On Tuesday night I saw the top 22 fashion design graduates from Ravensbourne University strut there stuff (well the models did that for them). Being that it was my first Graduate Show, I cannot compare the quality to others, however I can say that these graduates have a talent. A strong one at that. Many of them where walking around in a daze, utterly exausted and not sure how to feel. You could tell them apart from the oglers by their shaky hands gripping on to cans of Red Bull and the glazed look in their eyes, followed shortly behind by their proud parents.
From the 22 collections shown there was a glorious mix of designs – Menswear, Womanswear, Print and Knitwear. Each piece was strong, individual and carefully manipulated into a collection. My favourite type of collection is fluid; it has a story being told through each garment that flows from one piece to the next. The strongest collections told whatever story they represented. Niki Pearson‘s print collection was one of my favourites. The prints were dynamic and vibrant, with a strong backbone of technicality running through them. Her inspiration comes from “the accidental stumbling upon beauty within our natural surroundings,” - loving that.
Jody Shafton who I interviewed resently had a great night. Not only was her collection received imaculately well, but she was awarded the ‘One To Watch’ by designer Louise Gray. Watching her run down from our high up post to the stage with complete excitement and wonder was the highlight of my night. I absolutely loved the colours, and the collection was completely different than any other – making simplicity beautiful.
Emma Anderson who won ‘Best Collection,’ has a truely creative and innovative vision. Her collection was dark and twisted yet stunning. Below is some inspirations from her portfolio.
The show proved that young talent really is where it’s at. Even Hilary Alexander was impressed. She tweeted “Fantastic knit creations by Hannah Withington, Stephanie Farrugia, Korina Kyriakou, Beth Kinsella @Ravensbourne BA Graduate Show last night,” yesterday. The closer and closer we got to show time the more industry professionals took their seats and us commoners crowded around the scafolding-esque balconies (nice architecture by the way. Great new diggs!) The panel was made up of Guy Hipwell the founder and Creative Director of Fashion156, Annalisa Dunn from Cooperative Designs, Alex Mein a Menswear Buyer, Louise Gray and Catherine Teatum from Teatum Jones.
All that I can say is well done peeps, you know your shit! Good luck to you all, though you don’t really need it…
