Graduate Fashion Week 2012: Nottingham Trent University

Posted on June 22, 2012 by admin

The Fashion and Design courses at Nottingham Trent are internationally known for having the latest technologies to provide their students with the most current and enriching experience. Responsive to the ever-changing industry, the courses have adapted to this and so encourage students to have awareness of the market as well as strengthen their own skills professionally and technically.

Shin-ici Murata

Monochrome tribal prints in thick fabrics made this collection a statement. Silver spike detailing with the heavier fabrics added a strong edge to the pieces, while simple cuts further enhanced the presence of the prints.

Emma Walsh

A relaxed collection of loose and easy dresses and fine knit jumpers and trousers were given a futuristic edge with silver knits, simple geometric shapes and cut-out detailing. A sporty touch was seen through the slim fitting jogging trousers as well as some smarter, long cardigans with metallic leggings.

Harriet Brean

Although glossy is not something normally associated with Menswear, this collection saw glossy black tshirts, leggings under shorts and brogues with classic but oversize blazers and parka jackets. Maybe not for every stylish guy out there, but the ones who aren’t afraid to try something a little different.

Lily Mason

Heritage was given a modern twist with clean-cut, oversize silhouettes and enlarged, clashing traditional English prints such as tartan and tweed. It had an air of ‘geek secretary chic’ about it with tartan pencil skirts paired with overcoats, brogues and specs.

Rebecca Munn

A muted palette of greys and white with flashes of black and lime added a refined touch to this collection of demure yet strong pieces. We saw fitted, high-waisted pencil skirts with sheer draped tops to sharp, minimal waistcoats and trousers.

Elizabeth Daniell

A play of contrasts through this collection was evident with sharp laser cut leather paired with light and flowing fabrics. Almost like armour, structured shoulders and sharp cut-out detailing gave power to the otherwise feminine silhouette.

Stacey Bevan

A cool and casual collection of fine and chunky knitted menswear with sporty detailing. Instead of shoes, models walked out in what looked like grey long johns under every item of clothing whether it was shorts or trousers. Sporty jackets with the chunkier knitted jumpers added an urban touch.

Orla Emerson-Creak

Pieces in this collection had very classic and feminine silhouettes with the details in the knitwear. Layers of random weaves and crochet were worked over simple dresses with contrasting colours to add interest.

Gemma Hayter

This collection showed how successful clean, minimal but well tailored pieces can be. Easy to wear pieces, some with subtle floral prints were shown in a range of inconsistent but very complementary colours.

Holly Marke

An easy collection of finely knitted pieces with areas cut-out and parts of loose weave to add texture. There was a nice range of items from knitted maxi skirts to mini dresses with some tailored pieces for a finished touch.

Amy Terrell

This classically tailored mens collection kept it simple and added a difference of surface textures for detail. Blocks of coloured suits and shirts were met with all over geometric and bright prints. This was surely an easy collection for the style-savvy man to mix and match.

Hannah Sharp

Black and white stripes were taken to another level with an entire collection using monochrome in all its glory. Black and white stripes were used in every possible way to add interest or detailing whether it was a shirt and trousers or a maxi dress.

Tamsin Lakhani

This fine knit collection was very reminiscent of retro styling due to the range of colours and use of pattern. Close stripes and zig-zags of multi colours were brought together with longline tops and skirts.

Yuichi Ozaki

This collection came with nothing less than surprises through its classic Japanese cuts that transformed into something new at the opening of a zip. Models walked in what seemed like a simple jacket or dress that, at the opening of a zip revealed a bright area of sculptural material. Laser cut in such a way, the soft fabric was made to look thick and strong.

Chak Yan Kwan

Like a journey back to nature, embossed leathers were made to mimic those of a thousand leaves and prints of natural leaves were used as a patchwork throughout a sporty mens collection.

Olivia Williams

In a wide range of nudes and natural colours, this mix of leather and knitwear provided laser cut sharpness with softer, feminine silhouettes.

