EXCLUSIVE| SS15 Ones to Watch Winners Announced

Fashion Scout, the international showcase for fashion innovation, can now announce Cassandra Verity Green, Keiko Nishiyama, Min Wu and Youjia Jin as the SS15 Ones To Watch designers.

Cassandra Verity Green

Taking inspiration from her personal experience, emotion and memory, knitwear designer Cassandra Verity Green’s body of work is one that intertwines a playful sensibility with innocence. Recently graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2013, the technique driven designer has gained sponsorship from Spinexpo and Santoni Shanghai and already caught the attention of press among the likes of Dazed and Confused and Hunger.

Keiko Nishiyama

Japanese born Keiko Nishiyama graduated from MA fashion design at London College of Fashion in 2013 before starting up her label. Showing her graduate collection to positive review, her designs play with imbalance and are crafte from delicate hand-drawn prints. Her attention to detail and innovative work have already been featured in publications such as i-D Magazine. 

Min Wu

Min Wu designs her collections with a bold modern woman in mind. Interlacing lines and fluid shapes to create strong visual contrast, she was a part of our graduate showcase in September 2013. An individual who strived to explore the original beauty that is born from the deliberate combination of functional materials, with particular emphasis on technology and the reflection of this in the world today, we look forward to seeing what she brings to the One to Watch showcase in September.

Youjia Jin

Youjia Jin, fashion designer and buyer, graduated with an MA in womenswear from the London College Of Fashion this year. Having been previously educated at Central Saint Martins and the Beijing Institute of Fashion and Technology, she was awarded a top 10 menswear designer award in China. Her previous collections have received huge praise from top UK and international press, including that of British Vogue, British GQ, i-D and iLOOK Magazine.

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Instrumental in raising the profile of emerging design on a global scale, the Ones to Watch show is the first place to see the very best in up and coming talent. Always one of the most anticipated shows of the season, they were selected by a panel of industry experts, including Hilary Alexander, Robert Cavell-Clarke of Not Just A Label, Judith Tolley of CFE London, Fashion Scout alumni Phoebe English, our Ones to Watch stylist Rebekah Roy, and Martyn Roberts Fashion Scout’s director.

Be sure to keep up to date with everything SS15 on the blog, our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_)
Images, courtesy of the designers.

SS15 PREVIEW| NATALIEBCOLEMAN

A graduate of the Limerick School of Art & Design, Central St Martins and having gained experience in places among the likes of New York and Iceland, Natalie Coleman's design background is certainly impressive. Showing her SS15 collection with us this season, Coleman has already been featured in the likes of Harpers Bazaar, Company and Marie Claire. In an introduction to the designer previews that will feature on the Fashion Scout blog over the coming weeks, she gives us a preview of what we can expect to see in September.

Fashion Scout: How would you describe the NATALIEBCOLEMAN aesthetic?

Natalie Coleman: Feminine, romantic, flirtatious, fun. Full of gorgeous prints and beautiful fabrics. When I'm asked in interviews who the NATALIEBCOLEMAN customer is, my answer is simple and always the same. She is the coolest girl in the room.

FS: You’ve interned for a number of labels in a number of amazing places. How do these places you’ve visited and where you’ve worked inspire your work?

NC: New York is always one of my favourite places to go and the label is just launching there this season so I love having more excuses to trip over. Working for ThreeAsFour was hectic but so much fun, they had a massive glitter ball and shared my love of Dolly so all good! Iceland was beautiful, so quiet and stunning. I spent so much time in the evenings developing print ides and sketching as it was light almost 24 hours a days! 

FS: What, without giving too much away, can we expect to see from you for SS15?

NC: ‘Be Still My Bleeding Heart’ is dedicated to my Mother, Bridie, as this year is her 20th Anniversary. One of my main inspirations came from the Sacred Heart and from this I painted a rose with black ink lines falling from it. This then developed the drawings into prints that feel fragile, feminine and evocative but playful too. The SS15 collection is beautiful, romantic and light, made with luxurious printed and textured fabrics and amazingly detailed finish. I wanted a collection full of pieces that my customers can put on and feel instantly good in, knowing that she looks cool, effortless and elegant. 

FS: Are there any particular themes or ideas that you carry across all of your seasons?

NC: I always have a strong narrative. Each collection is like a diary page for me so I get a lot of inspiration from mine and my friends love affairs which helps bring a quirky light edge to the collection. We are obsessed with the best quality, cut, drape and finish and we generally develop our story with print each season. 

FS: What do you believe are the key elements that combine to create a quality, standout collection? 

NC: I think it has to come from a place of truth, something that is unique and fresh to the label. 

FS: You’ve sent through some illustrations and mood boards. How important are these to your creation process?

NC: I always start with writing my story and then developing print ideas and shapes - so super important.

