18 AND EAST: Graduate Fashion Week 2011 - East London University Close Up

This weekend we headed down to Earls to take our front row seats at Graduate Fashion Week. 18 AND EAST takes a particular interest in Graduate Fashion as we are part of the Univeristy Student Placement Scheme.

Our favourite stand at the show was the festival inspired caravan from Arts University College Bournmouth.

We also liked the student stand from Northumbria and Nottingham University.

On arrival at the East London show we were escorted to our front row seats next to the judges - (check 18 AND EAST out!) It was another great show by the university with key trends in Oriental, Nomadic and 1940's, all beautifully made with that East London Couture touch.

Anna Kilpatricks collection called Xenocentrism acknowledged the recognition of other cultures and a penchant for their products, styles and ideas. We loved the neck adornments, jersey shorts, socks and the chunky braces.

Anna Kirkpatrick

Monikh Dale's collection was inspired by The Falling man - escape or imprisonment? Flying or falling? Tough and rigid but light and peaceful fabrics with a harsh reality were showcased. From the front row at the east London show we were loving the abstract graphically prints with the bold contrast of leather and chiffon. Our favourite garment in the collection was the leather cut out top.

Monikh Dale

Le Thuy Le Thi's Afternoon tea collection was inspired by historical imagery of porcelein pottery and afternoon tea in the garden throught the centuries. This collection was femine and cute with the key inspiration of the oriental trend. The tea cup shaped skirt was stunning, and we loved the blue on white prints and coral lazer cutting laid over maxi dress. Le Thuy Le Thi has been nominated for the whos got your fashion vote on ITVs this morning. We will definitely be voting for the collection!

Le Thuy Le Thi

Janine Whitaker collection was inspired by perfume bottles, their motifs and embellishment and the illusion the glass creates in shapes. Loving the geometric pattern cutting and bright bold use of mustard and wine colour with sports luxe leggings and jacket!!!