Laura Grant

This light and airy collection reminded me of being on a desert or beach with its loose fit and kaftan-like shapes. Although it may seem like casual beachwear, the extremely fine detailing on this knitwear is what takes it to the next level.

Florence Bridge

This watery collection showed elegant, flowing dresses with painterly prints in all shades of blue. With light and airy flares and flat sequin prints, it’s easy to see how easy and breezy you could feel.

Alex Quy

This collection was all about layers and levels with lots of texture. Mainly black and grey, shirts were longer than blazers and t-shirts were layered with cropped fur jackets and slim fitting trousers.

Gemma Murphy

An evident theme of film and negatives ran through this collection. Vintage colours that could be found in camera films and photos were used, as well as the hole detail found on film negatives. Carrying on the vintage theme, there was the addition of the ‘explorer’ with parka jackets and backpacks.

Georgina Chapman

Another elegant collection, silky fabrics were layered to create depth with armour-like details. A monochrome palette throughout, allowed the modern asymmetry and ‘scribble’ print speak for itself.

Lucy McLoughlin

The knitwear in this collection ranged from bright and chunky with fur detailing to being a mash up of spots and stripes. With knitwear doing all the talking, it was well complemented with coloured chinos, shorts and accessories.

Kimberly Wilson

The cream base colour of this collection kept a kind of innocence to this otherwise eerie range of dolly dresses. Large stitched illustrations of a long-haired lady were on every piece with the models like masked dolls.

Dae Byn Lee

Abstract florals were the basis of this colourful collection. Although there were a lot of colours and layers clashing together, the simplicity of the silhouettes seemed like the calm in the chaos of prints.

Words by Indie Nahal

Photography by Chloe Lock

Graduate Fashion Week 2012: Birmingham City University

Posted on June 22, 2012 by admin

STEPHANIE DEWIS

The opening collection displayed a simple monochrome colour scheme amidst black shapes. Leather dungaree dresses and transparent, crumpled chiffon added an exciting tone to the almost Mormon-like outfits. High collars and wide-brimmed short hats were stand out pieces.

KAT REYNOLDS

This collection was memorable due to the ranges of luxury knitwear and statement jewellery. Featuring giant scalloped-sleeved jackets and jumpers and forest print in turquoise, pale lilac, black and white, the pieces struck a perfect balance between country estate and modern city living.

HOIYAN HUNG

An intriguing show featuring 3D ruffled skirts made from cellophane sheets and overlapping, long, layered dresses and ripped smocks. The colour scheme of khaki, charcoal and lemon yellow was spiced up by digital print in a stain effect and accentuated shoulders. Most notable were the Perspex flat-forms resembling blocks of ice that summarised the naturalistic theme.

JADE GILCHRIST

Giving a loud and eccentric collection that created a combination between 1980’s nostalgia, Aztec royalty and pop art, Gilchrist trademarked her look with ostentatious fringed earrings and assaulting print. The colour scheme included anything that is bright, and the oversized platform trainers added a dangerous edge to each fun ensemble.

KELLY MAYES

Most pieces were a mix of black leather and wool, with the inclusion of velvet for the arm sleeves. Giving a winter collection suitable for the elusive modern gentleman, Mayes had balaclava-style necks alongside tan brogues. The look is private and chic.

JAMES WHITEHOUSE

Predominantly using PVC and a hairy material, James Whitehouse produced a collection that combines Catwoman with a swan ballerina. Hoisted flared skirts and unforgiving rubber dresses produced excitement and an essence of danger.

SOPHIE MCKEATING

Using jockey hats and heritage colours of navy, cream, and burgundy, the collection gave a new elegance to country wear. One dress had flapper style fringing, whilst an overcoat resembled a cape. The pieces had a clear sporty influence but were made for those to wear for most occasions.

LUKE PORTER

This was an extremely unconventional menswear collection that included a bronze body suit, an ankle-length, layered, candy-coloured hairy jumper, and miss-matched prints. Each model was bare foot and the little use of tailoring gave a primal feel but in modern dyes.

