Monday 1 July 2013

LFF ATTENDS: GRADUATE FASHION WEEK 2013

At the beginning of June, LFF attended Graduate Fashion Week at Earl's Court. I try to make a trip to the show each June to see the latest talent coming out of the UK's universities and I'm happy to report that there's a wealth of beautiful designs for 2013. My only complaint about the show is that the fluorescent lighting in Earl's Court makes it difficult to take decent photographs. Next year GFW will be in a new location as the venue is set to close- fingers crossed for Olympia which offers the holy grail of natural light. Yellow-hued exposures aside, continue reading  to see what I spotted and liked

When it comes to fashion, I am discovering that I am drawn to the commercial and wearable, so don't expect anything too outlandish here. Just because a piece has 'commercial appeal' doesn't instantaneously deem it safe or boring, however. All of the below pieces are interesting and new whilst maintaining that all-important air of wearability.

A fine example of embellishment combined with punky Guns n Roses doodles from this Demontfort University student
Print clash floral shirt from Demontfort University (excuse the grumpy face)


Poodles provided inspiration for this Demontfort University student 
Amy Jocasa Priestley from Northumbria University provided my highlight of the show with her clever designs that captured pressed flowers in clear vinyl cuffs & collars. I find the contrast between pretty and plastic pleasing
Both modern and modette in style, Rebbeca Docherty of Bradford College's neoprene collection was commercially cool
Nottingham Trent University always have some of the strongest collections at GFW in my opinion. 2013 was no different with this impressive display catching my attention at the show


Laser-cut dogstooth leather- how clever is that? I don't recollect seeing this effect before

I love interesting knitwear- this zip-front sweater from a Nottingham trent graduate pushes the boundaries of textile design and is a real statement piece that I would love to own/wear!


Who would have thought beetles could look so chic? This Nottingham Trent student mirrored bug prints with an athropod-inspired cape and paid a stylish homage to the insect world

I also found time to fit in the University of Northumbria's catwalk show, which offered more commercial ideas and designs. Whilst Melyssa Bates' designs (above) couldn't be described as commercial, her collection displayed a real flair for construction with more than just a hint of the Corrie Nielsen about them.

Lindsay Hansom's collection has an intricate, folksy feel that sent the flashbulbs popping at the end of the runway.
The name of this designer escapes me- let me know if you are aware of it. But I need to wax lyrical about the above trousers; mint green lace with metallic fuchsia accents and race lace hem? Dreamy!
This is a busy combination of hand-painted leopard prints, delicate lace and neon hues and yet somehow it works
A rainbow coloured leopard print bridal gown? That definitely has to be a first doesn't it? Subversive yes, but it is so beautifully cut it almost convinces me I want to get married in a spot of leopard


Sally Hewit showed the ultimate winter collection with snug faux-fur elements throughout. This look offered the ultimate in winter mittens with these outlandish and luxe fur designs
Rosie Janes' brigtly hued sporty knits proved to be a show stealer. Think Missoni on acid and you have the makings of a very cool collection

3 comments:

  1. Fab picks! I would wear those black & white striped palazzos RIGHT NOW.. in fact I really want to.

    FYI to get rid of the yellow have a play with the temperature of your photos, or the colour balance.. turn down yellow & turn up blue.
    X

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    1. Can you believe these are the pictures post-edit with a whole lot of blue added? The lighting in Earl's Court is vile! You would love awesome in striped palazzos, I like the print mash-up going on there too.

      Sophie x

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing the photos! I was invited but couldn't go, unfortunately. Absolutely adore some of the designs, especially Rebbeca's and Trent Uni (that laser cut leather is fantastic!).
    x

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