artistic history of ballet and opera appear intuitively in each garment. This is fused with Nathanael’s modern interpretation of luxury and their combined appreciation of London’s unique street fashion and culture. Their philosophy remains to harness the amalgamation between the old and new and in turn create timeless pieces.

What are we expecting this season from IZMAYLOVA SS12 collection?

This new collection focuses on the contrasting transition from darkness into light. The Autumn/Winter 11 Collection was dark and dramatic, the co-designers wanted to immerse themselves into colour and fluid fabrics. This Spring/Summer 12 Collection features melting gold, burnt orange, dust pink, nutmeg and sumptuous cream – all inspired by the scenic paradise in Hawaii. It incorporates luxurious light-weight materials such as cascading silks, elegant satin Duchesses, floating chiffon and light-reflecting Swarovski crystals to fuse in pieces such as elongated pleated trousers, cascading fishtails skirts, and 70’s inspired floor-length gowns with billowing sleeves. The core value of IZMAYLOVA remains sharply focused on craftsmanship and this is evident even more so this season.

-What means to be showing in London?

Nathanael and Antonina are thrilled to be showing during London Fashion Week this season as it signifies the introduction of the brand. London is home to IZMAYLOVA and this is where the Design Duo first met, so for the brand to launch here first holds special relevance to Nathanael and Antonina.  IZMAYLOVA has also been offered a Private Presentation Room in Somerset House from the 16^th to 20^th September, so this season will be a busy yet very exciting time for the pair. London is at the forefront of fashion and each brand that comes out of the capital is respected worldwide. London is not the easiest place to launch a label because of the high numbers of creative minds here, but it certainly is the most rewarding.

Can you describe the mood of the studio and what are you listening to there?

The whole studio is buzzing with excitement and anticipation in the lead up to London Fashion Week and everybody in the team is eager to present the stunning Collection. The team has been really well prepared and everything is going along smoothly; the mood can be likened to the calm before the storm perhaps as the show date approaches. The IZMAYLOVA Team is enjoying listening to Bonobo at the moment as it is creating a really inspiring and focused mood in the studio.

Keep up with IZMAYLOVA on Facebook and Twitter

We can't wait to see their vivid pieces on the Sunday 18th September!

Sponsor Announcement:Snog

Snog-Covent Garden

“You can never have too many Snogs!”
Creating a product that is delicious and healthy is no easy task so we are delighted to announce that Snog is now sponsoring VFS this season! Snog’s frozen yogurt is a guilty pleasure, minus the guilt!   This wholesome treat has no fat, is high in calcium and protein and is part of your five a day if you choose fruit toppings. The frozen treat also contains Agave nectar, a natural plant extract which offers the same amount of sweetness as refined sugar with almost half the calories!Snog will be sponsoring key events and shows at Vauxhall Fashion Scout and will be found in the Media Lounge on Friday, what a kick start to Fashion Week!

Check out their website here and their blog here 

Sponsor Announcement:Hi Sushi

Sushi has always been a fashion favourite; It’s small, nutritious and beautifully crafted.  
Hi Sushi have sponsored us in past seasons and gifted us with many delicate delights. The atmosphere of their restaurants is inspired by traditional Japanese eating and drinking houses. They also serve a number of dishes that intertwine modern delicacies with a traditional flare.

 “Pushing the culinary envelope, diners can expect challenging, authentically prepared arrays of seasonally adapted yaki grills, tempuras cooked in iron bowls, noodles with slow-prepared fish stock and the freshest, more unusual sushi and sashimi."

Check out their website here

Special announcement: Graduate Showcase

Nova Chiu (LCF)

Parsha Gerayesh

Steven Tai (CSM)

Anna Smit (RCA)

Charlotte Barry (LCF)

Helen Turner (RCA)

Kate Wallis (WSTM)

Nicola Morgan (RCA)

Patrick Li (RCA)

Ume Romaan (DMF)

Victoria Spurce (RCA)

 

Hello VFS followers! This LFW Vauxhall Fashion Scout is launching an exciting new initiative for exceptional talent - the Graduate Showcase.  Featuring a selection of the very best new talent to come out from and around Graduate Fashion Week, The Graduate Showcase features graduates from Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Royal Academy of Art, Westminster, De Montfort and Kingston Universities.  

Internationally recognised as the home of new talent, Vauxhall Fashion Scout have scouted and selected these graduates from over 300 collections viewed during this June’s graduate shows.  

