Monday @ AFW06

Charlie Chaplin, Alice in Wonderland and 'witty layers of life' are just some of the influences cited at Day One of Swatch Alternative Fashion Week 2006 and, as you can imagine, we weren't disappointed. Every lunchtime until Friday March 24, organisers Alternative Arts will showcase collections by new and up-and-coming designers and colleges. Today, we were treated to an array of wonderful work ranging from androgynous tailoring and 'designer chav' to full on, no holds barred glamour.

The shows this year are being held for the first time at The New Spitalfields Traders' Market and, despite the cold, it was smiles all round. Though black, white and grey dominated many collections, colour reigned proud in Regina Trinity Piloya's tapestry-inspired cropped jackets and froufrou skirts in subtle spring tones. Alex Cunningham also plays with simple, strong colours in her understated menswear collection. Her deconstructed 'capelets' with lace, leather and jersey panelling are innovative and explore the idea of giving an illusion of a garment that isn't actually there.

Kerrie Scott and Kate Miller's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-inspired collection provided an injection of the extreme into proceedings - a marvellous assortment of candy stripes, clashing prints and circus-like colours complete with their very own Willy Wonka! Less outrageous but just as compelling, is Matthew Cunnington's work inspired by the life of his 'Nan'. Adhering to a muted colour palette, his collection includes a dainty Stephen Jones-esque top hat, a floor-length tartan skirt and a vanilla, 20s drop-waisted dress. Such a diverse show of decades and styles should have been confusing, but the effect on the catwalk was outstanding.

With such wide variety and exceptional ideas communicated in each collection, the talent of the designers has been clear for all to see. And to think, this is only Monday!

Words: Selene Pearson.

Photos: Nick Ingham @ SmilePlease.net.