Advertorial // Esprit & Royal College Of Art

1 Esprit + 3 upcoming talents of the Royal College Of Art = 1 unique, yet wearable F/W '12-collection.

That's one hell of an easy sum to summarize the 2nd collaboration between Esprit and the Royal College of Art in London. I love to see brands which support upcoming talent. It one of the main reasons why I wanted to write this post. It's hard to make a name in the ever changing fashion industry and it's even harder to stay there - unless you're name is Karl Lagerfeld or Donatella Versace. 

The collection, named 'Esprit RCA Limited Edition', focuses on creativity and style. But most of all, it focuses on durability. It was one of the main questions the postgraduate students at the RCA had to keep in mind while designing their collection: "Can fashion be durable?" Plus, they also had to focus on a collection that was suitable for the buyers and customers at Esprit. So, the students started designing, sketching, sewing... until Esprit had found the 3 winners:

Julia Mackenroth, Rachael Hail and Ryan Mercer.

Their creations will be transformed into real collections and will go international thanks to Esprit. The Esprit RCA Limited Edition-collection consists out of sweaters, coats, blouses and trousers and will be the main theme in the newly renovated Esprit-store on Regent Street, London. It will also be available in 11 selected stores around the world and online, of course. The Belgian fans will be able to buy the collection in Antwerp (Meir, 9) and online on Esprit.be. 

So, I'm curious to read which collection is your favorite!

They all have their own charm and personality, but based on my personal style, I would go for Ryan Mercer's collection.

Click below to see the three winning designers and their creations.

Julia Mackenroth: "I love to knit and to work with my hands. And if I design something, I ask myself if I'd wear it myself."

Rachael Hail: "This is something that really interests me. As a designer, I'm aware of the fact that most fast fashion is being created for a culture that throws everything away."

Ryan Mercer: "I wanted to create items that people fall in love with and cherish. Items that last longer than one or two seasons."