Over the past four days there have been a few key trends seen on the catwalk and elsewhere at Graduate Fashion Week. 1970s influences, geometric shapes, masks and gender neutral clothing have been prominent in the collections of the graduates.
Geometric shapes were prominent throughout Northampton University’s Lorraine Makumbe’s catwalk collection. Lorraine featured white and orange geometric shapes alongside metallic detailing and “Heroic” graphics creating a bold look.
Photography by Deborah Smith
A homage to the iconic styles of the 1970s was apparent on the catwalk this Graduate Fashion Week. Graduates from various universities dabbled in platform shoes, swinging trouser flares and bright groovy colours. Elliott Reynold from the Royal School of Needlework evidenced this throwback to the 70s in his embroidered thigh high platform boots.
Gender neutral design occurred regularly throughout Graduate Fashion Week. De Montfort University’s David Cottington presented a collection that had heavy tailoring and feminine influences. The light and feminine collection featured classic menswear tailoring alongside sheer material and floral embroidery.
Photography by Becky Mukerji
Across the different catwalks and universities, a clear trend for designers was to create a headpiece that partially covered or fully covered the model’s face. From lampshades to wooden hats, covering the face was a motif that twisted a designer’s garment into the Avant-garde. One of the most emotive use of veils was Rebecca Wilson’s (Arts University Bournemouth) collection, whom was also featured in the Best of Show. Interestingly, it was only the female models that wore the sombre, if not unnerving veil that presented the image of a warped face. Perhaps, Rebecca is attempting to make a statement about genders through the use of her masks.
Words by Anna Tank and Rosie Smith