EXCLUSIVE| Ones to Watch Winner AW14 Hiroko Nakajima

This February, Fashion Scout presents London-based Japanese knitwear designer Hiroko Nakajima, as one of its Ones to Watch. The Central Saint Martins BA and MA graduate will present her eagerly awaited AW14 collection in Freemason’s Hall. Nakajima has previously presented collections that mirror stimulating and thought-provoking themes such as defamiliarization, fairytales, and contouring the female body so you can predict it'll be a catwalk show that will not only be visually impressive, but will also fascinate. 

By Emily Black

EXCLUSIVE| Ones to Watch Winner AW14 George Styler

In the fashion industry there's always a ‘One to Watch’. George Styler however, is definitely one to keep a very close eye on as he joins Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch initiative. George finds himself in good company with many designers before him who have gone on to forge strong careers and design collaborations with various high street brands. With a degree in design from the College of Textile Design, Technology and Management in Belgrade, George went on to build his career at Todor where he developed his extensive skills in one of his key aesthetics - knitwear. 

The use of knitwear in his collections is a bold and eclectic mix of punky modern silhouettes and 3D shapes with a incomparable texture clash. His designs showcase this constant link between opposites which meet to create a NetWork as his AW13 collection was named. Styler is heavily influenced by both his upbringing and his current life in Belgrade and this is apparent in his design ethos. We sat down with George to hear about his unique design aesthetic and what we can expect from our Ones to Watch winner in 2014.

By Olivia Hunter

NEWS| Fashion Scout Model Casting

Yesterday, a plethora of models visited the Freemasons' Hall for Fashion Scout’s AW14 Model Casting. Attended by our Fashion Scout designers, including this season's Merit Award winner Xiao Li, and Ones To Watch winners Carrie-Ann Stein, George Styler, Hiroko Nakajima and Sarah Ryan, it certainly set the scene for Friday. 

Throughout the day Snog, who we are thrilled to have back for another season, were on hand to keep the models happy and refreshed with their tasty frozen yoghurt flavours. Snog will also be on site for plenty of shows at Fashion Scout’s Freemasons Hall to share their delicious guilt free snack with designers and guests.

Snog will also be giving away a month's worth of free Snog to someone every day during London Fashion Week to the person who takes the most creative shot of them #snogging. Be sure to keep up to date with their Twitter for more details.

Fashion Scout London runs from the 14^th – 18^th February. To see our full schedule, click here.

By Josh Walker, Editor

Images by Hannah Farrell, taken on the LumixGM1

EXCLUSIVE| Ones to Watch Winner AW14 Carrie-Ann Stein

Central Saint Martins graduate Carrie-Ann Stein joins Fashion Scout's acclaimed Ones to Watch showcase for AW14. You may remember Carrie-Ann's conceptual knitwear designs from last season as she was specially selected by Fashion Scout to present her 'Postcards from Blackpool' BA collection at our SS14 Graduate Showcase. Using oversized shapes and vivid colours, her graduate collection comprised of experimental knitwear techniques, weaved detailing and saturated hues in envelope dresses. Leaving a career as a lawyer, Carrie took a one year foundation course in fashion at LCF before embarking on her Fashion Design BA at Central Saint Martins College where she specialised in experimental knit techniques. Graduating with a first, Carrie was also selected for the Central Saint Martins College Press Show where her collection received acclaim from The Telegraph, Grazia and Elle. 

By Cass Gowing

ANNOUNCEMENT| Ones to Watch Winners AW14

Congratulations to Carrie-Ann Stein, George Styler, Hiroko Nakajima and Sarah Ryan who will all be showcasing under our internationally recognised Ones to Watch showcase this season. 

Judged by Martyn Roberts - Fashion Scout Director and Co-Founder, Jessica Bumpus - Fashion Features Editor at Vogue.com, Hilary Alexander - Graduate Fashion Week trustee and legendary journalist, Debra Hepburn - Founding Member of Young British Designers, Georgia Hardinge - Designer & former Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner and Rebekah Roy - Renowned stylist, it was the general consensus of renowned panel of judges that this is set to be the strongest season on Fashion Scout yet and we're onto a new 'wave' or 'era' of designers. We certainly can't wait to present our AW14's Merit Award winners in the collaborative catwalk show on Friday 14th February at 3.30pm.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT AW14| Yifang Wan

Taiwan born designer Yifang Wan is one of a handful of Asian designers with a distinctly modern aesthetic. A master in sports luxe, the Central Saint Martins graduate combines elegance with ease in loose flowing fabrics and functional silhouettes. She was also awarded the Loreal Professional Young Designer Award for her BA graduation show, and since then her designs have grown into beautifully crafted collections as shown in her SS14 offering. Now based in London, her designs are simplistic yet beautiful with martial arts being one of her key influences.

Like many Asian designers, our former Merit Award winner combines native traditions with nouveau shapes and craftsmanship as seen in her SS14 collection. Despite a minimal colour palette, Yifang Wan lets her skill speak through asymmetrical designs and multiple layers. She also cites art and more specifically Salvador Dali as a huge influence in her design process as well as how people wear clothes rather than just the pieces themselves. It’s this consideration of form and function that adds an extra dimension to her aesthetic and breaks the mould that many new designers try to fill these days.

