 www.londonfashionweek.co.uk The British Fashion Council announces fifteen of London's most talented young designers that will receive New Generation sponsorship to showcase their Spring/Summer 2008 collections during London Fashion Week in September 2007. Recipients of New Generation, sponsored by Topshop for September 2007 are: Catwalk sponsorship: Christopher Kane, Danielle Scutt, Duro Olowu, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Louise Goldin, Marios Schwab and Todd Lynn. Exhibition sponsorship: Borba Margo, Danielle Scutt, Emilio de la Morena, Ginta, Louise Goldin, Meadham/Kirchhoff, Modernist, Osman Yousefzada, Peter Pilotto and Todd Lynn. Danielle Scutt and Louise Goldin, both Central Saint Martins graduates, will show their collections on-schedule, back-to-back, during London Fashion Week. Whilst at Central Saint Martins, Danielle was selected by Phoebe Philo to win the "Chloe Award for Best Designer". Louise previously showed as part of "New Gen" at The Exhibition at London Fashion Week in February 2006. Christopher Kane, Duro Olowu, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Marios Schwab and Todd Lynn will once again receive New Generation sponsorship to show in London. Borba Margo, Danielle Scutt, Emilio de La Morena, Modernist and Peter Pilotto will show for the first time as part of "New Gen" at The Exhibition alongside, Todd Lynn, Louise Goldin, Meadham/Kirchhoff, Ginta and Osman Yousefzada. TOPSHOP is now in its twelfth season as sponsor of the scheme, which was set up in 1993 to support the best up and coming designers at London Fashion Week. New Generation sponsorship is recognised internationally and has helped launch the careers of some of Britain's top designers, including Alexander McQueen, Clements Ribeiro, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Sophia Kokosalaki. The New Generation scheme spans both The Exhibition at London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Council's official Catwalk Show Schedule, awarding support as a cash sponsorship for a fashion show at London Fashion Week and/or a stand at the Exhibition at London Fashion Week. Designers can receive sponsorship support for up to three seasons. Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented “There is a creative energy in London that continues to produce diverse and dynamic designers. New Generation, over the last decade has launched many successful international careers. I am in no doubt that some of this season’s New Generation will go on to develop established businesses and prominent careers within the industry.” Caren Downie, Buying Director for Topshop adds: “We are delighted to be sponsoring what promises to be the most exciting New Generation line-up for at least a decade. The line-up, this season, combines designers who have managed to establish an international reputation within a very short space of time, whist introducing brand new names to the catwalk.” London Fashion Week will run from Saturday 15th – Thursday 20th September 2007. The Exhibition at London Fashion Week will run from Sunday 16th – Wednesday 19th September 2007 and is located in the grounds of the Natural History Museum, London SW7. For more information visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk For New Generation enquiries, please contact: Katie Bain at The British Fashion Council Tel: +44 (0) 20 7636 7788 Katie.bain@britishfashioncouncil.com For press enquiries, please contact: Caroline Rush or Caroline Reader at Crush Communications. Tel +44 (0) 20 7851 4655 caroline@crushcommunications.co.uk caroline2@crushcommunications.co.uk For Topshop enquiries, please contact: Andrew Leahy or Amy Elderton at Topshop Press Office Tel: +44 (0) 20 7927 1484 andrew.leahy@topshop.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7291 2415 amy.elderton@topshop.com
EDITORS NOTES: - The New Generation sponsorship was established in 1993, acting as a promotional launch pad for young designers, attracting media profile, orders and investment whilst offering encouragement and support for new talent
- Previous New Generation winners include Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Clements Ribeiro, Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson and Sophia Kokosalaki
- Topshop is a great supporter of young fashion designers in the industry. This is Topshop's 12th season working with the British Fashion Council as the New Generation sponsor. Topshop continues to support previous winners through housing collections in the Boutique space at its flagship store in Oxford Circus, selected stores nationwide and from TOPSHOP.com
- The BFC's new talent scouts are Andrew Tucker, fashion writer and lecturer, and Sarah Mower, fashion writer American Vogue and Style.com London Fashion Week is owned and organised by the British Fashion Council
