Left to right: Leyi Shi & Siyu Yan, Georgia Valentine, & Mia Grace Lowdon
Not unlike the fashion weeks we’re used to seeing, the Graduate Fashion Week held in London displayed exceptional craftsmanship and designs from students. Though most of the designers graduated from the United Kingdom, the GFWi (international) catwalk on the twelfth of June featured designs from the organiser’s international partnerships from around the world. I was thrilled when I got the chance to go for these shows, because what’s better than looking at fresh talent, especially in fashion?
The show began on the tenth of June and went all the way till the thirteenth of June, featuring some of the most impressive graduate work from fashion schools. Below is a collection of five graduate designers- I think the fashion industry needs to keep a look out for because of their talent in narrative, creativity, design and most importantly, flawless execution.
Designer Katie Trainer from Manchester Fashion Institute used knit as a design detail rather than the base of her designs, creating pretty and comfortable looks. The designer shows her ability to add intricate details in her garments, including small prints on the side of the trousers, lace at the hem of the shirt and trousers, and tucks on the dress. This cohesive collection used a paler colour palette, making it easy on the eyes.
2. Xiangyu Xu
One of favourite collections, Xiangyu Xu’s designs were inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins; vainglory, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. The collection is very personal as it reflected the sins within Xu’s life. A graduate from Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, the designer draws inspiration from movies, artworks and illustration to create these flamboyant looks. He uses the idea of “an ancient concept for current fashion” to deliver this bold and honest collection.
From University of Central Lancashire (UClan), designer Nadean Christie displays her love for historical garments with this dainty collection. One of my favourite things about this collection is that it is elegant, with embroidery that is cute and clean. Other details include pleats, tucks, bows. and interesting necklines. The sleeves, pockets and hems have beautiful details, showing her attention to details.
The first international designer on my list, designer Peter Shonoda displayed exceptional creativity and execution of his designs, which donned black fabrics. Graduated from SCAD Savannah, USA, Shonoda’s designs were nothing short of interesting. The playfulness and cheekiness of his designs are evident. The collection is called “THE DARK DELUSION OF THE LIGHT (TDDOTL)” and even features custom footwear of shoes (sling back Derby with mesh toe), sandals (the Sterling silver sandals), and boots (the nailed back-zip boot) in collaboration with another SCAD student, Tomoki Scharber.
5. Leyi Shi & Siyu Yan
Another one of my favourite designers, the duo is from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, China. Their collection is beautiful and delicate and uses pastel colours and primarily sheer fabrics. I can only imagine how long this collection took to make! The attention to detail is impeccable. Their craftsmanship is of high standards. One of my favourite things about this collection is that when the models walked the garment moved with such delicacy and softness that one can’t help but feel happy.
Author: Rochelle(Guest Writer)
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