Lace distorted to look like insects, accessories inspired by animal horns and a print based on an ancient Egyptian textile were among the highlights at the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) Fashion Show preview today.
The preview was held at the National Museum of Scotland and included an experimental foray into unisex tailoring and a range that reflects a student’s love of photography.
The designs have been created for the show, one of the capital’s leading style events, which will take place at the University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall from 23 to 25 April.
Two students have been sponsored by Sophie Hallette Lace, the company which produced the lace for the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress and regularly works with the top couture houses in Paris.
Seven multi-media shows will take place over three days, giving audiences the chance to catch a glimpse some of Scotland’s most talented new designers in Fashion, Performance Costume and Textiles.
One student, Lilly Archibald, has already made an impact with her experimental tailoring. She was shortlisted for a competition run by Savile Row in London’s Mayfair.
ECA Fashion Programme Director Mal Burkinshaw said: “We are thrilled to showcase some of the exceptional work produced by our students ahead of Graduate Fashion Week. This year’s collections are of an extremely high standard and audiences are sure to be delighted by the striking designs and outstanding craftsmanship.”
Fashion students at ECA are the only ones in Scotland to show on the catwalk at the annual Graduate Fashion Week in London.
Last year, final-year student Lauren Smith was awarded one of the world’s top awards for graduates at London Fashion Week, the GFW George Gold Award for best collection.
Fashion students’ work is underpinned by the Diversity Network with All Walks Beyond the Catwalk – an initiative that recognises the need for design that celebrates a wide spectrum of beauty and body image.
This year leading clothing store H&M have supported a project exploring size diversity.
Tickets for the ECA Fashion Show are on sale now costing £12 each (plus £1.25p booking fee). They can be purchased via Hub Tickets
Follow news and reaction with Twitter hashtag: #ecafashionshow
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
