NEWGEN

It won't be long until Somerset house is packed with bloggers and fashionistas for the exciting buzz of London Fashion Week! Its running from Friday 13th- Tuesday 17th September, but who are the ones to watch this year?!

In 1993 BFC created New Generation, to showcase and promote up and coming designers with huge talent. The scheme has been sponsored by Topshop since 2001.  The scheme is internationally recognised and offers designers financial support towards their show, the opportunity to showcase their collections on the BFC catwalk space, to support and mentor them and not to mention give them the recognition and publicity they deserve.  NEWGEN has previously launched the careers of designers such as Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Meadham Kirchoff and Mary Katrantzou.  The scheme attracts the international fashion media, and buyers attending London Fashion Week eager to see the collections that have been chosen and take a peak at the future of fashion. So lets take a look at the 'NEWGEN' this year . . 

The four labels below are the winners for a sponsored catwalk show..

JJS LEE

By Jackie Lee, a Korean born designer who studied at Central Saint Martens, describes her work as "Chic,minimalist and modernist tailoring." She describes Tilda Swinton as "Embodying the spirit" of her brand.

LUCAS NASCIMENTO

 Born in Brazil and graduated from London College of Fashion in 2008.Has spent last three seasons showing at Rio Fashion Week. Will be showcasing his innovative knitwear collection. He likes using knit unexpectedly and creating silhouettes that are not typical of knitwear. 

MARQUES' ALMEIDA 

Made up of Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, the duo met at CITEX fashion school in Portugal,where they both graduated with a distinction. Moved to London and have gained industry experience at Vivienne Westwood. Their signature style is described as "Raw,young,effortless and lived-in."

SISTER BY SIBLING

 Collaboration made up of three British designers, Sid Bryan,Joe Bates and Cozette McCreery. Before setting up SIBLING the designers gained experience working for many brands and design houses. We can expect colour,sparkle,humour and lots of kint. They have said they "like mutating classic,traditional knitwear designs or techniques.  Their garments are usually outrageous,colourful and fun, I love this brand and can't wait to see what they show!

The three labels below are winners of a sponsored presentation..

1205

1205 is an androgynous label focused on tailoring by designer Paula Gerbase. Gerbase studied womenswear at Central Saint Martins. She has also trained in the womenswear atelier of Hardy Amies, followed by 5 year working in Savile Row for tailor, Kilgour. She certainly has an impressive lot of experience behind her and is known for her contemporary tailoring. She specialises in "restrained modern tailoring."

NASIR MAZHAR

Nasir Mazhar is a British fashion designer of Turkish Cypriot descent. He is best recognised for his inventive headwear. He has impressive clientele consisting of Lady Gaga and last year created hats for a scene in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. Mazhar believes Lil' Kim embodies the spirit of his brand. We look forward to vibrant and cultural headwear alongside Autumnal accessories.

SOPHIA WEBSTER

Sophia Webster is a shoe designer who studied at the Royal College of Art and Cordwainers. She has been working as a design assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood since graduating in 2010.Her signatures are single soles, feminine lines and strong silhouettes.   Rita Ora, Solange Knowles and Liv Tyler have been spotted wearing Sophia's designs. She's known for her quirky, colourful shoes and i would REALLY love a pair!

And lastly the winner of a sponsored exhibition..

LIAM FAHY

Liam Fahy, an innovative shoe designer from Zimbabwe, who specialises in luxury ladies shoes and studied at DeMontfort University. He was once an assistant to Rupert Sanderson and an ex-psychology student.He has previously won the Linea-Pelle footwear design award and the Drapers Footwear designer of the year award. We are told his next collection is inspired by 1970's vinyl umbrellas, aristocratic embroidery, steam trains and classic 50's movies.. 'expect  a lot of subtle details and our signature dark ethos."

I think NEWGEN is such a brilliant platform for designers to gain publicity and recognition as well as for us to see the future of fashion and I can't wait to see what they've produced at this years LFW!

Mens Fashion Week 2013!

Mens fashion week is taking place from sunday 16th June - Tuesday 18th June, showcasing over 70 menswear designers. The event is designed to showcase the best of British fashion talent, including up and coming designers who will get the chance to show off their work, more established designers such as JW Anderson and Topman, global menswear brands and Savile Row tailors. Dylan Jones, Editor at GQ and chair of the menswear committee has said men's fashion week "Was far more successful than any of us anticipated, and we have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for the project from designers, buyers and the press."

The British Fashion Council have rounded up the best of emerging talent for a second year, to showcase their collections for Spring/Summer 14. I think the ones to watch are Agi and Sam, a design duo with a strong emphasis on print and humour, i love their loud prints,bright suits and sense of colour

GFW #2

GFW is getting nearer and nearer and its set to be a very exciting affair. Claudia Schiffer will be joining the judging panel this year and there will be a new award sponsored by the BFC. The new award will be presented by the BFC chairman Harold Tillman and will be presented to the graduate who has shown the highest result in the field of creative cutting, at the GFW gala show. The Gala day has been changed slightly this year, there will be a Best Of Graduate Fashion Week show, followed by a shorter Gala Awards show which will display work of the nominees and winners of the George Gold Award,Women's,Men's,Knitwear,Textiles and International awards. They are hoping the new format will ensure everyone gets a chance to see how creative the students work is, and it will be a more exciting and intimate experience for people.