London A La Mode Pop Up Shop Now Open!

London A La Mode has just opened a pop up shop at Cafeand in Shoreditch featuring Imogen Belfield, Yorkshire Pearl, Athena for Cafeand, and Kundalini Arts. It is the perfect opportunity to find something unique just in time for Christmas!

For more information on the designers and opening times, please click the e-book below!

Kenny Wang

Open publication - Free publishing - More retail

LiLee for ASOS.com

LiLee's specially commissioned collection for ASOS has only been available for three weeks, but our inside source has told us it is just flying out. The sell-out collection is beautifully designed and made and draws a direct parallel from her debut collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week September 2010. We can't wait to see what the Ones To Watch star has up her sleeve for next season! 

Please check on ASOS.com for the full collection.

Kenny Wang

Hermione de Paula's Far Asian Adventure

While we are surfering in this freezing weather, Hermione de Paula has already begun her whirlwind week long tour in Far Asian, kicking off with a catwalk show with DAILY PROJECTS in Seoul, Korea, before moving onto Japan. The Vauxhall Fashion Scout fans she designed for us during September Fashion Week have also joined Hermione on tour, and they are certainly more beautiful than the one in that Geisha's hand!

Please visit Fashion156 to check out all details day-by-day!

Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four

Kenny Wang

Andrew Logan Rejoice Exhibition Review

In a very expressive atmosphere, Flowers introduced the industry to a virtuoso in creative industry, Andrew Logan. Entitled ‘Rejoice’, the exhibition encompasses Logan’s latest creation of sculptures and jewelries, showcased in a subtle way. With enchanting and even glamorous vibe, Logan’s readily accessible yet replete with sophisticated references and open-ended interpretations art pieces are filled with astonishment and eccentricity, yet straightforward and indubitably interactive.

Logan’s interpretation of art is somehow stupendous and exciting to explore. He transforms, changes and marks the world around us, making it brighter, more accessible, and without no doubt, even more mind blowing. Strolling around the spacious yet rich exhibition, visitors will certainly be amused by Logan’s opulent works of art, which depict enigmatic beauty. He took the humblest, most unexpected materials and turns them into gold and other precious jewels, filled with splendor, extravagant, and glory.

As a proud recycler, Logan did not only use the found object, but also titivated, dressed up, and revolutionised them into a whole new genre of manmade constituents. Logan magically overhauled and amalgamated brittle materials such as glass, resin, glitter, Swarovski crystals, aluminum, metal, and fibre into easy flowing and riveting installations, which captured the eyes of art enthusiasts. From polychromatic Pegasus to whimsical mosaics, this first prominent London show of his for several years truly intended for those who believe in divine world of dream and love to have their imagination run unimpeded.

For more information, please visit here.

Daud Gultom

Eudon Choi SS11 Look Book

Eudon Choi’s collection compliments a wide use of military pockets and masculine cuts making it perfect for a glamorous handy-woman. The uniform inspired silhouettes in materials fit for the armed forces are contrasted with female, wispy fabrics. Oversized male cuts are made feminine as they float and rest delicately on the models’ curves. Some garments highlight the breasts through sheer material cut in a boxed silhouette rather than a body conscious form. I am reminded of medical uniforms and the deconstruction of men’s work clothes. Pockets are a key feature of this collection with pieces made to look like them even if they are not utilized. It consists of clean lines and impeccable tailoring made up of canvas and mesh in neutral tones. The models have fresh simple hair and make up. The collection works well for a professional woman looking for some alternative lines that highlight erogenous zones as well as being appropriately uniform. I think there are many investment pieces, mostly utilitarian wear put together from a assortment of fabrics, which can be worn over many seasons and brought out again and again. Eudon Choi has created a sensitive and beautiful collection with a stimulating referencing to military attire and feminine power.

