Wednesday Show Report
Day Three at AFW and I head backstage to investigate what the hardworking backstage crew and models are up to. Spot Judith Shin putting the last touches to her models' outfits which include printed 'stockings' covering their entire faces, check out the Kysha Charles' really impressive menswear collection and see Rachel Singer walking and talking her models through their paces. Rachel had all of her backstage crew in matching yellow Ts with her name printed on the front - who says AFW isn't professional?.
Judith Shin and Rachel Singer
There's just enough time before the show to have a look around the Fashion Market. I notice some interesting pieces from Patricia McDyer, a collection inspired by tin robots and expectations of the future and cleverly structured garments in silk and leather by Deepa Panchamia also stand out.
Patricia McDyer
First designer to show was Judith Shin, with her collection made up of tissue paper bonded onto muslin and oversized balloon sleeves (the models manage to pull it off nicely despite their faces being obscured). Rachel Singer was next up with a collection entitled 'Call in favours', a vibrant and wearable conglomerate array of colours, textures and prints, featuring bright oranges and yellows and greens.
Kysha Charles
Backstage Kysha Charles was apprehensive about her AFW debut, however she needn't have worried. Her menswear collection of painted and hand-worked items was a favourite amongst the audience.
Other designers that stood out were Natalie Vil, with a collection of exaggerated flower shaped dresses, and Karen Lucas with recycled and handmade fabrics.
This was my first time at Alternative Fashion Week and there was a great vibe down at the Truman Brewery, both front of house and back stage.
Natalie Hines
