I met a large amount of amazing people during London Fashion Week and wanted to bring the spotlight to a few designers that are heading to a bright future in the industry. Fashion week had me scouting for talent, doing necessary work, and enjoying every moment.
From emerging designers and models to established boutique owners and fashion professionals, there was much to see, and many opportunities to network if you preferred. Not to mention if you dug a little deeper than the average person, you’d also find that the work hard, play hard mentality had indeed paid off to many who stood amongst the crowds.
(Above and below) Maali designs, photo:Trevor Griffiths iDeLick Media
Exhausted by travel, but ready for anything that would come my way, entered three designers on the move—Linda Maikori of UK/Nigerian based label Maali, London-based American designer Richelle Dynae, and South African designer Lesego Malatsi of Mzanzi Designers Emporium. There were several others that were noteworthy, however these particular designers left me with a different impression and truly exuded their passion both on and off the runway.
I had the pleasure to meet and work with them a bit backstage and during the show. I must admit after years of doing behind the scenes work from fashion direction and styling to designing this was probably the most calming backstage experience.
Each designer had their own story to tell, whether unconventional, historic, dramatic, or symbolic. Maali showcased a colourful palette, emitting sparkles of hand-beading and wrap silhouettes that combined Nigerian and British elements within her inspiration. Her collection was a line that revived old cultural references, as well as bringing a contemporary effect for wearability.
(Above left Nathan Thompson -Photography) (Above right- photography by See Li & below)designs by Lesego Malatsi
Lesego Malatsi, a businessman and alumni of the Branson Centre, South Africa celebrated his artful eye with a display of bright colours and signature collection details. With a nod from the audience, and an even earlier one by Richard Branson himself, the boldness of the line was one that immediately grabbed your attention.
The Branson Centre focuses on mentoring those with a clear vision foreseeing themselves as potential business owners. The entrepreneurship programme has broadened the minds of many who show excellence in their craft or have thought big career-wise, yet had no aid in funding. Programme participants are the business leaders of the future; making a difference in the world around them. The Branson Centre provides a network of opportunity, including business coaching that allows one to think on a grander scale about the future of their initial business. Hats off to Malatsi for following his dream, and making it a memorable show!
Work of Richelle Dynae design in collaboration with Audra-E (Photo-courtesy of -Richelle Dynae Designs)
Speaking of hats, millinery designer Audra Elizabeth Kaske (Audra E) also known as the other half of the collaborative S/SU-2012 line of Richelle Dynae Designs won the crowd by her timeless pieces of couture head-wear. Designer Richelle Dynae’s intricate work evoked enough theatrical and historical influence to remind you why her avant-garde garments won at New Zealand’s 2010 World of WearableArt (WOW) awards.
From farthingales and corsets to delicately produced cocktail-styled hats and masks, there was a well-made and exquisite performance prepared. After getting to know the designers a bit more, the artistic chemistry between these two ladies was proof of a beautiful partnership that’s bound to flourish with each creation.
Other lines that I admired were by designers José Hendo, Jo Black Craze, Masha Ma, and Jasper Garvida.
Other photos by: Ladyofashion, courtesy of designer’s site.
A quick shot after working with Audra-E and Dynae
A view from the back details.
Thank you. 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
Great blog nice to see my work featured
Great blog nice to see my work featured
I agree, & find that emerging talent always has me inspired. Thanks Faye! 🙂
I agree, & find that emerging talent always has me inspired. Thanks Faye! :-)
I love the UKs emerging designers its one of the reasons i love vauxhall fashion scout. These particular designers clothes really are uniquely beautiful xx
I love the UKs emerging designers its one of the reasons i love vauxhall fashion scout. These particular designers clothes really are uniquely beautiful xx
Yes, her designs so so beautiful.
How funny, I was just reading your blog. Missing alot of blogs lately, but slowly making my way back to normal. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and thanks for reading. Hope to meet ya one of these days! -xo 🙂
Thanks Clare, so glad that you enjoyed. 🙂
Amazing design and even more amazing stories for each designer. Thank you so much for highlighting them in such a thoughtful manner, you always evoke so much with your writing!
Yes, her designs so so beautiful.
How funny, I was just reading your blog. Missing alot of blogs lately, but slowly making my way back to normal. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and thanks for reading. Hope to meet ya one of these days! -xo 🙂
Thanks Clare, so glad that you enjoyed. 🙂
Amazing design and even more amazing stories for each designer. Thank you so much for highlighting them in such a thoughtful manner, you always evoke so much with your writing!
LOVE the richelle dynae! amazingness!
XO Sahra
EffortlessCool
LOVE the richelle dynae! amazingness!