The graduates include: 

Anna Smit (RCA)

Charlotte Barry (LCF)

Helen Turner (RCA)

Kate Wallis (Westminster)

Nicola Morgan (RCA)

Parsha Gerayesh (Westminster)

Nova Chiu (LCF)

Patrick Li (RCA)

Steven Tai (CSM)

Umeromaan (De Montfort)

Victoria Spruce (RCA)
 

 The Graduate Showcase will take place on the opening day of London Fashion Week and features a curated selection of three outfits from their graduate collections, as styled by Guy Hipwell of Fashion156.com. Supported by the Mayor of London´s London Fashion Showcasing Fund the event will enable press and buyers attending LFW to meet the young designers and see their creative vision first hand.

 “My team and I saw over 300 graduate collections this June and were extremely excited by what we saw. Unfortunately many buyers and media were unable attend all the shows, so we decided to showcase a selection of the very best collections for them during LFW. It is important that the whole industry has the opportunity to see the future of British talent at the very start of their careers. 

A key element to this initiative is a bespoke mentoring programme for these highly talented graduates.  It is our objective to help them take the giant step from graduation to establishing their own creative businesses.” Martyn Roberts, Vauxhall Fashion Scout Founder. 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is running intensive mentoring sessions featuring guest speakers from across the industry to provide key information on setting up a business, PR, Sales, branding, funding and production. The sessions will take the graduates through all aspects of setting up their own label and running a business.  

The Graduate Showcase will take place Friday 16^th September, 11am – 3pm at Freemasons’ Hall, Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s permanent location. 

The international Press and Buyers Reception hosted by Vauxhall Fashion Scout in Partnership with Fashion Monitor

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The countdown to London Fashion Week is quickening and the fashion events haven’t stopped popping up. With Fashion Scout it’s no different. On Sunday 18^th of September from 10am to 1pm, we will be hosting our international buyers reception in partnership with Fashion Monitor. This is a great opportunity for any members of the media or buyers to network with many fresh faces in the fashion industry.

Fashion Monitor is the leading contacts, news and events service for the fashion, beauty and lifestyle professional.

The International Press & Buyers Reception, supported by the Mayor of London’s London Fashion Showcasing Fund,  will take place in the Exhibition Centre within the Freemasons’ Hall, providing global fashion and beauty professionals with a platform to meet, greet and network with industry peers.

The reception will be attended by a range of designers exhibiting at the venue throughout LFW, including Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award winner Leutton Postle and Ones To Watch Alice Lee, Malene Oddershede Bach, Phoebe English and Shao Yen.

Hannah White, editor of Fashion Monitor says: "Working alongside Vauxhall Fashion Scout for the International Press & Buyers Reception is a great honour. Fashion Monitor is keen to show support for emerging designers and the reception is a relaxed environment for press, buyers and designers to meet and discuss this season’s collections."

Martyn Roberts, founder of Vauxhall Fashion Scout says: "Fashion Monitor is the industry’s bible for news, contacts and events, created and powered by a dedicated team of professionals. The International Press & Buyers Reception is the perfect opportunity to join together to showcase an exciting selection of LFW’s best new talent to a wide range of international media and buyers.  Our trial event last season was a huge success and we are looking forward to September’s reception."

For further information visit www.fashionmonitor.com and www.vauxhallfashionscout.com.

To request invites contact PR@vauxhallfashionscout.com

Sponsor Announcement:Hummingbird Bakery

Red velvet cupcakes

Wardour Street branch:Soho

Carnival themed cupcakes

We are delighted to announce Hummingbird Bakery is joining our team of sponsors.

The scrumptious brand started up in 2004 with their first branch on Portobello road with the goal to serve their customers an alternative to supermarket cakes and French patisseries. They began to expand in 2007 and now have branches in South Kensington, Soho and Spitalfields. Hummingbird’s fresh and delicate creations can also be made in the comfort of your home! The unique Hummingbird Bakery cookbooks are filled with a number of simple and yummy recipes.

London Fashion Week and Red velvet cupcakes? 

What's not to love?

You can follow Hummingbird Bakery on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Sponsor Announcement:THE TEASHED

 

Hey Followers! Today were happy to announce that THE TEASHED are now sponsoring us!

The hip brand is determined to serve the nation and beyond tea of the best quality.

 “Tea has always been and will always be at the heart of Britain.  But how come a drink that is so loved is going neglected?

Some tea companies fill tea bags with only the 'dust' from the plants rather than quality whole leaves. All *TeaShed teas however, are made from the finest tealeaves which are then lovingly wrapped in silky pyramid bags for you to enjoy with ease.”

They also sell a number of cute tea accessories and artsy homeware products.You can also keep up to date with TEASHED news and events by looking at their blog.

 

The Body Shop: Makeover Session!

