The Tomorrow People

 

It’s all about the grads as the fashion pack don their talent spotting glasses and take in the latest batch of grad shows.

Kicking off the proceedings was Bath Spa University showcasing 15 BA Fashion Design collections against the elegant backdrop of the restored Octagon Chapel in the heart of Milsom Place.

 

Jodie Clay

The two catwalk presentations, held on the 21st May, gave local press and industry alongside proud friends and family the chance to view the final year designs before the collections head over to Graduate Fashion Week in London.

 

Naomi Du Toit

First up was Jack Duffy and his wonderfully eclectic hotchpotch pieces that combine random found treasures with recycled fabrics and contemporary silhouettes. Naomi Du Toit, meanwhile, united sophisticated body-conscious shapes with recurring patterns and tones referenced from nature.

 

Carly Westcott

Elsewhere, Ruth Strugnell rose to the challenge of creating a collection from reworked off-cuts of fabric while retaining clean, tailored lines and a dash of quirky fun. Menswear may have been pretty thin on the ground but thankfully Carly Westcott more than made up for it with an accomplished take on streetwear influenced by extreme outdoor gear worn by explorers, hikers and the like. Think slouchy shapes merged with futuristic hoodies in shades of muted blues and stony greys.

 

Sarah Fox

Structure and tailoring remained key throughout many of the womenswear collections as did sombre shades accented with strong brights.

Course Leader Louise Pickles stated that the show was ‘a celebration of the energy, inspiration, dedication and outstanding achievements of the Fashion students and their total commitment over the last three years.’ A notion that was apparent for all to see as the Bath Spa grads delivered well executed designs with a good dose of commercial appeal.

JI