VFS Mentoring Event: Press & PR: Monday 19th November

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Mentoring Events return next week, with speakers from across the industry discussing the topic of Press & PR in partnership with Beach Blanket Babylon.

Introducing Courtney Blackman of Forward PR/The Industry and Hannah Kane of Phoenix Magazine, the event is designed to explore the issues involved in finding a PR, securing press coverage, creating news worthy stories and the best ways to contact key media.

Courtney Blackman: Managing Director of The Industry & Founder of Forward PR

Courtney founded Forward PR in 2004 and is responsible for international clients ranging from WGSN to emerging designer Corrie Nielsen. A Board member for the Ethical Fashion Forum and a regular commentator on NBC’s Today Show in New York, Courtney is a firm fixture in London’s dynamic fashion industry. Courtney is also the driving force behind global fashion community, The Industry. Providing a common meeting ground for designers, stylists, production managers, photographers, accountants, manufacturers, PRs, editors, bloggers, illustrators, pattern cutters, model agencies and more, The Industry specialise in creative master classes and networking events.

Hannah Kane, Director of Phoenix Magazine

Hannah launched Phoenix Magazine in 2010 and the fashion and culture magazine actively works to promote both emerging and established designers three times a year during London Fashion Week and Graduate Fashion Week. Hannah has previously worked as Editor and Contributing Editor for GFW Daily, Shiny Media, Fashionista Magazine and has worked as a freelance journalist for Time Out Magazine.

The Press & PR event will take place at Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch on Monday 19^th November from 7pm. Booking is essential and please RSVP to info@fsi-events.com

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Mentoring Events are made possible by the Mayor of London’s London Fashion Showcasing Fund.

NEWS| Leutton Postle featured on Susie Bubble's BoF column

The first Bubble and Speak column by renowned fashion blogger Susie Bubble on Business of Fashion (BoF) features former Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award Winner Leutton Postle. 

The column is a space where Susie Lau focusses on emerging design talent and the Central St Martins graduate Sam Leutton and Jenny Postle - known in the fashion world as Leutton Postle - take the floor in her debut column. 

The blog post develops an insight into Susie's feelings as she saw Jenny's graduate collection - before she had teamed with Sam -,  "she was someone who could come into a fashion house and, for want of a better word, spice up textures by doing knitwear and textiles research", the fact that the design duo's collections are being showcased at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, "the duo have been showing their collections off-schedule, as part of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout initative, which goes to show that the British Fashion Council’s NewGen scheme doesn’t necessarily reflect the full breadth of talent that is currently active in London" and their most recent "most polished yet" collection, S/S13

A refreshing look into the talents of Leutton Postle, the post is accompanied by photographs of the said S/S13 show and Susie wearing their designs.

By Editor Cass Gowing

Image, screenshot from BoF and S/S13 collection by Rebecca Andrews

NEWS| Helen Bullock in Time Out Magazine

Helen Bullock has been featured in Time Out magazine. The publication, which is distributed around London and displays the best in what's happening in the city, mentioned the designer's 'h by helen bullock' collaboration in their shopping and style section. They described how her garments “mix scribble prints and splashes of colour to accomplished effect.”

The collection of dresses is an embodiment of the Central Saint Martin's playfully delicate aesthetic. As someone who's inspired by seaside huts and blossom trees, her pieces are delivered in a feminine and bright style.

'h by helen bullock' is available now from Anthropologie and you can read the story online. 

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

NEWS| Private Orders Evening & Sample Sale

Many Vauxhall Fashion Scout designers have united together for an exclusive S/S13 Private Orders Evening & Sample Sale event. The evening, which takes place on Wednesday 14th November is sponsored by Vauxhall Fashion Scout as well as Beach Blanket Babylon (where the evening is being hosted). 

We'll see you there!

NEWS| MASC featured by Vogue Italia

Hailed "Bright Young Things" by internationally renowned store, Selfridges & Co- featured in the store's carefully curated display of the UK's "most exciting young creators"- London based duo Duncan Shaw and Billy Yick have again added to their notable accolades with repeated features by Italian Vogue.

