As I took my seat at the Nottingham Trent show, there was a buzz of expectation after Sunday's fab opening catwalks. I was not disappointed, everything from neon knitwear to tall bear skin-esque hats were sent down the catwalk as I scrabbled to make notes (mental and physical) of all the amazing designs.  

Opening the proceedings was Yanling Li with an amazing rainbow of colour from top to tights which made me wake up and pay attention. Striking ruffles featured on all the pieces, giving a subtle and artistic touch the amazing block colour creations.  I loved the amazing structured dress in shocking pink, with it's almost lampshade like skirt it was definitely a high point. More subtle but equally beautiful was the coral red coat which opened the show demonstrating not only a natural zest for colour but an art for cut. A trend for flesh flashing emerged from Nottingham's show. 

Jessica Amber Wiley did it best with her stunning see through plastic macs, her collection saw this style and fabric used not only in the traditional way but in dresses and sporty shorts.

For me it was Sophia Bentley Tonge who stole the show. Her balaclava style gimp masks were intimidating but not even the sadomasochistic leather teddy could distract from the artfulness of her creations. Clever use of fabric, from leather to lycra made a very interesting collection. I totally fell for the amazing black dress, with its fabulous ruched and layered full skirt and corset top. Her padded jackets look to be inspired by some sort of nightmare vision of the Hugh Hefner…but they worked for me! I loved the individuality of her collection and how the facemasks and black all in one foundations let the design, cut and art of the clothes speak for themselves.

By Holly Lowe

Photography Gabriel Coreuera Zubillaga