COLLECTION| Heohwan Simulation SS14

 

Breaking the ice at Fashion Scout for Spring Summer 2014 was Heohwan Simulation.

Now into the fifth season of his twenty strong Critique Collection Project, Korean born RCA Menswear graduate Hwan Heo has returned to Fashion Scout for the fourth time to debut SS14. This morning the Ones To Watch and Merit Award veteran showcased his womenswear collection; expertly styled by Natasha Wray. Inspired by the double exposure photography of Thomas Ruff and The Making of English Working Class, a text by E.P Thompson; the impressive selection was well received by the wide eyed onlookers. 

Aptly titled 'Hyper Hyper', the show kicked off to the sound of Medium Love by Apparatique with a line up of long line soft tailored jackets layered over printed, chevron embellished full circle skirts. A palette of canary, neon yellows sharply sliced jet black asymmetric leathers. Vamp slash back pencil skirts contrasted ombre, linear stand out exaggerated ruffle dresses that contoured the form in a flattering, feminine manner. A collection of contrasts; flowing floral patterns were focused on sleek day dresses. Boxy jackets complemented laser cut leather detailing while subtle bell sleeves and 50s tailoring made for highly versatile, highly wearable designs.

“This time I got inspiration from the mixture of the 50s and the 80s. I'm very satisfied with this collection, I think it's my best collection yet” - Hwan Heo on SS14.

Madeleine Ayers, Contributor. Follow her on Twitter: @MadeleineAyers
Photography by Tracy Asslanian: @Tracyasslanian

BACKSTAGE| Heohwan Simulation SS14

As last year’s Merit award winner Heohwan Simulation has a lot to live up to this season. His multitude of textural contrasts and interesting silhouettes has enabled the Royal College of Arts graduate to prove himself as an austere designer.

Backstage it would have been easy to feel like a bull in a china shop. The gorgeous china plate-esque patterns welcomed in an array of people; with eleven models, dozens of hair and make up artists and a swarm of interns- the room was electric. Photographers bouncing from wall to wall within the clean-cut garments and well-organized rails left little room for maneuver.

It was near enough impossible to distract the Body Shop make-up artists and the Tony&Guy hair stylists as they were intent on creating the perfect look for the catwalk. A feminine palette of pinks and nudes were applied perfectly to the impeccable models. Slick, ceaseless manes combined with the make up in order to create the perfect juxtaposition with Heo’s tough femininity aesthetic. The use of natural make up and slick hair allow the clothes to speak for themselves, and they need no assistance.

Heo’s confidence and attention to detail are recurrent throughout his collections. Yet again, his collection is imbued with depth and the rails are hard to tear your eyes away from. Blacks, whites, blues and greys follow suit and prove Heo truly is consistent and confident with his renowned style. 

The eagerly awaiting audience will definitely not be disappointed with this show.

Emily Black, blog contributor, @emilyy_black

Grace Sanchez, blog photographer, @gracyphotograph

Follow us on Twitter @FashionScout #FashionScout

ANNOUNCEMENT| OTW designer Hannah Williams wins MUUSE's Special Prize

This season, for the first time ever, MUUSE and Fashion Scout teamed up to award a special prize to one of this year's Fashion Scout Ones to Watch designers. The winning collection is awarded collection development and production which is fully sponsored by MUUSE, along with promotion, sales and distribution. 

We are thrilled to announce that Hannah Williams the 2013 graduate from UCA Epsom is the winner of the Special MUUSE Prize.

Hannah's graduating collection captivated MUUSE's Gitte Jonsdatter as "novel, combining interesting molded shapes with innovative use of materials". Hannah's collection impressed particularly with her levels of intricate and exquisite detailing.

As the winner, Hannah Williams, in collaboration with MUUSE, will develop a capsule collection fully sponsored by MUUSE to be showcased at Fashion Scout in London and Paris fashion weeks. The collection will be sold under the designer's own name as ‘Hannah Williams by MUUSE’ on www.muuse.com.

DAY ONE| Fashion Scout LFW SS14 begins 13.09.13!

It's Day One at Fashion Scout London for London Fashion Week SS14! We're thrilled to be back in our home of Freemason's Hall and this season we are celebrating our fifteenth season!

Today we are looking forward to seeing the talents of the following international designers: 

11.30 Heohwan Simulation

12.30 Yifang Wan

1.30 Ones to Watch: Hannah Williams, Helen Lawrence, Renli Su

2.30 YEASHIN

3.30 Bernard Chandran

4.30 - 5.30 Ekaterina Kukhareva

4.30 NIAN

5.30 Apu Jan

6.30 Merit Award Winner Yulia Kondranina

7.00 Pinghe

Heading to a Fashion Scout show? Make sure you tweet us at @FashionScout with the hashtag #FashionScout.

NEWS| Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days returns to Fashion Scout London

Fashion Scout and Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days join forces for another successful season in London. Fashion Scout are pleased to announce the Kiev Fashion Days catwalk show and exhibition on Sunday 15^th September.

