Fashion East - new design talent at London Fashion Week SS 2016

In my second post on emerging designers, I look at the designer support scheme Fashion East’s line up for SS 2016.

It’s the 15^th year Fashion East is showing at London Fashion Week; past recipients of support have included the likes of Gareth Pugh, Roksanda Ilinic, Marques’Almeida and Jonathan Saunders. This season an esteemed panel of editors, buyers and stylists have chosen Caitlin Price, Richard Malone and This is The Uniform by Jenna Young.

Designers chosen for the scheme receive financial sponsorship, business mentoring and a place in a Parisian international sales showroom, as well as the LFW event.

Caitlin Price is a Central St Martins graduate who debuted at LFW with Fashion East in February. Her collection featured a mash up of streetwear blended cleverly with 19^th century details, cut-out mini dresses with elaborate bow sleeves, satin tracksuits with heart appliques, floor length satin skirts with thong/sportswear elements.  She was awarded the Armani Scholarship under the late Professor Louise Wilson MBE. Expect great things for SS 2016.

Richard Malone graduated from Central St Martins and was awarded the prestigious LVMH Grand Prix scholarship.  His graduate collection won the Deutsche Bank award for fashion, following in the footsteps of Christopher Kane.  He presented off schedule for AW 2015, for SS 2016 he will present his first on schedule show.  His clashing graphic prints and unusually shaped coats are a recognisable part of his aesthetic. His designs are inspired by the socio-economic conditions of his native Ireland.

This is The Uniform was launched by Jenna Young  in 2013, (she graduated from Goldsmiths University with a degree in Fashion and Textiles)  SS 2016 will be her LFW debut.  The label explores social and cultural ideas with a focus on functionality.  Sheer tracksuits are at the same time street yet ethereal, rich ruby red was splashed all over the last collection, ribbons run amok up the sides of tracksuits (inside and outside), there are nipple tassles on tops, beautiful complex smocks and a nod to the traditional neckerchief.

Lulu Kennedy MBE, Fashion East's Director says  “there is a freshness to this season’s lineup; all 3 designers are strong-minded individuals and their girl/woman knows what she’s about. I’m delighted to be working with them and am enjoying the presentation format – the creativity and freedom is energising.“

Fashion East SS16: 12:30 – 14:30 Saturday 19th September 2015