Fashion Shenzhen, London Fashion Week SS13

Fashion Shenzhen SS13 catwalk images by Lin Vitali. Written content submitted by Kate Olsson.

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Fashion Shenzhen

Shenzhen, of China's Guangdong province is firmly established as China's garment and textiles capital, and now they have their sights set on the creative design capital to boot as this burgeoning city is continually producing stand out talent. Organized by the Shenzhen Garment Industry Association (SIGA) Fashion Shenzhen is the 'ultimate' platform for China's emerging talent. This season two designers, AUM and Jixiangzhai presented their collections at Vauxhall Fashion Scout as part of the SS13 London Fashion Week collections.

AUM

Michelle Shimin Yu first established 'Bello Ann' in 2005, and since introduced AUM last year.

Stemming from the classical simplicity of traditional Buddhist concepts, exploring formlessness and a balance between fluidity and weight, the SS13 collection sung true to this design aesthetic. An organic looking and feeling collection from the earthly colour palate, to the simple, yet beautifully finished designs, it was an effortlessly simple, and a decidedly high fashion collection. The collection lent itself also to a hint of the orient, a nod to the heritage of the designer.

A highly cohesive collection, models were sent down the runway in floppy fluid hats mimicking the movement of the garments themselves. Minimal makeup, and partially obscured faces make it all about the design.

AUM's SS13 collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week.
See more images from AUM's SS13 catwalk.

Jixiangzhai (Mascot)

Since opening their first store in 2002, Mascot quickly established themselves as a major label throughout China, now with over 90 stores. Designer Yang Fan toys with the charm of the Orient to create her designs, incorporating a rich historical culture with traditional skill set with a contemporary design focus. Femininity, sophistication and elegance are the key to Mascot's brand aesthetic.

The Mascot SS12 collection had a decidedly oriental feel, without being outwardly likened to traditional dress. Modern shapes and beautiful untraditional popping colours in silk satins played against each other, with sharp detailed embroidery of Chinese flora and other iconography ringing true to the historical direction of the brand. It's wonderful to see the creativity of taking traditional styles of dress, to maintain a firm grip on history, with a chic ultra-modern mind set to reinvent the way Chinese, and now international women dress.

Jixiangzhai (Mascot) SS13 collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week.
See more images from Jixiangzhai's SS13 catwalk.

Fashion Shenzen Catwalk Show Video: AUM SS13 Collection

Fashion Shenzen Catwalk Show Video: Jixiang Zhai SS13