The exhibition and catwalk show will feature six Ukrainian designers, carefully curated by Fashion Scout. The designer line-up includes Anna K, Anton Belinskiy, Lera Leshchova, RCR Khomenko and Yasya Minochkina. This will be the second time that Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days will be a part of London Fashion Week showcasing at the Fashion Scout home at Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden.

Anna K and Yasya Minochkina were both part of the first Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days which was held at Fashion Scout London during our February showcase. Both Anna Kolomoets and Yasya Minochkina presented accomplished collections to critical acclaim. 

The exhibition will take place at Fashion Scout's new presentation space, in the Prince Regent Room at Freemasons, from 2pm – 6pm following their catwalk show on Sunday morning. Merecdes Benz Kiev Fashion Days and Fashion Scout’s partnership is focused on the development of designers who take part and comes at an exciting time as we see growing interest in Eastern European designers.

Martyn Roberts, director of Fashion Scout comments on the growing trend; “Eastern Europe is becoming very important. Buyers rush to different parts of the world in search of the new talented designers”. Fashion Scout, the international showcase, is bringing this wealth of global talent to one venue in London. 

Follow us on Twitter @FashionScout #FashionScout

ANNOUNCEMENT| Fashion Scout LFW Sponsors

This season we are happy to announce that we are receiving renewed support from the following sponsors: Toni&Guy, The Body Shop, Vita Coco, Snog, Propercorn, Propress and official media partners Fashion Monitor. We are also joined by brand new sponsor NudeAudio who we told you all about yesterday! 

Toni&Guy and The Body Shop will be making sure the models look their best whilst Propress steamers will be used to professionally steam our designers' garments before they hit the runway. Keeping you refreshed when attending the Fashion Scout shows, we've got Vita Coco coconut water, Snog pure frozen yoghurt and Propercorn popcorn on hand.

We're proud that all of our wonderful sponsors will be joining us from 13th - 17th September at our London Fashion Week home of Freemason's Hall. Make sure you stay on top of all off-schedule events including FS shows with Fashion Monitor's Off Schedule Guide.

NEWS| Fashion Scout Model Casting with Snog and NudeAudio

Yesterday saw four hundred models descend on the Freemasons' Hall for Fashion Scout’s SS14 Model Casting. The casting is the largest of its kind at London Fashion Week and was attended by over 20 different Fashion Scout designers including Merit Award winner Yulia Kondranina, and this years Ones To Watch trio – Hannah Williams, Helen Lawrence and Renli Su.

Fashion Scout sponsors, Snog where on hand to keep the models happy and refreshed with their tasty frozen yoghurt flavours. Snog will also be on site during London Fashion Week at Fashion Scout’s home in the Freemasons Hall to share their delicious guilt free snack with designers and guests.

Snog are encouraging guests to tweet pictures of themselves with their snogs during the event and hashtag #snogging to be in for a chance of winning a months worth of free snogs.

Also at the model casting where newly announced Fashion Scout London sponsors NudeAudio who provided the soundtrack to the afternoon with their new collection of wireless speakers. NudeAudio will be setting up home for the week in our newly located exhibition space in the downstairs foyer entrance at Freemasons' hall.

Fashion Scout London runs from the 13^th – 17^th September, for ticket enquiries please see the website: www.fashion-scout.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @FashionScout

Images by Benjamin Turgel Photography, Simon Armstrong Photography

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS14| Ong-Oaj Pairam

This season sees Thai-British designer, Ong-Oaj Pairam, debut his first catwalk collection with Fashion Scout.

A BA Fashion Design Graduate from Brighton, Ong-Oaj developed his professional career working for Proenza Schouler and Roland Mouret in New York. He returned to London in November 2012 in time to set up his own label and launch his AW13 collection.

Using bold original printed silks, soft tailoring and beautifully considered hand embroidered finishing, Ong-Oaj sets out to redefine luxury in womenswear. Passionate about the quality longevity and finishing of each garment Ong-Oaj creates effortlessly confident and timeless pieces that transcend through the seasons.

Ong-Oaj has taken a year zero approach to his SS14 collection, really exploring the brand DNA for the ‘’bold, confident and creative woman.’’ Following this aesthetic, Ong-Oaj has taken inspiration for the collection from an extra-ordinary muse - the character of Gertie played by Drew Barrymore in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. He will be showcasing his collection at Fashion Scout on Tuesday 17^th at 1:30pm.

Elizabeth Renfrey, FS Contributor, Follow her @erenfrey

ANNOUNCEMENT| Fashion Scout Announce NudeAudio as a sponsor for SS14

Fashion Scout proudly announce NudeAudio as our new sponsor for SS14.

The fashion and design orientated wireless speaker brand will join Fashion Scout London at Freemasons’ Hall Covent Garden from the 13^th – 17^th September. During the event, NudeAudio will be debuting their new collection of four portable speakers under the Move collection.

