NEWS| Manuela Dack in Vogue Italia

Manuela Dack is a designer already accustomed to having her name and work appearing in the press since her graduation from Middlesex University. This time, it's the June issue of Vogue Italia that's included her work. After visiting the VFS Paris showroom last season, Dack's beaded swimsuit caught the eye of illustrator Lele Acquarone and she has featured the piece in her Vogue Italia scrapbook pages accompanied by a beautiful illustration. With Acquarone encouraging Dack “to produce something equally as whimsical (and unwearable) for this season.” we look forward to what the future holds.

By VFS Contributor Josh Walker

Images from Vogue Italia

NEWS| Nova Chiu featured in Papercut Magazine

What better way to feature Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer Nova Chiu than in an editorial that focuses on electric prints and textiles. The designs, which are integrally inspired by ancient Chinese cultures, are a focus point of the above editorial in online digital magazine Papercut.

Nova Chiu, a LCF graduate, who wowed audiences as part of our One's To Watch AW12 showcase can be guaranteed to steal the limelight with her colourful, multicoloured and textured designs. Executed with modern lines and silhouettes means that every Nova Chiu collection screams bold, high fashion looks.

Her designs in the editorial include the polychromatic print skirt (top right) and texturised dress (worn underneath, bottom right). Nova Chiu's pieces are shown alongside designers Jayne Pierson, Malene Oddershede Bach and Eudon Choi.

View the whole editorial here.

Cass Gowing, VFS Blog Editor

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images from Papercut Magazine

Photography by Shuhei Shine, Makeup by Yae Seno, Hair by Atsushi Takita, Styling by Alexandra Saushkina, Modelling by Aiste.

NEWS| Myrza de Muynck in Because Magazine

Myrza de Muynck, the recent Central Saint Martin’s graduate and VFS 'One To Watch' continues to turn heads with her reimagining of eighties staple; the shell suit. Previously featured in TANK, and now Because magazine, the young designer’s knack for transforming ubiquitous 80s and 90s "looks" is being recognised for being at the forefront of the shell suit's reinvention.

The guys over at Because visited Myrza at her studio to take a closer look at the inspirations and ideas behind the designs.

Speaking of her unique juxtaposition between luxe 1920s embroidery, and the 90s “trashy” sportswear aesthetic, Because highlights Myrza’s talent for effortlessly marrying the two opposed images to produce a feminine, streetwise "cool".

Her designs call upon many influences from her upbringing in Holland; her grandmother’s style; and relationships with friends. The video takes you into the studio and gives you a more personal perspective of the work of this exciting young designer.

For the video, and more images click here.
Text by Vanessa Omoregie (@wewearblack)

COLLECTIONS| Joseph Turvey SS13

“One-to-Watch” Joseph Turvey is fresh out of uni- having shown his MA just back in February- but four months on, and the LCF grad is already presenting a follow-up collection, premiering his Spring/ Summer '13 at this weekend’s London Collections: Men.

Inspired by “amidst-the-action” Attenborough, Turvey’s SS'13 is heavy on the foliage: jungle vines, and florals from the ankle-up, with magenta-blossom motif suits, and drip-tip-leaf print “dad shirts”- though markedly cooler than your “Dad”'s weekend get-up.

Turvey’s tropic-tree influence is more deep-rooted in his Spring/Summer than the conspicuous prints, though- with the jungle’s silk-greenery reflected in fern-green silk-printed shirts; the face of his-signature illustrated-boy staring back at you from the centre.
It’s also in the interjecting darker lace-knit co-ords that you come to understand there’s more to this young designer than currently understood. Turvey's less reliant on vivid colour than you might initially assume, and conceptually, explores more than is-obvious- with the jungle-green weft-knit two-piece bringing to mind a sense of entrapment; a darker facet to the theme; an insight into how he might grow as a designer.

Ultimately, Joe- in manner of design, and person- is vibrant, and whimsical, and- on the whole- a lot of fun, so “colourful”, and “sat-sitting-in-a-garland befriending chimps” is the predominant image you might leave smiling to yourself with- it’s just not the only one. Especially when you’re reminded that the tech-smart knits, and heat-reacting hibiscus is the work of a new-graduate, just two collections in…
See the collection in full here.

