FEATURE| Exclusive Catch-Up with Carlotta Actis Barone

Carlotta Actis Barone has been a busy bee since she showcased her AW12 collection at VFS, Freemason's Hall in February. With coverage of her collection in Vogue, Retox and Phoenix magazine; her line has since been featured in numerous publications such as Unfolded magazine (above).

Today, Vauxhall Fashion Scout caught up with Carlotta:

VFS: Carlotta, what have you been up to since we saw you last at Freemason's Hall?!

Carlotta Actis Barone: A lot! First of all I attended Tranoi trade show in Paris then I attended press days at Blow PR which got very good reviews!

Then it's been application time, I applied for a few talent competitions and I am waiting for the answers. Just before Easter, I went to Italy to meet few production companies and fabric factories. Now I'm designing, pattern cutting and print making for my new SS13 collection!

VFS: Can you tell us anything about SS13?

CAB: Only 1 clue : colours and feathers...

VFS: We can't wait to see it!

CAB: It's always great to work with the amazing Vauxhall Fashion Scout team!!! Can't wait to see you all again guys!!

Cass Gowing, Editor of VFS Blog, 

T: @CassGowing

Images from Carlotta Actis Barone's lookbook and Unfolded Magazine

NEWS| NOT JUST A LABEL hosting Q&A for aspiring designers

Calling all aspiring designers; supporters, and online platform for emerging creatives, NOT JUST A LABEL are hosting a live Q&A from 2pm today (Thursday, 26th April). Tweet your questions to @NJAL, with the hashtag #askNJAL.

Many of our designers are now stocked on NJAL's online store- Myrza de Muynck, Lako Bukia, and Claudia Ligari to name a few- so this is a great opportunity for those seeking advice on how to launch their design careers. Let us know how it goes in the comments below, or via our Twitter @FashionScout.

VFS Sub-Editor, Sara McAlpine @sara_mcalpine

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER INTERVIEW| David Longshaw's Editor-in-Chief of MaudeZine

She's the editor-in-chief of MaudeZine; branded "cult creation", on the cover of the London Fashion Week paper, and regular contributor to VOGUE... but ask who she is, and her inebriated assistant will promptly toss the contents of her hip-flask over you. To save you the embarrassment- as well as the clean-up- we got talking to Maude about her ongoing support of designer (... and creator) David Longshaw, fellow VFS designers, and potential rivalries between the cashmere mouse, and other editors. Read all about it below...

VFS: Morning Maude, we heard you've been busy supporting David in London and Paris; how are you both feeling post-fashion weeks? Still at eachother's sides?

M: We're still very much by each others side- he can't do with out me really- I mean, my God have you ever tried to deal with him without me there to keep him in line? He starts talking about the correct temperature for a sodding Diet Coke, or how much he likes pizza, or some bloody artist he's into. I let him talk a bit about sport, as were all rugby fans and Man City supporters at MaudeZine (but to be honest we don't get much time to go, as we're far too fabulously fashion-frantic for normal life pursuits). Apart from the odd diversion, I do try to keep him on message- by which I mean on Maude (the subject- not me I'm a cashmere mouse - he'd crush me).

VFS: We see you're already clad [ahead of time] in the Autumn/Winter looks of VFS designers- Manuela Dack, Kirsty Ward, and T.Lipop to name a few. We take it you're as big a supporter of emerging design talent as we are...?

M: I think it's important that I champion emerging talent- it's such a boost for them to have an Editor-in-Chief such as myself involved. It also makes me seem terribly modern, and relevant, rather than just banging on about how much I love Givenchy, or Prada (which I do). If I throw in an emerging designer or two it shows I'm at the cutting edge and terribly influential.

VFS: Word around town is ELLE's editor-in-chief, Lorraine Candy is just as keen on David's "lateral thinking on pattern and print" as you are. Not worried David will jump ship from team MaudeZine to team ELLE, and exclusively dress them, are you?

