MOBILE PHONE-THROWING SCANDAL OF THE WEEK

The Face contestant and Team Naomi member Luo Zilin has been sacked from MIX Model Management for “unprofessional conduct” after being snapped cavorting in Ibiza with Campbell’s Russian billionaire ex, Vladimir Doronin. (Cavorting – such an underused word, right?) We’re not saying Naomi had anything to do with this. But we’re also not saying she didn’t… [Daily Mail]

REGINA GEORGE COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Karl may have apologised after calling Adele “a little too fat” last year, but he may find himself in more hot water this week. The 79-year-old now says: “I never said that she was fat, I said that she was a little roundish… After that she lost eight kilo, so I think the message was not that bad.” Never let it be said the man doesn’t speak his mind. [E! Online]

TABLOID HEALTH CRISIS OF THE WEEK

Victoria Beckham has just inspired her first medical condition. Meet ‘poshitis’ – the unofficial name that medics have given to neck and shoulder problems resulting from toting around overstuffed bags. First getting head gives you throat cancer – now carrying your handbag might give you back problems. Ladies, we just can’t win. [Express]

PROOF THAT THE FASHION INDUSTRY HAS A SENSE OF HUMOUR

To introduce the nominees for its Menswear Designer of the Year award, the CFDA assembled a bunch of male models to butcher (i.e. sing) Daft Punk‘s ‘Get Lucky’. Okay, not quite – some of them can actually hold a tune – but the rest? Don’t quit your day jobs, boys. You can read our CFDA awards round-up here. [YouTube]

THE ‘SUZY MENKES THROWING SHADE’ COLUMN OF THE WEEK

Colin McDowell really fucking hated The Great Gatsby film. In fact, he thinks it provides an ugly parallel to the shallow vulgarities of the current fashion industry. “The whole film is as vacuous as the pages of most fashion magazines,” he declares, before honing in on the “pornography masquerading as style” that populates the fashion world. It’s over 2000 words, but it’s well worth a read. [BoF]

This post is brought to you by Naomi Campbell, fount of wisdom

Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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Haizhen Wang moved to the UK from China, and his designs are inspired by authentic Chinese culture and dramatic contrasts in architecture. A master of structure, his dramatic tailoring is striking, yet thoroughly wearable. Does he stand a good chance? “I don’t know!” He told Wonderland. My advantage is that I’ve been in the industry a couple of years: I have experience, I’ve got strong skills and I’ve had my label for the past two years, it all gives me more confidence. I feel ready for the day that I have the opportunity to have a catwalk.”

Shuting Wang also started her career in China. “I think the Chinese mind and the English minds are like strands of DNA. Sometimes they think together, but most times they are poles apart. It is this juxtaposition which provides 180 degrees of space to challenge, question, and think in ways which help to create new ways to interpret the world around you.” Wise beyond her years, she tells us, “the most beautiful woman is like water, who seems soft and gentle, but cannot be broken.” Her line echo this idea; the designs are beautifully delicate, yet have a sense of timeless wearability.

Across the board, the label concepts are striking. For Cornel Bolt, inspiration comes in the dynamic of love vs power. “It’s a philosophical concept. That idea of having multiple personas within the self. The rivalry for superiority, it came from the “Ring Cycles” by Wagner. Individual conflict, I felt it was a beautiful concept.” He describes his label as forward thinking. Avant garde yet accessible, conceptual yet wearable, sophisticated yet young and fresh.

Raffaele Ascione’s designs have already been worn by Lady Gaga. “It was amazing, I never even had her in mind but it was so great.” Who did he have in mind? “Celeb wise I absolutely love Clare Danes, she has a graceful beauty that’s not typical. And I’d love to see Rihanna in more sportswear stuff.” Ascione has always harboured a passion for hip hop culture, and his dramatic silhouettes harmoniously fuse this urban edge with a sophisticated femininity.

Last but not least, we spoke to Vita Gottlieb. The only candidate without formal fashion training, her aesthetic is rooted in a multi-disciplinary approach to art. With a background in fine art and film, Gottlieb takes experiences of storytelling and human character and translates it into her designs, “I have a vivid imagination, I create stories and that’s the way I see the label developing, there’s endless inspiration within people”. In her dramatic attention to detail, her intricate garments feature secret pockets and hidden elements, each piece become unique to its owner and their own stories.

This year’s shortlist are extremely diverse in all aspects, from their experience to choice of materials. Yet, each candidate showcases a forward thinking attitude to fashion, and a pioneering collection. So who’s going to win? Not even a clue.

Words: Shannon Mahanty

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