Thursday at AFW 2007

Hackney Community College Art Department got us off to a fine start today with a vibrant, diverse array of outfits incorporating butterfly costumes, dramatic graffiti coats and hand-painted dresses. We loved the homage to punk coat with collage print - respect to Jamie Reid for informing that design.

Lucy Bennett is a Rotherham-based designer who sells her collection online. She patterns cuts and created everything for her collection herself which includes an asymmetric mini skirt, ruffled jersey dress with white rabbit print and an impressive pinstripe suit with ribbon details.

Emese's collection plays with trousers and offers jackets, side-pocketed skirts and baggy pants - very focused.

Eleanor Callaghan's models looked like dolls and her collection is all about recycling textiles she rescues and refashions from old bedspreads, furniture upholstery and tablecloths. The result is a romantic, Hansel and Gretel-like series of one-offs featuring play suits and little girly dresses punctuated with fluoro socks and tights.

Nico Didonna showed off-schedule at London Fashion Week in February and when we examined the outfits backstage, were genuinely impressed by the attachable features, linings, button and cuff details and all-round excellent finishing. He told us he has experience as a tailor and likes to run his Soho shop on the old-fashioned model where he is 'out back' and always available to make adjustments for his customers.

Oxford and Cherwell College's showing put us in an Austin Powers' mood with dresses worn with patent shoes and 60s wigs and pink eyelashes!

Jatin Patel's exploration of Hindu and western culture was a successful attempt. Mesmeric paisley prints on blouses, ruched trousers with zipped hems and leather arm accessories all contributed to a very powerful collection.

Words: Marian Buckley (Editor, fuk.co.uk).

Photos: Nick Ingham and Jo Fotheringham. Prints are available to purchase from SmilePlease.net.