Ravensbourne presents its fashion faces of the future

Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication showcased its Degree Show highlighting the works of 28 fashion graduates. Each designer had a clear theme, idea and inspiration behind their collection. These small but insightful collections are the dreams of fashion’s future and they are innovative and eccentric yet promising all the same. At times the designs were slightly unfinished and impulsive, but the majority were impressively professional and elaborately stitched to painstaking perfection as they hung on slender, stern-faced models.

Watching the runway we were greeted by an exhibition of colour clashes, inventive textures and extravagant fur pieces. The show progressed smoothly as we carefully observed the outlandish neon creations on one designer effortlessly dissolve into the slick, neutral designs of another. This is the hub of hip, contemporary and forthcoming fashion, a time for young designers to express themselves and convey this expression to the public.

The show got off to a dazzling start as we witnessed the bright and bold colour palette of knitwear designer Chen Yu Wang. The models paraded along in his cool and quirky knitted designs. Long knit dresses were colourfully decorated in patterns of knitted shapes. Although not wearable, the clothes would make perfect stage or costume wear as they depicted a story.

This contrasted with the dark and gothic inventions of menswear designer Luke Harris, taking inspiration from “15^th century concepts” the models walked down in metal face masks, coated in a sea of all black to the sound of classic horror film music. One piece that caught our eyes was an outstandingly made long, black lace shirt worn under a black cloak-like blazer.

Our favourite designers of the night were Chloe Culpin and Leanne Warren who demonstrated a unique and interesting take on fashion. Chloe’s creations sparkled down the runway as she artistically explored texture and paired heavily embellished pieces with contrasting demure garments. Taking inspiration from “the man-made and natural world” the designs were colourful and fun yet ladylike and mature.  Leanne Warren explored print as she propelled us into her pretty pink world, religious cartoon images of Mary Magdalene spread over tops, dresses and jackets. This vibrant and quirky collection embodied a fun, carefree girlyness that is very much needed in the current fashion industry.

From capes, to masks, to feathers, it seems that the Ravensbourne graduates aim to be at the cutting edge of fashion with their inventive and distinct design talent. Bubbling with fresh originality and a clear enthusiasm for the industry, the young graduates are set to explode onto the current fashion scene.

Talicia Ramsey
Photos: Courtesy of Ravensbourne