Fashion Fringe 2008
Covent Garden plays host to British fashion’s hottest new talent!
Covent Garden plays host to British fashion’s hottest new talent! As more celebrities and big names from the world of fashion roll in – including Dita Von Teese, Donatella Versace (chair of the judging panel) and Roland Mouret (judging panel member) – it’s clear that the fifth annual Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden event has become a key date in the London Fashion Week calendar. And, clearly, a cracking photo op for those tourists itching to get their ‘I saw a celebrity in London’ shots.
You can spot the rubbernecking tourists from fifty yards. Weighed down with daypacks and ice cream, they slow to a crawl as the paparazzis’ flashbulbs pop, and smartly-dressed security types usher celebrities through the door of this former flower market in Covent Garden.
“Ooh, that’s Alexa Chung,” squeals one teen girl, as her parents look puzzled. Even they, however, recognize the elfin Emma Watson, quickly pointing out ‘that nice girl from the Harry Potter films’ to their excited offspring.
As more celebrities and big names from the world of fashion roll in – including Dita Von Teese, Donatella Versace (chair of the judging panel) and Roland Mouret (judging panel member) – it’s clear that the fifth annual Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden event has become a key date in the London Fashion Week calendar. And, clearly, a cracking photo op for those tourists itching to get their ‘I saw a celebrity in London’ shots.
For the uninitiated, Fashion Fringe is an initiative that supports emerging, unique British design talent. It has launched the careers of rising fashion stars Basso & Brooke, Erdem Moraliogu, Gavin Douglas and Aminaka Wilmont and has made its home in Covent Garden, from the initial selection process, judging of the finalists, and mentoring programs to the finale – a the final runway show in front of the fashion world’s great and good.
Four to watch
In the atmospheric warehouse setting four designers finalists had one last opportunity to wow the judges with their creations.
go by a secret path, better known as Eun Jeong Hong, who trained at the Kent Institute of Art and Design and Central St Martins, provided a tailored, soft and frivolous look with the whole collection hanging well together as a story all in white.
Meanwhile, Australian LF Markey hit the crowd with bold colours and understated luxury, all done with a playful feel. Then it was Sarah Easom’s turn, and she didn’t disappoint, rather than playing it safe, her runway pieces comprised vibrant, challenging prints that clearly put a spring in the step of her models. Finally, London College of Fashion graduate William Tempest gave a nod to both the jazz age and art deco Miami with his glamorous classic pieces of evening wear. These were truly empowering garments, shaped by innovative cutting.
Winning collection
The award, worth in excess of £100,000, and Elena Kozhevnikova-designed trophy, presented by Donatella Versace, was won by a tearful Eun Jeong Hong who had based her collection on another fashion icon – Sex And The City’s character Carrie Bradshaw. go by a secret path also gains the continuous support from the Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden team to kick-start her professional design career.
“I am lost for words – I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity by Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden. The last few months have been incredible and the support we have received from the Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden team and mentors has been invaluable,” she said.
And what of the three other innovative designers? Well, given the rapturous reception their collections received and the combined fashion force that was in the room, it’s a safe bet that this talented bunch will be back next year with their very own catwalks collections for London Fashion Week.
For more information visit the Fashion Fringe website
