October 18, 2022 |
Head to high ground, a new wave is coming and it’s a tsunami level breaker. In December, The Fashion Awards are back, and ahead of the hoopla the British Fashion Council has just announced its New Wave emerging creatives for the 2022 annum. Counting photographers, directors, stylists, hair, nail and makeup technicians, casting agents, set specialists, image makers, multi-hyphenates and more, it’s a curated pick of the best and the brightest fresh faced innovators navigating the industry today.
The BFC’s Fashion Awards is the most awaited awards ceremony in the industry. Creatives from all four corners of the world accumulate in the UK capital just for the ceremony, coming blissfully together like a delectable melting pot with a core of London’s own flavour. This year’s edition takes place December 5 at the Royal Albert Hall.
The New Wave division is one of the most exciting mechanisms of the event with a tailored list of 50 creative newcomers, selected by a panel of industry kingpins including model Soo Joo Park, designer Bianca Saunders and film producer Brett Kincaid. It’s a veritable who’s who of the fashion world – including Jack Collins, Jonathan Johnson, Angel My Linh and Raphael Bliss. Here, each of the four take us through their creative process.
JACK COLLINS
First up: Jack Collins, the London based stylist and consultant constructing sharp, elusive characters with the je ne sais quoi of those around him as his inspiration. With an extensive portfolio traversing work for Vogue China, Interview and Modern Weekly Style, as well as collaborations with accomplished photographers including Marili Andre, Josie Hall, Markn, Valentin Herfray and Raphael Bliss, this is a name to keep your sights on.
“So much about where you come from defines your work. I come from a working class family and have made a career for myself, but the characters I know – many of whom come from my hometown – continue to inspire what I do today. It feels great to be acknowledged by the BFC and by other artists that I admire and have had the pleasure to work with. It’s so important to support and acknowledge young and emerging talent, otherwise we see the same stuff all the time.”
Photography courtesy of @jack_collins
JONATHAN JOHNSON
We also delved deep into the vivid world of stylist and casting director Jonathan Johnson whose extensive portfolio includes the likes of Tyler the creator, System, Another, Time, and our very own 10 Men. His collaborators span from Rafael Pavarotti, Nadine Ijewere, Joshua Woods to Amber Pinkerton.
“I was always inspired by my mother, family and community growing up. I come from a stylish working-class family and my mother has always set the bar in terms of not letting circumstances limit you. It adds character and is integral to who I am and how I respond and articulate things today. It’s why nothing is ever audacious to me no matter how unrealistic it might seem to others. I know the power images of representation hold to people like me and I feel a responsibility to induce representation in a way that’s authentic to who I am and where I come from. I hope it translates.”
Photography courtesy of @iamjonjohnson
ANGEL MY LINH
Distinguishable by her transcendentally imaginative enamalings, Angel My Linh is the London-born Vietnamese nail artist making crazy claws. Having worked for glossies like Vogue, brands such as Beats, Depop, Gucci, and artists including Tems and Megan Thee Stallion, she’s on her way to acrylic stardom.
“Since I was born, my family owned a nail salon and from the age of eight I was doing nails. I was raised in South East London, a place known for extravagant nail art and long nails. Everything I do now is influenced by this. I felt very honoured to be nominated and shortlisted [by the BFC]. It’s a huge accomplishment, especially as a Vietnamese nail artist to be nominated and recognised for a craft that my community has dominated for so long.”
Photography courtesy of @angelsnailz
RAPHAEL BLISS
London photographer Raphael Bliss formulates fabulous, somewhat anti-fashion images. With a euphoric, celestial name like “Raphael Bliss” it’s no wonder the depictions are so otherworldly. Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney are just a taste of the bigwigs he’s worked with, alongside publications including Dazed, Buffalo Zine and 10 Magazine.
“I was always making and producing work with friends, and I feel like that energy is still an important part of what I do. I try not to take any of it too seriously and always want there to be an element of humour within my work. I was actually eating ramen in Roppongi [when I heard I’d been shortlisted] and almost choked on my soft boiled egg in surprise!”
Photography courtesy of @raphaelbliss
Top image courtesy of the British Fashion Council. The Fashion Awards take place December 5.
