Assignment #7 Fashion Consumer

Assignment #6: New Generation Fashion Designers

In 1993, the British Fashion Council created New Generation, also known as "NEWGEN," which is one of the world's most internationally known talent searches for fashion designers. Since 2001, Top Shop has taken over the sponsorship. Catwalk designers, like these below, are financially backed by this talent search to produce their line and borrow the space for the runway show. Internationally known as a prestigious launch pad, this scheme has done wonders for the up and coming British designers, helping none other than Alexander McQueen.

Mary Katrantzou

Background: Mary attended the Rhode Island School of Designand then completed her BA and MA at Central Saint Martins. She has previously worked for Sophia Kokosalaki and free lanced for Bill Glass among other designers.

Vision and Customer: She designs for a woman with a liberated spirit and strong sence of style, through a hyperrealist asthetic, bold graphics, and industrial jewelry.

Merchandise: Her merchandise is so bold, different, and unique, nothing like I have ever seen before. Her use of fabic choices are inspired by interior design fundamentals and aesthetics. Her shapes are very structured and modern for her Spring 2011 line. The color palate is light, with pastels, yet still bold with the combination of black and yellow accents.

Inspiration: She is inspired by London's constant energy and for her Fall 2011 line, she was inspired by Diana Vreeland, coromandel scenes, and the interwar period.

Retail: thecorner.com/ farfetch.com

Price Range: $400-$700

Spring/ Summer 2011:

David Koma

Background: David is originally from Georgia and then grew up in Saint-Peterburg. He earned both his BA and MA degrees from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design.

Vision and Customer: He describes the "David Koma" woman as powerful and confident. His inspiration comes from dark forests, Tim Burton, and hallusinations.

Merchandise: His merchandise lacks bold color, but speaks for itself throught the absence of color- black and white. His design signitures are sculptural shape, heavy embellishment, and perfect fit. I love his clothing because it is strong, yet still feminine and very wearable. His fabric choices are heavy weaves mixed with light weight chiffons.

Retail: He stocks his clothing at Browns Focus London.

Price Range: 100- 300 pounds.