Scarf Installation Somerset House (NEWGEN)

For me London Fashion Week (LWF) is about creativity. There are a lot of people there who are simply there to be seen, to be photographed (and there's nothing wrong with that). It just doesn't float my boat. I 'm so happy as a blender-in-erer. I just want to learn, be inspired, meet creative designery type folks, talk to them about their works,  and  (hopefully. Fingers-crossed hopefully) find and tune into their excitement about the journey, their process. I'm not interested in writing only about a final product. But to just to gain and share an insight into who they actually are, how their ideas have developed, grown, changed. Really, I want to know the whole person, or at least enough for my curiosity to fill in gaps. There are questions. Lots. Sometimes it's ok for those questions to remain unanswered, as long as they are acknowledged as questions (even if it's just acknowledgement by me). I was priviledged to meet several practitioners  who make beautiful things, who were refreshingly excited about their work passionate about their work. Wanted to talk. Not just pass me on to their PR. These are the designers I want to write about in time (on here and on Rosiepop). But it won't just be for their latest products only... it will be to share their enthusiasm, their aesthetic, their vision... people who have not yet lost their way, because they are only just discovering it...

 

This beautiful installation in one of the stairwells at Somerset house spanned four floors. It was made up of individual scarves (I stupidly didn't count them. But lots) designed by the NEWGEN designers * (for me some of the most exciting designers). It was the light filtering through the fabric which got me. That and the softness, the fluidity in comparision to the hard structural staircase. I loved it. And probably lingered there too long. ( loitering... as ever)

Inflatable installations by designer Christopher Raeburn, who works with parachute fabric. Just added to the air of creativity. Of newness and possibility. Twas great...

An explanation about NEWGEN...*In 1993 the British Fashion Council created New Generation (NEWGEN), the world’s first scheme to support emerging designer talent. NEWGEN continues to showcase and promote new designer businesses today. NEWGEN is sponsored by Topshop and have been supporters since 2001. Catwalk designers receive £5000 - £10,000 towards their show costs, sponsored Exhibition space, usage of the BFC Catwalk Show Space and mentoring.

Since NEWGEN's inception, its roll call includes Alexander McQueen, Boudicca, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald, Lara Bohinc and Ann-Louise Roswald.

Internationally recognised as a prestigious launch pad, this scheme is a showcase of the best up-and-coming British fashion talent. It also acts as an important introduction for young UK-based designers to influential press and buyers from around the world.
The scheme has become a key draw for the international fashion media and buyers attending London Fashion Week. NEWGEN designers are among the must-see collections on schedule every season.
 www.londonfashionweek.co.uk