Fashion East Spring/Summer 2011

Fashion East celebrates its 10-year anniversary this September, welcoming the return of Heikki Salonen from last season and introducing the hotly tipped newcomers Simone Rocha and Felicity Brown. Topshop remains as headline sponsor for the fifteenth consecutive season.

“Topshop is extremely proud of our support and association with Fashion East. Lulu Kennedy and her panel of insiders have consistently shown a talent for identifying the best of British-based designers, giving them a credible platform to show their collections. The British fashion industry has become all the richer over the past 10 years from this exciting project.” Mary Homer, Managing Director, Topshop

Heikki Salonen

Heikki Salonen’s AW10 glamorous-grunge collection was a hit (think aviator jackets, velvet Dr Martens, oversize knits). SS11 sees Salonen developing his twilight aesthetic further via Native American and skater influences, in a pale palette and delicate fabrics.  As well as his own label, Heikki is also a creative consultant at Diesel.

Felicity Brown

Felicity Brown gained a 1^st class BA honours from the Glasgow School of Art and an MA from the Royal Collage of Art. Having cut her teeth as a designer at Alberta Ferretti, Loewe, Mulberry and Lanvin, her debut AW10 collection was snapped up by Liberty in London, Barneys New York and 10 Corso Como Milan.

“It was the unique femininity of Felicity’s work and her confidence with both textile and colour that drew Liberty to her. Her fresh approach to design and completely timeless silhouettes are what the best of London Fashion Week is all about!” Yasmin Sewell, Creative Consultant, Liberty

Simone Rocha (above)

Simone Rocha graduated from Central Saint Martin’s MA in February, where her modern, wearable, innovative designs stood out as having a fresh point of view. Diverse influences range from the extremes of Frances Bacon and Mark Borthwick, through to Irish heritage. Her deconstructed tailoring is simultaneously strong yet romantic, exploring the interplay between masculinity and femininity. It has already caught the eye of V, Dazed & Confused, Twin, Wonderland and Pop. A capsule of Rocha’s headpieces will be available at Topshop from September.

“Simone Rocha has a strong, modern, sympathetic approach to womenswear and an eclectic eye for accessories.” Professor Louise Wilson OBE¸ Course Director MA Fashion, Central Saint Martins

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