AIU present an array of talent with their 2013 Graduate Fashion Show

American InterContinental University (AIU) London hosted its Graduate Fashion Show and Marketing Exhibition at the beautiful One Mayfair in London and we grabbed a seat to check out the upcoming talent.

The runway section of the show was a collection of designs from six fashion design students who had each created six outfits to showcase their talents and styles. Flanking the walls of the building were exhibitions showing the work of the fashion marketing students. These showed their future aspirations and ideas.

First down the catwalk were the science fiction influenced designs by Hazim Bangwar; Tintagel. Bangwar took his cue from the legends of King Arthur and added a sci-fi twist to them. The stark white and silver outfits were made even more bold with the striking shapes and contours made in leather and based on the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull. While certainly not streetwear, the pieces would have an amazing stage presence and could easily be adorned by Lady Gaga or Nicky Minaj.

Zaira Xitlalitl Aguilar Santoyo’s menswear collection El Don followed with a blend of modern casual and the suits of the 1920s and 30s. Certainly an unexpected mix but it worked well and illustrated the ethos behind the collection very well: a nomad who keeps his motherland and roots close to him while he embraces city life and wanders the streets. 

The Tracing Light collection by Flaminia Mechoulam drifted effortlessly down the runway in a pure white blend of fabrics. Created in layers, the pieces were incredibly graceful and feminine, made to “dance around the body”. This collection also scooped the prize for the winning collection of the night, being praised for being “impeccably constructed”.

A fusion of Ugandan and Scandinavian traditional costumes made up the Roots Routes collection by Michelle Kasujja. The blend of cultures and styles worked well and created incredibly wearable articles. This is a collection that celebrates a personal pride but makes it accessible to everyone.

Taylor Scopes-Upton brought the Urban Heritage collection to the catwalk to showcase contemporary menswear made with traditional fabrics and techniques. The stand-out article in this collection was the amazing grey knit cardigan with oversized neck – think Lenny Kravitz in a scarf and you’re there. Certainly one to watch, this collection was both wearable and a statement. 

Sarashka Bekhbat’s Tibetan-inspired collection Lhasa rounded up the show with reds and burnt golds. The traditional flavour could certainly be seen emanating from the contemporary pieces. Striking and feminine, the collection was both elegant and graceful while holding reverence for the ceremonial styles they are based on.

The night wasn’t just about the fashion design students though; the marketing students also had their work on display and a winner chosen. The prize was from LK Bennett and presented by Natasha Kiddle who would be overseeing the week of work experience the winner would receive. Tiril Futsaeter won for her Scandinavian Fashion Week brand and was praised for being “aesthetically strong”.

Another marketing prize-winner was Alexandra Boller for being “ahead of the market” with her Watch2Where brand. This idea allows people to find out how to get the look of the people they are watching on the television at the time.

The night, overall, was bursting with talent from the designs on the catwalk to the projects on the wall and the very show itself, put together by fashion show production students. Everyone involved should be very pleased with themselves and excited about what lies ahead.

Indra Wignall

Photos: Sarah Louise Renwick 

For more information and to watch a video of the show you can click on the university’s event website here.