First picked as a showroom favourite by the magazine back in March, Vogue Italia have again profiled the label, though this time, getting behind the "MASC", uncovering the aesthesis of the pair's vision, and where they're going next.

Click here for the full feature, and learn more of the partners' beginnings, and unexpected Yves Saint Laurent connections.

NEWS| 'Schlep Suit'- Myrza de Muynck on Style Bubble

Myrza de Muynck has racked quite the fan base since her inaugural showing with us back in February. Labelled 'One-to-Watch' for Autumn/ Winter, and featured by the BBC, and Italian Vogue, Muynck has clearly fulfilled- and exceeded- any expectations of a design talent worth watching.

Having tided alongside fashion's emerging throughout the early stages of their careers, one factor remaining constant, and at the crux of a designer's success is just that- remaining "constant"; consistently presenting innovative ideas. 

So, consider it a mark of success that Dutch-born Myrza de Muynck has again been featured by Style Bubble's Susanna Lau in her two season run. Having previously profiled Muynck's delicate reinterpretation of the ubiquitous 80s shell-suit, Lau goes on to detail the designer's developments for Spring, and justifies our previously ascribed 'One to Watch' tag. 

Read the piece in full here, and let us know what you think via Twitter.

NEWS| Merit Award Winner Heohwan Simulation in Elle Korea '20 Years Young'

VFS's merit award winner Heohwan Simulation has been featured in November's Big Fashion issue of Korean Elle, '20 years young'. The London based, Korean born womenswear designer, who graduated from the Royal College of Art in menswear, founded his label in 2010, and has since established a name for himself in the UK and Korea.

Here, Elle explain how “Hwan's designs portray his thoughts and opinions, which are carefully drawn from his continuous look into fashion history and aesthetic.” They continue to describe how “this harmony between classical and contemporary beauty is what makes Heohwan Simulation's designs so charming.” With Heohwan Simulation being named our merit award winner and the SS13 collection being nothing but impressive during London Fashion Week, it's something we whole-heartedly agree with.

The feature explained the importance of VFS as well as winning the Merit Award:

"Hwan has been selected as Vauxhall Fashion Scout's  Merit Award Winner. It means Hwan will receive 2500 GBP  for his next three collections. Also he will be able to showing his next three collections during London Fashion Week.  To young and new designers, Winning a Merit Award  means  winning a Dream Ticket. Previous Merit Award winners like David Koma, William Tempest, Eudon Choi planted themselves in the LFW. Therefore, it's enough to receive attention internationally from press and buyers. Since Hwan received his Merit Award, it won't take that long for this unfamiliar name _HEOHWAN SIMULATION_ to be recognized globally."

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images from Elle Korea

NEWS| VFS Opens Applications for Autumn/ Winter 13-14

Internationally recognised talent launch pad, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, officially opens its applications for London & Paris Fashion Week.

Applications open today with successful applicants being hand-selected by a panel of esteemed fashion industry experts.

Hailed a “talent goldmine” by Vogue.com, Vauxhall Fashion Scout is renowned both in the UK and around the world as a platform for the very best emerging designers. Vauxhall Fashion Scout has been responsible for showcasing some of the most innovative names in the industry including: Peter Pilotto, David Koma, Felder Felder, William Tempest, Iris Van Herpen, Eudon Choi, Phoebe English & Hellen van Rees.

“Vauxhall Fashion Scout is the lifeblood of new talent. With thirteen successful seasons of showcasing, Vauxhall Fashion Scout has launched a whole new generation of creative designers. We are at the forefront of discovering and developing future design talent.” Martyn Roberts, Director - Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Now entering its 14^th season, Vauxhall Fashion Scout attracts over 12,000 guests during London Fashion Week to its Covent Garden location each season. Boasting two catwalk halls, an exhibition space and a VIP & Media Lounge, Vauxhall Fashion Scout continues to expand and attracts a global audience.

