Photos: Wednesday

The innovation of AFW continues on Wednesday with Hackney Community College Art Department showcasing a collection inspired by time and memory. Themes of nature and the earth are explored through the use of textiles such as tulle and wire. While vibrancy and colour are evident in Tinkerbelle‐style dresses made from mesh, decorated with floral as well as butterfly patterns.

German designer Lisa Hofmann explores the Bauhaus movement with a collection of wearable garments. Simple structured shift dresses are given a quirky twist with images of oversized cutlery. While accessories include a toaster‐holder bracelet and spoon necklace.

Moroccan designer Najlaa Jabri fuses characteristics of 17th century England and Berber culture to give us a luxurious collection. Using silk sourced from Marrakesh, Najlaa's collection includes a mint green, silk 17th century inspired coat worn over a silver embroidered mini dress.

Pavel Merxuz's models emerge on the catwalk fierce and dominating. Block colours of black, grey and wine merge with structured floor length coats to give us the dark superheroes of AFW. Leather and PVC are the materials of choice, while cutout detailing is a dominant technique.

Pinstripes, oversized shirts and comfortable layering are the staples of Jenna Moore's collection. Using a colour palette of cream, navy and grey, we see a well‐
tailored wearable collection of clothing, including shorts and blazers.

Birmingham based designer Sunita Nar's collection includes rich brown and bronze/gold hooded v‐neck jumpers and high‐waisted trousers with ribbed detailing on the outer leg. Concealing and exposing the flesh is the inspiration for this collection.

It is East London based designer Emma Parker 's (Playful Promises) first appearance at AFW. Entitled Shanghai Boudoir, this collection consists of sumptuous silk and satin lingerie. Sexy black, satin garters and PVC hold‐ups are juxtaposed with cute and flirty peach bodices with lace and ruffle details.

Rebecca Bucknor explores the male bravado with her collection. Khaki green jumpsuits with a feminine cut at the chest are embellished with PVC patches and black glitter alluding to the new man, one in touch with his emotional side.

Environmental issues contributed to the merging of Lizzie Harrison of Antiform industries and Karen Dennis of Ketchup clothes. A fun and quirky collection of recycled materials, which includes polka dots and stripes and playful shapes including puffball.

Finnish designer Teija Vartiainen uses pure silk and unfinished ruffle detailing in her arctic inspired collection. Sky blue and cream is contrasted with electric blue, while simple shapes, including high collars and wide arms, and well ‐
tailored dresses are the main stay of this collection.

The models of Gemma Woodcraft and Jessica Haley's collection sashay down the catwalk to Stevie Wonders Superstition clothed in hot pink ruffled mini skirts and electric blue, mini lederhosen.

Samantha Waine gives us "Dirty Pretty" a collection of retro and recycled men's shirts. The collection includes the contrast of gingham and floral with pinstripes.

Mary Ratcliffe plays on the idea of romance with her collection which includes pleated tulle‐skirts and crotchet detailing for women and beige trousers detailed with floral for men. A fun and wearable collection "that gets noticed".

"A Swashbuckling Fantasy" is a collection by Lori Whelan. Featuring underwear that draws inspiration from pirates. Molten gold, silk mini pantaloons are teamed with brown, laced corsets.

Colchester School of Art ended the show with their "Granddad we love you" collection much to the delight of the crowd. "Recycling and reworking garments for men over 60", this collection was an eclectic mix of garments ranging from rock and roll chic to flower power from Kaiser military coats to tartan trousers.

Words: Peig Meehan
Photos: Benjamin Glean.