Carly Ellis, Hannah Clayton, Jessica Madden, University of Westminster
The University of Westminster staged a stellar graduate fashion show on Wednesday 2nd June at their new venue, Ambika P3. The cavernous underground space was impressively packed, as 19 strong, distinctive fashion visions were revealed in a fast-paced, exciting show.
Hannah Clayton’s opener was an accomplished collection that set the standard for what was to come. Fluffy mohair textures, ‘bleeding dye’ prints and sexy, figure hugging jersey all combined to create great, modern womenswear. The mood then switched sharply as Carly Ellis’ fabulously bright and brash, zingy sportswear for men and women, stormed into view. Influenced by music, Ellis is also “inspired and enthused by anything that is bright and shiny”.
Jessica Madden’s beautiful pieces added yet another flavour – her work combining craft techniques with a futuristic edge. Laminated lace was manipulated into complex structures, some reminiscent of Elizabethan ruffs.
Bushra Ahmed, University of Westminster
More strong collections came thick and fast, with Bashra Ahmed contrasting the high shine of latex with the softer sheen of ponyskin to create a bold, uncompromising and inventive collection in black and red. Elizabeth Oakley evoked a slightly sinister elegance, with desirable, covetable womenswear that fused references from British punks and the deconstruction of traditional tailoring, while Hayley Lai’s sexy pieces were distinctive for their intricate 3D structures.
Rachel King, University of Westminster
Rachel King’s obsession with couture techniques led her to create her own unique fabrics by weaving narrow, cut strips of material. Her simple, graphic silhouettes in a monochrome palette drew attention to the finesse of her finishing.
Tamsin Lillywhite, Shefa Rehman, University of Westminster
Another memorable slot came from Tamsin Lillywhite, whose dramatic floor length trench coats, spray painted with shiny black lacquer made a great impact. Her country roots inspired her use of the craft of saddlery, creating hand-made leather belts and harnesses, which she incorporated into her designs.
Other highlights included Shefa Rehman’s great, strong menswear collection in black, based on her research into safety wear and protection. Masculine shapes included boilersuits, dungarees and protective aprons, while models sported ‘coal-smudged’ faces and miners lamps on their heads.
Hannah Menzies, University of Westminster
The show then culminated in Hannah Menzies’ fun and fresh womenswear, presented with frosty vapour of clouds of dry ice, inspired by figure skating and her childhood memories of dance and gymnastic classes.
Westminster once again confirmed their place as one of the top UK
undergraduate programmes, with strong links to major fashion labels forged through their internship option. Many of these impressive graduates have already racked up some substantial work experience, which added to the sheer quality of the final collections on show should ensure them a great future, in spite of current testing times.
