Graduate Fashion Week 2013, Earls Court: day one

Earls Court is home to one of the most exciting events in the fashion calendar from the 2^nd to the 5^th June. The first day of Graduate Fashion Week has most definitely delivered. One of the largest stalls belonged to Northumbria University, displaying a wide range of talented designers. One designer who particularly stood out was Jasmine Ives-Keeler, with her brand Bustia. The designer showcased beautiful swimwear from her collection, whose motto reads, “sweat, succeed, seduce”.

The range is vibrant and bold, taking swim and gym wear and making it feminine. This collection delivers strong, empowering pieces that are wearable and sexy.

Along with huge amounts of talent, Graduate Fashion Week offers many sources of advice to encourage the growth of designers and businesses. A talk led by Becky Jones covered the birth of the pop up store and offered advice on starting an independent business, with practical guidance intent on giving new budding business minds a helping hand. The pop up store has proven to be a huge success, used at High Street Fashion week and by brands such as Chanel in Covent Garden, becoming a great way to promote new names and products in retail.

Graduate Fashion Week gives the universities involved the opportunity to showcase students’ designs on the catwalk and The University of Central Lancashire’s catwalk show was an exciting event. With both male and female models wearing extremely on trend jelly sandals and jelly boots, the pieces presented involved neon colours and nineties grunge, delivering statement looks with a refreshing feel. Names to watch from the show included Latoya Fairclough, Emily Huges, Josh Cryne, Melanie Alquet, Jasmine Chana and Rebecca Ives, to mention but a few.

After a buzzing and energetic first day, Earls Court is set to host one of the biggest weeks in fashion and is set to discover many creative and talented designers.

Sophie Morgan