Kinga

Stine

Hi VFS followers! It's friday! wooooooooooooooo!
The artistic hand that is Lan has created two fabulous looks for us. One natural highlighting of the face and  the other a darker more fierce smoky eye look on our two lovely assistants.

Using a range of the beautiful crafted make up products as well as implements all from the body shop, Lan knows how to manipulate them to create the freshest looks. Like a modern artist she paints visages with ease and slight of hand enhancing and bring forth features people never knew they had are her forte.

TA DA!

You can never go wrong with smokey eyes!

She also gave us a few tips on what to do with certain products to achieve different looks!
People with wider eyes should focus more on their lip colour and use less eye makeup while those with smaller eyes should use a lot more. We also found out that by mixing the liquid eye liner with any Shimmering cube eyeshadow shade you could make new distinctive shades. The brushes from the body shop are smooth and irritation free! Ask Kinga! She was totally relaxed!
The Body Shop brand produces a range of foundations that include oil free and tinted moisturises that don’t flake or smudge off!

But don’t take our word for it! We’ll have some tips up from Lan herself soon!!!!

FASHION156 Designer Collaboration

T-shirt designs:Lu Flux, t.lipop and Asger Juel Larsen.

Good afternoon followers!

Fashion156 have collaborated with 20 talented designers to create a range of exclusive t-shirts.

Each designer has printed and produced 15 exquisite t-shirts.

Designers include: Alice Palmer, Asger Juel Larsen, T. Lipop, Kirsty Ward, David Longshaw and James Small and Lu Flux; who are all Vauxhall Fashion Scout Alumni.

The collaboration was struck up to celebrate 5 fasionable years online.

The tees are available to buy here

'Wash' James Small SS12 film starring Jaime Winstone and the Astra GTC

One of Jame Small's colourful creations

    

Actress Jamie Winstone

James Small's printed shirts

Hey VFS followers!

We've got some fashion film news today!

James Small Menswear gets hot & wet with new fashion film ‘Wash’ starring Jaime Winstone and the new Vauxhall Astra GTC – the film has been directed by Konstantinos Menelaou (producer at large and art director of A Shaded View On Fashion Film Festival by Diane Pernet).  Wash showcases James’ SS2012 collection and announces Vauxhall Motor’s patronage of the innovative British menswear designer as part of its support of Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

Vauxhall Motors has loaned James Small one of the first exclusive Astra GTC’s and collaborated on a moving image showcase to highlight his collection.  Further support will take the form of sponsoring James’ show and after party on Wednesday 21^st September.  James Small Menswear will show as part of Menswear day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout held at Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden.

The film tells the story of a strong, beautiful and stylish woman who spends her summer days driving from carwash to carwash to look at men wash her car. She alludes power, style and is in control of her surroundings.  After confirming her authority, she signals the start of the carwash by removing a boom box out of the boot of her car and hitting the play button.  The men proceed to wash her car for her to view, interacting with them with the same unaffected composure. As soon as the music stops, it signals the end of the carwash and she gets into the car drives off to find the next carwash, leaving the men waiting.

Commenting on the creation of ‘Wash’ Konstantinos Menelaou stated; “We wanted to subvert the male dominated fantasy of the carwash as it traditionally portrays an object of male power (the car) being cleaned by an object of male desire (the girl).  In this case we reverse the roles and we give the power to the woman”. 

The female lead in the short is played by British Actress Jaime Winstone who James Small cast. James comments “Jaime is a great friend and we needed someone that could fit with the slick and powerful look of the Astra GTC and make it work in the context of subverting male fantasy”.  

James Small went onto comment; “The SS12 collection is all about forward thinking and its great that Vauxhall Motors let me work in such a dynamic way with the Vauxhall Astra GTC. I cast the Vauxhall Astra GTC as its sleek design fitted the collection – which is all about looking back to my days in art college when we were allowed to freely express creativity and find our own personal style. I have streamlined the collection into a sleek and romantic vision incorporating the James Small trademark silk shirts and use of floral. Wash reflects this”.

Music for the short has been provided by East End artist, Actually Huizenga. 

To view Vauxhall Motors presents ‘James Small SS12 Wash’ click here

You can also watch the behind the scenes video here

Shao Yen featured in FASHION156

Shao Yen Chen diligently working on his collection

Good afternoon VFS followers! Hope you all enjoyed your Bank holiday weekend! 

Shao Yen, one of our Ones To Watch Men Award winners discusses his SS12 collection which will debut in September with Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

"It made me realise how hard it is but also how exciting it is too. In college you don’t learn those things so when you start your work and you go through the process of producing a collection you realise how many people are involved and how many hours it involves. It made me surer that I really wanted to try it." Shao Yen on Interning

Check out the rest of the interview here