bfc/vogue designer fashion fund

in  march 2011 the winner of the bfc/vogue designer fashion fund will be announced and there are some really strong contenders. I have a few favourites out of the 8 but still dont know who im backing, so i thought i’d delve a little deeper into the work of some nominees just to help me decide.

christopher kane was the name that i was automatically drawn to, perhaps because i am most familiar with his work. Kane describes his career highlight as working with donatella versace but i think he should be most grateful for his line with topshop which propelled him into the spotlight. Although the scottish designer personally certifies that embellishment is his signature, i think his strength lies in print; which is where i believe the future of fashion to take us. The animalistic and primal prints where so striking and portrayed kane’s insight into what is truly modern and edgy. I would also say the same for his newest menswear collection which my mouth watered for; if gender swapping was on the agenda for me, it would be for that collection alone. The colour combinations and intricate detail within the constellation inspired prints are out of this world (see what i did there)

My favourite thing about Christopher Kane, however, is his willingness to experiment, move and chop and change. He is not content in settling with one strong point when he can have many. His ss2011 collection was nothing but experimental; he cited Princess Margaret as design inspiration and although that reference was quite clear, more so was the fluorescent colour palette somewhat reminiscent of an acid trip … it was the mixing of modern and historic but to an extreme degree. Christopher Kane could be the future of fashion design 

 

 

Another Scot; Patrick Grant, designer for E.tautz, knows that there is nothing sexier than a man in a suit, especially if it’s an E.Tautz suit. In my opinion, Saville Row should be inspiration to any good menswear designer and this is particularly evident in the cut and impeccable fit of Grant’s suits. Most impressive is the overall styling; effortlessly cool and suave with complete masculinity which is unfortunately, and inexplicably, often lacking in menswear design (something i’ll never understand) men will want to be the e.tautz man and but the women might stay away in fear of being outdone in the fashion stakes…

 

Nicholas Kirkwood has quickly become one of the biggest names in shoe design and rightly so; his often architectural inspired heels are attention grabbers for all the right reasons. They are interesting and slightly unconventional at first glance but they’re still the sexiest shoes out there…second only to mr louboutin’s little wonders…It’s always said that an outfit should be created from the feet upwards but with nicholas kirkwood it begins and ends with the shoes.

Osman Yousefzada said, regarding his ss2011 collections “For me, it was all about easy pieces which you just put on, go out, and don’t have to think about but it gives you that drama and that wearability.” Drama? yes, wearability? well not really, but that never  matters to me. people always get frustrated over this topic, screaming “clothes are made to be worn!!!” but my answer to that is “it’s fashion, and fashion is not just clothes” Osman get’s this, even if not 100% consciously…His latest collection, although made up of good wearable clothes, felt more like art to me. i’m intrigued by how the designer mixes textures and how he makes light materials look so heavy…i think we’re looking at the dark horse here.

   

Peter Pilotto is another key contender with a lot of potential to go far regardless of the fund. In the last collection, i adored how even the most tight-fitting dresses had so much movement within the slits and flapping pieces of fabric. i also took note of how the layered materials clung to the model so lightly as she moved, it was really beautiful. However, in saying that, i favour pilotto and de vos’ previous collections that were impressively eye-catching; the colours were so exotic and the prints were sickeningly exquisite. Although, i’m fond of the newer stuff, those prints are where it’s at.

 

So, i’m swaying towards Christopher Kane ever so slightly, i haven’t completely chosen my winner from those mentioned above as well as those i have left out; richard nicholl, jonathan saunders and, shoe designer, charlotte olympia. I genuinely believe that all eight have a strong chance of scooping the prize which provides the opportunity of a life-time for an aspiring designer as proved by last years winner; erdem. The talent and innovation is there within every designer, which means that the british fashion council have a very tough decision ahead of them.