Charlotte Summer

Hermione de Paula SS11 Look Book

Nature has always been a guiding light for every artist in executing stunning look. Hermione de Paula latest collection takes the beauty of flowers to a high fashion level with hand painted floral prints in soft muted hues. The whole collection portrays the romanticism and alluring sense of Goddess of the season, Flora, with slim fit silhouette that accentuate feminism. Visually, the collection highlights the beguiling language of flowers and interprets it into exquisite ranges of apparels. Despite the monochromatic colors she uses among the pieces, de Paula managed to embody youthfulness in the cutting and silhouette in each and every piece of her collection. Natural and sleek look is guaranteed in every woman who dressed in the pieces hand in hand with enticing aura and visionary vibe.

Daud Gultom

Georgia Hardinge talks about her Victoria's Secret Experience on Vogue.com

Georgia Hardinge has spilled the beans about her design experience with Victoria's Secret on Vogue.com today. We are very excited to hear the details of Georgia's involvement with Victoria's Secret and her work in the Big Apple. In the interview, Georgia mentions a very exciting new project she is beginning to work on and we can't wait to hear more!  

To read the full interview, please visit.

Kenny Wang

Eudon Choi on Style Bubble

Susie at Style Bubble went behind the scenes at Eudon Choi HQ and uncovered his SS11 sketchbook, unearthing his inspiration and design development in the process...to find out more, please visit here!

Kenny Wang

Harrods Christmas Window Review

In my mind Harrods far surpasses every Christmas window in London this year after blowing me away with its magical Peter Pan tribute. They celebrate the birth of J.M. Barrie; the creator of the enchanting tale, who was born 150 years ago.

The tale is told through a stunning collection of scenes full of glistening Fairies and frolicking Lost Boys. Each frame has a delicious assortment of goodies nestled in a captivating forest teeming with shimmering foliage. Each mannequin has been painstakingly considered with dazzling garments, scintillating make up and dramatic hairstyles. Some Tinkerbells are suspended in the air flying above the idyllic children’s playground. An all-encompassing sense of luxury and extravagance is projected onto Brompton Road, stimulating the celebratory senses. Each ensemble is an inspiration for the many outfits needed for 2010’s merry party season. If it wasn’t for the bitter temperatures this winter I could stand mesmerized for hours at this dazzling performance. I would like to step into the window and snuggle up next to Wendy and Peter in their magical world and be showered in glitter and sumptuous gifts.

The glorious combination of lighting, clothing, music, video, makeup, and storytelling produce an incredibly festive atmosphere temping you to rush inside and fill bag upon bag with Christmas goodies. There is even a Peter Pan themed collection available to buy in store with Christmas decorations and gifts on offer.

Charlotte Summers

FASHION SCOUT SAMPLE SALE

As part of the Made in Clerkenwell event Vauxhall Fashion Scout opens it's doors offering a range of designers such as Florencia Kozuch, Hermione de Paula, Jacob Kimmie, Orchel Read and many more.... all at sample sale prices!! Sale ends tomorrow at 6 pm. Visit THIS link for more info.

Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Exhibition Review at V&A

Costumes for brigands in Fokine's ballet Daphnis and Chloé, designed by Léon Bakst, 1912

Costumes for female dancers in The Rite of Spring, designed by Nikolai Roerich, 1913. 

My senses were blasted with burgundy paint, a euphoric musical harmony and most importantly the divinely creative costumes. Diaghilev’s legacy has been lovingly represented by this collection of costumes, sketches, videos, theatre sets and music. We gaze in wonderment at the costumes that were far ahead of their time, dramatic and exotic creations some of which were conjured up more than one hundred years ago.


A vast majority of the costumes were composed of rich colours infused with gold and silver brocading and jewels. Even after the fall of the Tsar during the Russian revolution in 1905 Diaghilev kept up these glamorous designs which represented his Russian nationalist style. He acknowledged that ballet defied gravity, as it appeared to suspend dancer’s bodies in air, he needed composers to create the most original and daring music, and designers costumes, to compliment this.


