Ruth Green, Royal College of Art

Year after year the Royal College of Art sets a new standard for graduate fashion shows and 2011 has been no exception!

Institut Français de la Mode 10th Anniversary

Intitut Français de la Mode is a school known for giving young designers the opportunity to get in touch with the real world, as well as teaching them a sense of craftsmanship combined with technical design. On April 14 the IFM put together an evening called 10 Years of Fashion & Accessory Design – celebrating 10 years since the school first opened, as well as highlighting the future designers’ work in front of many potential colleagues from the fashion industry.

Vera Thordardottir, A/W 2011/2

The Reykjavík Fashion Festival (RFF) took place March 31 to April 03 at Reykjavík Art Museum. Now in its second season, the festival was host to some of Iceland’s unique designers showing their collections of accessories and garments as well as an exciting mixture of music and culture from the various venues around the city.

Kei Kagami, The Future of Fashion

Fashion designer and artist Kei Kagami and global fastening manufacturer YKK collaborated with St Martins Courtyard to present The Future of Fashion exhibition.

Wafrica, Serge Mouangue, 2008; BMW Art Car, Esther Mahlango, 1991

If you are lucky enough to be in in New York before the 15th May, don’t miss the truly inspiring exhibition on at the Museum of Art and Design, The Global Africa Project. If you can’t head out to the Big Apple, then check out their website for comprehensive images and information.

Collectif de 7 Janvier/Stephanie D’Heygere, J Smith Esquire

The ra womenswear show hits Paris March 04-07 2011 and features 11 designers who all share a passion for high fashion with quirky details. Featuring designers from across the world – this exhibition is hosting some pieces from the most eccentric designers each country has to offer.

Hothouse 2011; Smocked Chair, Rose Sharp Jones, Hothouse 2010 participant

February 24 is the launch date for 2011 applications for the of the Craft Council’s Hothouse scheme. Open to emerging makers of any craft specialism, who are just about to, or within two years of, setting up their own business, Hothouse provides a six month programme of business and creative development support. ARTS THREAD looks at how the scheme has helped two makers who took part in Hothouse 2010. PS deadline for applications is April 15 2011.

LCF MA Colection of the Year winner, Matteo Mollinari, MA Fashion Design Technology

The MA students at LCF triumphed in London, thanks to an undoubtedly euphoric graduate show at the V&A. It was epitomised innovation. Daring design boundaries were at the forefront, amalgamating into a stunning glimpse of fashion’s latest talent for the new decade. 



Grocery Bag, Natalie Thakur; Sensation Print, Sam Gray; Super8 Print, Mengsel

Howkapow is a new online shop selling products from new and independent designers and graduates. Opened in early December 2010 by Cat and Rog How, the site includes illustration prints, jewellery, accessories, stationery, furniture and kitchen/dining and homeware products.

Fuse at Counihan Gallery; Saan Davidson

RMIT’s Textile Design and Development Graduate Exhibition is hosted by Counihan Gallery every two years. Students present their final works for selection and the exhibition is then professionally curated by Counihan Gallery’s curator, Edwina Bartlem.