Roving Reporter: Ones to Watch

Just managed to run from Leicester Square back to Vuaxhall Fashion Scout to make it into the Ones to Watch show in the nick of time.

Ones to Watch is a new Vaxhall Fashion Scout initiative with an interesting combination of four young designers showing back to back in a group show.

First designer to show was, Ocean Terminal Scottish Fashion Graduate Award winner, Lu Flux. Flux has gained a repuation already for making beautiful ethically made one off pieces using traditional techiniques such as patchwork. Men’s single breasterd jackets and shorts were printed with patchwork as well as on trouser dungarees. The collection was a mix between English country manner come baker boy that has taken a liking to Peter Pan. The use of patchwork illustrates her aim to create something new from something old, as a way to counterbalance overconsumption.

Second designer up was Osaka born Kyoto City alumni, Kumiko Watan. In the collection she combines unique hand drawn prints such as balloon illustrations on skirts, trousers and knitwear. The use of balloons and illustrations evolved from the designers love of story telling.

Next up was University of Leeds graduate, Andrew Bannister, who showed a very British (in your face) take on urban menswear. Bannister presented a strong red and white colour palette. White tracksuits were covered in red diagonal strips. This season Bannister crafted garments from soft perforated leather and 3M white relective tape. The collection is definitely not for everyone but lucky for Bannister, the fashion industry seem to understand him, making him a firm favourite amongst stylists that love his bold designs.

My favourite designer of the foursome was knitwear specialist Alice Palmer. Using the best yarn like cashmere and silk, Palmer created beautifully structured tops with stronger angular shoulders. Jagged edge detail on cardigans emphasised the structure and tailoring. Palmer's strength lies in her ability to experiment with fabrics. Like Louise Goldin, she pushed our expectations of what a designer can do with knitwear.

We've just missed the next show because this one ran so late so we're off to the Dazed and Confused party. Come back for pictures of the event and inside gossip. Untill tomorrow..............