5 Emerging International Designers To Watch

5 Emerging International Designers To Watch

The global hub of creativity and business, London attracts emerging fashion talents from all around the world. Amidst cutthroat competition this year, Fashion Scout shortlisted a group of up-and-coming designers to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2015 collections at Freemasons’ Hall, Covent Garden. Here are five talented international designers to watch.

MINNAN HUI

A graduate from Central Saint Martins, Minnan Hui studied
fashion and textile design. A designer who embraces the concept of
‘3-D’ whole-heartedly, Hui is known for her voluminous works of art
that strike the perfect balance between fashion and modern
architecture. With this philosophy in mind, her graduate collection
at CSM featured voluminous details, from flamenco-inspired dresses,
to three-dimensional headpieces.

The Business of Fashion (BoF) shortlisted Hui’s graduate show at
CSM as one of the top six in the BA Fashion Show. With past stints
at John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou and Como
Italy, her wealth of experience translates into her current work.
Her collection has thus been shown in Indigo Paris, Italy and
London.

Citing her signature style, Hui emphasises “triangle shapes”,
“layering”, and the “two-dimension cut” for the ultimate 3-D
combination.

An interesting and distinctive AW15 collection, the designer’s
catwalk show at Freemasons’ Hall boasts an expert amalgamation of
contrasting colours, patterns and fabrics. With the 3-D aesthetic
in mind, Minnan makes a splash with bold colours, with metallic
injections in between. For a collection targeting the Autumn/Winter
season, Hui revolutionises the colour palette as well as the
geometrical silhouettes. Layered fabrics and patterns uphold her
3-D vision and the effect is a beautiful explosion of origami on
the runway.

MINJU KIM

Hailing from South Korea, Minju Kim is the winner of the H&M
Design Award 2013. Drawing on global influences, her designs unite
exaggerated peplum silhouettes, heightened curves and dramatic
shapes. Having graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Antwerp, Kim’s collections are currently stocked at Opening
Ceremony stores in major fashion capitals: London, New York and Los
Angeles. Impressively, she has also been shortlisted for the LVMH
prize. In a unique collaboration, Kim merged fantasy and reality
alongside Disney: by reinventing the fashion aesthetic of classic
character Minnie Mouse.

Labelled by Fashion Scout as one of the”Ones to Watch”
designers, Kim’s AW15 collection is a refreshing bout of bright
pastel colours and feminine silhouettes. True to her aesthetic
identity, Kim’s collection was upbeat and fun, in line with the
music in the background. Models bounced down the runway donning a a
wide array of patterns and textures. Perhaps hinting at her
collaboration with Disney, this designer introduced a fresh take
for AW15 with pops of colour and whimsical cut-outs. Who knew
Disney on the runway could be so chic?

JUDY WU

Raised in Shanghai, Judy Wu graduated from Central Saint Martins
in 2009. Having launched her eponymous label in 2013, her debut
collection received international acclaim. Inspire by the balance
between womenswear as a work of art and modern wearability Judy
Wu’s signature style welcomes “intricate modern beading, bold
prints and sharp tailoring.” As such, her target wearer is “a
confident, courageous woman who is expressive in her art form”.

Judy Wu’s AW15 collection showcases her skills and creative
talent, as clashes of colours meld together to form a beautiful
line of clothing. Influenced by the past and present of Shanghai
(think Romanticism meets modernity), the designer’s home city was
her source of inspiration. This is perhaps most evident in the
collection’s geometrical prints and shapes that evoke the Shanghai
skyline.

Wonderfully forward-looking, this collection somehow gives us a
glimpse of the future of fashion as Judy unveils her fearless
vision aesthetically.

ZEYNAP KARTAL

Combining style and elegance, Zeynap Kartal’s signature
aesthetic stems from Hollywood glamour and sophistication. A go-to
designer for the red-carpet, Kartal’s collections can be found
worldwide. Known for creating a beautiful sense of femininity with
a wide array of natural fabrics, Kartal’s clothing is admired by
celebrities as well as major fashion publications. Female
empowerment and ladylike elegance is at the forefront of the
brand.

A classic yet modern showcase of dresses at Fashion Scout
highlighted Kartal’s creative direction and her aesthetic
intuition, as pretty, shimmery dresses in a simple, monochrome
palette were the highlight of her collection. A wonderful blend
between Turkish traditional dress and Western Hollywood glamour,
Kartal’s collection evokes a sophisticated sense of elegance.
Perhaps besides Posen and de la Renta, Hollywood celebrities can
now look to Kartal for the next outstanding look.

ASHLEY ISHAM

Having also graduated from Central Saint Martins, Ashley Isham
is a Singaporean designer currently based in London. His debut
collection was launched in November 2000 to wide acclaim and he is
a Fashion Scout veteran.

Distinguished by his “signature draping and razor cut tailoring,
a distinctive blend of high-octane glamour and contemporary chic,”
Isham’s label is unique and globally recognised. One to embrace
modern elegance, Ashley Isham was named the Official Designer at
the 2004 BAFTAs and has a series of admirably high-profile
clientele. Fans include Christina Aguilera, Florence Welch, Kylie
Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Lady Gaga.

With dramatic headpieces draped over his models, Isham’s AW15
collection is dramatic, stylish, glamorous and highly
sophisticated. With fringes at the forefront, as well as luxurious
fabrics and floor-length gowns that are skilfully created with
beautiful embellishments and subtle yet significant details,
Isham’s AW15 collection is sure to increase his already growing
fanbase.

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