We caught up with the brand backstage at Fashion Scout Spring Summer 19 to find out more about their collaboration with Reebok for this season, and the importance of LGBTQ+ movements in their work.

Zhi Chen dropped out of university as an engineering student in China to pursue her dream of working in fashion. After winning a national scholarship to study at Parsons School of Design in New York, Chen studied both in the USA and at London College of Fashion. Shortly, after graduating, Zhi founded i-am-chen.

The Merit Award is a new talent initiative by Fashion Scout that enables upcoming designers to receive support and development with their collections, designs and businesses on an international scale. Over the years, winners have debuted their collections at London Fashion Week, featuring everything from graphic knitwear to pieces made with ostrich feathers. Below are our top 5 avant-garde and innovative collections picked out from the pool of our talented Merit Award winners.

Find out what Fashion Scout designers Rosella May, Simon Mo and Cassey Gan thought of this season’s classes below!

One to Watch winner from SS18, Starsica, has embraced a new system for the consumption of clothing, one that has the potential to change the way the fashion industry functions - a circular economy.

“I also usually pick colours that I don’t like, just like a mess in my collection”

Fashion month is well underway and after analysing some of the remarkable collections shown at a rainy New York Fashion Week, watching the looks to come out at London as well as street style spotting, we have complied a breakdown of some of the SS19 trends that could make their way into your wardrobe next season.  

After the excitement of i-am-chen’s debut solo show as the SS19 Merit Award winner, we caught up with the Hong Kong based designer to find out how she felt it went, why London’s corner shops are full of inspiration and the environment as portrayed in the Scent of the Green Papaya.

We are delighted to announce that applications for the AW19 season at London Fashion Week in February 2019 open today, Monday 24th September 2019. Designers are able to apply for multiple showcase options including; Catwalk, Presentations and Installations as well as the covet Fashion Scout Awards; Merit and Ones To Watch.

Fengyi Tan, the womenswear brand based in London and Shanghai, showcased their SS19 collection yesterday at the British Fashion Council Discovery Labs during London Fashion Week. As one of our AW16 Ones to Watch, we went along to see which conceptual direction Fengyi has taken, as she reimagines the philosophy of movement.

FAD is an organisation that aims to help young creatives build a sustainable design career no matter their background. The charity wants to break the boundaries and stereotypes that still exist within the fashion industry. FAD also works closely with the industry to campaign for diversity, fair access and better representation which in turn, has given so many people a platform to showcase their work.

On the final day of Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week we have had the Graduate Showcase take place in the Vestibule.

Alice-Jane, originally from Malaysia has evolved her extensive music background into an abundance of abstract designs with her collections.

Day four at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week sees a different kind of schedule take place.

Originally from Seoul, Ike Seungik Lee studied BFA sculpture at Seoul national university, subsequently MA fashion at Kingston University.

DB Berdan was founded in Istanbul and is for anyone that who enjoys bold statements, vivid colours and sarcastic humour.

Born in Taiwan, raised in Malaysia, Simon Mo’s unique background has allowed him to view womenswear fashion world with a unique perspective.

Farzaneh. H Christensen encapsulates delicacy and femininity throughout her designs.

The Fashion Scout collaborative showcase, ones to watch, is instrumental in raising the profile of emerging design talent globally.

FJU is an annual platform featuring designers from Taiwan. Fu Jen Catholic University’s Textiles and Clothing department sponsors the showcase that supports up and coming designers.

Day Two of Fashion Scout saw another day of great shows and exceptional street style. With a diverse line-up of shows throughout the day, came a varied assortment of guests.

Malan Breton, originates from Taipei, Taiwan. In 2017 he was the first fashion designer to be a part of the cryptocurrency phenomenon, opening the first block chain based online retail shop in fashion.

Day Three of Fashion Scout begins with FJU Talents, a platform which showcases new designers from Taiwan, starting at 11:00.