Futurist Uniformity by Wayne Fitzell Last week, in London, the graduating students of the Masters Program of Fashion at the prestigious school of Central Saint Martins debuted their collections during London Fashion Week. Central Saint Martins is considered one of the foremost design schools in Europe if not the world. It is comprised of five schools: The School of Art, the School of Fashion and Textiles, School of Graphic and Industrial Design, Drama Centre London, and the Byam Shaw School of Art. Notable graduates include John Galliano, Sophia Kokosalaki, Christopher Kane, Gareth Pugh and Rifat Ozbek.
Two Dresses-In-One by Michael Van Der Ham It is said that European design houses from Versace to Prada send their headhunters to the Central Saint Martins show to scout for the best new Design Assistants. And I am sure if someone did an informal poll of European design houses, there would probably be a lot of Saint Martins graduates.
Salmon pink cut-out shift dress with pea-green and black tights shift by Laura Mackness This year's designers looked to the future in their designs and silhouettes and certainly pushed the edge of what is considered Fashion in the first decade of the new Millennium. There was Minimalist as well as Avant Guarde designs. There were uniforms ideal for "London: 28 Days Later", and some could be perfect for a fabulous London nightclub in 1968 or 1988, but with a definite 2009 twist.
Coiled black and grey Cocktail Dress from Derek LawlorIt was curious to see the lack of evening wear in terms of gowns. Or at least what is deemed as "traditional evening gowns". Separates and a modern take on "sportswear" reigned supreme at this runway show of the graduating students of design.
Joan Collins Shoulders 2009: Oden Wilison royal blue satin exaggerated shouldered top, pants and matching shoesAs an Instructor of Fashion Design myself, it is wonderful to see what student designers do, especially during their time in school--I feel this is the time to experiment and be ultra-creative, as long as it looks relevant and chic. These graduating student designers definitely showed that.
Click below for an edited runway video of the Central Saint Martins Fashion Show, Fall 2009/10