10 Names To Know: Part 2

Other than the endless parties, goodie bags and unashamed people-watching, one of the best parts of London Fashion Week is the thrill of discovering hot new talent. The off-schedule catwalk shows, presentations and exhibitions are all bursting at the seams with the fabulous fresh blood of the industry. Here’s my second instalment of those up-and-coming labels that are set to go stellar…

1. Holly Fulton

Her star’s been on the rise for a while now but this season, young Brit designer Holly Fulton really came into her own with a pop-tastic collection that melted even the most hardened of fashion hearts. Her tongue-in-cheek use of kitsch iconography on classic cuts and luxurious fabrics makes her brand of feelgood fashion one that we all want a slice of. Rocky Horror-inspired lip prints and a sprinkling of pearls on patent leather showcased her unmistakable wit. Paired with a great eye and a Luella-like ability to produce quirky, zeitgeisty pieces that appeal to London’s cool kids, it’s a triple threat that will see her go far.

2. Georgia Hardinge

Launching her distinctive eponymous label in 2009, Georgia Hardinge has raced ahead to be one of the most exciting new talents showcased at London Fashion Week. Encompassing both an avant-garde yet wearable aesthetic, she displays a cerebral approach to design without losing a viable commercial streak. Think strong lines, impeccable tailoring and couture-like detail, all in a stark black, white and grey palette.

3. Olivia Rubin

Olivia Rubin makes party dresses for party girls. Popping pink, thigh-skimming hemlines and cheeky prints from animal to her signature brick, make for a selection of frocks that you can’t fail to have a good time in. Coquettish yet cool; a winning combination.

4. Bjorg

Having just been named Norway’s top accessories designer, Bjorg Nordli-Mathisen is one to keep a very close eye on. Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, blackened silver and rosecut diamonds, her sometime-anatomical pieces are steeped in mythology, mysticism and the raw beauty of nature. And they pack one hell of a punch.

5. Kirsty Ward

Sculptural jewellery, strong, boned silhouettes and an affinity for texture makes Kirsty Ward’s collections truly stand out. Graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2008, she went on to work with Alberta Ferretti before launching her line last season in London. Using diaphanous organza, hard-hitting jewellery and structured, curvilinear forms, her dresses are as much objet d’art as they are clothing.

Originally published for Ly.st

P.S...check out my monster AW11 trend round-up over on the Matalan blog!