From Friday 26^th October, Womenswear designers can apply for Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s coveted awards. Applicants can also apply for catwalk, presentation and salon shows, and alongside accessory designers, can apply for both the London Exhibition and the Paris Showroom.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s acclaimed Merit Award is worth £25,000 over three seasons, including a fully sponsored catwalk show and a £1000 bursary in the first season. The Merit Award is an internationally recognised showcase designed to propel the very best in new design talent into the industry. Previous winners include William Tempest, David Koma, Hermione de Paula, Eudon Choi, Phoebe English and Heohwan Simulation.

Acclaimed showcase, ‘Ones To Watch’, is a back-to-back catwalk presentation, specifically designed to introduce the freshest new talents to the fashion market. With a strong heritage including Dean Quinn, Hermione de Paula, David Longshaw, Eudon Choi, Kirsty Ward & Anne Sofie Madsen, Ones To Watch provides a global platform for new designer growth.

Applications for the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Paris Showroom are open, providing designers with an unique opportunity to showcase their collections to international buyers during Paris Fashion Week. Returning to it’s newly launched showroom space in the heart of the Marais for its eighth season, Vauxhall Fashion Scout attracts a large, loyal and highly influential audience, introducing the best of British and international design to new markets.

To be eligible to show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, designers must have reached the creative and business level required for an event of this stature. Successful designers will then be hand-selected by a Panel of industry experts who will judge the designers on their creativity, quality of work and business potential.

Applications will be open from Friday 26th October and will close on Friday 16th November at 12pm.

For further information please visit www.vauxhallfashionscout.com

NEWS| Eleanor Amoroso in the press

Eleanor Amoroso's designs impress as they continue to catch the eye of the media. Most recently, her beautiful, bold work has been featured in Flush, Glassbook and Syn magazine.

Flush magazine have featured the University of Westminster womenswear graduate in an up and coming talent feature aptly named 'the dark side', and describe her work as “gorgeously elegant dresses with a dark edge.” Glassbook magazine have featured a piece from the designer's S/S12 collection and Syn magazine have featured an A/W12 garment in their most recent issue's editorials. With Glassbook's shoot capturing her work as something beautiful and haunting and Syn magazine describing itself as a publication that “represents the fresh and creative of the new generation,” it seems Eleanor Amoroso's popularity is well and truly on the rise.

By Josh Walker, (@josh_walker_)

Images from aforementioned publications

EXCLUSIVE| Inbar Spector Interview

Hi Inbar, thanks for taking the time to talk to Vauxhall Fashion Scout. 

We saw a head-to-toe Autumn/Winter look on Nicole Scherzinger last Saturday evening- how does it feel to know your work was being exposed that night to an audience of over 8.6 million people?

It was a great feeling. I didn't know that it was going to be on TV, so I completely forgot about it and planned a relaxed Saturday night in bed... Out of the blue Twitter went mad with friends telling me about it. It was such a nice surprise!

Your work is often seen on female stars with a strength of character and voice- Paloma Faith, known for her strong voice, and individuality; Nicole Scherzinger, thought of as a powerful, and independent woman; and Florench Welch, whose stage presence is unrivalled- how does it make you feel to see such a diverse group of women wear your clothes, despite their differing styles?

I think you described it very well. The commonality between these artists ladies is that all of them are beautiful and strong; they all have their individual style, and each of them decide themselves what they want to wear- the stylists recommend but the stars are making the decision. A woman doesn't need to be masculine to be strong, she can still be beautiful, sexy, and strong all at the same time. 

What is it about your work that you think attracts these strong, beautiful women? Do you feel proud as a designer knowing these women choose to wear your pieces for occasions when it's important to feel good, strong, and comfortable in their own skin?

It's always nice to listen to an artist in the studio, and to know that in few months from now she might preform in the outfit you're making her.

I think that if you don't feel good in your own skin, you won't like my style. My style is for very confident women; brave [and not] scared to look different. My costumers are usually the women who set the trends, not the ones who follow them.

