London Graduate Fashion Week

Diversity in culture, eclectic people, art, energy, and sparkle. It’s no wonder London, with its central geographic position, is an incubator of many famous names.

Last week as Britain’s Art and Design schools were showing their final works, South London was the gathering of many well- known faces. Fashion editors, professional photographers, and talent scouts were seen in among the crowds at Battersea Park.

Like Christopher Bailey from Burberry, the event attracted a few other big names too. Nathan Jenden, Creative Director at Diane von Furstenberg was also there watching the students’ works. The two top-designers had a good time enjoying the novelty of a front row seat. Perhaps Bailey was seated next to Suzy Menkes? International Herald Tribune’s fashion icon of many years, reports on Christopher Bailey’s comment from the event: “The talent was extraordinary. Everybody had a point of view and the students were so articulate; it was really refreshing.”

The creativity was truly extraordinary, capturing London at its very best. As strong, vibrant colours were the most striking feature of all, complete sets of patterns followed an endless presentation. Intricate cuts and shapes, and hat ornaments brimmed with perfection, were common throughout the entire shows. The strongest collections were from the students of Bournemouth and Salisbury, East London, Leeds, and Manchester.

As the 4-day spectacle came to an end, the winners of the various awards were presented: Emma Mudford from Northampton, Zandra Rhodes Textile Award. James Lawrence from Northumbria University, River Island Gold Award. Liam Jackson from Manchester Metroplitan University, Highly Commended Awards. Masa Hata from Ravensbourne, Highly Commended Awards. Abbie Storey, Winchester School of Art, The Knitwear Award.