Wednesday @ AFW06

Wednesday brings sunshine to Swatch Alternative Fashion Week but that's not to say it's bringing any warm weather with it. Luckily, Charlotte Pigg is on-the-ball with her Winter Sports woollens. The cosy collection, adorned with 'Piggski' logos, hearts and reindeer and mountain motifs, features a succession of candy-coloured knitwear: legwarmers, bobble hats and plenty of pom-poms.

Perhaps more hopeful that spring is finally on its way is Canadian Jennifer McPherson. The self-taught designer created a series of romantic dresses with subtle detailing. Floral panelling and waist-emphasising ribbons add character to each piece, whilst the flushes of rose and the odd string of pearls establish a flirty, feminine feel throughout. The ethical designer's main aim is to make hemp more glamorous. She used the material in all but two of her garments and, with not a sack wearing, eco-warrior in sight, she definitely realised her goal.

Rebelling against traditional ideas of femininity, Nicola Blood sent her models out in a flurry of 90s grunge. Contrasting layers of recycled denim, jersey, checked shirts and pretty patterns fuse together to great effect. A full-length tailored coat in faded denim creates drama and structure to an otherwise slouchy, dishevelled, collection-certainly reminiscent of the designer's inspiration and grunge pioneer, Kurt Cobain.

The show ended with The Colchester School of Art and Design showing a series of menswear pieces I can only describe as urban caveman meets gay cowboy. There was sheepskin, leather and suede in abundance, possibly used most deftly on a tiny tot who closed the show and attained the loudest cheers of the afternoon!

Words: Selene Pearson.

Photos: Nick Ingham @ SmilePlease.net.