How do feel having had the opportunity to showcase Autumn/ Winter with VFS- do you think it's contributed to these women's awareness of your pieces?

I believe that London and the international fashion industry is very aware with what is going at VFS. After shows people often tell me how much they love the venue, and how it complemented the atmosphere of the show.

The VFS team is very professional and the venue is beautiful. All the editors and stylists want to find new emerging talent, and everybody knows that VFS finds the talent. I think VFS is one of those few places you can spot [the] new talents that are forcing a change.

Interview by Sara McAlpine
Images from Vogue, Inbar Spector and VFS

NEWS| Burhan Bilici Joins VFS Production Mentoring Event

Joining our established line up of guest judges on Monday evening, VFS are delighted to announce the addition of Burhan Bilici, Managing Director of De’Atelier Ltd & Sourgrape.

Kicking off on the topic of Production, Pricing & International Exports, the event is designed to provide much needed information in advance of the close of the SS13 season and to prepare new strategies for AW13/14. 

With a family background in manufacturing, Burhan has 15 years experience in the production business, having worked for companies including Karen Millen, Whistles and All Saints. Burhan now runs his own production company with a portfolio that includes Hussein Chalayan, Erdem, Peter Pilotto, Jonathan Saunders, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Nicoll, Roland Mouret, Eudon Choi & House of Holland.

Our panel of seasoned professionals will explore the issues involved in taking designs to production, advice on sourcing the best manufacturer either locally or overseas, how to optimise relationships with production units, communicating with retailers on costing, payments and delivery, quality control and how to maximise international exports. 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Mentoring Events are made possible by the Mayor of London’s London Fashion Showcasing Fund.

GUEST SPEAKERS ALSO INCLUDE:

Paul Alger: Director of International Affairs for UKFT

Paul Williams: Business Counsellor for East London Small Business Centre

The event takes place on Monday 22nd October from 7pm - 8.30pm. To RSVP for the event and for more information please contact: press@fsi-events.com 

We look forward to seeing you there!

NEWS| Helen Bullock launches 'H by Helen Bullock' with Anthropologie

Print based designer Helen Bullock is to launch 'h by helen bullock' with Anthropologie. From November, the Central Saint Martin's fashion print BA and textiles for fashion MA graduate is to be stocked in both the UK and the USA. Having previously exhibited with VFS for two seasons, Bullocks designs are colourful and textured, making for a unique and distinct aesthetic.

Using fabrics as her individual canvases, the designer has gained experience under John Galliano and produced garments that have filled the wardrobe of Julie Verhoeven. With Anthropologie describing the range as “a very modern and exciting interpretation of colour and print,” with “artistic and playful dresses that make a strong statement while also expressing femininity,” we look forward to what the collection will bring.

'h by helen bullock' will be available from Anthropologie in the UK from November 2012.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images - Exclusive Anthropologie Sketches by Helen Bullock

NEWS| Martyn Roberts joins David Koma, Jean Pierre Braganza & Anna October at Kiev Fashion Days

Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days returns for its second season with a much coveted line up of events and Fashion Scout Director, Martyn Roberts, will be there to support the next generation of international design talent. 

From 25th - 28th October, fifteen designers will show their SS13 collections in Ukraine to a host of global media and buyers and the impressive line up will include collections from current VFS talent, Anna October, and VFS alumni, David Koma and Lako Bukia. 

Alongside catwalk shows and presentations, Kiev Fashion Days introduces 'Fashion Now' lectures to provide industry advice to both emerging and established designers alike. As part of the Fashion Now series of events and seminars, Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Martyn Roberts will join Yvan Rodic, Vogue.it, NJAL, AnOther Mag, L'Eclaireur and Vogue Russia with an exclusive talk on the topic of setting up and building a fashion business. 

Ahead of Martyn's talk on 28th October, Kiev Fashion Days catch up with the VFS Director here...

Do you follow the situation on Ukrainian fashion market/ fashion market of Eastern Europe? Where do you see its strong and weak sides?Ukranian fashion is new to London but designers such as Anna October and Ekaterina Kukhareva are showing us that there is new exciting talent emerging.

