Monday Show Report
Swatch Alternative Fashion Week got off to a high octane start this season with a full-to-bursting show at the Truman Brewery. The first of five this week, this was a showcase for new and emerging designers whose collections ran the gamut from burlesque-inspired evening-wear to edge-cutting street styles.
The event opened to funked-up strains of Old McDonald - courtesy of live quartet 'Watch This Space' - and the members of the audience blinked twice and then chuckled as the Cast Off Knitting Club's star model made her debut in the form of a real, live, and somewhat star-struck, sheep.
Continuing the knitwear theme, this time on real live male models, Nottingham Trent graduate Romany Taylor sent out a superbly considered and witty collection in which knits and original prints served to revamp traditionally geeky wardrobe staples. Brown and orange tank tops were worn over peacock blue tracksuit pants and brightly coloured polo shirts with fine knit shorts. Most definitely one to watch.
In a playful mood too was Jasper Garvida who opened with a doll-faced model in a ruffled confection of black an white polka dots and ginghams. Based on the contents of a toy-box, this was more costume than fashion, but it was daringly executed and undoubtedly eye-catching.
If any trends can be inferred for next season, volume and texture will be making themselves felt. Patricia McDyer sent out a feminine collection of silk and organza double-layer dresses which had been boned to mould them around the body, whilst Kirsten Reichenbach had shredded brightly coloured fabrics and backed them onto interlining to create a padded, distressed surface on layered skirts and cut-away tops.
Those with a taste for less busy aethetics appreciated Claire Sopel's prettily smocked sun-dresses whose pastel cutesiness was saved from blandness by quirkily attached flower patches at the hem.
Also easy on the eye was Edward Crutchley's crisp white collection inspired by Raj-era Brits: full of over-sized shorts and skirts, belted to accommodate the excess fabric and worn with half-mast white socks and fab wedge-heeled brogues.
Judges on Day One were the omnipresent Zandra Rhodes, Wale Adeyemi and Pip Hackett. Given the quality and variety on offer this afternoon, their job won't be an easy one!
Maia Adams