Vauxhall Fashion Scout Introduces the Designers of the Future as Fashion Fever Hits London

LUTON, United Kingdom – January 30, 2009: Vauxhall Fashion Scout, the leading off-schedule venue at London Fashion Week, is back for its sixth season. Playing host to an impressive 22 designers, the all-encompassing venue is set to take the fashion world by storm as it previews collections from some of the best new-comers to the industry, including rising star, William Tempest.

The initiative, a collaboration between Vauxhall Motors and Fashion Scout founders Martyn Roberts and John Walford, not only offers a venue for emerging talent, but also provides practical support and advice to those working in the fashion industry.

The Merit Award
New for 2009, Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award is a brand new scheme set up to support emerging designers with exceptional talent. The winner is provided with three seasons worth of sponsorship and professional mentoring, culminating in a solo catwalk show, where they can showcase their collection during London Fashion Week.

This year’s winner of the prestigious Award has gone to budding designer, William Tempest. Tipped to be the rising star of 2009 by Vogue. Tempest’s work has already been spotted on the red carpet, worn by Harry Potter star, Emma Watson and is popular amongst other celebrities such as Lily Allen and Jade Parfitt.

Tempest, who trained at The London College of Fashion, has gained a great deal of experience in his 22 years, working with some of fashion’s biggest names, including Giles Deacon and Jean Charles de Castlebjac. Narrowly missing out on last year’s Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden Award, William Tempest is thrilled to be the first recipient of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award.

Ones to Watch
Also new to Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s agenda this season is the eagerly anticipated group show, ‘Ones to Watch’, containing some of the UK’s hottest fashion newcomers.

Specially designed to support up and coming talent, Vauxhall Fashion Scout gives aspiring designers more than just a venue to showcase their work. The ‘Ones to Watch’ entails a group catwalk show, in which four designers will be given the opportunity to showcase their collection at London Fashion Week to an international audience.

Already responsible for helping talents such as Peter Pilotto and Julia Clancey gain exposure, the new schemes developed this season are a positive step forwards for Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Offering guidance, support and sponsorship, the off-schedule venue is continuing to open more doors for emerging talent, when it comes to breaking into the tough world of fashion.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout will run from 20th February – 25th February, coinciding with the on-schedule shows at London Fashion Week.