Do you usually attend local fashion weeks? What are you exactly looking for beyond the borders of world fashion capitals?I always discover amazing new designers when I travel to different fashion weeks. I am looking for something new and fresh - a different way of looking at fashion.

Are you interested in collaboration with Ukrainian designers and local industry professionals?Most definitely. The fact that MBFD is inviting designers and industry leaders to Kiev is opening up new markets and enabling Ukrainian designers and brands to get international exposure and experience.

Keep up to date with the latest news, schedules and events direct from Kiev Fashion Days here.

ANNOUNCEMENT| New Season Mentoring Events- Production, Pricing & Exports

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is launching its new season series of Mentoring Events in partnership with Beach Blanket Babylon.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is London’s leading showcase for fashion innovation and is internationally recognised as home of new talent. Actively working to promote and develop the next generation of designers, Vauxhall Fashion Scout is responsible for launching some of the brightest new design talents.

Now entering our fourth year, the first in our new series of Mentoring Events will take place on Monday 22^nd October. Kicking off on the topic of Production, Pricing & International Exports, the event is designed to provide much needed information in advance of the close of the SS13 season and to prepare new strategies for AW13/14.

Our panel of seasoned professionals will explore the issues involved in taking designs to production, advice on sourcing the best manufacturer either locally or overseas, how to optimise relationships with production units, communicating with retailers on costing, payments and delivery, quality control and how to maximise international exports.

Speakers:

Paul Alger: Director of International Affairs

Paul graduated with BA Hons in Modern Languages with Politics and Economics in 1986 and after a period living overseas and working in food marketing and sales, has spent the majority of his working life helping UK fashion and accessories companies to exports. Paul speaks fluent French, Italian and Russian and has a good working knowledge of several other languages including Japanese, Spanish and German. He has organised and headed up missions to Japan, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong and  the USA  as well as working extensively with trade shows throughout Europe.

Paul Williams: Business Counsellor for East London Small Business Centre

With an extensive history in garment manufacturing, Paul became Managing Director for the design and manufacturing of Next, Debenhams and House of Fraser, running three factories simultaneously. Paul spent two years as a consultant, auditing and setting up factories in China and Turkey for various clients before becoming an advisor at ELSBC. ELSBC is an agency designed to provide financial and business advice and support to start-up fashion labels in the UK. 

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Mentoring Events are made possible by the Mayor of London’s London Fashion Showcasing Fund.

Monday 22nd October 2012

7pm – 8.30pm

Beach Blanket Babylon

Places strictly limited. RSVP essential to secure place: press@fsi-events.com

NEWS| Fashion156 Creative's candid shots from OTW and Graduate Showcase S/S13

Fashion156 Creative, the spin-off creative arts agency from the acclaimed Fashion156, have released a set of backstage photographs from Vauxhall Fashion Scout's S/S13 Ones to Watch catwalk show as well as our Graduate Showcase. 

Katy Davies's candid photographs of the models and garments of our Ones to Watch stars portray the designs seconds before hitting the runway. Katy's photographs can be viewed on Fashion 156 Creative's website here. 

Fashion156 director Guy Hipwell joined forces with VFS to curate the Graduate Showcase space for our S/S13 showcase and Fashion156 Creative have released their own snaps of the presentation. 

The VFS Blog Team caught up with Guy prior to LFW S/S13 where he likened the similarities between Fashion156 and our Graduate Showcase event: 

"It just mirrors exactly the ethos and reasons I set up Fashion156 - to support the strong talent coming through our fashion schools each and every year. Graduates need all the support possible, especially with the current challenging economic climate."

By Cass Gowing, Editor

Images from Fashion156 Creative

NEWS| Kirsty Ward featured in Vogue Italia 'Talents' piece

Having been named the Rising Star of 2011 by Elle and a Designer to Watch by Vogue, it's no wonder our previous One to Watch Kirsty Ward is a designer who's become well accustomed to press attention. Having just exhibited her S/S13 collection in our Paris showrooms, it's something that's sure to continue. Most recently, it's been Glass magazine, Crack magazine and Vogue Italia that she's caught the eye of.