There are many creations by the French Couturier Paul Poiret who was known for his grand and debaucherous fancy dress parties. I was particularly excited by the Russian National identity being portrayed in outfits which showed belts with horses stylised on archaeological finds. The illustrations exhibited show real bodies with fleshy body parts and muscular physiques. I highly recommend these for inspiration and insight into illustration with their wonderful colour, detail and body positioning.


A major highlight of the exhibition was work by Pablo Picasso. He designed thirty-one sets, props and costumes for Le Tricorne. He was extremely specific about every aspect and accessory, drawing the front and back of each design in specific detail. Picasso’s costumes hinted at the disintegration of the world that the Ballet Russes knew.


The finale of the Exhibition is five outfits from four separate collections by Yves Saint Laurent, who was directly influenced by The Ballet Ruses repeatedly throughout his renowned career. After seeing so many intriguing costumes I have no doubt that many of the current collections of our greatest designers this decade are inspired by Diaghilev’s genius.


Over the past year and a half several courses from The London College of Fashion have been involved in a competition dedicated to designing for the modern day Ballet Russes. This is soon to come to completion, so keep your beady fashion scout eyes out for the finished garments soon to hit the stage.

 

Charlotte Summers

Cheryl Cole wears BodyAmr again!

Kenny Wang

We all know Cheryl is a fan of BodyAmr, and this weekend she donned the BodyAmr SS11 collection for Sunday's X Factor for the second week in a row…

Wonderful Madness, Future Beauty at the Barbican Review

Perhaps the most anticipated winter fashion exhibition, Future Beauty at the Barbican lives up to the expected hype. The first exhibition in Europe to survey Japanese fashion from the early 1980’s, the exhibition showcases the renowned creativity and avant-garde designs of Yamamoto, Miyake and Kawakubo, whose collections irrevocably changed the fashion landscape, challenging accepted notions of beauty. Deliberately dishevelled, with pared down palettes that reiterated the appeal of understated fashion, it’s difficult to assess the impact their collections had in an era dominated by bright and gaudy creations. 

The exhibition follows on from the Barbican’s successful collaboration with Viktor and Rolf in 2008, and is curated by respected fashion historian Akiko Fukai (Director of the Kyoto Costume Institute), designed by Sou Fujimoto. The exhibition presents over 100 garments that span three decades, many of which have never been seen before in the UK, a fitting tribute to mark the 30 years that have passed since Yamamoto and Kawakubo first came to international acclaim.

Focusing on the three key pioneers, the exhibition delves in to the revolution they ignited, examining how their revaluation of tailoring and silhouette resulted in couture that fused art and fashion in a new way. Presenting concepts in a very ‘Japanese’ way, the exhibition is arranged thematically, with sections including ‘In Praise of Shadows’, and ‘Flatness’. Supporting films and imagery heightens the visionary aesthetic - Naoya Hatekeyama’s extraordinary photographs of Rei Kawakubo’s flat garments reveal an unexpected simplicity, stark graphic statements that redefined notions of dressing, Issey Miyake’s A-POC – is stretched from floor to ceiling, the seemingly never-ending vibrant red fabric resulting in a vibrant focal point.

Japanese principles, including the concept of ‘ma’ (the void between objects) and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ (finding beauty in imperfection) are explained, having informed and inspired a new relationship between flatness and form. Other designers – including Matohu - utilised traditional dying and printing techniques of seventeenth-century Japan, juxtaposing convention with contemporary to result in a new take on beauty.

The exhibition is also keen to promote a new wave of radical Japanese designers, who continue to take cues from their visionary leaders, reiterating and evolving innovative principles. Upstairs rooms are dedicated to monographic presentations of individual designers – including Tao Kurihara self-imposed limitations, Mintdesigns signature prints and Chitose Abe. The ‘Masters’ do not escape attention either – as Miyake’s new 132 5 project is presented for the first time. Flat folded polygons (constructed from recycled PET) transform unexpectedly into clothing when placed on the body – proving that the house of Miyake is still exploring the possibilities of creativity.

