Review: Cambridge School of Art Fashion Show - The Fusion

Recently I got my VIP invite to the Cambridge School of Art Graduate Fashion Show for the third year in a row, which makes me very happy.  These events are usually quite the peak into what tomorrow's inspirers envisage for the future of design.  Whilst previous shows were held in the futuristic surroundings of Duxford War Museum, Junction 2 for the 2016 show was quite the atmosphere shift… Cue small grumble, skip the next paragraph if you want to head straight to the review.

Unfortunately the welcome and organisation seemed a little lack luster in comparison to last year and gone were our, very much appreciated, canapes and bubbles on arrival. This may be my stomach talking but honestly by the time the show ended (8.30pm-ish) I was already aboard the starvation express, destination hangry town.  But enough with the moaning as I'm aware bloggers get a bad rap for this sort of thing and onto the important bits. Of the 17 designers these ones stood out to me (for different reasons):

Upgrade me

You know a designer is truly talented when you can see yourself in their clothes as with Pak Woei Chan’s garments.  As a Spring/Summer 2017 collection it had a theme but wasn’t all matchy-matchy, a real pet hate of mine.  The way the bright, vibrant outfits were sashayed down the runway showed a real understanding of form, material choice and what looks both individual and classy. My favourite collection.

A Touch of Stone

While the collection name doesn’t appeal* and I wont pretend they were all my cup of tea the outfit below really stood out. Atalya James' designs were warm and welcoming in soft, delicate colours. Perfect for that summer evening event when you want to be stylish and comfortable at the same time. 

Versatile

An appealing collection for AW2017, chunky knit accessories featured heavily... in all senses of the word.  I felt the wear-ability had been sacrificed a little for impact though - how big a scarf do we need? I’ll chalk that up to over enthusiasm though, Amy-Louise Rowland is one I would look out for in a few years’ time when experience and (fingers crossed) success has shaved away the desire to stand out.  I’m looking forward to when she produces garments that aren’t so constricting.

The Other

As usual there is always one ‘controversial’ designer choosing to go down the see through path and it seems to be Micaela Mendes Sapinho’s turn.  Whilst it was at least in connection to the feminist issue and I salute the intention, I feel it’s getting a little tired. I’d honestly be more shocked if just once a runway show finished without my seeing the model’s mammaries!

Avant Garde

Hello feminine forward thinking inspiration.  Pastel patterns and ethereal materials flowed down the runway. True some were a little 'Hunger Games District 1' in style but the execution in Emma Pearce’s collection was flawless.  This is something I particularly appreciate, however the best thing about this collection was how exciting they were to view.  A delighted ripple reverberated around the auditorium from the first to the last offering.  Making us sit up and snap away on our *insert smart phone of choice* ready to upload onto *insert social media platform of choice* the minute the show was over.

Which it was far too quickly! in part I wonder if this was down to the model’s speed.  Some of them fair bolted down the runway, barely pausing at the end before stomping off again.  A little annoying as we wanted to study the clothes presented to us. Serious props go to Richard Tooley who had his work cut out for him to catch the images you see before you. 

Though it may not exactly sound like it,I really enjoy these shows and seeing what the students have worked so hard to produce is quite the privilege. If I get another invite next year I’ll remember to bring a packed lunch though!

Have you got a favourite?

All images provided by kind permission of Richard Tooley.

* reminds me of the saying 'touching cloth' too much