Burberry's Christopher Bailey Names New Designer Haizhen Wang 2012 Fashion Fringe Winner

Christopher Bailey has crowned emerging designer Haizhen Wang the winner of the 2012 Fashion Fringe.

The Central St Martin's graduate was presented the prestigious award by Burberry's chief creative director at London Fashion Week's curtain-closing event.

Fashion Fringe, now in its ninth year, supports young designers to help them launch their labels.

This season saw Chinese-born Wang and his fellow finalists Teija Eilola and Vita Gottlieb showcase their debut collections at Somerset House.

Wang's edgy designs, inspired by historical Japanese armours, played with proportions and used a palette of black, whites, grey and blues.

Eilola drew on her Finnish roots to create a collection dominated by ultra-feminine ensembles. Although it was a simpler collection, standout pieces included draped chiffon gowns and cocoon-shaped frocks with cutaway backs.

Gottlieb presented an array of embroidered designs including crinkle-pleats, cone-covered capelets, and a tulip-shaped skirt in shades of red, gold, teal and brown. She offered contrast in the form of slinky mini-dresses in opulent fabrics.

Following an interval performance from up-and-coming band Bastille, Wang, a former employee of All Saints, was presented the trophy designed by Jessica McCormack.

Bailey said: ''With Haizhen, he has a talent that hopefully the industry will relate to. It's effortless and in his blood. When you first see his work, it appears to be very graphic and bold but it's constructed in a very sensual way."

Wang will receive a fully equipped studio space at Somerset House for the next four seasons, with financial backing, business planning advice and mentoring from some of the industry's biggest names.

Previous notable Fashion Fringe winners include Erdem, Basso & Brooke, Corrie Nielsen and Fyodor Golan.

Wang said: "I'm really excited. It's absolutely fantastic. It's such an amazing opportunity to win. It's my career's turning point."