Leave feeling more than inspired, and not just to don every black garment in your wardrobe.

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion is at the Barbican until 6 February 2011. Check the website for a full programme of events.



Vicki Loomes
Photography: Lyndon Douglas

‘Drawing Fashion’ at The Design Museum

Illustration is the oldest form of media used to communicate ideas of fashion to the world; a form that served a particular important purpose at the turn of the twentieth century. The cutting edge photographic covers of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle that we see on the news-stands today were once whimsical illustrative creations depicting the latest trends, designs and styles by world class couturiers. As with the introduction of any new technology, photography soon replaced illustration and its necessity to communicate fashion soon diminished. The art of drawing fashion is still taught and practised today but regrettably does not always receive the large recognition it deserves.

The recently opened ‘Drawing Fashion’ exhibition hosted by The Design Museum, London, presents for the very first time an extensive collection of fashion illustrations ranging from 1910 to present, through an array of framed art work as well as video show reels which demonstrates the creative process of producing a classic fashion drawing. The collection, which took over thirty years to gather and collate, includes over 150 master pieces by world renowned twentieth century artists including Lepape, Gruau and Antonio, as well as those who continue the craft today, such as Mats Gustafson and Francois Berthoud.


The exhibition launched two Wednesdays ago with appearances from fashion industry faces including Vogue's Ella Alexander, legendary fashion writer and curator of 'Drawing Fashion', Colin McDowell (who generously gave VFS Director, John Walford, a signed copy of the exhibition's book), as well as our very own VFS designers, Eudon Choi and David Longshaw. "It's a fantastic exhibition, beautiful curated in a great setting." David told us after attending the launch party. "Getting to see the originals, being able to properly study them and look at their techniques (after seeing them in old Vogues and fashion history books) is massively inspiring." And of course David's date for the night, Maude the Mouse, had a thing or two to say on the matter as well: 


"Where were the f**#ing illustrations of me!!! Other than that massive oversigh, it was a gorgeous exhibition of  iconic imagery. A must see for any one interested in fashion: From students to seasoned practitioners we can all learn something from this exhibition... The booze was good aswell (great work with the sponsorship) Doris was  pissed after two minutes of arrival!"

David Longshaw's Maude in the ‘Drawing Fashion’ exhibition

I've often thought that the drawing of fashion is both a skill and a talent that should never be forgotten or dismissed (although with the world's constant demand for a digital and technological lifestyle, it does certainly look like it can go that way...) Longshaw couldn't help but agree: "Fashion illustration is an art form often neglected by galleries and under appreciated by the art and design world; this exhibition shows how incredible an art form it can be..." However, as was its purpose in the early twentieth century and that used by the design houses of Poiret, Chanel and Dior, many designers of today still use the traditional technique, whilst some style publications have too in recent years begun to embrace the illustrative form once again. This is documented in the exhibition’s ‘Fashion Drawing For The Future’ section through a display of Gustafson’s work for Chinese Vogue’s May 2010 issue as well as an introduction to fashion illustration of the future…

Our very own fashion illustrator (and i-D's 'top ten illustrators of the future') Kelly Anna, and myself pose with our favourite fashion drawings...

The exhibition runs until 6^th March 2011 at The Design Museum, London SE1 2YD. Please check their website for more details...

Sarah Barlow

Vogue lists BodyAmr's Celebrity Fans

We all know BodyAmr have a great celebrity following and thanks to Vogue.com we can now all keep up-to-date with who is wearing what. Vogue.com have just listed the 11 most recent celebrities to be adorned with BodyAmr luxe, including X Factor judge, Cheryl Cole. The man behind the label, Amr, told Vogue, "The phones were ringing off the hook with everyone wanting to know where they could buy it after Cheryl wore it," and of course it will soon be flying off the rails when it hits stores next season, the dress is just simply beautiful!

To check out the full list, please click here! 

Kenny Wang