Fashion Shenzhen at London Fashion Week SS13

During London Fashion Week, I was invited by The Body Shop to attend the Fashion Shenzhen show as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Excited to experience a taste of China's offerings for SS13, I headed over to Freemason's Hall - not too far from Somerset House - and met up with fellow blogger Maria to watch the show. Having showcased designers based in what is set to become China's 'fashion and creative capital' at London Fashion Week for five years now, this time around, Fashion Shenzhen had two new designers to bring to it's London audience.

The first collection on the catwalk was that of AUM - a brand headed by Michelle Shimin Yu whose designs explore the simplicity of Buddhist style. As expected, the collection proved simplistic and casual, whilst Yu' fabric choices were all very Friends of the Earth. The linen dresses and deconstructed dungarees created a laid back and carefree look, with the flashes of hot pink and lime green adding a lovely touch of femininity. Not quite my usual style but the collection definitely reminded that the 'less is more' mantra can indeed be true.

FASHION NOTES: Earthy tones, cottons and linens, splashes of colour and flatforms a plenty.

BEAUTY NOTES: Sleek plaits from the nape of the neck, dewy skin, nude lips and natural brows.

The second half of the show displayed what Yang Fan, head designer for Mascot, has to offer us for SS13. We were treated to unbelievably sophisticated pieces incorporating breathtakingly bright shades, a huge variety of textures as well as a generous dash of traditional Chinese culture.

FASHION NOTES: Bright is best, flowing satins, billowing dresses, oriental detailing and unusual texture.

BEAUTY NOTES: Sleek and twisted updos, natural brows, bright lips and again, wonderfully glowing skin. With The Body Shop sponsoring all the VFS shows, there's no doubt the makeup artists backstage had been covering the models with Body Shop natural skincare to go alongside the shimmered highlight, touch of foundation and light contouring used to create such flawless summer skin.

Fashion Shenzhen - a concept, a city and a collection designers all new to me. However, the breathtaking detailing and shapes from Mascot and relaxed yet feminine silhouettes from AUM surpassed my expectations and have definitely got me excited for SS13!

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