Fashion East introduces exciting mix of new designers

Fashion East’s panel have selected newcomers Claire Barrow and Ryan Lo to present their debut collections, whilst Maarten van der Horst returns for a third season of support.

Susie Lau of StyleBubble.co.uk says: “Fashion East’s new line-up for SS13 is once again a really diverse selection, one that feels rebellious against the clean and minimal aesthetics of many of London's younger designers. There's a real ‘handcrafted with love’ vibe with new designers Ryan Lo and Claire Barrow, and it will be exciting to see how Maarten van der Horst progresses.”

This season Fashion East welcomes on board new sponsor TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe who will work alongside long-term make-up partner MAC.

Director Lulu Kennedy MBE says of this season’s project: “I love an unusual venue, and 50 St James, with its various spaces, provides the perfect place to shake up our format. Ryan and Claire’s wonderful detailed work will be displayed in presentation rooms, while Maarten takes over the salon space for his final show with us. All three are brilliant!”

Claire Barrow

University of Westminster graduate Claire Barrow is a “fashion artist” fêted for her hand-painted designs on leather. Her signature dystopian aesthetic and unique way with fabrics have won her a legion of fans from Vogue’s Francesca Burns to Jessie J and Rihanna. Her London Fashion Week debut is hotly anticipated following the success of her recent collaboration with Joseph, featuring hand painted biker jackets, trousers and bags.

Ryan Lo

22 year old Hong Kong-born Ryan Lo taught himself to knit from Youtube tutorials and has not looked back since. His rule breaking, maximalist DIY approach sees him manipulating anything from tulle, tinsel, ribbons into extraordinary knitted creations. He is featured in the current issue of LOVE magazine wearing a pink ‘candy floss’ textile cardigan, and in Dazed & Confused September issue stating “To me everything is wearable and I’ll wear it anytime.”

Maarten van der Horst

Dutch born Maarten’s Hawaiian prints and fun- time ruffles caught the eye of Fashion East in 2011 where he has shown for the last two seasons. Maarten is now considered one of London’s hottest designers, and has already undertaken    a    sell-out    Topshop    capsule collection and limited edition watch commission for G-Shock. Maarten launched a hugely successful second line of unisex printed tees and sweatshirts named ‘I Want Your Love’ at Fashion East’s Menswear Installations in June 2012. Stockists include Opening Ceremony and Selfridges.

London Fashion Week