FS: How do you feel to be showcasing with Fashion Scout this season, in the city of London? 

NC: We are very excited and feel it is a perfect time and space to show NATALIEBCOLEMAN.

Interview by Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).
Images, courtesy of Natalie Coleman.

NEWS| Dioralop, Mariana Jungmann, Bernard Chandran and Rohmir Confirmed For Fashion Scout SS15

Fashion Scout are pleased to announce the addition of more designers to our London schedule.

With the Fashion Scout SS15 schedule already being filled with the careful selection of UK and International designers joining the September showcase, including Apu Jan, Little Shilpa and Vita Gottlieb, we are able to confirm more designers:

Dioralop

Mariana Jungmann

Bernard Chandran

Rohmir

Dioralop, brainchild of design duo Andreja Bistricic and Maja Merlic is a Croatian label based in Zagreb. Dioralop collections are inspired by polaroid pictures, composed from spilt chemicals which are exposed to different temperatures creating unique and innovative patterned prints. Bistricic's eye for cut and experimentation with deconstruction perfectly combines with Merlic's print and textile expertise as a formidable design team.

Mariana Jungmann is a new addition to the Fashion Scout line-up. Moving in London in 2011 to start a graduate diploma from the London College of Fashion, she continued and completed her MA before setting up her own label. Inspired by Renaissance lace for its role in her life from infancy, the geometric and floral shapes taught her to embrace the world from a different perspective. 

Bernard Chandran translated an aesthetic clearly harnessed in menswear to create sophisticated, feminine silhouettes. The show opened with the illusion of a three piece suit which revealed itself to be an elegant all-in-one. “It’s all about the one look” explains Chandran, “the woman could be running the country or being a housewife… The garment speaks for itself”. 

Rohmir presented with us during the SS14 season, in which "a classic silhouette was the cornerstone of Rohmir SS14. Femininity and fierceness were juxtaposed through animalistic prints and heavy embellishments that accentuated the hourglass figure. Plunging necklines, perfect evening wear and midnight hues closed the show to rapturous applause.

Keep up to date with everything Fashion Scout in-between now and fashion week on our Twitter and Instagram, as well as our blog.

Images, courtesy of the designers.

EXCLUSIVE: SS15 Merit Award Winner Announced

We are very pleased to announce the Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner for SS15 as Gyo Yuni Kimchoe.

Showcasing his SS15 collection at our Freemasons' Hall during London Fashion Week, Gyo Yuni Kimchoe will present on the same catwalk as our previous Merit Award winners William Tempest, David Koma, Phoebe English and Georgia Hardinge.

The Gyo Yuno Kimchoe label is headed up by designer duo Gyo Kim and his partner Yuni Choe. Originally from Korea, the pair met whilst Gyo Kim was studying at Parsons School of Design. Now a graduate of Central Saint Martins, Gyo Yuni Kimchoe prepare to showcase their debut womenswear collection with Fashion Scout. 

Chosen by the Fashion Scout Selection Panel, which included Hilary Alexander, Robert Cavell-Clarke of Not Just A Label, stylist Rebekah Roy, Fashion Scout Director Martyn Roberts and former Merit Award winner Phoebe English, Gyo Yuni Kimchoe will be sponsored by Fashion Scout to present their catwalk show and exhibition at Fashion Scout London as well as join us in our Paris Showrooms.

“We are so honoured to be selected as the winner," Gyo Kim states. "The Merit Award is the best opportunity for new designers to show their vision and creativity.”

Be sure to keep up to date with everything SS15 on the blog, our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).
Images, courtesy of Gyo Yuno Kimchoe

NEWS| Fashion Scout Alumni Iris van Herpen wins ANDAM Prize

Iris van Herpen has been announced as 2014’s ANDAM award winner, receiving €250,000 in prize money plus an invaluable year of mentoring from Kering chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault.

The Dutch fashion designer and Fashion Scout 2010 exhibitor (pictured) is skilled in her command of structure; lattice bodices and godet pleats are surrounded by liquidesque head and body-pieces for SS11 that have to be seen to be believed. For AW14’s ‘Indigital’, lean silhouettes came to life with iridescent finishes, beading and luxury textures. Her progression as a designer already clearly evident, Iris van Herpen’s exciting vision is pushing fashion in a futuristic direction.

van Herpen has been cited as one of the most stimulating designers of recent seasons, combining couture craftsmanship with cutting edge technology, including 3D printing. She will surely find much use for the additional €110,000 of Swarovski crystals that also make up the extensive ANDAM prize package; a purchase order from Hudson’s Bay Company, commercial and strategic mentorship from the Tomorrow showroom, an exclusive Galeries Lafayette Paris space for two seasons and two capsule collections to be created and sold on TheCorner.com complete the coup of the year for van Herpen. 