M: David's collection's big enough for him to dress the lovely team ELLE- as well as me... and any other editors that fancy rocking his looks. To be honest, that Longshaw will never stop dressing me- I've got too much s*** on him!

VFS: Intriguing- we'll have to get into that "off the record" later. Being an editor-in-chief is surely busy work though, and as you've said "fashion waits for no man- or fabric mouse"; so, what's next Maude? Working endlessly on MaudeZine, or sat swigging gin, awaiting news of Longshaw Spring/Summer? 

M: Work and Gin! I'm excited about David's Spring/Summer collection; I've seen plans for his new story- characters, and advising on design sketches- he's got lots already... but we're always so busy at MaudeZine; fictional magazines take a massive amount of time to run. Not only with the magazine, but also all our special projects with different mags, and consultancy with brands. There's always time for Doris's special brand of Gin though...! 

VFS: ... and finally- this stays between us (well... us, and VFS blog readers)- do you not think all the "Maude is my muse" talk is really just a ploy to get into your Agent Provocateur pants? 

M: Well, you would think! ... But David's only interested in my genius, rather than my petite, cashmere body. What most people don't realise is that Maude- like Morrissey- is asexual. They say "every hole's a goal", but I'm all sewn up- literally- or my stuffing would fall out.

Maude, MaudeZine's Tumblr page, and Twitter

Image from Vogue Illustrations by David Longshaw

Interview by VFS Sub-Editor, Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine

NEWS| Fashion Scout Designer E.Tautz Announced for Mens Fashion Week in June

On Tuesday morning, the British Fashion Council announced the provisional line up for London's first ever MEN showcase, a development from Menswear day at London Fashion Week. The event, which takes place on the 15th - 17th June 2012 shows the progression of importance in menswear collections. The line up features a range of designers from classic Saville Row tailorers to international design houses. Amongst the list, which contains Burberry, Richard Nicoll, Paul Smith and Christopher Raeburn, is Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer E.Tautz. 

These exclusive pictures are from E.Tautz's AW12 show at Freemason's Hall in February. VFS grabbed Patrick Grant backstage after the show, and he had this to say regarding the progression of men's fashion "I think it's testament to the "adventurous" spirit of the English dresser that they're open to the things we're doing. I think we're discovering that more, and more men are interested in dressing in an interesting way... and that’s what we try to cater for".

Text by Editor Cass Gowing, Interview with Patrick Grant by Sub-Editor Sara McAlpine

NEWS| Vauxhall Fashion Scout Graduate Showcase Designer Steven Tui named as Hyere's Festival Finalist

For the first time ever last season, Vauxhall Fashion Scout presented our very own Graduate Showcase with 11 graduates selected from across the UK to present their work at the Freemason's Hall in Covent Garden. 

Steven Tai from Royal College of Art, London was one of those eleven graduates, and since has gone on to work for prestigious designer Stella McCartney. Now, whilst continuing his work with Stella, Steven has been hand-picked as one of 10 finalists for the Hyeres Festival in France. 

The Festival International de Mode et de Photographie à Hyères, directed by Jean-Pierre Blanc since its creation 27 years ago, brings together ten young fashion designers and ten young photographers under the patronage of an international jury.

An observatory of trends as well as an international launching pad, the Hyères festival has showcased more than 300 first-time collections by new fashion designers from all over the world and exhibited the works of over 130 young and innovative photographers. 

The festival's aim is to offer young talents a genuine, professional opportunity by providing them with material and logistical support, as well as profitable contacts and intensive media exposure.

The 10 finalists- selected by Yohji Yamamoto, will have to present their collections to a jury of fashion industry experts, before all collections go on to be exhibited in France until the end of May. 

Three awards are presented by the panel, each carrying a prestigious reputation:

The L'Oreal Professionnel Award-  A design grant is given to the winner along with the L'Academie L'Oreal Professionnel space in Paris, for the designer to produce their next catwalk show along with backstage hair styling and assistance.

