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Friday 9 July 2010

The Textile Institute - Design Means Business Exhibition


Yifang Wan
Martina Spetlova
Zara Gorman
Alice Early
Tuesday night marked the return of the Textiles Institute’s Design Meets Business Exhibition at the HM Treasury. The event provided a unique opportunity for nine of the leading art and design colleges to showcase their creative talents to a host of industry experts from across the fashion and textile business. Produced by Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s very own creative events division and in celebration of the events’ Centenary Year, it was a night not to be missed.

Champagne in hand, the likes of Browns, ASOS, Marks & Spencer and Topshop all flocked to see the 27-strong line up including recent CSM graduate and L’Oreal Professional Young Designer Award Winner, Yifang Wan. Wan’s BA collection enthused romanticism, with billowing blouses and Grecian-inspired gowns in hessians and nude torn silks.

Following suit was fellow CSM graduate Martina Spetlova. Her collection, made up of interchangeable leather, knit and jersey panels in a pallet of primary brights has caught the attention of Italian Vogue Editor Sara Maino who has short listed Martina for the ITS#NINE competition later this month. We can’t help but smile at her playful creations!

Zara Gorman first caught our attention at the RCA Graduate show with her noir, aviation turbine inspired collection. Brilliantly futuristic, her exquisite designs created a dramatic accessory statement. Zara will also be joining Martina at ITS#NINE this year.

The winner of the night was Kingston University favourite Alice Early. Inspired by the work of Antony Gormley, she created beautiful pieces in soft feather prints that added a subtle femininity to a structured collection. 

Kenny Wang