After fighting my jet lag with a Pret a Manger latte–no, Pret does not pay me–and some champagne at a cozy Shepherd’s Market bistro, I headed straight for Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s “Ones to Watch” womenswear show. The show featured four recent fashion school graduates who are considered top emerging designers: Kirsty Ward, Anja Mlakar, Tze Goh, and Sara Bro-Jorgensen. Sponsored by Vauxhall Motors UK, the Fashion Scout program helps emerging talent find their feet in the fashion world, providing them with business advice in addition to a professionally produced runway show. Since I love covering less-well-known designers, I was excited to attend–and besides, the 20-30 minute wait for the show is all the more worthwhile when you are treated to four runway shows in one. Following the runway show, the designs were on display in the Fashion Scout Exhibition, where visitors could see them up close.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch Womenswear
L to R: Anja Mlakar, Tze Goh, Sara Bro-Jorgensen, Kirsty Ward

I was particularly impressed by Anja Mlakar, who graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2010 and presented three-dimensional pop art designs. I could as easily see one of her dresses in my closet for a cocktail party as I could on Katy Perry on a red carpet, so I would not be surprised if we see one of her designs on a starlet sometime soon.

Anja Mlakar

Anja Mlakar Catwalk Show
You can’t tell in my photo, but this dress has an amazing three-dimensional skirt.

I was also struck by Sara Bro-Jorgensen and her dark knits. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2010, and she presented designs equally cozy and cutting edge. Her knit headpieces would make an excellent alternative to my cashmere beret when I feel like dressing a little more hardcore.

Sara Bro-Jorgensen

Sara Bro-Jorgensen