Wonderland<\/em>. My advantage is that I\u2019ve been in the industry a couple of years: I have experience, I\u2019ve got strong skills and I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\nShuting Wang also started her career in China. \u201cI 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.\u201d Wise beyond her years, she tells us, \u201cthe most beautiful woman is like water, who seems soft and gentle, but cannot be broken.\u201d Her line echo this idea; the designs are beautifully delicate, yet have a sense of timeless wearability.<\/p>\n
Across the board, the label concepts are striking. For Cornel Bolt, inspiration comes in the dynamic of love vs power. \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d He describes his label as forward thinking. Avant garde yet accessible, conceptual yet wearable, sophisticated yet young and fresh. <\/p>\n
Raffaele Ascione\u2019s designs have already been worn by Lady Gaga. \u201cIt was amazing, I never even had her in mind but it was so great.\u201d Who did he have in mind? \u201cCeleb wise I absolutely love Clare Danes, she has a graceful beauty that\u2019s not typical. And I\u2019d love to see Rihanna in more sportswear stuff.\u201d Ascione has always harboured a passion for hip hop culture, and his dramatic silhouettes harmoniously fuse this urban edge with a sophisticated femininity.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cI have a vivid imagination, I create stories and that\u2019s the way I see the label developing, there\u2019s endless inspiration within people\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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\u2019s going to win? Not even a clue.<\/p>\n
Words: Shannon Mahanty<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fashion Fringe 2012 is the brainchild of fashion writer, Colin McDowell. Since 2003, the fringe has been offering a foot in the door for emergent designers. The winning three – which will be announced tomorrow, whittled from ten – will have their collections showcased at London Fashion Week, as well as being offered financial and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9418],"tags":[2141,2329,2328,2326,2330,72,2325,2331,50,799,2327,1633,1078],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
FASHION FRINGE 2012 | Wonderland<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n