LFW – Graduate Showcase spring/summer 2013 for Vauxhall Fashion Scout

The opening day of Vauxhall Fashion Scout became host to the Graduate Showcase. Launched originally at London Fashion Week last September, the acclaimed platform for talent came back to show us exactly why fashion is so big in England. After being scouted from Graduate Fashion Week, the designers that played their part in the showcase completely demonstrated their reason for being involved at LFW. 

Shengwei Wang wowed the crowd being immediately situated in the entrance. Black and white patch working with lace appliqué worked alongside sequin knitwear in absolute harmony. All of the outfits were complemented with black brogues.

Shubham Jain used blocks of colour in her collection, with bold magentas, yellows and blues all making an appearance. Huge additional knotted pieces on the garments made her pieces truly extraordinary. A maxi with a painted colour wash style effect brought the palette together, displaying a truly amazing collection. 

Next showcased Serena Gili, who studied at the infamous Central Saint Martins. She truly lived up to its name, displaying huge oversized skirts in gold metallics and black. Complete with shoulder fringing, her pieces were easily the most fascinating of the whole showcase. 

Adam Jamieson followed similar footsteps with a certain elegancy to extreme fringing. Adam, who studied at Westminster, stood proudly by his pieces that were absolutely stunning. The only word to describe his garments was gold. Shimmering from every angle, Adam’s designs were the definition of beauty. Whole pieces were assembled from the fringing method, including a pair of trousers and other clothing made from ruffled material. Outfits were complete with additional accessories or garment features, such as a huge gold cape and upper coat pockets. We can be sure to expect to see big things from him in the future.

As the magnificent building merged into another room, Caroline Minar was able to show exactly why she was picked for the showcase. Cut-outs were Caroline’s thing, with delicate pastel colours being pierced with cuttings all over her garments in horizontal lines. We especially liked the necklace bag she had designed, with two pockets hung upon strings, and featured her signature cut-out design.

Chloe Jones, the only designer picked from Bath Spa University took a completely different approach to her work. Maxi dresses with hoods and drawstrings were her focus, matching heavy cottons with beautiful chiffon-like materials. The pieces had a very modern feel to them and very true to current fashion trends. 

Maia Bergman and Aisling Farrell both took completely unique ideas and transformed them into masterpieces. Maia, who studied at Central Saint Martins, went for beading, and turned pastel shades into beaded exquisiteness. A series of dresses had a spring feel to them and turned into luxury with intricate detailing. 

Aisling on the other hand, went for plastics and polystyrene. Combining the two together she managed to create see-through coats filled with polystyrene balls. Think of a clear beanbag that is wearable, and you have Aisling’s designs down to a T! We think it is absolutely brilliant.

Hannah Duckworth also had an interesting take on her collection. Huge zip cone hats sky scraped her mannequins with PVC garments. Bright shades of colour were mixed with jogger-style trousers and outerwear for something completely new in the fashion world. 

Mei Tong, who studied at the London College of Fashion, used monochromes to display her cultural approach to design. Face pieces were key, complemented by a series of beautiful maxi dresses and elaborate detailing. 

Charlotte Helyar had to be one of our favourites of the showcase.  Being the very first designer to consider 3D fashion, basic and brilliant described her pieces, with t-shirts and skirts taking on prints that could be turned into 3D magnificence. With 3D being a thing of the future, we are sure it will be a bright one for Charlotte. 

The display of exceptional talent at the showcase was overwhelming for the future of British fashion. With 2012 being London’s year of glory, these designers have shown exactly why we should continue to celebrate the success of our country. We cannot wait to see what else they have to bring soon. 

Kellie Griffiths