The Premiere Vision Prize- Another design grant, along with full publicity at its Paris show in September of 2012.

The Chloe Prize- A design grant plus the opportunity to sell the winning design under the Maison Chloe brand name.

A 'Public Prise of the City of Hyeres' is also an award  where the audience of the catwalk presentations are asked to select the candidate of their choice. 

The entire team at Vauxhall Fashion Scout wish Steven the best of luck, and we will keep you updated with the latest from Steven and the Hyeres Festival.  To have a look at Steven's S/S12 collection- head to his website by clicking here, or learn more about Hyere's Festival here.

FEATURE| Manuela Dack interviewed for The Shop At Bluebird

Manuela Dack, photographed at AW12 Exhibition by Natalia Ilina

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer, Manuela Dack has been interviewed by The Shop Bluebird. The prestigious Kings Road store, which is one of Manuela's stockists, talks with the designer about working with Alexander Wang, inspirations for her brand and the future of the label. 

Back in March, during her time showcasing her collection at VFS's Paris Showroom, Paul Baptiste, head buyer of Bluebird told The Independent that, "we have seen an amazing response to Manuela Dack who is popular with clients looking for innovative statement pieces". No wonder the store was keen to catch up with the designer!

Bluebird also stocks VFS alumni Peter Pilotto and Hermione de Paula. Read the full article on their site here. 

By Editor, Cass Gowing, 
T: @CassGowing

NEWS| Eleanor Amoroso featured by Trendland

Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Eleanor Amoroso is the latest of our designers to be featured online by Trendland. The young designer's sculptural, macramé knits challenge previous knitwear-conceptions, and showcase the versatility of both the craft, and Amoroso's work. 

You can find the remaining lookbook images, and Trendland's full-feature here. Share the image that best-grabs you either in the comments below, or via our Twitter @Fashion Scout.

Text by Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine

APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN| Just seven days left to apply!

Images from Georgia Hardinge's AW12 show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout by Natalia Ilina

Images from Georgia Hardinge's AW12 show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout by Natalia Ilina

Backstage at Georgia Hardinge A/W12, Rowan Papier 

Backstage at Georgia Hardinge A/W12, Rowan Papier 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout closing date on applications for London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week SS13 is one week away...

Applications close Monday 30th April

Vauxhall Fashion Scout, hailed a “talent goldmine” by Vogue.com, is renowned for launching some of the most innovative names in the industry including:

Peter Pilotto / David Koma / Felder Felder / William Tempest / Iris Van Herpen /

Hermione De Paula / Leutton Postle / David Longshaw / Eudon Choi / Phoebe English.

Designers can also apply for Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s coveted awards:

 Merit Award

Ones To Watch

Former Merit Award winner Georgia Hardinge described Vauxhall Fashion Scout as 

"a great platform for emerging young designers" adding "It has given me great support and the Merit Award has helped kick start my career."

The internationally recognised ‘Ones To Watch’ showcase is a back-to-back catwalk presentation, specifically designed to introduce some of the freshest new talents to the market and has been awarded to some of the leading emerging designers in the industry including Hermione De Paula, Eudon Choi, David Longshaw and this year's Merit Award winner Phoebe English.

Applicants can apply for:

Catwalk

Presentation

Salon shows

The London Exhibition

Paris Showroom

Please note that there will be no Menswear day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout for September 2012.