By Isabella Silvers, Contributor, (@izzymks).

NEWS | More Designers Announced for London

Fashion Scout are pleased to announce the addition of several designer names to our London roster.

From the 12th - 16th September, Fashion Scout will take over the Freemasons' Hall in Covent Garden for another season of standout talent. With the Fashion Scout SS15 Schedule filling up with the careful selection of UK and International designers joining the September showcase, we are able to confirm the following designers as those returning.

Apu Jan

FAD

Hema Kaul

Little Shilpa

Lulu Liu

Natalie Coleman

Ong Oaj Pairam

Swedish School of Textiles

Vita Gottlieb

Catwalk shows and presentations will be held in Fashion Scout’s two catwalk halls, and this season will see the return of the Fashion Scout Exhibition held in the Prince Regent Room.

The confirmed Designer Profiles are live online here. Be sure to check back to the blog to see designer profiles, as well as announcements in the lead up to the season. 

Keep up to date with everything Fashion Scout in-between now and fashion week on our Twitter and Instagram.

NEWS| Helen Lawrence Announced for Fashion East SS15

Fashion East have announced their SS15 designer roll call, including previous Fashion Scout One To Watch Helen Lawrence (pictured). 

This is Lawrence’s second season with the initiative, setting her hot on the heels of Fashion East alumni Henry Holland, Roksanda Ilincic and Katie Eary.

Lawrence showed a cool colour palette of soft grey, mint and monochrome for AW14, knits made modern with bare midriffs, skirts more seductive with thigh high splits. Scribble stitch embroidery is a Lawrence signature, complementing PVC textures and undulating hemlines. This collection was more sedate that SS14, which featured lime knits and powder pink PVC. It’s clear Lawrence has a talent for mixing materials in her sculptural designs.

Lawrence graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2012, after completing a textile degree at Chelsea College of Art & Design. She then worked with classmate Craig Green on his men’s knitwear, also spending time at Mark Fast and Alexander McQueen. With V magazine, i-D, Vogue and Style.com keeping track of the Tyneside native, Lawrence’s fresh approach to textiles is set to cement her status as a fashion innovator.

Read more about Helen Lawrence and other Fashion East designers HERE.

By Isabella Silvers, Contributor, (@izzymks). 

Images by Jamike-Latif, (@JamikeLatif).

NEWS| Phoebe English for Dover Street Market New York

Our previous Merit Award winner Phoebe English has been invited to re-imagine the ground floor event space of Dover Street Market in New York City. 

Displaying a selection of pieces from English's AW14 collection, the installation delves into the themes of chaos, control, gravity and temporality - all elements which feed and have fed into her design aesthetic. With white collapsed cliffs and rails of her suspended pieces, the Dover Street Market setting she has created is as dynamic as it is effective.

"I wanted to convey a light, surreal and poetic shopping environment, a small piece of drama to come across whilst wandering around the incredible emporium that is Dover Street Market New York," English told AnOther Magazine in a recent interview.

English was awarded our Merit Award during the AW12 season and has since gone from strength to strength. Now, she has appeared in a range of international publications, on platforms among the likes of SHOWstudio and is stocked in Dover Street Market.

See more of Phoebe English's work here.

By Josh Walker, Editor, (@josh_walker_).

Image, courtesy of Phoebe English.

NEWS| Carrie-Ann Stein Through to MUUSE x Vogue Talent Young Vision Award Final

The accolades are piling up for London based womenswear designer Carrie-Ann Stein. 

After being named one of Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch last season, Stein has made it through to the final of the MUUSE x Vogue Talent contest’s Young Vision Award. Her use of inventive silhouettes, quirky prints and experimental textile techniques set her sculptural designs in a league of their own.

Graduating in 2013 from Central Saint Martins’ Fashion Design with Knit course, Stein’s work incorporates the trials and tribulations of working class culture, particularly the double entendres and humour so prevalent in the culture. Her graduate collection featured Blackpool postcard prints in seaside brights on 3D rectangular silhouettes, a palette carried through to AW14.

Stein initially made the move to London from Lancashire and trained as a lawyer, developing her knowledge of design and trademark law. Remaining fascinated with her hometown, Stein’s desire to embrace and re-imagine the Lancashire she knew as a child, a ‘post-industrial cotton-mill town suffering from the loss of its textile trade’, makes her work a composite of inspiration, design talent, social commentary and legal acumen. No wonder The Telegraph, Harvey Nichols, Elle and Style Bubble have taken note.
To vote for Carrie-Ann Stein and see the other nominees, click HERE.

By Isabella Silvers, Contributor, (@izzymks).

NEWS| Apu Jan, Lulu Liu and Ong-Oaj Pairam Confirmed for Fashion Scout SS15

We're pleased to announce that designers Apu Jan, Lulu Liu and Ong-Oaj Pairam will be returning to Fashion Scout to showcase during our SS15 season.

