by Jordan Lee-Pirrie & Luke Catleugh

Day 2 of Graduate Fashion Week has hit in London’s infamous Brick Lane and the standards have never been higher. Hundreds of young creatives from universities all over England got together. Luke and Jordan, who are fellow student ambassadors were on hand getting VIP access to shows from Manchester School of Art, Nottingham Trent & Bath Spa…

First up was Bath Spa. With front row seats secured, we tucked into an eclectic mix of flow, geometry & playfulness. Laura Capello’s designs evoked neutral tones with statement stitching & ruffles, creating a fusion of ready to wear & statement pieces. Caitryn Rees (the sole menswear designer in the show) delivered oversized puffer jackets & a skater boy vibe; coming on as a pack, their constant shifting of weight brought an electrifying atmosphere to the catwalk. The highlight was Abigail Rose’s children’s wear which brought a smile to all onlookers. The kids strutted their stuff with confidence any model would be jealous of!

Lindsay Gilet from Liverpool John Moore university brought out a collection that stood apart from the crowd with her take on vibrant 70’s design. Featuring retro shapes and iridescent floral designs.

MSA was the final catwalk of the day, with the standout designer by far being Courtney Howard. Her throughline was felt throughout the 6 pieces, focusing on ruffles, latex & reinterpretations of classic prints like dogtooth and polka dot. The show’s menswear featured intriguing designs using inorganic materials that suggested a clash of human interests. MSA showed a level of finish that was unmatched by any show during that day. I would have happily watched full shows by any of the designers.

We’d also been invited to MMU’s graduate showcase next door. This intriguing exhibition highlighted models on podiums showing off student’s work. A traditional brass band commanded the centre of the space, harking images of a new museum or gallery’s opening. We had all the feels for the models, who were lit by incredibly hot lights & ducking down every few minutes for water. The work itself was beautiful and the setting only highlighted the intricate detailing on the garments.

Day two of Graduate Fashion Week was an absolute hit! The standard of the designers was incredible and it goes without saying, we certainly cannot wait to see these budding creators showcasing more of their designs in the future.