It was electric. The atmosphere in the Vestibule in anticipation; the showcase for the SS14 Merit Award winner was about to commence.
As the penultimate catwalk presentation of Fashion Scout Day One; the seasonal £25,000 accolade had been bestowed upon Central Saint Martins MA alum and Ones To Watch veteran Yulia Kongranina; and it was clear to see why. Yulia has an unusual method of garment design, for it is not the silhouette that dictates the construction and fabrication but the fabrication and experimentation that decides the outcome. Speaking with the bubble of modesty post showcase she explained how it was a through a combination of seamless craftsmanship; joining matching squares and dots and allowing the cottons and chiffons to fall into the perfectly fitted cocoon silhouettes.
Modern, innovative and an insane attention to detail left onlookers wanting more and wondering how the pieces were created. Low-V stepped necklines plunged south in the form of dresses, cropped tops and playful translucent layers. A monochrome palette was highlighted by raspberry reds and worn sea blues. A master of traditional technique; lines zig-zagged seamlessly; the fabric almost looking like a complex cross stitch from afar. Kondranina's minimal, highly wearable mix media garments, styled with a simple slip on sandal are a confident and well deserved, desirable offering. The future looks bright for Yulia, she will return to Fashion Scout to progress her collection with the sponsored prize next season.
Madeleine Ayers, contributor. Follow her on Twitter: @MadeleineAyers
Photographs by Tram Nguyen. Follow her on Twitter: @tramnguyenp