Friday @ AFW06

The fifth and final day of Swatch Alternative Fashion Week was suitably electrifying. With seats filling up an hour before the show began, the crowd was the biggest of the Week. One of the highlights of today was a troop of teen ballerinas showcasing cute, kitsch undergarments for design duo, and eventual overall winners, Stevi Jelbart and Emma Sandham-King. A sailor, nurse and soldier burst onto the catwalk in an explosion of tap-dance moves but, despite the ladies in uniform, the collection is far from fetish. With Victorian bloomers, fishnets, frilly knickers and lacy corsets, the playful collection taps into the recent arrival of the structured 50s burlesque silhouette to mainstream fashion.

Also exploring structure, or lack of it, is Dee-Anne Markiewicz. Her nature-inspired garments are full of texture. Dominated by matted felt, coarse knit and shredded hems, the deconstructed pieces in autumnal, burnt oranges and plums are teamed with dainty twig headpieces and leaf-inspired bags. Laddered cable knits and unfinished edges help complete the 'forest floor' feel.

The natural world was a principal theme throughout Friday's final show. Carol Lesley Robinson and Angela Coupe looked to hidden depths of the ocean with marine reef- inspired headdresses in turquoise, coral and sea green, whilst Subee Nagendra sent her models out in a collection of jellyfish-like ruffled, puffball skirts and frayed, jagged hems.

The climax saw some favourites of the Week return as finalists, nervously awaiting the results of the Swatch Awards. With Liverpool John Moores University from Day One and Stevi Jelbart and Emma Sandham-King named as worthy winners, we headed home, ready to do it all again next year.

Words: Selene Pearson.

Photos: Nick Ingham @ SmilePlease.net.