The University of East London was the first show for us of the week, and it definitely set expectations high for the week. The level of detail and execution were absolutely outstanding and it was wonderful to see the students' proficiency with so many different media.
One of our favourite designers, Florian Wowretzko, was also in the audience to take in the show.
And now, sit in the front row as these amazing collection come down the runway.
Sharifa Nakawooya & Daylan Mollentze
It takes a special eye to be able to mix prints, especially when there is so much texture throughout the garments, but this collection was stunning. From the ruffles to the trains and flowing pieces, everything just added to the appeal of the collection.
Tinotenda Chafesuka
Tinotenda really thought about all of the details in this collection, from the shoe laces to the glasses.
Sarah Caplin
For the first menswear collection to come down the catwalk, this was brilliant. The shapes and digital prints were an innovative take on the athleisure streetwear trend that continues to dominate the market. And of course, you know we love a bit of black.
Working with delicate fabrics is a talent, and Nadia has it. This collection, to us, was an interesting Little House on the Prairie goes hip-hop. The embroidered cut-outs were a great detail of this collection. And I think we've all heard how the under-boob looks is a Kardashian favourite, and Nadia did it perfectly.
Fola Adefowope
Fola's collection was the most elegant, well tailored collection of the week. The stunning red and bright pink stood out of the crowd for sure. These pieces are not only striking, but very commercial as well.
Constance Burke
It seemed a lot of the designers used the Nike slip ons in their collections. These comfortable, oversized pieces were perfectly executed.
Kayleigh Dozell
Kayleigh's collection was very industrial. We loved the exposed seam details and the painted patches.
It was amazing how Antonia could take something so tough, like leather, and give it such a soft treatment with the lace details. This delicate rocker chic look was brilliant. Antonia won the Lipsy Red Carpet Dress award. Congratulations!
Who knew plastic could look so good. While the shapes of these pieces were quite basic, the execution and combination of the prints was stunning and brilliantly executed.
Hannah E Richards
Hannah's collection was mostly very commercial. When the final model threw handfuls of scrap fabric in the air at the end, we can only assume she was making a statement as to the wasteful nature of the industry.
Cassandra Gubudu
As we've said earlier, the proficiency of the students of UEL to work with prints was really stunning. Cassandra's collection had an ethnic influence and was beautifully executed.
Ashlee Severin
Ashlee's was another beautifully crafted and ultimately commercial collection.
Thi Hang Doan
Giving delicate fabrics a 3-dimensional appeal is not easy, yet Thi managed to do just that. Structures were added throughout the sleeves to allow the pieces to exagerate the oversized look.
Faith Balogun
This was the first collection where we saw the prize ribbons, which ended up oddly enough being a huge trend throughout the week. Having seen some of the patches, we know Faith is not afraid to offend, either.
Black and leather, these are a few of our favourite things. The texture added to the leather was stunning and added an interesting depth to the pieces. The draping takes these very casual garments to another level.
This collection of styrofoam structural, exoskeletal pieces was definitely the perfect way to close the show. Who knew that foam could flow! I don't know how he managed to put these pieces together, but he definitely has a future in the industry with his innovative thinking and amazing talent.
Interested in studying fashion at University of East London? Visit their website to find out how.