GFW 09 – Epsom UCA
10-06-2009
There was a definite buzz of excitement as I joined the enormous queue for the UCA show…or maybe it was tension. The show started late and harassed looking UCA representatives rushed about being none to friendly. However the show was perfectly slick and well worth the wait.
After yesterdays great efforts I was once again blown away by the menswear designers. Vincenza Galati's collection, "A Classic Future" featured monochromatic creations which pushed the boundary between classic and modern. The classic blazer was given a twist, exaggerated size and interesting modern cut, more like a leather bomber than a blazer. A huge cardigan with oversized lapels was a highlight in a collection which had a real emphasis on shape, texture and silhouette.

Soozie Welland's collection, "Geeks Know Style" was another high point for UCA. This playful and tongue in cheek collection inspired by geek stereotypes played with clashing colour and prints to great effect. Welland demonstrated an innovative take on accessories, with enormous detachable pockets and even a back pack attached to the garments.

From the womenswear side, Charlotte Snow really stood out. Her elegant colour palette of pinks and creams with splashes of purple, eye catching shoulders and her beautiful ruffle details were a winner for me. I loved both jumpsuits that she showed, the first of which was a white long trouser with a deep v neck and floral ruffle detail around the waist. The second features the same floral fabric making a sheer, loose fitting jumpsuit with a statement collar. And if that didn't sell it to you, the name of her collection "Granny Goes Futuristic" can't fail to make you fall in love!

April Schmit's "Vision of the Future" was inspired by classic sci-fi films but her clothes were far from the polyester star trek numbers. Taking a common pairing of leather and metal and making it totally her own, Schmit used metal eyelets and wire with her soft leather. Injections of blue and orange spiced up a neutral palette of mainly white, cream and grey. The repeated circle design had echoes of Christopher Kane and very much added to the futuristic feel and really bought the collection together.

By Holly Lowe
Photography by Gabriel Corcuera Zubillaga www.gabrielcorcuerazubillaga.com







