LFF ATTENDS: GRADUATE FASHION WEEK 2013

At the beginning of June, LFF attended Graduate Fashion Week at Earl's Court. I try to make a trip to the show each June to see the latest talent coming out of the UK's universities and I'm happy to report that there's a wealth of beautiful designs for 2013. My only complaint about the show is that the fluorescent lighting in Earl's Court makes it difficult to take decent photographs. Next year GFW will be in a new location as the venue is set to close- fingers crossed for Olympia which offers the holy grail of natural light. Yellow-hued exposures aside, continue reading  to see what I spotted and liked

When it comes to fashion, I am discovering that I am drawn to the commercial and wearable, so don't expect anything too outlandish here. Just because a piece has 'commercial appeal' doesn't instantaneously deem it safe or boring, however. All of the below pieces are interesting and new whilst maintaining that all-important air of wearability.

A fine example of embellishment combined with punky Guns n Roses doodles from this Demontfort University student

Print clash floral shirt from Demontfort University (excuse the grumpy face)

Poodles provided inspiration for this Demontfort University student 

Amy Jocasa Priestley from Northumbria University provided my highlight of the show with her clever designs that captured pressed flowers in clear vinyl cuffs & collars. I find the contrast between pretty and plastic pleasing

Both modern and modette in style, Rebbeca Docherty of Bradford College's neoprene collection was commercially cool

Nottingham Trent University always have some of the strongest collections at GFW in my opinion. 2013 was no different with this impressive display catching my attention at the show

Laser-cut dogstooth leather- how clever is that? I don't recollect seeing this effect before

I love interesting knitwear- this zip-front sweater from a Nottingham trent graduate pushes the boundaries of textile design and is a real statement piece that I would love to own/wear!

Who would have thought beetles could look so chic? This Nottingham Trent student mirrored bug prints with an athropod-inspired cape and paid a stylish homage to the insect world

I also found time to fit in the University of Northumbria's catwalk show, which offered more commercial ideas and designs. Whilst Melyssa Bates' designs (above) couldn't be described as commercial, her collection displayed a real flair for construction with more than just a hint of the Corrie Nielsen about them.

Lindsay Hansom's collection has an intricate, folksy feel that sent the flashbulbs popping at the end of the runway.

The name of this designer escapes me- let me know if you are aware of it. But I need to wax lyrical about the above trousers; mint green lace with metallic fuchsia accents and race lace hem? Dreamy!

This is a busy combination of hand-painted leopard prints, delicate lace and neon hues and yet somehow it works

A rainbow coloured leopard print bridal gown? That definitely has to be a first doesn't it? Subversive yes, but it is so beautifully cut it almost convinces me I want to get married in a spot of leopard

Sally Hewit showed the ultimate winter collection with snug faux-fur elements throughout. This look offered the ultimate in winter mittens with these outlandish and luxe fur designs

Rosie Janes' brigtly hued sporty knits proved to be a show stealer. Think Missoni on acid and you have the makings of a very cool collection