Images and text, Sara McAlpine (sara_mcalpine)

NEWS| LONDON show ROOMS MEN featuring Baartmans & Siegel and E.Tautz

Image from Baartman & Siegel's AW12 showcase at VFS Freemason's Hall, by Alina Negoita

Two of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's designers will be showcasing their designs at BFC's London Show Rooms Men in Paris. The four day showcase, which takes place Saturday 30th June – Tuesday 3rd July at Le Loft, Paris, is designed to present London's leading menswear design talents and their SS13 collection. The BFC aim for this event to 'increase their [the designers's] media presence and develop their businesses internationally". 

Baartmans & Siegel and E.Tautz have been selected to showcase their designs alongside the following designers Agi & Sam, Bernstock Speirs, Caseley Hayford, Christopher Raeburn, Christopher Shannon, James Long, Junky Styling, KTZ, Lee Roach, Lou Dalton, Martine Rose, Matthew Miller, Mr. Start, Omar Kashoura, Shaun Samson, Sibling and William Richard Green.

For more information visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com/londonshowroomsmen

By Editor Cass Gowing

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

NEWS| Florence Welch in Autumn/Winter Georgia Hardinge

Florence Welch opted for another Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer to wear at the pre-London Collections Mr. Porter party last weekend- this time seen sporting former Merit Award winner, Georgia Hardinge's Autumn/Winter for the "dress in your best" event.

Having also been seen in VFS's Inbar Spector's latest work, Miss Welch- along with stylist Aldene Johnson- are proving pioneers of emerging design talent, and we look forward to seeing who she wears next.

To see the official video for Florence and the Machine's 'Spectrum' featuring Spector's work click here. Let us know what you think via Twitter, @FashionScout.

COLLECTIONS| Baartmans and Siegel SS13

“Refined menswear, incorporating classic cuts… designed for today’s modern gent” was the official spin on “Ones to Watch”, Baartmans and Siegel’s Spring/Summer collection; though that's selling it a bit short. There's more depth to the “Baartmans man” than that, be it through the textured tiers of “broken shell” paillettes, against smooth pistachio silks; or on a more literal plane, by way of the Cuban shore-side influence referenced by the Dutch-English duo.

It’s the easy, “summer cool” of Cuban island life that you see translated in the pair’s refined, lightweight tailoring, and crisp-Swiss cottons; the grill-rift bottoms, and open-stitch knits adding to the airy nonchalance of the Baartmans boy- the sort of boy you’d watch breezing by poolside cabanas, between sips of your Rum Collins (where Wouter and Amber had us at look six).

Relaxed, and “comfortably cool”, subtlety breezes through the collection; neon-marl jersey bottoms, and pearlescent sheen shorts, daring in the detail, but downplayed for daily wear.
However, enter Baartmans and Siegel’s established design persona- infusing classicism by form; modernity by finish- and you have the bolder pieces that both make the collection, and allow for the Baartmans "boy" to become man. 

Deconstructed nappa leathers, and opalescent, embossed-croc suits finished their Spring/Summer, showing that Baartmans and Siegel permit, and provide leverage to either elevate, or reign-in classicism, and modernity respectively; correspondent to how brave you're willing to be. 


We don't expect you to head out, and grab a coffee in head-to-toe mock-croc, but a little broidery anglaise 'n' sparkle isn't going to scare the barista off...

NEWS| E.Tautz's Patrick Grant interviewed by GQ

Ahead of showcasing the Spring/Summer "E.Tautz man" at this weekend's London Collections, Saville Row-trained head designer, Patrick Grant got talking to GQ online about what has him cackling over next season, London's curry one-upmanship, and a seventies style-tip for the "modern" man. 

It appears Mr. Grant is as diverting as he is dapper; click here to have your evening laugh covered, and give us your answers to GQ's questions over on Twitter (@FashionScout).

COLLECTION| E.Tautz showcases SS13 designs at London Collections

Images from Now Fashion 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout menswear designer E.Tautz showcased their SS13 collection on Saturday morning as part of London Collections: Men. The catwalk took place at the Wapping Wall location as part of the first Men's Fashion Week, hosted by BFC. The Spring/Summer 2013 line, which was inspired by British explorer and all-round gent Wilfred Thesiger, saw a more relaxed ready to wear collection come from Patrick Grant, the designer behind E.Tautz. 

A plethora of bright block colours were portrayed in a mixture of pleated shorts, tailored trousers, loose kaftans, crisp shirts and double breasted suits. Whilst the Thesiger print homage (customised with bright sunglasses) showed a more playful side to E.Tautz. 

Read Vogue UK’s report of the show here.

