Fashion Scout announces SS19 Merit Award winner

Hong Kong based brand I-am-chen has been selected as the winner of Fashion Scout’s SS19 Merit Award and will receive a fully sponsored catwalk show during London Fashion Week.

The brand, founded by designer Zhi Chen, was selected from hundreds of applicants for its colourful aesthetic and playful approach to knitwear fashion.

It was chosen by a judging panel made up of industry experts including Martyn Robers, Fashion Scout’s founder and director; Hattie Crisell, freelance fashion editor; Ida Petersson, womenswear buying director at Browns; and show producer Joe Toronka.

“I can’t believe this actually happened! I had seven days to create samples before the final selection panel; I ran to the factory to start immediately after I heard from Fashion Scout that I got into the last round. Because we could not find anyone who was going to London from China to deliver the samples, I decided to fly in myself, keeping my fingers and toes crossed,” said Zhi Chen.

“I had such a great experience working with the Fashion Scout team last season as a winner for the Ones to Watch show and I am so excited about having my first individual show with Fashion Scout. It is going to be a 20+ look all knit spring/summer collection. I can’t wait to present how far knit can go in the summer,” she continued.

Now in its fourth season, the brand focuses on challenging the definition of knitting by exploiting the potentials of advanced machines, applying state-of-art techniques and using unconventional yarns. This results in unique garments full of shapes and contrasting colour combinations.

“We are extremely excited to award i-am-chen the Merit Award following their exceptional and well received collection as part of the AW18 One’s To Watch Award at Fashion Scout. The brand was a easy decision for the judging panel to award Merit to, due to the eye catching colourways, intriguing knitting techniques and thought through design process. Fashion Scout are excited to give i-am-chen the opportunity to continue building the brand and profile here in London,” commented Fashion Scout founder Martyn Roberts.

The talent initiative is worth £20,000 across three seasons, and will provide i-am-chen with the opportunity to showcase its SS19 collection during London Fashion Week in September.

Previous winners of the Merit Award have included Eudon Choi, Phoebe English, David Koma and Fortie Label.

Fashion Scout announces SS19 Merit Award winner

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