BETH TWIGG

This sporty yet sexy display in shades of dusky pink, pewter, beige and cream neutralised the modern minimalism of the collection. Pannelled skirts and biker jackets were in dynamic slim cuts, accompanied by wedge trainers and caps.

BETHANY HERMON

Outfits here were in natural shades of nude, peach, white and black, often with digital illustration. The frayed rope belt and stain-like print added masculinity and mess to the feminine see-through chiffon maxi skirts and neat, thick-knit jumpers.

MILES DUNPHY

A thickly layered menswear collection made up mostly of knit pieces, this show was urban, sporty, winter fashion. Its appeal lay within the multitude of textures and fabrics, which when paired with the orange, grey, and blue colour scheme, gave a lot of visual stimulation.

EMILY ABASSI

Abassi gave a thoroughly chic collection of evening wear in dark shades of black and red, and made from chiffon, sequins and leather. The mullet skirt and peplum pleat dress ensure movement, and the red tights keep the collection assertive as well as sleek.

SOPHIE SAUNDERS

The collection kept a repetitive print of green tapestry print, exposing it as surprisingly versatile by using it in vintage-style smock dress as well as hot pants and patched within a leather jacket. This heritage print was complimented perfectly by dark peach leather and soft cream in the blouses and billowed sleeves.

STACEY CRACKNELL

This collection decided to keep colours to a minimal and instead experiment with length and structure with long coats and man-dresses and cropped trousers. Artistic mythical imagery and wide fedora style hats added intrigue to the simplistic pieces.

AMY HOLDEN

A warm and wearable collection in fiery tones of maroon, red, burnt amber and faded gold. Holden gives us a great idea of her pattern skills with precise cut outs, and there is a clear Navajo influence with an abundance of fringing and Aztec patterns.

EMILIE HALE

The collection uses oversized jumpers and cardigans and layering of double denim to create a street, tomboy theme. Hale gives a mismatch of pattern and design styles with bolero jackets and baggy dungarees, knitted beanie hats and one model even wearing a pair of oversized knickers instead of trousers.

HOLLY WEAVER

Puffa jackets and high-sheen hoodies formed two of the pieces showcased by Holly Weaver in her collection of charcoal coloured winter wear for men. Each outfit included metallic material to add an urban sparkle to traditional wool coats and rain jackets.

LILY STODEL

Bright and feminine colours gave the catwalk show a change of pace towards the end with Lily Stodel’s collection. Playful, and ultra-girly, the collection came in various shades of pink and a number of different textures, including metallic leather and mohair. 80’s style scribbled leggings and floaty dresses adorned with child-like handwriting created fun pattern, while the patent white platform trainers paid homage to the Spice Girl era.

NATALIE MARTIN

The penultimate show gave a modern feel to gritty, earthy colours and shape. The stand-out piece was the velvet dip-dyed effect flowing maxi dress in khaki see-through chiffon. It reoccurred in varying lengths throughout the collection for different occasion styles, with Martin including evening wear as well as dark sporty raincoats and aubergine coloured jumper dresses.

DEAN FALLON

The final collection was all about shape; 3D boxey coat pockets and oversized, cropped wool trousers were some of the styles showcased by Fallon. He also designed leather half bibs for on top of outerwear for his adventurous outfits. Leggings and smocks to the knee display his attempt to introduce androgyny. k

Words by Elle Jenkinson

Photography by Jack Grange

Graduate Fashion Week 2012: Kingston University

Posted on June 17, 2012 by admin

Charlotte Cohen

Lemon, charcoal and raven coloured designs make for an enticing collection. This collection boasts a wide array of themes combining functional sportswear, skin-tight stretch shorts with practical rain coats and topped of with avant-garde head harnesses. This creates the impression of futuristic armour. Separating these pieces out makes for very wearable and of course eye-catching sports/leisure-wear.

Andrew Graham

If you´re afraid of standing out then this men’s collection is not for you. Andrews´ ode to bold colours is very well thought out. Starting the show with a white tightly fitted suit. But this well tailored suit was cunningly topped of with a see through band around the thighs, made out of the blue material that surgeons gloves consist off. Moving on to a lime green suit and white trousers or T-shirts with artistic colour splashes bleeding into each other and creating otherworldly shapes. Any fashion forward gent would be mad to miss out on this fun look.