Regulars to the catwalk at our Freemasons Hall venue, all three designers showcased their AW14 pieces last season:

"Setting the scene for Apu Jan’s ‘Turbulence’ AW14 show, a bass guitarist, violinist and DJ churned out live, dark, heady beats. Following on from last season, Apu Jan sought inspiration from nature once more, as well as the frantic hustle of modern society. Known for his bespoke knitting technique, Jan upped the stakes this season combining super-fine and extra chunky knits, creating both sleek and voluminous silhouettes." Lia Stokes

"Opening sounds of moody storms set the atmosphere for this eclectic show. Inspired by the last Empress of China, Cixi, Liu’s collection embodied the regal spirit of one of China’s most influential women. Strong, powerful, feminine and fashionable, Cixi personifies the woman Liu has in mind with her creations. Embracing the rich history of her homeland, Lulu incorporated the Chinese royal colours of gold, blue, green and red to her designs." Lia Stokes

"Ong-Oaj Pairam opened his Fashion Scout show with a blast of vibrant jewel tones and intricately detailed patterning that looked nothing short of sensational. His signature 1950s style is ever-present in his AW14 collection which combines printed dresses and tailored trouser suits with vibrantly coloured patent and leather bomber jackets." Charlotte Muscat

Keep up to date with everything Fashion Scout in between now and fashion week, including schedule releases on our blog, Twitter and Instagram.  

By Lia Stokes and Charlotte Muscat

EXCLUSIVE| SS15 Selection Panel

As Fashion Scout London and Paris's September season approaches, a group of leading fashion professionals joined Fashion Scout’s Director Martyn Roberts to decide on the exciting new line up of designers for the upcoming season. As well as selecting those who would showcase on our catwalk, it was decided who would be awarded Fashion Scout’s prestigious Merit Award, as well as our Ones to Watch.

Renowned fashion journalist Hilary Alexander commented that the overall quality of designer's pieces, describing them as “really interesting,” being sure to comment on the “ingenious craftsmanship” of some of the collections on offer. Alongside Hilary Alexander was Judith Tolley from the CFE, stylist Rebekah Roy, Not Just A Label’s Robert Cavell-Clarke and previous Merit Award winner, Phoebe English.

“Really original, you can tell they have really enjoyed making it, really lovely.” Phoebe English.

Since winning the coveted Merit Award, Phoebe English works closely with CFE London and has grown her business into a staple name in the fashion industry. Next week, English will be flying to New York with her latest collection for an exciting new launch event in Dover Street Market's new US branch. 

                               

The event was covered live on our social media platforms with quotes and photos during the selection process for which the winners will be announced shortly. 

Alongside the selection of designers applying for Fashion Scout September, the panel also viewed a collection of the best fashion design graduates work from this year. From these collections, the panel then curated a collective of the 10 best UK fashion grads. 10 graduates who will comprise to create the Graduate Showcase, which will be shown at our Freemason's Hall venue in Covent Garden for the fourth year this season. 

Fashion Scout London will take place from 12th - 16th September 2014. 

Images by Hannah Farrell 

Writer: Lauren Slater + Lauren West 

NEWS| One Week Left to Apply For Fashion Scout SS15

Applications for the SS15 London and Paris showcases are still open, and will close on Monday 7th July.

Taking place once again at the Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, Fashion Scout London will run over the five days of London Fashion Week from Friday 12th - Tuesday 16th September. Showcasing the most innovative in upcoming fashion talent, you can apply to show your collections as catwalk shows, presentations or part of our respected exhibition.

Applications will be open again for the prestigious and highly desired Merit Award, won by Xiao Li last season as well as our coveted Ones to Watch showcase. The Merit Award new talent initiative is worth £25,000 over three seasons and is responsible for the launch of design careers including that of William Tempest, David Koma, Hermione De Paula, Eudon Choi, Georgia Harding, Leutton Postle, Phoebe English, as well as Xiao Li. The Merit Award is open to new womenswear designers who have already graduated and wish to show during London Fashion Week.

Fashion Scout Paris will also return to its Paris home between Thursday 25th September and Tuesday 30th September in the heart of Marais, where designers will be able to individually display their collections to the elite fashion Industry. Visitors to the Fashion Scout Paris Showroom last season included Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, Lucinda Chambers, Fran Burns, Sarah Mower, Sara Maino, Worldwide Vogue and Worldwide Elle. 

To request an application pack and for full information, email: enquiries@fashionscoutevents.com.

Be sure to check back to the Fashion Scout blog for full details on our Selection panel, as well as all of the news and events in the run up to Fashion Scout SS15.

Images by Oliver Savage, (@olisav) and Jamike Latif, (@JamikeLatif).