Vauxhall puts designers in driving seat

Reading this on mobile? Click here to view Part of everything from big society rhetoric to The X Factor, the word "mentor" comes with many associations attached. In fashion, though, a more experienced creative taking a fledgling talent under their wing can be key. This new film – exclusive to the Guardian fashion blog – has been created by photographer Thomas Giddings , in partnership with Vauxhall, to show these relationships at close quarters. Profiling a trio of designers who have personalised Vauxhall's Adam car, the cast is an impressive array of London talent. Featuring menswear star James Small , fluoro dynamo Louise Gray and geometrically minded accessories designer Fred Butler , it gives insight into their way of working. Small is partnered with Kim Jones – now men's style director at Louis Vuitton, and Small's boss for 10 years. Wearing similar trainers and sweatshirts, the two express the need to develop a specific aesthetic and make it your own. In Small's case, that means a mix of street and glamrock – a combination that Jones describes as "very him". Gray – the Scottish designer who brightens up London Fashion Week with exuberant, collage-like designs of texture and colour – is shown with stylist Richard Sloan, known throughout the industry for a fun take on clothing. Their partnership feels natural – poring over samples, Sloan describes what they do as "really organic and easy". Whatever Gray gets from him, he gets just as much from her. Butler and Diane Pernet couldn't look more different – the blogger behind A Shaded View of Fashion wears her trademark black drapery, a diamante spider on her head. Butler, on the other hand, wears a purple catsuit, gold belt and multicoloured earrings. While she has never thought of herself as a mentor, Pernet is a known supporter of young talent: Butler experienced this firsthand early in her career, when Pernet pushed accessories on the influential blog. "You believe in it, you can do it," is the policy, according to Pernet. Sounds like a mentor to us. Watch Giddings' video above for more wise words.