MINNAN HUI | Collection

Central Saint Martins graduate Minnan Hui started London Fashion Week off with a bang. Starting the show off with an oriental feel, Minnans collection has many themes flowing within such as structured layers, bright colours and subtle but bold prints.

Minnan is no stranger to playing with shape when it comes to designing; it is obvious that fabric manipulation is one of her strong points as seen in her show. Ruching, pleats and ruffles were what made the pieces look so third dimensional, this added to the boldness of her aesthetic and made the collection different and exciting.

The colours used had a very playful feel about them as some of them clashed and others contrasted with white backgrounds. Sheer fabric with black brushstrokes was used within the layers of some of the looks, this broke up the bold colour blocks. Yellow screen prints of rope were also used on parts of the collection which gave it a fun and oriental feel about it.

Trimmings of what looked like coloured shoe laces were embroidered on to the top of pieces and were left hanging off with gold ends, this to me made the collection have a slight sporty feel about it. The gold at the end of the laces caught the light during the show, which gave the pieces a glimmer. Silver textured fabric and gold metallic skirts also added light to the collection and block prints.

Overall the collection was really strong due to the colour palette and the origami look Minnan Hui is so good at. 

#FashionScoutAW15

By amberJenner

@MINNANHUI

MINNAN HUI | BACKSTAGE

Fantastic backstage at Minnan Hui, Fashion Scout AW15!

 #FashionScoutAW15

Photography by Florian Schadauer

Twitter @floriansdr

INTERVIEW | JAMIE WEI HUANG

We caught up with Jamie Wei Huang in the aftermath of her AW15 Fashion Scout showcase to get the low-down on her latest collection..

Hello Jamie, can you tell us about the inspiration behind your AW15 collection and how you came to decide upon your chosen aesthetic?

This season my collection is called nymphomaniac, based on the movie, which tells the story of a girl who is a sex addict. Throughout this collection we have tried to convey the story through her surroundings and every look represents a different story, the principle of this collection is to tell about the hidden self. It explores desire and bravery and aims to encourage the notion of being different, realising who you are and being proud of it or alternatively facing it and trying to come to a compromise. We have used a lot of metaphors this season and used a lot of materials as a language to tell our story. I think the best collection is one that doesn't need a press release, one that uses its own language to tell a story, we chose very delicate materials to convey a sensitivity that we were trying to portray to our audience. There are a lot of contrasts throughout my collection some looks are very relaxing and others depict an alternative story.

How do you feel your AW15 collection has developed from your previous collections?

The main principle behind my collections have never changed. I have tried to bring out the individuals true self throughout this collection and what has stayed the same from previous seasons is the quality and tailor made aspect of our collections and how we treat what we do.

Finally, what do you think of Fashion Scout as a platform for progression?

Fashion Scout has been a really great platform for emerging, young designers. This is my third season and I think that Fashion Scout is getting better and better, I am really glad to be a part of it!

Charlotte Muscat

@CharlotteLM9

COLLECTION | Jamie Wei Huang

Jamie Wei Huang returns to Fashion Scout this season showcasing, as ever, a lesson in minimalist detailing and quality workmanship. Huang's AW15 collection, inspired by the film nymphomaniac explores the realms of obsession and constraint as she beautifully juxtaposes structure with fluidity.

Thick leather buckles and harness detailing create a sense of restriction throughout the collection which is contrasted against the billowing flow of wide-legged trousers and oversized, masculine tailored suits. Models arms were often seen encased in fur stoles and long cut-out leather gloves adding to a feeling of entrapment. Silhouettes varied throughout Huang's collection, ranging from straight cut dresses to voluminous trousers and skirts. Pin-stripe detailing was combined with leather and fur elements, making for the ultimate in tactile collections. Oversized leather tasselling and pony skin backpacks along with ultra high split detailing perfectly complement Huang's exploration of addiction throughout her collection.

A minimal colour palette of black, white and navy is occasionally injected with vibrant teal and pink tones throughout Huang's collection whilst high neck detailing throughout creates a further sense of confinement in the midst of fluidity.

#FashionScoutAW15

Charlotte Muscat

@CharlotteLM9

BACKSTAGE | Jamie Wei Huang

Some exclusive shots from backstage at today's jamie Wei Huang show for #FashionScoutAW15!

Photogtraphy by Elizabeth Hodson 

EXHIBITION | Typical Freaks Interview

London College of Fashion graduate Sonia Xiao and Central Saint Martins graduate Seun Ade-Onojabi partnered together to create a distinct bold and bright London based brand, Typical Freaks. They chose to exhibit at Fashion Scout due to the great mix of designers and how it is such a good platform to get the chance to show to industry.

The biggest inspiration for their AW 15/16 collection comes from the colours and shapes that are found in dog beauty pageants. Rosettes and an out there colour palette make an appearance in this new and exciting collection. This includes pieces made from heavy weight cotton, scuba Jersey and bright pink fleece. Although a lot of the pieces seem as though they are quite heavy, this is lightened up through the use of sheer fabric and long printed dresses.

Meadham Kirchoff has been a massive influence to both Sonia and Seun when it comes to designing and making their garments. However other creative influences are the recent graduates from Central Saint Martins that have inspired them.

The main uniqueness to their aesthetic is how they hand print, paint and embroider every single piece of fabric. This process can sometimes take up to a year as they get no outside help, however it adds a personal touch to the pieces. This is quite a young collection and is targeted towards someone who is bold, creative and likes to have a different look.

#FashionScoutAW15

by @AmberJenner @ambergracejenner

Photos by @clairebearrr93

FashionScoutAW15 Kicks Off!

Fashion Scout AW15 has Begun!

Fashion Scout is back! With innovative designers and fashion forward thinkers this looks to be our most exciting season to date.

Featuring Merit Award Winner James Kelly and Ones to Watch Angel Chen, J Moon, Kim Stevenson, Minju Kim, our exhibition designers AND emerging designer showcase we can't wait for the models to hit the catwalk.

A huge thank you before the madness kicks-off to our amazing sponsors: Toni & Guy, The Body Shop, Vita Coco, Propercorn, Fashion Monitor, Disorder Magazine, Snog and ProPress.

#FashionScoutAW15 
@fashionscout 
Insta: @fashionscoutlondon 
Insta: @lewisrwaters