Steven Tai is the womenswear design graduate from Central Saint Martins who was previously featured in Vauxhall Fashion Scouts Graduate Showcase last season. Being selected as a finalist at the 2012 Hyères Festival by Yohji Yamamoto and winning the inaugural Chloé award a few months ago, are just some of this young designer’s achievements. Originally from Canada, he has gained experience around the world from working in Amsterdam with Viktor & Rolf to working in London with Stella McCartney.
Berlin Fashion Week saw the debut of his SS13 collection, winning him praise and recognition for his unusual inspirations and whimsical “intellectual chic” aesthetic. Featuring a spectacular pen nib dress which he collaborated on with creative technologist John Nussey, the collection presents a reinvention of “geek chic” that we’ve seen many times before. This time Steve has taken this concept, focusing on the aspects of technology and the beauty of awkwardness. His techniques include mimicking the stacking of books with fabric, carving them into beautifully peculiar shapes.
Featured in Vogue Italia, Elle, Dazed & Confused, Wonderland Magazine and more, Steven Tai has been recognised for his talent and potential. His plans for the future include participating in Camper’s sponsored shoe workshop, going to Milan for the White Young Talent showroom, as well as presenting his latest collection at 4FashionShake in Athens in November. He will be showcasing his work at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Exhibition from September 14 – 18.
By Vanessa Omoregie, @wewearblack
Collection images - Steven Tai
Exhibition Image - Vauxhall Fashion Scout
Exhibition Image - Vauxhall Fashion Scout