London College of Fashion, MA Exhibition

Wouldn't you just love to carry this briefcase to work everyday?
You'd certainly be the height of sophistication on the tube,
despite a few backward glances.
This is my favourite piece from the
London College of Fashion MA Exhibition.
It was designed by Oliver Ruuger who is studying for an MA in Fashion Artefact.
Definitely a name for the future!

The Great Fashion Designers: Brenda Polan and Roger Tredre

Over to London College of Fashion this week for the launch of a new book by Brenda Polan and Roger Tredre. The authors - both respected journalists and academics (and they still had time to publish a book?) - have chosen the 50 greatest designers of the twentieth century, 'through much debate, sometimes learned and courteous, sometimes outrageous and alcohol-fuelled.' From Charles Frederick Worth in the early days, to the nineties and Nicholas Ghesquiere, this is a timeline of commercial and creative success.

What started off as a collection of interviews; Polan for The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Independent on Sunday, Tredre for The Independent, The Observer and WGSN, morphed into 'the book we wish we had in our hands when we were feeling our way into fashion.' Each designer has a comprehensive profile followed by a handy list of books for further reading, making this perfect for students and fashion-followers alike.

And yes, there are loads of twentieth century fashion books out there but with over 30 years in the industry, Polan and Tredre give fashion history a personal spin - including an interview with Azzedine Alaia, conducted in 1982, whilst Polan was sitting on a (closed) lavatory!



Cristobal Balenciaga: 'Unquestionably the greatest fashion designer of the twentieth century.' Colin McDowell


'I decided to bring into women's wear that sort of practical, rational way of dressing that really did not exist,' Giorgio Armani told Brenda Polan in 2000.



On Calvin Klein: 'Apart from Gianni Versace, no other upmarket designer has used sex to sell in quite such an up-front (and up-front more than describes his ads for men's underpants) way.'



'Perhaps I want to question people's prejudices about what is beautiful, what makes a lady beautiful. Through fashion I try to re-evoke the past and reflect on it,' Vivienne Westwood told Polan in 1991.

On Azzedine Alaia: 'There were no press cuttings for some basic research so the bread-and-butter questions had to be asked. In response to one of the first Alaia was evasive but charming. 'How old? Does it matter? I am as old as the pharoahs.'


Photos:
Balenciaga photo: Getty Images
Cover photo and catwalk shots: Chris Moore

Graduate Exhibitions

It’s that time of year again when fresh graduate talent exhibit their final projects to the world. These shows are fantastic for spotting new talent and are definitely worth a visit.

The London College of Fashion BA Catwalk Show is a must-see for scouting exciting new trends and designers in the fashion world; the Catwalk Show is being held on the Thursday 4 June. Here are some of my favourites below:

Lova Pye Moller - BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear

Claire Louise Obee - BA (Hons) Fashion: Design Technology

One name which is sure to be huge in the make-up artistry world is Rhea Le Riche who has graduated from the London College of Fashion with a BA in Specialist Make Up Design. Check out some shots from her portfolio below:

The prestigious Cordwainers College who brought you the likes of Jimmy Choo, Patrick Cox and Linda (LK) Bennett, begin their graduate exhibition next week until 9 June. You can view the work of the shoe and leather accessories graduates at the Pop Up Gallery on 65 - 67 Broadwick Street, perhaps you will spot the next Jimmy Choo…

Art graduates on the country’s leading art courses have come together to exhibit at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane from the 29 May – 20 July. Each week a different group of graduates will showcase their work.

This is a great opportunity to discover new names and hunt for compositions to line the walls of your house, many graduates will give visitors the opportunity to purchase their work. For further information please here.