Caitlin Charles-Jones

This years winner of the Visionary Knitwear Award shone through her elaborate craftsmanship. It seems like Caitlin took inspiration from crustacean animals as her outfits consisting of different geometrical shapes seemed to be fused together by mother nature. Just like Andrew Graham this designer wasn´t afraid to experiment with statement colours. Canary yellow combined with subtle light grey and lead on from there to orange and black stripes… Caitlin will convince even the most avid colour fob to lighten up and embrace these loose fitted dresses.

Tara Holt

Creating the new Gentlewoman might seem out-dated in todays society, but Tara Holt manages to wrap her wearer up in an aspirational coolness. Tailored overlong black waistcoats softened with fine lace sleeves and floaty chiffon trains create an inviting juxtaposition. Tara´s designs easily translate from office wear to night wear. A winning all rounder.

Laura Smallwood

White Sheepskin bloomers: trend alert!! Laura Smallwood’s innovative yet elegant designs will soon pop up on every sophisticated woman´s wish list. Using staple colours: grey, black and burgundy enable these pieces to be combined with a broad array of other colours and materials. Billowy shoulders where the main focus of this collection, maybe reviving the 80s power shoulder?

Sophie Wetherell

Boys can look forward to a stylish yet warm winter wardrobe thanks to Sophie Wetherell. This designer truly captured the city dwellers take on leisure wear. Keeping to a natural colour palette, ranging from deep burgundy felt suits to cosy grey coloured knits. Dandies will stay stylishly warm in hooded coats and knit head bands.

Victoria Riches

Wearable origami? Yes please! This collaboration of slouchy cut tops, made out of crisp cotton is very reminiscent of the Japanese art of folding paper into delicate shapes… These creased tops look like unfolded origami. A dash of British Victorian dress with puffy bustles mixes in a complementary European aspect. Using white as the dominant colour enables light blue tops and a red berry coloured coat to take centre stage.

Bethany Malyan

The 20s cloche hats seem to set the tone for this collection. Using long ethereal looking gowns in earthy colours gives the show a mystical touch. As some dresses are shredded at the back it creates a dishevelled flapper vibe. These gowns are timelessly edgy.

Lydia Stedman

This luscious collection was one of the most beautiful and timeless shows. Who knew there where so many different ways to wear black! Lydia masterfully combines different luxurious black fabrics like: fur or leather to create mouth-wateringly delicious garments. Her silhouette streamlined the figure, apart from the occasional wide band of black fur wrapped around the hips. Every fashionista is guaranteed to find her own black beauty within these designs.

Megan Burmeister

Megan Burmeisters men’s collection was certainly anything else but boring. These designs hat a certain element of sportswear on acid air to them. How else can one make sense of the fantastical ridiculously long visor that if worn on the sports field would no doubt take someone’s eye out. Stripped down however one or two pieces are definitely wearable beyond the catwalk.

Hannah Ashdown

Bondage reinvented. Looking for an elegant way to introduce a certain edginess into your style? Look no further! Hannah Ashdown subtly yet beautifully reinvented the bondage look. Creating handbags that are fastened around the arms with straps of leather, literally resemble the bandage look. Sticking to a soft pastel blue for the leather garments such as the handbags, tops and short armed coat create a fresh juxtaposition. Balancing out the hard leather with soft cotton leggins held in an array of stone grey hues is the perfect combination. These pieces speak to a wide age range as well as styles. A delicious pick and mix!

Jessica Rancano Piper

It seems the Belly Button is still considered as the current erogenous area. Jessica´s collection showcases mainly printed leggings topped of with cropped turquoise T-shirts. Even though this might not be a new look the designer manages to give her garments a whole new feel. As the T-shirts and Coats are made out of leather there is a nice contrast between this tough material and the soft everyday fabric of the leggings. Bondage also plays a small part in Jessica’s designs, as handbag chains consist of bandage like leather strips fastened around the arm.

