Graduate Fashion Week June 2010 – Northbrook College

Northbrook showcased a plethora of design talent, displaying collections featuring highly structured garments, vibrant prints and body con. Among these, big shoulders being were seemingly big news, and colour palettes went from pale to black to bright.

Kicking off the show was Rhea Fields with her collection ‘About A Boy’. Influenced by tailored menswear, typically androgynous silhouettes of blazers, trousers, shirts and jackets were either sexed up with black PVC or softened with pale pink hues, sheer fabrics and sequins. My favourite was the opening piece – a pink oversized one shouldered blazer.

Having been cited by the Daily Express as one of the best contenders for the prestigious River Island Gold Award, I was looking forward to viewing Tacita Meredith’s collection which was next on show. With the idea of dark femininity, Tacita sent the models down the catwalk in black body con with orange studs and flowers. Fabrics were looser and layered around the torso, with legs predominantly dressed in tight black.

Up next was a very wearable collection by Laura Fuller that looked ready to be stocked on the high street. Inspired by Eastern and Western culture, Laura’s garments featured collaged prints which combined the two influences, and shapes which reflected both Victorian and Japanese costume. My favourite was a dress with printed bodice with a silhouette which alluded to the East, contrasting a purple layered skirt, presumably alluding to the Victorian era.

Championing menswear was Helena Yazdian-Tehrani. Fusing casual wear with tailoring, Helena crated a collection that portrayed a laid back summer vibe. Chunky knitwear was slung over patterned t-shirts and shorts – with a silhouette which despite being architectural was very relaxed. Combined with soft breezy colours, this collection had me dreaming of holidaying in Greece.

I was then flown somewhere exotic with Delavieje Nahvi’s vibrant collection inspired by Islamic mosaics and Persian Art. Bright prints were draped and layered over leggings and dresses in contrasting patterns, making this collection both playful and elegant.

Finishing off the show was Gemma Ashe with ‘Elizabethan Ugly Betty’. I’m not entirely sure how the Ugly Betty reference relates to this lovely collection, but there were evident features from period costume. Teamed with a scrunched pair of skinnys, an open breasted jacket with a ruffled blouse spilling out, whispered to exactly that.

Words: Tessa Ettinger

Images : Chelsea Harris