XO Sahra
EffortlessCool
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Thanks for your comment Audrey, so glad that you liked them.
lol, I agree, though I loved most of the beaded creations as a top favourite. 🙂
Thanks! And yes, it's good to see emerging talent, especially when it merges with my job. That's great you saw the Van der Ham show, I didn't see that one, but I did get a chance to view other great designer's collections and loved this season's designs from Belle sauvage, Jose hendo, Alice Lee and also had great show that were worthwhile.
Thanks fro viewing. -xo
I'm happy to hear Daria. Thanks so much! -xo
Thanks, I decided to show a different angle, most people forget about the emerging talent… it's good to see before they become household names. 🙂
I love the patterns and textures as well. 🙂
You are very welcome, thanks for taking the time to read dear. 🙂
Yes, he's a great designer There were so many wonderful emerging designer known and unknown. thanks for your comment love! -xo
Thanks! 😉
I agree, there is so much more that I could share, there's definitely something special about Nigerian fashion. -xo
I really love that about LFW! There is something so unique regarding the emerging designers! In the end I mostly got to attend some of the 'bigger' emerging designer shows such as Michael van der Ham and Louise Gray, but hopefully I'll get to see more in six months!
PvdH
http://www.ThePvdHJournal.com
Thanks for your comment Audrey, so glad that you liked them.
These clothes are incredible!
http://www.clarabelleblog.com
Loved Lisego Malatsi he is creative I see. Didn't know him but he has potential. teh color palette all over these photos is amazing
Loving this post, it was so interesting to read and see the photos 🙂
xxx
Daria
Thanks for sharing these with us! I love seeing emerging talent brign new stuff to the table.
The detailing on the last shot is awesome!
x.o.x.o
this post makes me realize that i really love Nigerian fashion. the colors are spectacular and the way the clothing is layered is awesome. thanks for the pics!
ohh the patterns on those dresses are really pretty!
So fun!
Gorgeous designs – they definitely will make it big with that kind of talent!
that pink hat is so cute! 🙂
xo
MosaMuse
MosaMuse.blogspot.com
Thanks love! I had so much fun, glad SF was treating you nice! xx
I knew it was you dear, lol! Thanks so much. Yes, I do event styling, etc. from time to time if I'm booked in the area. I stay busy! So glad that you enjoyed reading. xo 🙂
i like how u covered the new designers x
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i love that red bubble skirt !!
How amazing for you, Madison! I had NO IDEA you are a stylist too! OK, your talents never end. What a great show and I love seeing emerging designers, who are so dedicated and passionate about their work.
Lucky girl!!! You look amazing and the fashion show looks tons of fun!!
xoxo,
Mel
Yes! it was great! -xxo
You too dear, enjoy! -xo
Hey there Meanz, I loved the bold colours as well and much into the details of many of the designs.
Aren't they? Thanks dear. 🙂
Yes, I actually love looking for emerging talent, that's how many great designers are discovered. There happened to be a wondeful pool to choose from this time. Thanks Alexis. -xx
Thanks doll, really appreciate the visit. I tend to look for emerging talent + it merges with my work. Enjoy your week. -xo
I agree there are loads of great designs that were at LFW this season. -xo
Hi Cecylia, welcome to the blog. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you so much, and thanks for commenting.
I agree, there was so much more that I could share, but that would be more than one post. haha. Have a great day dear. -xxoo
Thanks, I did too! 🙂 xo
What an amazing experience! Were you styling for the shows?
Gorgeous!!!
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Some pieces were amazing! Fabulous post dear!
I love that you focused on emerging designers…. those were some of my favorite (and the freshest) collections at New York fashion week.
Yes, I actually love looking for emerging talent, that's how many great designers are discovered. There happened to be a wondeful pool to choose from this time. Thanks Alexis. -xx
all look fantastic! nice set of photos!
kisses from La Mode En Rose = )
Loving the clothes!! 🙂 Happy Monday xx
all of these looks are incredible!
LOVE all the gorgeous clothes 😀
http://www.coffeecreamandthecaffeine.blogspot.com
What amazing aesthetics! I just love the use of color in these designs – gorgeous! 🙂
You certainly know how to spot emerging talent, that's for sure! These are some great designers, I hope we'll see more of their work:)
Every design is amazing and I especially love the green dresses! London fashion week has been nothing but amazing this year!
wow such amazing designs- so fierce and individual love it!
Come follow my blog darling! xx
I love that second green look 😀
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
All of these clothes are sooo amazing!! I can't even pick a favorite they are all so beautiful! xox
Awesome choices! All the colors are wonderful and I love the textures and patterns.