Cass Gowing, Editor

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

COLLECTION| TOBEFRANK SS13

Opening London’s first showcase with just the boys in mind, VFS 'One-to-Watch', TOBEFRANK kicked off London Collections: Men with a pop-blocked, primary-coloured Spring/ Summer collection.

TOBEFRANK, a British menswear brand- heavy on the British- pushed heritage home from the ground-up; from the collection’s home-based construction, to the memories TBF’s pillar-box reds, and fisherman-mac yellows brought to forefront of those watching.

The live installation- with models lined, awaiting hair and make-up touch-ups, being redressed, and patted down on-loop- showcased head-to-toe looks in blocked-primary colour; contrast-collar snap-button polos, and bright circle, cut-out shirts pushing modernity through the collections traditionally conceived construction.

There’s a “red, blue, yellow; triangle, circle, square” simplicity in TOBEFRANK’s Spring/Summer looks that takes you back to your early-days, stacking Mega-Bloks pre-nursery- which is essentially what TBF’s Frances “Frank” Phillips has grounded the collection in: a look back in order to look forward; a look at home-grown hertitage, and using it to build something new; modern. 

Just what the TOBEFRANK man is- bright, bold and modern- whilst paying homage to his roots. Think "cheeky charmer", who- at the end of the day- will always make time for a cuppa over a story with Gran. Nice lad; we think you'll like him. #VFS

Images and text- Sara McAlpine (@sara_mcalpine)

NEWS| Manuela Dack featured in Style Bubble 'Still Got Underwater Love'

One of our favourite bloggers and known fan of the best emerging designers, Susie Bubble has featured Manuela Dack on her blog, Style Bubble. If you're a lover of the underwater style, then look no further than Dack's S/ S collection. Having grown up on the picturesque island Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, it's a clear inspiration for the collection. Being a designer who's constantly focused on quality and craftsmanship, this collection is just that. Layered skirts and subtle, delicate beading combine to create something both tranquil and striking. With sting-ray leather and discreet embroideries of various ocean-dwellers, prepare to take a plunge into the collection of a truly innovative and detail-led designer. Read the full article here. 

By Josh Walker

Follow him on Twitter @josh_walker_
Images from Style Bubble

NEWS| Joe Turvey showcases his SS13 collection exclusively to i-D

Hours after VFS posted the news of Joe Turvey being featured in the press, he raises the bar and showcases his full SS13 collection to i-D online exclusively.

"it’s bright young things like Joe Turvey who are keenly taking up the ‘next generation’ mantle, making sure London’s legacy of providing menswear pioneers lives on".

View the collection and interview with Joe here. 

NEWS| Joe Turvey in the press in the run up to London Collections

Vauxhall Fashion Scout menswear designer and recent graduate Joe Turvey is a very busy bee - as he is preparing for his installation at the London Collections: Men which commences tomorrow, he has been featured favourable in the online fashion press. 

First off, French publication WAD magazine looks over Joe's AW12 collection and praises the vibrant shades: 

"We leave the black faithful to winter aside, to slip on acid colours such as yellow, orange or pink. What [a way] to warm up the cold season.”

Meanwhile, Fashion 156 previews a look from Joe Turvey's SS13 look ahead of the London Collections. This tie-dye, Hawaiian inspired shirt and short combo whets our trend appetite of what's to come from Joe. They interview him as part of their 'Designer Track' Series where they chat colour, Beyonce and Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

 “You seem to have progressed quickly through from your graduate collection to showing at VFS and now COLLECTIONS. Can you describe how it feels?

It doesn’t even feel like it’s happening to me it’s so surreal. I’ve been doing this for a while and it’s like the people who I’ve met and the people who have requested things I’m like, really!? Is this happening to me!? Pretty scary." Read more.

We can't wait to see your full SS13 collection at London Collections: Men this weekend!

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images 1 and 2, Joe Turvey AW12 taken from WAD magazine

Image 3 from Fashion 156

NEWS| Myrza de Muynck featured in Tank magzine

Myrza de Muynck - The Poverty De Luxe Aesthetic

Myrza de Muynck, Central Saint Martin's 2011 graduate and VFS One to Watch is renowned for surprisingly, yet successfully, reinventing and revisiting the shell suit through her collections. Myrza has received critical acclaim for this reinvention; the most recent being in Tank Magazine.

The editorial analyses the constant focus on sports clothing, looking at how her pieces creatively combine the nylon and polyester of sportswear with the intricacy and detail of couture (which as unlikely as it may seem, was shaped by 1920s evening dresses and 70's Jodie Foster films).