In 'A moment with Kirsty Ward', Glass talked to the Central Saint Martin's graduate about her inspirations, VFS and the future. “Inspiration can come from anywhere,” she says during the interview. “I especially love the elderly... I also watch a lot of sci-fi and that always creeps in.”

Crack magazine have also recently featured her work. One of Ward's AW12 necklaces has appeared in an editorial of the monthly art and music magazine's latest issue and perfectly presents the structured aesthetic the designer has become known for.

If that wasn't enough, Vogue Italia have also featured Ward's AW12 collection in their talent section. With a biography and a display of her powerfully innovative and embellished designs, it's safe to say Kirsty Ward is certainly making a name for herself.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Images all taken from each publication named.

NEWS| Emma Shipley in IDOL magazine

Following her recent collaboration with IDOL magazine, luxury scarf designer Emma Shipley talks to the magazine about London Fashion Week and her SS13 collection. The Vauxhall Fashion Scout designer gives IDOL magazine an insight into her world of illustrated exotic animals and the inspiration behind her work.

The magazine commented on her fascinating use of a “half imagined and half real” jungle paradise. The young designer reflects on her trip to the Amazon which brought on inspiration for colours and the exotic atmosphere that runs through the collection. Commenting on her Anthropologie wallpaper launch, Emma Shipley catches up with IDOL on her Premiere Classe award for new accessory designer that she says “gave me a lot of exposure to international buyers”

As well as explaining her hand drawn pencil techniques and her recent collaboration with Tomasz Donocik, the accessories designer talks about working with interior designers where she can bring her own flair to items like wallpaper, rugs and furniture. She goes on explaining how important it is to find a style that is completely your own as advice for other young designers and illustrators.

On how much fun she had with IDOL magazine, Emma says she loved it and enjoyed the freedom of doing “just pure illustration for print” which she says is something she has never done before. “I loved how they ended up in the final images juxtaposed with the fashion shots, I thought it looked really great!”

Text by Vanessa Omoregie, images from IDOL magazine

NEWS| OTW designer Hellen Van Rees featured on BoF following Dazed Digital review

VFS's One to Watch Hellen van Rees has been mentioned on the front page of Business of Fashion following Dazed Digital's S/S13 review and interview. Read by creatives and entrepreneurs alike and with a worldwide following, the online platform is the first port of call for many in the industry. The designer has been included in one of the website's 'Daily Digests', with a quote from Dazed and Confused, who describe her work as a “wonderland of innovation – and success”. Having just recently showcased her pieces on the catwalk with VFS during London Fashion Week, the CSM graduate's experimentation with textiles, combined with her unique take on form and silhouette has definitely caught the eye of the fashion world.

Rise: Hellen Van Rees (Dazed Digital)

“Tweed may be an unlikely material of choice, but for Hellen Van Rees it represents a wonderland of innovation – and success. One season on from her Central Saint Martins graduate show, the designer last week triumphed in the hyped Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones To Watch.”

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Screen shots from BoF and Dazed Digital

NEWS| David Longshaw's Arthur and Francesca meet Helen Van Rees's climbing wall...

David Longshaw has well and truly brought a touch of humour to Vogue Italia with his latest comic strip. Including the work of our One to Watch Hellen Van Rees, the illustration plays on the statement and geometric work of the Central Saint Martin's graduate. Having displayed her S/S13 collection on the catwalk at our Freemason's Hall to positive reviews during London Fashion Week, the designer's garments have been described as many things. Here though, Arthur chooses “a terribly stylish climbing wall” as a fitting description. 

Having made a name for his illustrations already, Longshaw is the creator of the Maude character and is a previous VFS Ones to Watch winner. 

His latest comic strip can be viewed above or on Vogue Italia's website.

By Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)

Illustration by David Longshaw