The very talented Mr Viking Wong

London Fashion Week always puts Running in Heels in a tizz but this season, we were more excited than ever. The reason can be summed up in two words: Viking Wong. Owner of fashion’s coolest name, Wong first started making waves over a year ago and has since gone from strength to strength. Shortlisted for the the Creative Enterprise Awards, ‘Outstanding New Business Award’, Wong will feature in the March edition of Elle Hong Kong and has been included in Vogue UK’s round-up of the names to watch in 2011. Why? Great tailoring, excellent use of colour and an eye for the quirky.

As with Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Gareth Pugh and Erdem, fashion commentators have been buzzing about Viking from the start. While you probably won’t see Kerry Katona jazzing up the front row his show, what you will see is a genius take on tailoring, a feminine aesthetic and a plethora of wearable pieces. He’s no John Galliano though. What Wong does well are chic Celine-esque pieces that are too good to ignore. Unusual cuts and attention to detail characterise his work, along with a relaxed vibe that’s almost French in its approach to laid back, thrown-on style. Wong describes his look as ‘androgynous, iconoclastic, feminine and fluid’ – similar to the descriptions applied by fashion commentators to Stella-era Chloe. Yes, he really is that good.

A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Wong worked for Adidas, Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckham, Burberry and Jasmine de Milo among others before starting his own label. His first collection, AW/09 was based on fresh neutral palette – camel, toffee, caramel and cream – and represented a fresh take on winter wear, particularly at a time when most of the big names were focusing on super-shoulders and sequins. While his debut collection was highly regarded, his second – A/W10 – was his watershed moment. Fluid lines, a monochrome palette and a distinctly sporty vibe were his hallmarks and the collection perfectly encapsulated the mood of the moment. His most recent collection – S/S11 – has also got plenty to love. From Breton stripes to neat, Polo-esque separates, Wong has got yacht-chic sewn up and provides a wonderful alternative to this season’s bold brights and fussy florals.

Vogue has said it and Harper’s Bazaar are about to say it. Now we’re saying it too. The talented Mr. Wong is definitely one to watch. We’re expecting big things.

Fluid lines, a monochrome palette and a distinctly sporty vibe are Viking Wong's hallmarks

Viking Wong is available to buy from Young British Designers.