June each year is guaranteed to mean one thing, students are finishing university and moving on to bigger and better ventures.
Lisa Shaw's Labrinth
One positive of this is the exploration of the talent which is developing on from study to real world. New talent can inspire and define generations. A fantastic example of this is the work which is produced by fashion graduates on a yearly basis, this work is exhibited at the Graduate Fashion Week which was recently held at London’s Earls Court.
Labyrinth (Inspiration)
The creations seen here are varied, exciting and completely unique, the work is, in a lot of instances, the first collection produced by a designer who is on the verge of releasing their designs into the public scene. Members of the public, press and highly regarded designers and fashion companies are all present to pick out their favourites and push these to the forefront of the public eye.
One thing that is ultimately inspiring is the way in which designers, graduate and fully established ones, can take inspiration from anything seen in day to day life. Some examples of this are collections seen from Lisa Shaw was inspired by the 1986 film ‘The Labyrinth’, through exploring silhouettes and shapes from the film she recreated them to fit the ready-to-wear market.
JLH (Inspiration)
The JLH collection was inspired predominantly by the urban, hip hop graffiti scene on the Brooklyn Subway, combined with the smart work attire seen on the London Underground, produced a bold and vibrant work style collection.
JLH
This kind of inspiration can be used generally in day-to-day life. Rather than using things you see as inspiration to produce clothing, use it to inspire the way you style your look. In summer, when seeing the abundance of colourful flowers, translate to brightly coloured printed shirts, dresses and skirts. Look at architecture, bridges, buildings, structure and translate to body-con dresses or waist-belts to clinch in that hour glass figure.
Gemma McKay's Inspiration
When taking a sunny stroll (wishful thinking but a girl can dream), down the river or down the sand look to the fluidity of the water and discover flowing fabrics and loose fitting garments which complement this, Gemma McKay’s collection reflects this style.
Gemma McKay
The inspiration doesn’t need to be literal, work with whatever appeals to you and mix it into your own style, if you see something you like think what does that remind me of. Don’t just look to fashion for inspiration, style can be much more of a lifestyle choice. Depending on how brave you are this could even be taken as far as hair cuts or colours, if you see a section of colour this could become a streak in your hair.
If your not the most confident, work with it, wear something tamer but just make it your own, chuck on the favourite shoes and immediately its yours.
Don’t disappear into the crowd, stand out it, forget soft focus and make it your own.
by Jennie Higgins
