Central Saint Martins Graduate Shows
Thursday 25th May, the graduating classes of 2006 everywhere are preparing to end their university studies and launch themselves into the big wide world. None so much as the design students at Central St. Martins as today sees the debut of their final collections on the catwalk. The eagerly anticipated, much acclaimed, consistently outward and trendsetting in terms of fashion was about to be upon us. So understandably the tension hangs heavy in the air as the lights go down and the first fashion Women's wear student's creations glide down the catwalk. And then we were off...
The longest of the three shows featured more than 50 students, roughly 500 pieces of imagination in less than 2 hours. A long time for a restless audience but the students broke up the time with dramatic entrances, UV lit plastic creations and doll-like models. Hermione De Paula from Print-wear, a personal highlight, created a line of lingerie. Her own models tottered down the catwalk skipping, playing and flirting in the most beautiful bearly-there creations with black lace, crystal and gravity defying head-wear.
Bold patterns were regular features throughout the Print and Knitwear shows. Other trends emerging were oversized handbags, students across the board donned their models with giant purses (Serafina Sama and Pam Leung) . Many students made a feature of ingenious footwear. Victoria Aylwin matched her garments with birkenstock-esque sandals elevated onto high rubber stands, some used converse or doc martins but the platform high heel ran down the catwalk in as many shapes and colours as it has been made.
English heritage and the city of London had a subtle presence throughout, specifically with Eri Umezawa. The knitwear student who's bus inspired head-wear sparked smiles of recognition throughout the audience. One print collection was made from of 3D fabrics, which the front row enjoyed through 3D specs. The more theatrical performances stood out for their originality though the entire show, from make-up to music, was perfectly choreographed. Individual soundtracks seemed to melt magically into each collection perfectly, some using video projections to illustrate their ideas further. Even a one person tent in the Menswear show! Gingham fabrics featured prominently in menswear, but one more daring collection experimented with gender stereotypes, and included corsets and laced shirts.
All three finales didn't disappoint with the fantastical creations from Yang Du and Karen Karam who both, curiously, used horses as a main feature. We were left dazzled by the skill of the talents in our midst.
The front row sparkled with familiar faces of three years worth of tutors who determine their final grades. Mothers, fathers, uncles, grannies dogs and daughters piled into the show room. All three of the shows left not a seat to spare. Diversity was key as we were treated to everything from parasols to dog-wear. and they boast tailoring and attention to detail most fashion houses would be proud of. Their eclectic blend of multi cultured talents and home grown designers never fails to blow us away and this year was no exception. They await to see who will exhibit in the press show on the 5th of June, which will show case only 40 students it's fair to say once again St. Martins unleash another generation of life into the fashion industry. Congratulations class of 2006, go forth, design and prosper.
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