Yifang Wan is preparing to showcase her fourth season this AW14 at London Fashion Week. She will present her collection on Day Two of Fashion Scout London at 11:30am in The Gallery.

Be sure to view the full schedule here.

By Olivia Hunter (@oliviahunter)
Photographs by Ben Turgel (@benjaminturgel)

NEWS| Vita Gottlieb AW14 Collection Preview

A womenswear designer focused on graphic prints, the subtle use of colour and innovative panelling, Vita Gottlieb is one who manages to fuse the world of art with that of fashion. Ahead of showcasing her AW14 collection with us on Sunday 16th at our Freemasons' Hall, Gottlieb shares the mood boards and illustrations that have inspired this season's creations.

Inspired by the image of Grace Jones in a Mahajara's Palace, caged birds fight for flight as the deep reds and golden hues are indicative of the setting sun. Born and raised in London, Gottlieb graduated from Central Saint Martins with an MA in Fine Art before setting up her label in 2012. Having already attracted the attention of press among the likes of Harper's Bazaar and i-D magazine, she's stocked in both London and the Middle East. With Gottlieb's collections taking their starting points from an imagined scene from an imaginary film, we look forward to seeing how she carries the contrasting themes of strength and fragility to the catwalk.

Be sure to check the full Fashion Scout catwalk schedule here.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Images courtesy of Vita Gottlieb

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT AW14| Lulu Liu

Few designers are able to capture minimalism and combine it with an elegant youthful quality. Lulu Liu is one of these golden few who possess this quality. Originally from China, Lulu has sought inspiration from her surroundings and, after living in Japan for six years before making the move to London to study at the prestigious London College of Fashion, this is evident in her designs. Lulu has worked under the guidance of some of fashion’s most influential designers including Alexander McQueen and Giles Deacon before setting up her eponymous label.

Her SS14 collection shown at Freemasons' Hall carried with it a fascinating romanticism with delicate ruffles and hand painted paisley prints. Lulu’s design aesthetic is firmly rooted in clean lines and strong voluminous silhouettes and is all about a beautiful balance, further emphasised by her desire to use only the best fabrics. She combined butter-soft leathers and luxurious silks with unique skills such as the ruffle detail and also weaving, which was key in her SS14 collection.

Lulu Liu will showcase her AW14 collection on Day One of Fashion Scout London at 11:30am in The Gallery.

By Olivia Hunter (@oliviahunter)

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT AW14| Jamie Wei Huang

A contemporary womenswear designer who combines the conceptual with the modern, Jamie Wei Huang is a designer whose work is nothing short of impressive. Having already been selected as one of the top five finalists for the international Designer for Tomorrow award, not to mention winning UKFT’s TAP award and gaining full sponsorship for her SS14 catwalk show at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013, Huang’s label is one based on the principle of bringing character to contemporary women.

One that uses fashion as a visual language to explore the self through material, texture and cut, her roots have become her foundations for developing the direction of her signature aesthetic. Personally mentored by Stella McCartney and having gained experience under both Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, we look forward to seeing what Jamie Wei Huang brings to the catwalk this season. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

ANNOUNCEMENT| Fashion Scout AW14 Provisional Schedule

Fashion Scout are thrilled to announce our provisional schedule for the AW14 London catwalk showcase. Taking place during London Fashion Week, we are excited to showcase our selection of the most innovative and creative designers from around the world for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season. Running from Friday 14th February until Tuesday 18th February, the showcase will be hosted at our London Fashion Week home of The Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden.

With over 30 catwalk shows, presentations and installations over the five days, we welcome back regulars to our schedule Pam Hogg, Bernard Chandran and Pinghe. This September will also mark our third season in partnership with Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days celebrating Ukrainian design talent.

Renowned for championing creative design talent, Fashion Scout have been responsible for launching a generation of designers including Peter Pillotto, Felder Felder, David Koma and Eudon Choi. Merit Award Winner Xiao Li will be showcasing on Saturday 15th February at 12.30 whilst our (still to be announced) Ones to Watch designers will be presenting on Friday 14th at 3.30pm.

For press and sales contacts, including ticket requests please visit the newly revamped schedule page on our website. 

What do you think of this season's schedule? Who are you looking forward to seeing the most? Tweet us at @FashionScout with the hashtag #FashionScout. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor @CassGowing

NEWS| i-D Magazine Interviews Xiao Li

i-D Magazine have featured and interviewed designer Xiao Li following the announcement that she is Fashion Scout's Merit Award winner for AW14. The article, hailing Xiao as a "knitwear extraordinaire", asks Xiao Li about her background as a designer, her challenges and the future of knitwear. The renowned publication also asked the designer about winning our esteemed Merit Award accolade, "I am really surprised, excited and grateful. I always wanted to have my own brand and show" Xiao answered, "I'm trying not to worry about it too much right now but I think it happened at the right moment". 

