[London] Shao Yen AW 2012

Photo: Rena Niamh Smith / Danielle Neeson

Shao Yen earned his fashion stripes at CSM then with Hussein Chayalan and Alexander McQueen, while his own label has been picked up by Dazed & Confused, Style Bubble and won him bespoke commission from Bjork in 2009. The Taiwanese designer presented a sportif collection this season as presentation at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Sipping pink cider, the crowd were somewhat overwhelmed by themselves as photographers, bloggers and the like vied for positions to capture the best angle. For the second outing of outfits, however, PRs cleared the space and things could be viewed far better without worrying you were about to crash into someone else's lens. A knitwear designer by trade, Yen integrated heritage British fabrics into evening and sportwear looks. As with many designers this season, orange was a favourite shade, as in the ensemble featuring silky pant and baseball cap, as was turquoise, both of which popped against darker designs, as seen here in the long haired orange sleeves with the black dress. The tweed parka was particularly witty, and models wore either trainers or stilettos with sporty socks. Keeping beauty clean and simple, the collection was fun and wearable.

Photos: Rena Niamh Smith / Danielle Neeson

Photos: Rena Niamh Smith / Danielle Neeson