Kate Falcus

This collection is every skater girls drea.. Combining the rougher streetstyle element of skating with cute preppy schoolgirl pieces makes for a charming mix. Comfortable light coloured summer dresses that can easily be dressed up or down with a casual black skater jacket. Or old school tracksuit bottoms held in an invigorating green with red stripe, combined with a sporty yet sexy top. Watch out skater girls every girl will want to raid your wardrobe!

Anna Collinson

Anna´s designs had a very tailored feel to them which made the clothes look quite sculptural. Chic colours such as whites and creams balanced out the sometimes over exaggerated silhouettes of shoulders. These architectural pieces can translate to breath-taking office wear as well as elegant dinner outfits. Just snap them up fast before they reach skyscraper prices.

Rosie Toms

Clean and elegant. This collection showcased a clean and sophisticated approach to fashion, with subtle prints and feminine shapes this collection was sublime in white gleam.

Bethan Lord

Army influenced, Bethan’s collection was sharp and bold with white and black jumpsuits, and exploding gold sets. The black jumpsuit with bullet holder waist band featured oversized pockets and was an individual piece to the show. With a slouchy and laid back, leather and soft material mix, this collection is a must have for your Spring Summer days.

Clare Payne

Clean fetish. This is a crisp white look; the pieces reflected a fetish element and had artistic elements reaching out. Clare used belts and clear materials to create her dresses and outfits. This show was certainly a step forward into fashion and style.

Sarah Stones

Spaceman, ace man. This menswear collection had a spacey appeal and a fetish look, an amazing innovative approach! Sarah has used a range of coats and hooded garments to create a sexy spaceman look. The headpieces cover the whole of the face leaving only the eyes and nose in visual, giving a mysterious look. So if you’ve got gorgeous eyes and want a way of appeal, get sarah’s contemporary fashions.

Freya Rabet

Exciting textures and boldness. Freya has created a multicolour combination of clothes with a range of textures. Her collection expressed chunky woollen jumpers with sewn mittens attached to the sleeves of the arms complete and a range of pattern and shapes. This was a unique prospect to the garments and the colours she used brought her collection to life.

Lotte Willis

Swinging 60’s. This collection was sixties inspired and had a gorgeous shine to it. Her use of glitter and under-layed voluminous tulle was neatly presented, alongside some pom pom duffle bags to give this look that extra coolness!

Henrietta Jerram

Futuristic patchwork. The pieces in this collection were abstract and imaginative; the catwalk was filled with blue and white patchwork, giving it a graphic and striking vibe.

Holly Thompson

This menswear collection was a cool show of raincoats, short shorts and sun visors. Holly designed her collection with a sports vibe her collection consisted of oversized pockets, large zips and soft greys. This is wearable fashion with a twist.

Lucie Halley

An artist’s fashion. Lucie Halley has designed a unique, forward thinking range of clothing. The collection expressed art and contemporary fashion. The layered silhouettes of fabric and translucent plastic create innovative fashion.

Leanne Briggs

Sweet disposition. This collection had an outdoor feel, hooded jumpers with bulky flower outline giving the garment a chunky slouchy look. This unique fashion was a great expression of innovative fashion with a different take into inspiration.

Louise Ross

On trend and floral Georgian. This collection left us stunned with the detail and fashion energy injected into these pieces. The heavily draped gowns alongside floral print complemented the silhouette and injected energy into the unique range.

Penelope Tucker

These innovative designs stunned us at Graduate fashion week, the collection stormed onto stage with the midnight colours. The lemon splash strikes out and the inflated headpieces suspended above the garments to give that extra detail to the outfit. This menswear expedition was fashion fantasy and took us into another world.

Alice Maughn

This collection finalised the show with its extravagant sofa jackets and curtain rail dress. The stunning garments were made with imagination. This collection showcased cat illustrations and proved in fashion, with print and passion, a material, garment and shape can be desired in any way.

Words by Anna Jolly and Rebecca Harrison

Photography by Andrew Papadopoulos