Day four saw one of the most exciting and diverse shows of GFW19: The International Fashion Show, sponsored by GAP Inc. Seeing international designs is a huge part of Graduate Fashion Week, and this year’s selection did not disappoint. There was a huge range of diversity in the designs, with everything from modern streetwear to wearable art shown.
One of the first few designers out of the gate, Sophie De Cartier, of the Istitutio Maragoni in Paris, gave us the first surprise of the day. She paired her impeccable tailoring with a-symmetrical one-legged trousers, whilst models carried oranges encased in tights.
There were whimsical accessories from Imma Boccia, too. The student from Accademia Della Moda Iuad, created a series of bags in the shape of giant plush dolls, including a handbag, backpack and suitcase.
Also carrying doll accessories was the slightly eerier collection from Wang Xiaoyan. Wang’s edgy, all-black looks were accessorised with knee pads, China dolls and oversized visors.
There were religious influences with Li Shuangdonghai’s all-white gowns, which were exaggerated with ruffled sleeves, pleated images and a white veil, which covered most of the model’s face.
There was also some clear cultural nods in many of the designers work, with everything from classic Japanese Geta footwear, to the Uruguayan gaucho elements of Agnes Lenobles draped and tailored menswear. Each designer’s models were creatively styled, with footwear that did everything from double-layered trainers to bare feet, and unusual headwear like the pig mask and conical straw headwear of Limerick School of Art and Design’s, Roisin Lynch.
There were also several avant-garde designs from a variety of students. The show closed with looks from Yutao Song, which were a brilliant example of creativity and expression. Her huge patent 3D sculptures encased her models in a variety of different structures, and were the perfect end to a show that had been full of surprises.
Written by Faith Richardson
Photography by Jade Berry, Mathushaa Sagthidas and Nici Eberl