ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEK DAY 3

Day three of alternative fashion week brought with it an eclectic mix of the insane and the inspired. Veiled behind the press of people thronged tightly beneath the glass-topped sweep of London’s Spitalfields Market, the catwalk lay in wait for the day’s designers. Through the tight mass of the crowd, interspersed with the occasional glint of a brightly decorated model, protruded the white backed catwalk, onto which the first of the day’s designs stepped out. 

Hush descended, the lights went up, and the characteristic clatter of a hundred shutters presided authoritatively over the scene. It being alternative fashion week, we were reminded of the freedom of these designs, unencumbered by commercial restraint. For some designs, and I refer here to Amy Day’s ‘Celestial Macabre’ collection, a line of latex designs, it was easy to see why. First I wondered what gave her the idea of using such a brash material, and quickly my thoughts turned instead to how on earth the models had managed to shoehorn themselves into their outfits. My guess to this day remains elbow grease and a heap of talcum powder.

   

However, the designs weren’t all quite such an unbridled celebration of the freedom of fashion. Adel Andic had obviously experienced the powerhouse that was Todd Lynn’s A/W 10/11 collection, yet her earthen designs of empowering layering, combined with the warrior goddess big shoulders was an absolute triumph. 

Gemma Wadsworth’s sportswear collection based on the ‘Tokyo’ trainer was an inspired look at sportswear, boasting an understated luxury. 

Another of the day’s triumphs was a mixed men and womenswear collection from Havering College, whilst the womenswear was good, it was the menswear that brought them out of the realms of forgettable. Caped shoulders added a fresh twist to their immaculately cut checked jacket, and the flash of velvet on the pocket provided an extra dollop of class. 

So don’t take the word alternative to necessarily mean it’s going to be a bit ‘out there’, despite the odd flash of schizophrenic style, London’s Alternative Fashion Week is a great place to spot yourself an up and coming designer. 

Ben Schofield