Bath Firmly on the Fashion Map

 Entitled ‘Our Father Who Art in Heaven’ Chloe balanced floaty floor-length dresses with sporty drawstring tops and organza embellished hoodies. Inspired by Gothic architecture, stained glass windows and spiritual figures Chloe managed to delicately balance creative flair with commercial appeal. Her talent was spotted last year when FashionCapital Director Jenny Holloway worked with the Bath Spa Uni students on a design project for ASOS BLACK. Chloe was picked as the outright winner and her work as a 2^nd Year was displayed on the FashionCapital stand at GFW. 

One year on and Chloe was presented with the £20,000 Gold Award  prize by International Herald Tribune fashion editor Suzy Menkes and her collection was described as ‘very ethereal’ by Daphne Guinness.

The Fashion Degree course at Bath Spa University has grown and developed tremendously over the last few years thanks to Course Leader Louise Pickles and this award will no doubt add to its credentials. Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University Professor Christina Slade, said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement and all of us here at Bath Spa are thrilled for Chloe. Our fashion programme provides exceptional teaching quality for students in an environment that fosters creativity and enterprise. It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and students that one of Bath Spa’s students has been recognised as an outstanding talent and future star of the fashion world.”

Following the Graduate Fashion Week success the Bath Spa University show was brought home to display collections, ranging from 4 to 6 pieces, from 25 of its graduates. Held in a former Art Deco cinema, The Forum, renowned show producer John Walford transformed the stage into a catwalk complete with video screen. The standard from the 25 on show was clear to see; for the most part collections were wearable and retail-friendly with the odd bout of showpiece frivolity.

Collections that caught the eye included Stefanie Hodson’s ‘Gone Fishing’ beachwear range that merged string fishing vests with graphic tree prints and loose, wearable cuts. A sculptural, elegant collection embracing curves and strong silhouettes by Roya Hersel and a play on texture, volume and fibre optics in a dramatic collection inspired by jellyfish thanks to Haf Evans.

 

The Bath Spa Fashion Design course, which has a unique partnership with the Fashion Museum Bath, is in its eighth year, and this is the third year of showcasing at Graduate Fashion Week. Combine this with the annual ‘Bath in Fashion’ event and the city’s growing selection of independent boutiques and Bath is well on track to become the style leader of the South West.

 

By JoJo Iles