BIOGRAPHIES: Borba Margo – (exhibition sponsorship) It was a chance meeting of like minds that led to the conception of London-based label Borba Margo. Born in 2005, the label is the collaborative love child of Brazilian-born Anderson Borba DaSilva and Swedish-Polish Jessika Margo Goransson – an attraction of two opposing geographical and cultural poles. Mainly self-taught, Anderson moved to London in 1995 and gained his practical skills whilst working as a tailor for Her Majesty's Royal Guards. Jessika left Sweden in 1997 to study a BA degree in Fashion at London's Middlesex University. Borba Margo began as a womenswear label, but its focus has gradually been re-directed toward accessories, usually made from leather, metal and fabric. Their work is three-dimensional and goes beyond the functional and decorative – with their use of cut and construction reflecting their fashion clothing background. Press enquiries Valery Demure Tel: 020 7254 5897 www.valerydemure.com Christopher Kane – (catwalk sponsorship) 24 year old Christopher moved to London when he was 17 years old to enrol at Central Saint Martins School of Art where he completed a Foundation Course, a BA Womenswear Degree and finally a MA Womenswear, which earned him both a Distinction and the prestigious Harrods Design Award in February 2006. Shortly after graduating he was named "New Scottish Young Designer of the Year". Christopher showed his debut Spring/Summer 2007 solo at London Fashion Week in September 2006 supported by New Generation and Canderel. Directly after showing his debut collection Christopher presented a private viewing of his work to Anna Wintour of US Vogue, which led to an invitation to sit front row with Anna at Versace's Autumn/Winter 2006 show in Milan. Donatella Versace has offered her continuous support to Christopher Kane whilst employing him on a freelance consultancy basis for Couture, Pret a Porter & Shoes/Accessories. Press enquiries Justine at Relative PR Tel: 0845 034 3033 justine@relativepr.com Danielle Scutt – (catwalk and exhibition sponsorship) Danielle Scutt graduated with a MA Womenswear degree from Central Saint Martins and stole the limelight with her triumphant finale at the college's annual graduate show at London Fashion Week in February 2005. Danielle garnered acclaim at Central Saint Martins where she was selected by Phoebe Philo to win the Chloe Award for best designer and picked up the Lancôme Award for Modern Femininity. Described by Danielle as "clothes you can have a fight in," she delivers more than a derivative pastiche of 80's power dressing, and cleverly employs other powerful signifiers; the confidence of oversized prints that camouflage a look, including matching hosiery and shoes, and wide belts that cinch in the super skinny silhouettes even further and cause a languid yet purposeful prowl in the wearer. The Spring/Summer 2007 collection included, contour jersey wear, swimsuits, super fitted denim, wet look textured macs and shirts, the lightest chiffon dresses and jackets encompassing the signature leopard prints and the new "fighting cockerel" prints, in a range of colour ways from blush pastels to hard, vivacious primaries. Press enquiries Mandi Lennard at Mandi Lennard Publicity Tel: 020 7729 2770 controlpanel@ml-pr.com Duro Olowu – (catwalk sponsorship) Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Duro Olowu was raised between Nigeria and England in an environment that embraced Nigerian and international culture, art, fashion and music. In October 2004, Duro launched his first eponymous womenswear label with a capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2005 inspired by love and joy. Described by Joan Burnstein of Browns as "the best new label", the collection was a major hit with fashion editors and buyers worldwide. It included the now signature “Duro dress" with its empire waist and billowing sleeves in vibrant mixed silk prints, which was hailed by both American and British Vogue as the dress of the year. Duro won the coveted “New Designer of the Year” award at the British Fashion Awards 2005. Press enquiries Yemisi Browne at Duro Olowu Tel: 07792 404 251 info@duroolowu.com Emilio de la Morena – (exhibition sponsorship) Emilio de la Morena was born in the Mediterranean Alicante, Spain, where he studied sculpture. He came to Britain in 1993 and gained a first class honours degree in Business and Commerce. While still working as a consultant in London he developed a flare for fashion and took up some courses at Central Saint Martins and realised his true passion, subsequently prepared a portfolio and gained a place in the final year of the menswear degree. Since graduating, Emilio has worked with some of London's most creative designers including Rafael Lopez and, most recently, Jonathan Saunders. In February 2006 Emilio decided to start his own label and exhibited his first full collection at On|Off Autumn/Winter 