In the creation of what she likes to call 'poverty de luxe', the Dutch designer's future is an exciting one. With plans of not only producing more suits, but also of introducing her aesthetic to the world of menswear. 

By VFS's newest contributor Josh Walker

Images from Tank Magazine

NEWS| Heohwan Simulation featured in Trendland

Heohwan Simulation SS12 Lookbook

Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch designer has been featured in TrendLand. The blog, which provides readers with a daily dose of fashion, art and photography news/reviews,  looks over Heohwan Simulation's SS12 and AW12 collections. Why not refresh your memory of Hwan Heo's AW12 catwalk showcase with our review from February? Keep up to date with all things Heohwan Simulation at http://heohwansimulation.com

By Editor Cass Gowing

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing

Images from Heohwan Simulation's SS12 lookbook

NEWS| Lady Gaga wears VFS alumni David Koma

Image Source, Image Source

Landing in Brisbane earlier this week to kick-off the Australian leg of her ‘Born This Way’ tour, Lady Gaga continued to show support for contemporary design talent; stepping off the plane in a silk-mix peplum dress from VFS alumni, David Koma’s Autumn/ Winter collection. 

Gaga- having also been seen in VFS-designer, Raffaele Ascione's MA pieces- has proven prolific in her support of the “future of fashion”, embracing the work of designers from all walks- both emerging, and newly established.

Lady Gaga isn't the only multi-million selling star to be seen in Koma's work- click here to find out who else has taken to the stage in the Georgian-designer's Spring/Summer wears.

NEWS| David Longshaw to host talk at Graduate Fashion Week

Former 'One-to-Watch', and Royal College of Art graduate, David Longshaw is the latest addition to the the list of speakers imparting their first-hand fashion know-how onto graduates past and present during this week's Graduate Fashion Week. On until Wednesday, the event  which is celebrating the work of over a thousand BA Fashion students, will play host to the most accomplished industry-insiders, guiding newly qualified students into [an altogether new] working environment.

Longshaw is scheduled to speak at the event at 13:45 this afternoon in the Earl's Court 2 Exhibition Centre, so be sure to attend for advice from a designer with acclaim credited to him by ELLE Editor, Lorraine Candy, and Vogue's Lauren Milligan.

Details of tickets, and the venue address can be found online here.

NEWS| MATH now available at My-Wardrobe.com

Today luxury e-tailer My-Wardrobe introduced a new designer to the site- one familiar to those who followed our most recent Fashion Week coverage. The site now features the work of London-based Shahzad Mohayudin- the designer behind MATH; making pieces both understated, yet luxe a more tangible wardrobe-fixture. Working heritage-tweeds, and soft-grain leather into [now signature] sportswear silhouettes, Shahzad has built a collection around the "everyday" woman; the "out-in-door-in-five", yet seeking-attainable-luxury sort.

If you aspire for an aesthetic more put-together than your morning routine allows, you can sign-up for updates of newly-dropped MATH pieces here. 

News like this "... shows why @FashionScout is an important platform for new [British] designers", so be sure you're also following us on Twitter @FashionScout for similar stockist-updates, and #VFS news.

Sara McAlpine VFS Sub-Editor (@sara_mcalpine)

NEWS| Good luck to Jennifer Morris at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2012

The Scottish Fashion Awards 2012 ceremony will be taking place this evening and we wish Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer Jennifer Morris the best of luck! 

The designer is up for the ‘Scottish Young Designer of the Year’ award at this year’s Scottish Fashion Awards. The ceremony, which takes place at The Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow and is hosted by Alexa Chung, acknowledges influential Scotish fashion figures and acts as a platform for emerging Scottish designers.

The nominations for the Scottish Young Designer of the Year award, sponsored by Scottish Fashion Council, are as follows:

1. Obscure Couture

2. Isolated Heroes

3. Graeme Armour

4. Hayley Scanlan

5. Jennifer Morris

6. Rebecca Torres

7. Marc Ross

We spoke to Jennifer, an LCF graduate who showcased her AW12 collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s exhibition, last month following her nomination. She gave us exclusive shots from her studio and described the potential of winning the ‘Scottish Young Designer of the Year’ award as affirming “all the hard work and long hours that have been put in so far are worth it and just part of the journey towards establishing my name within the fashion industry” (read the full post here).

Good luck for tonight Jennifer – regardless of whether you win the category, it’s still an outstanding achievement to even be nominated. 

By Editor, Cass Gowing

Follow her on Twitter @CassGowing
Images from SFA and Jennifer Morris's AW12 collection