Last year, GFW was gracde by the presence of Victoria Beckham and this time around super model Claudia Schiffer was brought in. Luckily, for the students at least, other, more qualified judges form the ‘real’ fashion industry also contributes their opinions.
Julia ReimannRiver Island is the main sponsor and this works well both ways since they're in desperate need of credibility and GFW needs, well, the money really! Topshop, of course, is in the lead, sponsoring the real deal fashion week but it will do River Island good to connect with the words young, fashion, creative and exciting, rather than Oxford Street, cheap, chav and boring for once.
Julia ReimannThe whole affair has a quite professional trade fair feeling to it. Outside the two catwalk tents, different design schools are showing off successful alumni as a way of attracting potential students, preferably international ones, ready to splash out on the expensive fees.
Natasha ShanksLike the Daily Rubbish during LFW, there is also a daily newspaper, imaginatively named GFW Daily, which highlights talented students, offers career advice and interviews buyers, editors, stylists etc.
But enough about that; Monday evening saw University of East London take over tent 2 and 15 BA students showed off both mens and womenswear. The overall level of quality was high, easily measuring up with a Saint Martins collection. If that really is a sign of quality these days I do not know...
Natasha Shanks
A few of the highlights included German born Julia Reimann. Her collection mixed stylish elegance with see-through sexiness, which is always interesting if balanced right. Reimann’s love for Body-wrap's literally shone through her skirts and one of her dresses was perhaps inspired by Madonna’s famous cone bra. Sharp, black tailoring shared the catwalk with an excellent coat, sewn as to look like a skirt, belt and jacket. The top part, in white, came in beautiful tuxedo collar. The piece smelt of luxurious Chanel. One to watch!
Natalie Jacobs
Totally different was Natalie Jacobs’ collection. She seemed to be inspired by Second World War women. I thought of Charlotte Gray, Sebastian Faulks’ Resistance heroine. Lots of olive green, beige and grey helped the army theme. Uniform like jackets, shirts buttoned all the way up and, of course, the berets reinforced my impression. Parts of the collection had other inspiration sources I’m sure, but Jacobs was at her best as a 1940’s train saboteur.
Natalie Jacobs
Natasha Shanks ought to win the prize for most delicate production. Not only did she show off what looked like top dollar pleating, but her laser cut leather details were the most impressive. Coats, skirts and blouses – they all came draped in wine red leather, cut to perfection in different patterns. Mostly in red and grey, Shanks showed an eye for elegant details while making sure the audience remembered her short skirts, see through shirts and slim fitting dresses.
If you’re reading this Claudia Schiffer – Give the 20k price to Natasha Shanks!
Natasha ShanksA few of the highlights included German born Julia Reimann. Her collection mixed stylish elegance with see-through sexiness, which is always interesting if balanced right. Reimann’s love for Body-wrap's literally shone through her skirts and one of her dresses was perhaps inspired by Madonna’s famous cone bra. Sharp, black tailoring shared the catwalk with an excellent coat, sewn as to look like a skirt, belt and jacket. The top part, in white, came in beautiful tuxedo collar. The piece smelt of luxurious Chanel. One to watch!
Natalie JacobsTotally different was Natalie Jacobs’ collection. She seemed to be inspired by Second World War women. I thought of Charlotte Gray, Sebastian Faulks’ Resistance heroine. Lots of olive green, beige and grey helped the army theme. Uniform like jackets, shirts buttoned all the way up and, of course, the berets reinforced my impression. Parts of the collection had other inspiration sources I’m sure, but Jacobs was at her best as a 1940’s train saboteur.
Natalie JacobsNatasha Shanks ought to win the prize for most delicate production. Not only did she show off what looked like top dollar pleating, but her laser cut leather details were the most impressive. Coats, skirts and blouses – they all came draped in wine red leather, cut to perfection in different patterns. Mostly in red and grey, Shanks showed an eye for elegant details while making sure the audience remembered her short skirts, see through shirts and slim fitting dresses.
If you’re reading this Claudia Schiffer – Give the 20k price to Natasha Shanks!
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