Tuesday @ AFW06

Day two of Swatch Alternative Fashion Week 2006 brings a vibrant display of ethnic influences. It isn't purely East End talent that we've been enjoying; today's designers included Norwegian Karin Helen Grontveldt and the Pearl Academy of Fashion all the way from New Delhi. Inspired by Peru, Jasper Garvida provides a collection of hand stitched, appliquéd pieces including vast, multi-coloured, patchwork overcoats and feather-adorned Flapper dresses. Such a concoction of colour and pattern kept the South American vibe, but the 20s glamour took centre stage. A favourite is the navy, silk organza tulip dress which plays with the lengths and layers of typically 20s fashions.

Keeping with the theme of referencing eras gone by, Audrey Doherty sent her models out in a stunning assortment of hand blocked and finished hats inspired by past decades. This included a quirky vase and flower head piece which Philip Treacy would be proud of! Other designer accessories include Tristan Scutt's neon belts, emblazoned with the slogans 'disco hurts' and 'dance your hips away' it was an anarchic fusion of punk and disco, artfully strung around ripped denim and logo tees.

More subdued but no less exciting is Rachele Simms collection which plays with structure, silhouette and size in stylish jersey and knitwear pieces. Although sticking to a sober palette of slate, ebony and ivory, each piece looks distinctive and follows fluently from the last. Asymmetric detailing and voluminous layering create a collection that, in the designer's own words, is "devastatingly distinguished and demure".

Another day brings another wave of designers who show a real flair for coming up with original, inventive ideas. Romantic ruffles, sharp tailoring and Disco Punk at Alternative Fashion Week - there's no shortage of inspiration.

Words: Selene Pearson.

Photos: Nick Ingham @ SmilePlease.net.