Earlier this month it was Graduate Fashion Week and we went along to check out some of the Performance Sportswear Design student collections. Seems the future of fitness fashion is digitally printed, multi-functional and glows in the dark.
Somewhere in the maze of buildings and warehouses that make up London’s Old Truman Brewery a few weeks ago, promising young designers were setting up shop, ready to impress buyers, big name fashion houses, industry insiders, oh, and US!
It was Graduate Fashion Week and when designer Becky Riddell, a student of Performance Sportswear Design at Falmouth University, asked us to go along and check out her collection and those of her fellow students of course we said yes. After all, you usually get champagne at fashion events right?
Here’s our pick of the night’s talent – scroll down for more images
Becky Riddell
To be honest, when Becky told us her designs were based on make up, we were dubious. Then we saw them. A fun and wearable collection, we can guarantee most of you are going to want these leggings.
Using patterns created by crackle nail varnish and a delicious 90s colour palette of pinks, greens and purpley blues, Becky’s digitally printed fabric was the star of her show. Used as panels on reversible leggings or wholescale on capris and shorts it looks like animal print, but it ain’t. We also have to mention the gym bags crafted from soft, buttery, pastel shades of leather (lined to make them waterproof). Bloody lovely Becky, bloody lovely.
Circe Bloom
Influenced by 90s hip-hop, Circe’s sportswear is designed to be worn straight from street to club via a bit of sport if you fancy. With natural colours and beetle patterns, Circe’s collection is deliberately low-key on the branding – as she says, ‘these are designs for creative people who don’t feel like they have to belong to a brand.’
A runner herself, Circe, who is currently interning at Tommy Hilfiger in The Netherlands, has used breathable fabrics so that her designs stand up to the sweat test. The jackets are perfect for throwing on after a workout and the baggy pants and flowing tops would be great for yoga, dance and street workouts, that and hanging out in Dalston looking hench.
Maverick by Mark Yau
Mark’s luxe sportswear designs are a blend of hi-tec fabrics, sculptural shapes and futuristic details. We have to give Mark special mention though because he used luminous fabric infused with fibre optic lights in his jacket hoods– meaning they twinkle in the dark! Genius. His label is also named after a Top Gun character. Yes Mark, yes!
If you’re starting a career in sportswear design or setting up a new sportswear label drop us a line. WE WANT TO KNOW!
Love Becky’s collection.
AND SHE HAS BEEN STUDYING IN MY TOWN!!!
Becky, if you are reading this, I may stalk you and steal your graduate collection.
Erm…in the most un-weird way possible, obviously 🙂
Ha ha, nothing weird about that whatsoever