For further information please visit www.vauxhallfashionscout.com

To request an application form please contact show@vauxhallfashionscout.com


Interview with Georgia Hardinge conducted by Vauxhall Fashion Scout Blog Editor Cass Gowing

INTERVIEW AND REVIEW| Bright Young Things designer Alice Lee

Back in January, a couple of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's designers were fortunate enough to be selected for Selfridge's Bright Young Things scheme. The initiative, which is designed to demonstrate the talents of emerging designers, showcase their collections in store, online and in Selfridges' window. Amongst the chosen fifteen were VFS designers T.Lipop, MASC and Alice Lee. 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout caught up with Alice from husband and wife duo Alice Lee to look back over the response to Bright Young Things and what it was like to be part of such a fantastic opportunity as a new designer.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout: How did it feel to be selected by Selfridges as part of their Bright Young Things initiative?

Alice: Fantastic to be chosen! We were really excited to get working on it.

VFS: How did you prepare for this massive opportunity?

A: The brief was really open – design and install a concept for your window that expresses your label. We wanted something visually beautiful, but also keen and modern. Our display was mostly about the magnifying discs, so all the work was actually on the nights of install. It took all three nights to hang those discs, longer than we thought.

VFS: What would you say was the highlight of your experience as part of BYT?

A: The highlight was seeing our designs in the window in Selfridges, people we hardly knew were getting in touch saying they had seen it.

VFS: How has the experience benefited you as a brand?

A: Press wise, I think immensely. We had a lot of online press coverage so it has helped to get our name out there. A two month window display at Selfridges over LFW was a great thing to be able to tell people. Also, having Selfridges as one of our stockists.

VFS: The Bright Young Things project highlights talents in fashion, art, design and food. If you had to choose your own Bright Young Thing for each category, what would they be?

A: Helen Turbe for her exquisite jewellery designs, photographer Gregory Crewdson for his mysterious atmospheric photography (it’s a balance between normal familiar life and strangeness in his pictures) and Andreia Chaves for her amazing shoes as each shoe is an individual piece of art.

To see more from Alice Lee, head to their website by clicking here.

By Editor Cass Gowing, 

T: @CassGowing

Images from Blink London

COLLECTIONS| VFS Press-Day Picks at Felicities PR

Final stop of our press-day tour was the Felicities London show-room where the Autumn/Winter collection of VFS designer, Lako Bukia hung- or should we say "shone"? Be it on the rails, or mannequins, light refracted off every surface of the collection's streamlined lamés, and textured lurex knits, in silvers ranging from near-white polished to gunmetal-grey.


Mirroring the fragmented shards of broken-glass, the lucite heels drew attention to the collection's unifying theme: one addressing the multiplicitous readings of our reflections, and [at times] our avoidance of it. Mirror-gazing a little longer than our morning routine require still isn't quite top of our "to-do" list, but getting our hands on Bukia's Autumn/Winter boots now is... 

Images and text by Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine

NEWS| Mattijs interviewed by 1883 magazine

1883 magazine  is one of the well known platforms that consistently pushes emerging talent within the sectors of fashion, music, art, culture and lifestyle. The magazine has covered many VFS designers and Mattijs is the latest label in the spotlight. As 1883 lists, Mattijs has been listed as "one of the most promising young designers" by British Vogue so they're on the money by interviewing 29 year old Mattijs van Bergen.

The interview discuss Mattijs's signature style, the label's inspirations and Ewoks, but don't take our word for it, read the full article on 1883 Digital. 

By Editor, Cass Gowing, 
T: @CassGowing
Image 1, edited from 1883 online. 

FEATURE| E.Tautz trench listed by GQ as one of the best coats in town

Well the weather outside has certainly been frightful; it's been raining cats and dogs all week. We might have a bit of sunshine in London today but who knows how long that's going to last. Luckily, GQ magazine have selected the best mens trench coats to keep fashion forward gents sheltered from the rain. Amongst labels Burberry and Balenciaga, VFS designer E.Tautz has been chosen by Mr Porter. 

By Editor Cass Gowing, 

T: @CassGowing

Image from GQ's website 

NEWS| Zeynep Tosun in the press

Autumn/Winter '12 'House of Evolution' designer Zeynep Tosun is the latest Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer to be featured by online magazine, FASHION156. Writer, Joshua Drew spotlights the young designer's "urban warrior", and talks the details that make Tosun one to keep watch of. Read the feature here. 