2005/6. This collection received critical acclaim and was recognised by Suzie Menkes. Since then Emilio's work has featured in such publications as Vogue, Teen Vogue, i-D, Dazed & Confused, Grazia, Metal, Muse, Purple, Plastique and Tank. In April 2007, Emilio showed his first catwalk collection in a salon style presentation and received rave reviews. The inspiration for his Autumn Winter 2007/08 combined both the tradition of bullfighting and intricate sculptural shapes. Press enquiries Ellen at Relative PR Tel: 0845 034 3033 ellen@relativepr.com Erdem – (catwalk sponsorship) Erdem is the eponymous London ready-to-wear line established in 2005 by Erdem Moralioglu which has won plaudits for its modern luxurious feminine chic. Erdem originally studied in Canada but headed for the UK after deciding that he needed to be in the heart of the fashion industry. Following a defining third-year internship for Vivienne Westwood in 2000, he went on to study a Master's degree in Womenswear at the Royal College of Art. His widely acclaimed graduate collection closed the 2003 RCA Show. Erdem then moved to New York and worked as a design assistant for Diane Von Furstenberg. In May that year he left DVF to start his own line in London. The now UK-based designer went on to win the Fashion Fringe Award and has shown four times during London Fashion Week. Erdem's exquisite collections are in demand and have been worn by cool, hip clients ranging from the likes of Kirsten Dunst, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Nicole Ritchie, Julie Gilhart and Claudia Schiffer. Press enquiries Sarah at Modus Publicity Tel: 020 7331 1433 Sarah@moduspublicity.com Gareth Pugh – (catwalk sponsorship) 25 year old Sunderland-born designer Gareth Pugh has a signature strong design that has become a highlight of London Fashion Week. Gareth learnt from friends in !WOWWOW! a collective of creatives who lived together in South London, how to benefit from collaboration and how such collaboration spawns further creativity. Using luxury material such as fur, cashmere and leather, he matches these with those less traditionally associated with fashion such as knitted bin liners, rubber and vinyl. His Autumn/Winter 2005/06 collection combined human hair with fox fur against Pied-Piper inspired all-black silhouettes. He regularly collaborates with i-D magazine where he is commissioned to style shoots and contribute ideas. He recently worked on a series of projects under the title "FASH-OFF" with SHOWstudio and designed a dress for Nick Knight's Moët tribute at the end of last year. Press enquiries Mandi Lennard at Mandi Lennard Publicity Tel: 020 7729 2770 garethpugh@ml-pr.com Ginta – (exhibition sponsorship) Ginta Siceva is a handcraft designer creating evening bags, scarves, shoes, gloves headpieces and necklaces. She creates unusual, unique and detailed designs and often uses nature's resources as inspiration and combines both old and new craft techniques in production of her designs. Ginta grew up in Riga, where handcrafted skills are a significant part of the national heritage and at the age of ten discovered an interest towards leather craft. Moving to London when she was 19, Ginta was immediately accepted for the BTEC (foundation) course of Fashion Design and Illustration at London College of Fashion. Ginta has produced haute couture accessory collections for Jeremy Bueno and prêt-a-porter accessory collections for Anna Ledskalnina. She has also worked for Alexander McQueen and Robinson & Valentine. In February 2007, Ginta exhibited for the first time at London Fashion Week with New Generation. Press enquiries Ginta Siceva Tel: 07957 226 518 Email: ginta@ginta.co.uk Louise Goldin – (catwalk and exhibition sponsorship) Louise Goldin graduated in March 2005 from Central Saint Martins with a distinction in Fashion with Knitwear. Her graduate collection was ordered exclusively and re-produced for Selfridges in London. Louise Goldin's first collection was shown at London Fashion Week in February 2005 as part of Central Saint Martins MA show. The Louise Goldin Spring/Summer 2007 collection is a combination of highly technical knitwear combined with innovative and unique techniques. The collection was inspired architecture, particularly the work of architect, Antonio Gaudi. The colours, shapes and structures of these exquisite works of art were the initial source of research. Louise Goldin's knitwear is made up of yarns such as lurex combined with the finest cashmere blends. Louise Goldin first received New Generation sponsorship to exhibit her collection at London Fashion Week in February 2006. Press enquiries Ellen at Relative PR Tel: 0845 034 3033 ellen@relativepr.com Meadham/Kirchhoff – (exhibition sponsorship) French born UK based fashion designers Benjamin Kirchhoff and Edward Meadham graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2002. Since