Fashion East unveils AW15 womenswear line-up

Fashion East is shaking things up for AW15. The quintessentially London fashion incubator announced a new trio of designers and a switcheroo in how they do things. Instead of the typical group show at the Topshop Show Space, it's taking proceedings to the ICA this London Fashion Week. 

After his dazzling SS15 debut, king of princessy dress-up Ed Marler returns to stage an "intimate salon show". He's joined by two womenswear graduates, who will stage static presentations: Central Saint Martins MA alum Caitlin Price and Westminster BA graduate Mary Benson.

Founder Lulu Kennedy said in a statement: "The team and our panel all feel strongly that young designers need to showcase their collections in the way that suits them best, so this season instead of the usual group runway show I’m excited that we're accommodating our two brilliant newcomers with presentations that can really draw guests into their world."

"We’ll also be showing Ed’s second collection in an intimate salon show – all under one roof at the incredible ICA, one of my favourite places in London!"

The three designers follow in the illustrious footsteps of past Fashion East designers such as Simone Rocha, Marques’Almeida, Ashley Williams and Jonathan Saunders. Watch out for them at the Fashion East presentation on February 20 and read more about them below:

ED MARLER

If you don't know Ed Marler, you will soon. The Central Saint Martins graduate from Buckinghamshire sent audiences on a fairy tale trip with his SS15 Fashion East debut. Think DIY Cinderella meets Anne Rice opulence, all tinged with a knowing wink from the kind of guy who walks down Dalston Kingsland in Dior monkey fur and Galliano threads.  You can read our SS15 show report here. 

CAITLIN PRICE

Newcomer Caitlin Price hails from South London and was tutored under the late, great Louise Wilson at the Central Saint Martins MA programme. The 2013 graduate was awarded the Armani Scholarship and presented a dream collection of high femme tracksuits, overlaying tough streetwear with white and navy satin frills and thrills. As a CSM student, she also assisted Christopher Shannon on his first womenswear collection for SS15 – so you know she's been groomed for glory. 

MARY BENSON

Leeds-born Mary Benson did a stint at Leeds Art College but finally went down south for a BA in fashion design at the University of Westminster. For her graduate collection, she channelled dreamy folk queen Kate Bush and the out-there album artwork of the 70s, producing ultra-vivid prints that take in everything from pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau motifs and stained glass design. The analysis? A full-on "She's A Lady" look with super-flared bell sleeves, ethereal dresses and feminine silhouettes. 

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