NEWS| Fashion Monitor's Hannah White on Vauxhall Fashion Scout

The Fashion Monitor Team (Hannah centred) wearing Vauxhall Fashion Scout Designers from London Fashion Week Exhibition

Before our final show kicked-off- ending another season with Vauxhall Fashion Scout- we managed to get some closing comments from Hannah White, Editor of our official media sponsor, Fashion Monitor. Here's what she had to say about us, as a platform for emerging designers, and what's so great about sticking with Fashion Scout throughout the seasons.

"Vauxhall Fashion Scout completely bridges the gap between emerging designers, and London Fashion Week. It gives them the opportunity to showcase to the press and buyers in a professional environment, and allows them to have the shows, as well as the exhibition space, so that [press and buyers] can really see, and feel the collections. [Vauxhall Fashion Scout] are really supportive, in terms of the business advice that they give the designers throughout the year, and the help they provide to put on a show.

Also, with the ‘Merit Award’ winner, and the ‘Ones-to-Watch’, you can see how they progress into full-fledged designers with that support; for instance, Phoebe English started as ‘One-to-Watch’, now she’s a ‘Merit Award’ winner, and three seasons down the line, she’ll be flourishing- which is really, really great to see."

Hannah White- Editor, Fashion Monitor

Interviewed by Sara McAlpine VFS Sub-Editor

Follow her @sara_mcalpine

NEWS| Pam Hogg interviewed by 'AnOther'

Fashion Scout veteran Pam Hogg caught up with AnOther magazine's Dean Davies, where the pair talked music, the early days, and her recent commotion in Bermondsey... semi-clad models were involved, but we'll let her explain that one. Read the interview here, and find out how Hogg went from shy and "in awe" to one of Britain's most audacious, homegrown creatives. 

Text by Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine
Image by Rowan Papier

NEWS| VFS designers stocked at one of London's hottest boutiques

Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers Georgia Hardinge, Ekaterina Kukhareva, Baartmans & Siegel, T.Lipop as well as VFS alumni Jasper Gardiva are all stocked in the fab boutique Wolf & Badger. 

The boutique focuses on showcasing innovative and emerging designers both in its stores and online. Described as 'Britain's best boutiques' by Vogue UK, Wolf & Badger first opened 'The Lab' in Notting Hill two years ago, but now also has a flagship site 'The Shop' in Mayfair and a store in Porto Montenegro. This retailer makes exciting and innovative new designers accessible to all, view their site now.

By Editor Cass Gowing 

T: @CassGowing

Images from the Wolf & Badger website

COLLECTIONS| VFS Press-Day Picks at Starworks PR

Set in a Central London town-house, the Starworks PR show-space was an apt setting for the high-end collections hanging within. Vauxhall Fashion Scout's E.Tautz was one such label, with it's simply cut, tailored pieces showing how Saville Row can be worked into the everyday. Hand woven tweeds, cotton poplin shirts, and over-sized check scarves are just the sort of pieces you can wear everyday, but what makes them different is Patrick Grant's considered approach to how they are constructed. Grant said to us in February that he wasn't "actively trying to change the perception of Saville Row tailoring", but intentions aside, that's exactly what he's done- well, we no longer picture top-hats and monocles when "one" mentions Saville Row, anyway... Or was that just us to begin with?

Images and text by Sara McAlpine

Follow her @sara_mcalpine

NEWS| VFS alumni Peter Pilotto praised for down jackets in Elle online

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is known for launching the careers of many of this countries most innovative fashion designers, including David Koma, Felder Felder and William Tempest. This week, it's been VFS alumni Peter Pilotto who has been making waves within the fashion sphere. His down take on puffa jackets have earned him a feature in Elle online. Peter was interviewed alongside designer Christopher de Vos at the launch of their collection Townhouse 23.

