<p dir="ltr"><strong>Plymouth College of Art Fashion Show, 12 June 2013</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>By Jessica Mullett</strong><br /></p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday 12th June, Plymouth College of Art hosted one of their most prestigious fashion shows, celebrating 2013’s graduating students. Also known as the BAFS, it was an opportunity for students to be recognised for their personal creativity and to identify their future design talent.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside the show hall, the college were dedicated to providing information for visitors; leaflets, booklets and samples of work that students had originated themselves, along with a music band performing in the far corner.</p> <p dir="ltr">The curtains were opened and guests hustled towards the seats. I sat amongst the front row and watched intently, whilst recording every collection down in my guest book. Impressed I was as I first watched the standard of designs created by the second year students.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inspirations of applique, intricate detailing, peplums sewn to bodices and different textures all contoured by these promising future designers. Students continued to enthuse the audience as they combined contemporary with historic, featuring cage crinolines over bodices. Level two students gave the audience a mesmerising start to the fashion show, and followed after were the level three students who had also proven to be just as creative and original.</p> <p dir="ltr">The first collection, Rebel, designed by level three student Romaine White. Had embraced patterns of mythical creatures, filled with concoctions of vibrant colours, these designs were feminine indulged with the beauty and ugliness of mythical creatures such as Medusa. Haru Natsu was the second collection by Samantha Verran. The collection is said to be translated from Japanese as Spring Summer. An oriental collection, resembling ancient Japanese Kimono and Kendo Armour. Featuring Simplicity conjured with the texture of wrapping and tying pieces of clothing. Katherine Corbin created Retrospekt, a gothic style collection visiting the future of two thousand and fifty, placing studs onto items of clothing giving it an edgy style.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following on was Alison Ballard, her collection called Memory Lane. This was a nineteen fifty’s style, designed for both men, women and children. She creatively developed a range of photos taken by her great grandfather and printed them onto her designs. Her most accomplished design was the a ball gown featuring old vintage and retro photos, the dress was adorned with an empire line using red ribbon. Japonisme, the name of Nicole James’s collection had conformed into original and modern designs. Sub-sided between London and Tokyo, all in one joined hoods, blended in with oriental patterns and silhouette material. A dominant collection during the fashion show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Katy Rose developed, Let Kid Be Kids, a collection designed for young girls, cleverly using hard wearing fabric and entwining colourful patterns inspired by cupcakes. Gemma Westaway created a timeless collection called Iconic, her most adored couture was her navy dress with an embellished, beaded-embroidered bodice. It was an appeal of femininity and sophistication. Sophie Scanlon created Zero, inspired behind the cuts, shapes, drapes and silhouettes. A magnitude of volume, using material.</p> <p dir="ltr">Abbie Lamacraft endeavoured into a bold collection named Dystopia. An underground, European style of fetish wear and futurism. Designing corsets and studded items this soon became the talking point during the show. Sprockets and Springs designed by Sheather Al – Kazraji. This was a collection categorised into the theatrical and historical side. A turning point back into the Victorian era where industrial revolution first begun. Amy Gower’s; Merah Suka, translating from Malaysia as ‘red love’. Vibrant colours were used as part of the essence of Borneo’s rainforest. She created beautiful bespoke garments, and what was most intriguing of her collection was the incorporation of the culture in Malaysia.</p> <p dir="ltr">The next collection embraced with Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Bauhaus. This was Chloe Luckhurst’s collection, called Classique. This involved detail and precision, creating a sophisticated and feminine touch. One particular design caught my eye, which was made of sheer fabric, this was a beautiful garment which was tailored perfectly for the model. Chloe Davies, English inheritage inspired collection, called Dappled Vibrance, used specific fabrics such as knit, wool and leather, which were commonly used in the eighteenth century. This was a practical yet stylish clothing range, of which would appeal to a wide audience.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anne Neville’s, Power de la Moda was a retake on 1980’s fashion. Using her own initiative and using high quality fabrics, this was a collection to be deeply enthralled by. A touch of masculinity developed in turn with the year of 2014, this was designed to enable women to feel confident and stylish. Haikyo by Abigail McBride was an oriental, Japanese inspired collection. Her success was the contribution of detail, developing brilliantly tailored clothing. Katie Murch’s designs of La Vie En Rose, was designed on the basis of 1920’s and 30’s fashion. To create a glamorous style, material such as lace, velvet and embellished elements were used for a desirable finish.</p> <p dir="ltr">Chanel Miller a promising start to her fashion career, this was a contemporary collection named Out There. Galaxy and space designed, this collection gave a unique impact. Censored eyes, knitted and leather material, patterned trousers and superb tailored suits. Outrageously brilliant. Natalie Shah was inspired by her trip to Barcelona and came up with a collection endorsed by Spanish style. A strong influence on femininity, she used chiffon, mohair yarn, lamb nappa and raw silk. The last participating collection called Wairua O Aroha designed by Sophie Teasdale was influenced by New Zealand’s plants, landscapes, rainforests and trees. Her colour palette resembled everything organic and her designs were created for the modern day bride. This was a demonstration of originality and creativity.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the fashion show had finished I felt fascinated by the work that had been produced in this course, almost so that I felt the urge to completely change my career plans and turn to becoming a fashion designer myself. The course is described by the college to enhance student’s creativity, knowledge and expertise gained from working in the college and industry. And from what I have seen I believe that the college have offered a fantastic opportunity for all students. For those who wish to take a career in fashion or arts, I strongly suggest that Plymouth College of Art is the best place to go. With friendly tutors, work experience, high standard of equipment. What else could you ask for? And for this year’s graduates that took part in their fashion show, we will most likely hear of them in the near future.</p>