Graduate Fashion Week
Graduate Fashion Week – the prestigious event which started with the simple idea of bringing together catwalk talent.The focus, similar to London Fashion Week, is pioneering new, unique designers, and again, it seems London has come up trumps.
What’s more, Graduate Fashion Week is accessible to everyone. Whilst the figures from the leading fashion-based universities and colleges prepare their collections, the public wait outside to grab their tickets.
So, what’s the verdict for 2010? We take a look at the best that took to the catwalks and ask: what’s next for them?
First up, let’s turn to Faye Chamberlain, from Northumbria University.
Whilst it was a tad inevitable that many of the designers cited Alexander McQueen as inspiration, Chamberlain’s abstract prints were bright, brave and showcased Northumbria as a viable place for new designers.
Secondly, the University of Westminster. The pressure’s on, as this institution brought us the great Dame Vivienne Westwood. Representing, Hannah Clayton. And represent she did, by becoming the second finalist.
This was largely due to the essence of wearability – it was, simply, womenswear, although the 1990s flashback inspiration created a nostalgic vibe that the front row clearly enjoyed.
Kingston University is fairly new in terms of being a big player in the industry, however Nathaila Tunna did a sterling job.
It differed both from other collections in period inspiration (1930s) and also displayed impeccable tailoring.
The front row certainly appreciated Tunna’s take on formal structure, high necks and waists. Tunna produced a look that was elegant and striking.
Judge Alberta Ferretti was impressed by Rebecca Thompson‘s collection, from Manchester School of Art. Receiving the top prize overall, the judges called the collection “contemporary, and accomplished”.
Whilst Thompson favoured a design aesthetic that was clean and crisp, it was the attention to detail that impressed the most. Large bows and and beautiful hems meant that the prize was well earned.
Bunmi Olayi from East London University was one of the most impressive collections of the Week.
This beats 2009 hands down -the designers are more focused and dedicated to producing clothes that are wearable and with influences that function both on and off the catwalk.
The crowd was blown away by the bold colours and obvious tribal influence. Whilst The Daily Telegraph called her “the star of the show”, it is certain that Olayi has a future in international fashion, if not London fashion.
The T-shirt proclaiming “Fur is Murder” says it all about Natalie Rae, 2010 graduate from the London College of Fashion.
Rae ethically sources all her fabrics, but then cleverly uses a mixture of embroidery and layering of fabrics to mimic the texture and look of fur.
The colour combinations were also completely fashion forward, juxtaposing punchy blue with natural blue. Loved here and by the judges, Rae is being snapped up by many editorial magazines.
Susie Bubbles’ clear fashion favourite was Cari Marsden, hailing from Leeds University. Marsden, in an unique move has created a “D-I-Y” dress.
After creating a basic mesh dress, an overlay dress can systematically be threaded with various shades of jersey piping. Pretty amazing results ensue … will we be seeing make-your-own dress kits on the shelves in seasons to come?
Another contender from Northumbria University was Amelia Chester. Chester differs somewhat to other designers in that her influence was industry based, in her own words, her clothes “are designed to last”.
Neutral colours and the inspiration of the urban side of Lancashire meant that the feel was very different to the normal “London” essence to some of the catwalk shows.
The best piece from her collection was easily the sheepskin coat, an investment piece that would serve any fashion lover well.
Cited by glossy-mag.com as their out and out favourite, Anna Lee did DeMontfort University proud.
The clashing blue and red prints created a magical sensation on the catwalk- perfectly encapsulating her theme “the Chinese Dragon”.
She was the deserving winner of the Zandra Rhodes catwalk textiles prize, with judge Lorraine Candy (editor of Elle UK) noting “the standard of work was high”.
One thing is certain – this year beats 2009 hands down.
The designers are more focused, and are dedicated to producing clothes that are wearable, and with influences that function both on and off the catwalk. It can be difficult to produce results that will succeed.
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