Talking to Elle, he describes his revamp on the jacket stating, "I loved the idea of a girl wearing a really elegant cocktail dress for evening and just throwing a down jacket on top. It’s cool, and very bold".


In other news, Peter Pilotto is now being stocked at US high fashion heavyweight retailer Opening Ceremony. Here at VFS, we're like proud parents. 

By Editor Cass Gowing, 

T: @CassGowing

Photography from Farfetch.com 

INTERVIEW| VFS catches up with Grazia winner

Back in February, just hours before the official start of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's AW12 season Grazia launched a competition to win an amazing opportunity at Vauxhall Fashion Scout as well as a whole load of amazing goodies... 

Rachel Charlton-Dailey, a blogger from Mon Polkadot Cheri was the lucky, lucky winner of two tickets to VFS's Ones to Watch Men's and Women's shows, a chauffeur driven car courtessey of Vauxhall (to chaperone them to and from the venue) as well as a whole host of goodie bags from our lovely sponsors. Editor, Cass Gowing, caught up with prize winner Rachel this week, to look back at her amazing opportunity.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout: What made you enter the Grazia competition?

I saw the chance and I took it, I was already at LFW as I'm a writer so I thought there was no harm in trying.

VFS: Did you ever think you'd win?

Because of the appeal of the competition, no I didn't, but someone had to win!

VFS: Briefly talk us through your day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

Myself and fellow blogger Rachel Michaella were picked up from Somerset House by our driver at 3.30pm and driven to Freemasons Hall, it was a lovely journey and he even stopped to get coffee for us! When we arrived, we were allocated our backstage passes and allowed to wander around the exhibition. Just before the show started we were ushered to the front of the queue where we were given second row seats. We saw the Ones to Watch Womenswear show and then were allowed backstage. Afterwards, we visited the press lounge and wandered the grounds. Then the driver took us to our next show. 

VFS: What goodies did you grab?

Free sweet treats [from SugarSin], magazines, Toni&guy hair products, Body Shop make up products and other press items.

VFS: What do you think of the Freemason's Hall as a showspace?

I thought it was a great place, very historical and cultural but easily transformed.

VFS: What designer caught your eye during your visit to VFS's Freemason's Hall?

Shao Yen because of their cellist playing live and Nova Chiu for the bright colours and fabrics.

VFS: What was the best thing about the experience?

Being treated like someone important in the industry and not just another competition winner!

Here at the VFS, we’re thrilled that Rachel had such a great time at Freemason’s Hall during Fashion Week. Read Rachel's report on her blog here. 

Interview by Editor, Cass Gowing. 

T: @CassGowing

Grazia image, edited from Graziadaily.co.uk and photography by Natalia Ilina

COLLECTIONS| VFS Press-Day Picks at Katch PR

London's Cirque du Soir played host to more of our designers' Autumn/Winter '12 collections as a temporary Katch PR showroom. First to meet our eye was Zeynep Tosun's futurist, urban tribalism, with precisely cut coats, and ferocity infixed in the finer details. The rigidity in the collection's structured outerwear, and stiff leather peplums was juxtaposed by the sheer panelled shirts, and fluid, white dresses. It's contrasts like these, and the minute silver tusk details in the pieces' fastenings that embody the urban, young woman today; with a vulnerability beneath the defensive exterior. 

Similarly, MATH Collective's Shahzad Mohayudin also works modernity into his collection through form and structure, ensuring an everyday wearability in a collection of luxe-material pieces. It's MATH's traditionally high-end fabrics, worked into sportswear-inspired silhouettes that emanates an understated elegance, making MATH seem a reliable choice for today's "out-the-door-in-five", but put-together woman. Another press-day showroom displaying the versatility of our designers, and how their differing aesthetics can translate similar themes.

Images and text by Sara McAlpine, 
Follow her @sara_mcalpine