they created their label, they have developed a substantial number of customers and collectors worldwide. Their first collection was featured in Dazed& Confused, Arena, Sleaze and The Face, and was sold in Tokyo's American Rag and Two See in London. In September 2005 they were chosen by an expert panel, from a list of 30 designers to take part in MAN, a joint event between Fashion East and TopMan, to promote London's menswear talent, which was the first menswear show in London for 8 years. For Autumn/Winter 2007 they produced a womenswear collection inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement of the mid 80's, which continued their signature use of corsetry and sportswear interpretations. Press enquiries Rae at Cube PR Tel: 020 7242 5483 rae@cubecompany.com Marios Schwab – (catwalk sponsorship) 28-year-old Greek/Austrian designer Marios studied in Berlin where he graduated with distinction and Best Student Award from Esmond. He then graduated with an MA in Womenswear Fashion from Central Saint Martins in 2003. For Spring/Summer 2007 Marios debuted on schedule at London Fashion Week, where he was critically acclaimed by both press and buyers. He has received editorial in American Vogue, Bazaar USA, French Vogue, Russian Vogue, i-D, Self Service, V Magazine, Another Magazine and Dazed & Confused amongst others. In 2006 Marios was awarded Best New Designer at the British Fashion Awards. Stockists include, Browns and Harvey Nichols in London, Maria Luisa in Paris, WR and Side-by-Side in Tokyo and Barneys in New York. Press enquiries Adam Iezzi, A.I. PR Tel +44 20 7287 1314 adam@aipr.co.uk Modernist – (exhibition sponsorship) Abdul Koroma and Andrew Jones formed Modernist in September 2005 as an entry to Fashion Fringe at London Fashion Week. 30 year old Abdul Koroma from Sierra Leone and 32 year old Newcastle-born Andrew Jones met whilst consulting for the Italian label Max Mara, having both graduated from London's renowned Kingston School of Fashion. Their brief is a simple one - to propose an alternative take on luxury and femininity. The Modernist aesthetic is streamlined, refined and forward-looking yet approachable and familiar. From a lateral perspective each Modernist collection is a desirable mix of luxurious fabrics handled in a casual way and immaculately finished. Silhouette, unexpected fabrications and inventive detailing are key. Press enquiries Abdul Koroma Tel: 07833 395 192 Studio@mordernistonline.com Osman Yousefzada – (exhibition sponsorship) Osman Yousefzada trained at Central Saint Martins and debuted on the catwalk in September 2005. This is his fifth time showing at London Fashion Week. Yousefzada succeeds in making beautiful, resonant clothes that are at once both unusual and distinctive. He creates a confident signature for his label by combining innovative precise cutting with masterful drapery inspired by his interest in ethnicity and ancient cultures. With growing recognition from the industry and 25 stockists internationally including Selfridges and Liberty in the UK, Osman Yousefzada is definitely a rising star. Press enquiries Teresa Ramsden or Rebecca Lee at BCPR Tel: 020 7734 0074 rebecca@bcpr-uk.com Peter Pilotto – (exhibition sponsorship) Born in Worgl, Austria in 1977 Peter studied at Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts between 2000-2004. He window dressed for Vivienne Westwood and has studied art and fashion in London for 2 years. His first video installation, presenting his graduation collection was exhibited at the Window Gallery of Walter Van Beirendonck in Antwerp, December 2004 and subsequently also at the Centre Cultural di Andratx in May 2005 under curator Yilmaz Dziewor, director of the Kunsterverein Hamburg. His clothes are poetic, energetic, avant-garde and elegant. Peter Pilotto has featured in A-Magazine, Elle, Dazed, i-D, Flux, Nylon and Vogue.com to name a few. In 2004, Peter won the Flanders Fashion Institute Award for his collection "Carried away by a moonlight shadow". Press enquiries Peter Pilotto Tel: 0779 419 2343 contact@peterpilotto.com Todd Lynn - (catwalk and exhibition sponsorship) Following on from his successful debut at London Fashion Week in September 2006, Todd Lynn's subsequent campaign has seen his collection sold into stores around the world, including Brown's, Barneys New York, Maria Luisa and Net-a-Porter. Autumn/Winter 2007 marked Todd's second collection “You Promised Forever”, based on the dream of eternal youthfulness and everlasting life. Todd Lynn defines his collection as “Slick, sharp tailoring sitting on the romantic dark edge of masculine and feminine.” Todd creates clothing for the music industry's elite. His clients include U2, The Rolling Stones; Marilyn Manson, Soft Cell's Marc Almond and P.J. Harvey. Press enquiries Bianca @ The Communications Store T: +44 20 7938 1010 Bianca@tcs-uk.net |
