Meet Fashion Scout’s Ones-To-Watch winners for AW18

[T]he most enriching part of Fashion Month? Discovering the new guard of designers set to go global. Initiatives such as Fashion Scout have been fostering emerging talent for years (nine to be exact and now in its 10th season). Selected from a long list of emerging designers, four Ones To Watch winners receive the opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week; a unique platform for the brightest new kids on the block, with many going on to become established labels in the international fashion industry (previous alumni include Iris Van Herpen, Peter Pilotto and Eudon Choi).

I was lucky to be asked to join the judging panel for AW18 – alongside the likes of Fashion Scout’s Founder and Director Martyn Roberts; MA Course Leader at Central Saint Martins Fabio Piras; and Womenswear Buying Director at Browns Ida Petersson. For the first time in the history of the award, the autumn / winter 2018 winners are presenting in two different formats with Maddie Williams, I Am Chen and Susan Fang exhibiting in a group showcase in the Vestibule Catwalk Hall and the final winner Kristel Kuslapuu showcasing within the Fashion Scout Presentation studio. Meet the next-gen tastemakers to follow now…

Maddie Williams

The Edinburgh College of Art graduate proves that recycled fashion is not merely linen gap year pants and tie-dye tees a la the summer of ’69. Hippy hangover attire ‘tis not: Maddie Williams’ contemporary colour-pop creations – made of renewable or ‘unwanted’ materials such as Royal Mail sacks, bike tyres and plant-dyed British wool – celebrates female form and strength.

I Am Chen

Zhi Chen sees herself as a “technician rather than a designer.” Chinese-born London College of Fashion graduate briefly studied engineering before winning a national scholarship to study at the Parsons School of Design for one year. Manipulating fabrics, Hockney-style colour blocking and innovative tech, I Am Chen is the experimental knitwear label to watch out for.

Susan Fang

Raw geometric shapes, primary colour coding and eco-friendly fabrics weaved whimsically together – Susan Fang’s innovative creations are wearable art. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins’ prestigious womenswear course, she has gained experience at fashion houses from Celine to Stella McCartney. One for fans of J.W.Anderson’s aesthetic.

Kristel Kuslapuu

Introducing 90s rave girl knitwear. AKA, set to be our favourite winter warmer next season. The Eastonian designer blends both Scandi-style minimalism with bold colour palettes and exaggerated silhouettes. The ultimate dopamine hit for those who can’t get enough of Shrimps and co.

Fashion Scout will present its Ones to Watch Catwalk Show during London Fashion Week on Saturday 17th February at 1.00pm in The Vestibule Catwalk, and its Ones to Watch Presentation on Sunday 18th February at 12.00-1.30pm in the Presentation Studio, Freemasons’ Hall, London.