Central Saint Martins 2012 Graduate Showstopper

Fashion Reporter: Sian O’Donnell

Central Saint Martins – the go to university for emerging creative talent which counts the likes of Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney amongst its alumni - served up a feast of incredible design talent at its 2012 Graduate fashion show.

Designs were bigger, shapes more experimental and colour palettes increasingly outlandish with a real sense of animation in the air, which you could feel buzzing around the luxurious new campus building in Kings Cross.

The show included Ruoxin Jin’s spectacular nod to Disney’s Beauty & the Beast favourite, Lumière’s candlestick-wielding-hands (accompanied by knitted candy stripes, box heavy footwear and Chinese warrior dancers moving around the clothing) and Oliver Ward’s hypnotic tiered organza, sculptural gown which saw a collection of unpolluted, couture class.

With emphasis on craft and structure, Erin Hawkes delivered in utter abundance with her oversized checked bomber jackets, apron skirts draped over baggy denim crops and Hip Hop style bonnet hat creations, which saw her rightfully pick up the prestigious Professional L’Oreal Award later on in the night.

Tigran Avetisyan, winner of the LVMH bursary for menswear, had a lot to say with his chalky slogans slated ironically over workwear, “NO JOBS” and “Graduate 2012… Nothing more to say” – we hear that!

Molly Goddard’s futuristic, fairytale princess netted wonder was a personal favourite within the FashionBite team. Neon pink hues, folky broiderie anglaise embroidery and fantastic flatform espadrilles over stark white socks – pure clashing madness pulled off only in London!

With the likes of Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Matthew Williamson graduating from the great British institution, it is no wonder that at the same time each year, throughout the world, every editor, buyer, designer, stylist, journalistic and follower of fashion looks to CSM with eyes wide open, bated breath and gripped to the front of their seats. We still do it the best, the evidence is overwhelming to see.

FashionBite xx