We don't think you have anything to worry about Xiao, we can't wait to present your Autumn/Winter 2014 collection during London Fashion Week in February. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

ANNOUNCEMENT: Fashion Scout Partner With LumixGM

We're delighted to announce Panasonic, manufacturer of the Lumix G range, as sponsors for the Fashion Scout London AW14 season.

From the 14^th - 18^th of February our blog and social media teams will be using the new LumixGM1 cameras throughout Fashion Week to capture all parts of the event, from front row to backstage at our Freemason's Hall in Covent Garden.

Be it VIPs on the front row, street style in and around the venue or behind-the-scenes coverage before the shows, with the LumixGM1 we'll be well prepared to photograph and, with the camera's built-in wifi, share everything as soon as it happens for fashion lovers to continuously browse and share. We'll be getting up close and personal with our designer's collections before the shows, demonstrating the LumixGM1's discreet style and exceptional qualities within a premium camera.

The LumixGM1 is no bigger than a playing card and the perfect companion to any fashion week schedule. Available in zesty orange, a key colour trend for SS14, classic black and sleek black and silver, it's a must-have accessory for anyone with a busy fashion schedule. With its ability to take sharp images in all lighting conditions and record interviews with its stunning cinematic HD video capacity, we're all very excited to start putting the LumixGM1 to good use.

With fantastic competitions being run across Panasonic's social media channels during Fashion Week, be sure to keep up to date with all the action over the five days through their Twitter and Facebook, as well as our Twitter and by following the #fashionscout and #LumixGM hashtags. Find out more about Panasonic LuminxGM here. 

NEWS| Feature on Merit Award Winner AW14 Xiao Li

Graduating from Royal College of Art, Xiao Li is an instant stand out turning heads with an aesthetic that beautifully defies design logic. An incredible balance of the hard and the soft, the young designer’s use of pastel colours with bold structures create dream-like imagery that focuses on exaggerated proportions.

The 2013 graduate collection takes inspiration from today’s architectural spectrum and incorporates 1960s Balenciaga references. A candy coloured palette and reinvention of classic textures makes this collection one that breaks the mould on traditional knit wear design. Xiao Li’s technique speaks for her creativity with an innovative use of Spacer Fabric to combine layers of textiles. Fluffed up peplums that appear light and hold their structure like cotton candy giving volume to knit wear styles we have seen in the past. Li’s design style is hands-on, dying the fabric herself and working from her own knitting samples to create structures for a collection that is inventive yet wearable.

Xiao Li comes from a creative background honing her skills with a BA from London College of Fashion and moving on to Royal College of Art, as well as winning the Feel the Yarn competition at the 2012 Pitti Filati. It is her experimental use of innovative techniques and brave design decisions that make Xiao Li a Fashion Scout Favourite.

By Vanessa Omoregie (@vnsssaa)

ANNOUNCEMENT| Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner AW14: Xiao Li

We are thrilled to announce the Merit Award Winner for Fashion Scout AW14 is Xiao Li! Congratulations to Xiao who as the recipient of this season's esteemed award, receives a fully sponsored catwalk show and exhibition at Fashion Scout at the Fashion Scout Paris showroom. 

A London College of Fashion BA student and Royal College of Art MA graduate, you may remember her innovative knitwear designs from our Graduate Showcase last season. Since graduating, Xiao has also been awarded the Diesel Award at International Talent Support (ITS) and announced as a finalist for the H&M Design Award. 

Selected for the Merit Award by our esteemed Selection Panel, Martyn Roberts - Director and Co-Founder of Fashion Scout commented, "From the moment I first saw her collection, I was amazed and am thrilled to have Xiao Li on board". 

We can't wait to show you Xiao Li's AW14 designs at our February showcase during London Fashion Week, the provisional schedule will be announced shortly. 

By Cass Gowing, Editor

NEWS| Helen Lawrence Joins Fashion East for AW14

Last season's Ones to Watch designer Helen Lawrence joins design initiative Fashion East. Former Central Saint Martins student Helen, who received her design training from Mark Fast and Alexander McQueen, wowed the audience at last season's renowned Ones to Watch showcase with her unconventional fabrics and innovative cutting techniques. She is one of two new designers joining Fashion East next season and will be showcasing alongside Louise Alsop and Ashley Williams at Fashion East's AW14 showcase during London Fashion Week. 

"Sparks of excitement, which we particularly felt once the final three were chosen, are typical of Fashion East's accumulative effect over the years; it's a feat to recall all the talent they have showcased who now define London Fashion Week as we know it today." commented one of Fashion East's judges, PR guru Mandi Lennard.

Vogue.co.uk today featured the news mentioning the Fashion Scout star, "Central Saint Martins graduate Lawrence is known for her pastel-coloured knitwear" whilst ELLE UK commented: "her name may already ring some bells – she unveiled her s/s 2014 collection as part of Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch show. Her focus is knitwear, modern pieces mixed with contrasting fabrics like denim and PVC."

Congratulations to Helen Lawrence, we can't wait to see next season's pieces on the catwalk! 

Written by Cass Gowing, Editor @CassGowing. Photography by Jamike Latif @JamikeLatif