Graduate Fashion Week 2013, Earls Court: day four

The final day of Graduate Fashion Week was all about boosting the public’s knowledge of starting up a business. Thanks to Barclays, who put on a talk about setting up new businesses as well as how to write a good business plan, essential advice was available to those who want to get into the world of fashion retail. As well as these sessions, there was a second industry talk which took place at the exciting George stand, as well as helpful advice on job interview techniques from ASOS. Graduate Fashion Week has truly reached out to independent and small businesses to help them in their growth, as well as offering great advice on an individual basis about improving CVs and interview techniques. 

More gorgeous pieces were seen from Colchester School of Art; designers used vibrant colours and created stunning, bold dresses and jackets, as well as delicate and sweet dresses for young girls. Colchester School of Art’s stand was a burst of colour within the exhibition centre.

The theme of sophistication which has been present all week throughout Graduate Fashion Week was also evident from the designers at Nottingham Trent. Monochrome smock tops as well as clean cut jackets and dresses were displayed, oozing traditional glamour and classic style.

One particular stand that has stood out this week has belonged to All Walks Beyond The Catwalk. This organisation, founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor sets out to challenge the “unachievable and unhealthy body ideals” that the fashion industry expects. After making an impact at London Fashion Week in 2009, this campaign has remained a fighting force in fashion and the stand at Graduate Fashion Week displayed the need for more diversity in fashion, as well as the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and body image.

Earls Court exhibition centre has been home to a wide range of wonderful outfits, shoes and accessories this week as well as hosting various catwalk shows from the universities involved. Graduate Fashion Week 2013 has certainly delivered and has been an exciting week which has showcased the true talent of new and upcoming designers in the UK.

Sophie Morgan