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Day 3 of Graduate Fashion Week - Northampton steals the show with enthralling collections from Hannah Proudbury, fur from Charlotte Eastwood and boots from Elijah Kinne By Julija Milanovic In an industry where it is an easy task to shock and surprise, there was definitely a certain buzz that kept us all in thrall during the Uni of Northampton catwalk. The fashion industry, whether we give it credit or not, is a mighty wizard, or better said a huge wizard of Oz with cute and endearing up and coming young talents behind it. GFW was yet another testimony why the industry keeps reinventing itself; there is just so much talent out there. As the University of Manchester eloquently put it, these were the moments were we had the glimpse into seeing what is and not only that, but also seeing what if... The University of Northampton featured shoes on the catwalk for the first time. It was obvious from the stand why there was so much anticipation as some of the creations were just out of this world. An interesting use of material featured heavily, such as the use of fur, metal and wood. The University of Northampton also attracted attention with their display of bags with fur, featuring my favourite a square bag with metal strap sitting on top of white fur. I know, it sounds rather peculiar, but it worked! I had the pleasure of sharing a word of wisdom with Professor Basil Kardasis and Delia Heneghan from the University of Northampton on why it is acceptable to use fur and why it is deemed as recycling. Professor Kardasis shared his story from Finland where the use of animal bones is a conventional thing, and imparted that fur is only skin with a bit of hair on it. Charlotte Eastwood, one of graduates of the University of Northampton showcased her collection using fur and leather and underlined in clear terms why fur is such a polished and glamorous material to use. There was an element of Britishness in the male boots, that although it looked tempting and shiny their ageing beauty was so tangible. It is a known fact that Northampton has a renowned shoemaking history, a big feather in its hat, and young designers were more than happy to talk about the shoe industry and the industry's support. I spoke with of the students still in their second year, and I put my name down for a pair of shoes as soon they had graduated. Designed and based on origami idea behind it, let your imagination do the rest. I will just say they are colourful, they are avant-garde and we will see them around! Young and talented designer Elijah Kinne showed us his collection of boots, and, although I don’t see myself sporting a pair in the near future, I was excited by the entire collection. The boots were tight high and sky high all in pink, mauve, blue, orange, silver and black with interesting cuts and designs added to ensure there was never a dull moment. I was particularly excited about seeing Sonia Khatuns designs on the catwalk for her playful use of dots and layering of different fabrics. You think you have seen it all and then comes along this dotty blazer with leather sleeves and you are sold out. Beautiful designs, youthful yet classic, combining the fun and creativity in a harmonic way. Mia Felce’s raincoats made out of pvc added again yet another layer of fun and excitement. You were almost proud to be living in England if these are the coats you get to wear. There were moments were the catwalk came into its own and could and you could have easily been sitting at a catwalk at London Fashion Week, when Emma Shea’s collection hit the catwalk. A creation in classic black, with interesting use of pattern and cuts, this created an anticipation from the audience for each one of her designs with a baited breath. Lisa’s Janson’s models came out in festival tribal disco inspired wear with a word slut inscribed all over them. Or how the industry has a laugh at itself. Kirandeep Bassan collection burst with colour, starting all the way from toes. There was so much to be said about shoes. There was just so much talent out there and it would take this editor a few pages to mention them all. The collections were inspiring and innovative, and it felt like a breath of fresh air, underlining how Northampton will eventually be a big player in the fashion industry. The show was not without its celebrity moments, when Amy Willerton attending the Northampton catwalk and congratulating Professor Nick Petford the vice-chancellor of the University of Northampton for the students work. image credit: Kirandeep Bassan
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