GFW 2013

On Monday I attended Graduate Fashion Week at Earl's Court for We Are Collision, and it was a morning I am very glad I managed to fit into my crazy schedule. I will attend shows when I can, they invigorate me and get me excited about new fashion talent; but with having such a mental life last season, I was unable to go to many and this disappointed me. GFW's International Show made me love what I do again, and this time, made me want to look further than just London for new designers to swoon over.

Here is a selection of photos I took at the show, and I have listed the designer's name where I can remember - having a camera in your hand often hinders other activities.

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All photos by Sophia Chemaitelli

Marina Hormanseder and Parsons New York

Carmina Blank

Sasha Nassar

Michael Maiello

Chisung Ihn (left)

DIY On The Catwalk

DIY is a trend that I find hard to replicate myself; obviously my print, colour, body coordination isn't right for it, but Fashion156 have proved that there are many designers and people that have it oh so right.

All over the A/W 13 there were designers bursting to show their take on the trend, with badges, patches, embellishment and colours running wild! With times being hard, designers are looking to reflect the times; people are saving money by re-vamping old clothes, making them into new ones or just giving them a little spruce; anything to stay on-trend but in the black.

Louise Gray gave us metallic trays and duct tape bangles

Ashish presented the all-important reflective jacket

James Long's knits were sea-worn and recycled

Dsquared went 90's badge collecting

The Rodarte sisters brought matching applique and tie-dye to the catwalk

Ethnic print and patchwork were the order of the day at Vivienne Westwood

Body Restriction

 While browsing through the A/W 13 trends on Fashion156, I came across so much that I had forgotten about since we laid eyes on the fashion weeks in February. They offer a beautiful, concise round-up of all the trends, and I found myself  getting lost in further and further trend pages, and completely losing track of time (in the best way obviously)! On reflection, I decided I wanted to showcase my favourite trends that we have to look forward to in the season ahead. Afterall, England isn’t getting a Summer, and Winter is way more my kind of season. Let me hear you say, ‘layering’!

A/W 13 saw a lot of models being sent down the runway in looks that encased their body in layers of fabric of all kinds, caging the body’s movement, keeping it warm for the winter months.

Alexander McQueen took this trend the furthest, sending their girls down the runway in face cages, heavily cinched waists and armour-like clothing. Very reminiscent of Viktor & Rolf’s A/W 06 collection, McQueen adds pearls, lace and brocade to their ‘restricted’ looks.

The next take on this trend, was wrapping the shoulders in shawls and turtle necks, keeping the chill out and using every kind of luxury, cosy material. This avenue gave a more elegant air to most of the collections, meaning it appealed to a wider audience; but, we all know the house of McQueen aren’t seeking to do that, they want separation in the form of art, and it is always a spectacle like no other.

Encasement is the way to dress for the Autumn/Winter season, and the designer’s that have taken this on, have done it in a way that speaks their label’s name. Céline’s show was the most talked about, besides Alexander Wang’s debut at Balenciaga, of course. Decking their models out in oversized coats, shawls and dresses made of the simplest, but most beautiful neutral fabrics, they incorporated a weird one for us all; launderette bag print. Yes. High necks, swathed shoulders and coats tied at the waist wrapped the Céline girls up warm and stylish. Why have anything less?

image courtesy of: www.fashion156.com

From Left to Right (Top row): Céline, Stella McCartney, Marni, Akris, Gareth Pugh

From Left to Right (Bottom row): Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gautier, Pedro Lourenço