NudeAudio will be inviting Fashion Scout guests to put their own stamp on the exhibition at the venue by allowing select guest to choose the music played. You will have the chance to have your choice of tunes played simply by tweeting your favourite songs to @nudeaudio, and being sure to hashtag #fashionscout.

NudeAudio’s innovative spirit is in keeping with the ideals of Fashion Scout, and we are excited to have them on board as a sponsor for SS14. Martyn Roberts, Director of Fashion Scout commented; “Fashion Scout has always been at the forefront of new technology showing Fashion Films and hosting Blogger’s lounges before anyone else. This vision, together with great design, is core to Fashion Scout’s unique offering. This is why we are delighted to be partnering with NudeAudio”.

The partnership with NudeAudio also arrives in sync with the launch of a revamped exhibition space on the ground floor of the venue, featuring Merit Award, Ones To Watch Designers and MUUSE. This will be located alongside the Media Bar, its the place to be seen (and heard).

Follow Fashion Scout on twitter @fashionscout

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS14| Alessia Prekop

After spending time absorbing the art and architecture that Florence had to offer, Italian born Alessia Prekop left her literature studies and converted to fashion, using her experiences as a primary influence for her collections. Following a move to London to study at Instituto Maragoni, Alessia was able to engage her creativity with both a rich, romantic Italian history and an edgy, urban culture - something that has fast become her design aesthetic.

Using predominantly black bases with flashes of bold colour - think pillar box red and bright fuschia - Alessia’s collection focuses on structure and a combination of fabrics to create a wardrobe for the modern woman.

Let Alessia Prekop take you on an adventure this season at Fashion Scout London, showing on Day Two at 5:30pm.

By Olivia Hunter, Fashion Scout Writer, @oliviahunter

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS14| Little Shilpa

Where accessories can often be the unsung heroes of fashion week, step forward Little Shilpa to break the mould. The Mumbai born milliner and accessory designer has created a powerful aesthetic using an array of bright colours, geometric shapes and futuristic acrylic, taking inspiration from her Indian upbringing as well as her own surroundings. This results in an exhilarating clash of past and present, combining Indian heritage with anything from toys to shoes.

Considering Shilpa means ‘sculpture’, each piece should be deemed a work of art. Not to mention, Little Shilpa also has the seal of approval from Lady Gaga and Stephen Jones from her most recent collection.

Catch Little Shilpa showing on Day Four of Fashion Scout London from 2pm-4pm

By Olivia Hunter, Fashion Scout Writer, @oliviahunter

ANNOUNCEMENT| Graduate Showcase at LFW SS14

Graduate Showcase returns to Fashion Scout this September London Fashion Week. In it’s third year, the Graduate Showcase is acclaimed within the industry as a champion of the very best graduate design talent. Taking place on Sunday 15th September from 10am until 6pm, our curated selection of innovative new graduates enables press, buyers and industry members attending London Fashion Week the opportunity to meet the graduates and view their collections in person.

This season also marks the introduction of a new design initiative, supported by MUUSE. Sasha Nassar, winner of the International Womenswear Award at Graduate Fashion Week will produce a capsule collection in collaboration with MUUSE which will be premiered as part of the Graduate Showcase.

Fashion Scout have scouted the best new graduates from the leading UK and International universities including Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Shih Chien Taiwan and Istituto Marangoni Paris. After viewing over 300 collections from February and June’s graduate shows, we are thrilled to present the following graduates: 

Carrie-Ann Stein (CSM BA)

Angus Chiang (Shih Chien Taiwan BA)

Jaimee McKenna (CSM MA)

Lauren Smith (Edinburgh College of Art BA)

Maiko Takeda (RCA MA)

Min Wu (CSM MA)

Sadie Williams (CSM MA)

Sasha Nassar (Istituto Marangoni Paris)

Xiao Li (RCA MA)

Martyn Roberts, Director and Co-Founder of Fashion Scout is elated at the growth of Graduate Showcase and this season's talent: “Year on year, the Graduate Showcase proves to be a huge success and an integral part of the introduction of fresh new talent to the industry. The showcase provides an unrivalled opportunity for young new designers to present their collections and creative vision to a key audience, encouraging business start-up and employment.” 

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS14| Natasha Zinko

Last season, Natasha Zinko hit Kiev Fashion Days with her inaugural avian inspired womenswear collection. The multi talented Russian designer began her education with a foundation degree at the prestigious Chelsea College of Art and Design where she discovered a passion for sculpture on a small scale. From there she went straight into the Jewellery Design course at Central Saint Martins and has been making waves in the industry ever since. With her first boutique already open to the world on Maddox Street in Mayfair, Zinko will be showcasing her succeeding collection this September once more with Fashion Scout.

A regular visitor to the V&A museum, last season her collection was a collation of feminine, highly structured gowns inspired by the wings of birds. Preview the SS14 Natasha Zinko collection on the runway at 3:30PM, Day 4 at Fashion Scout.

Madeleine Ayers, Contributor. Follow her on Twitter: @MadeleineAyers