Brit's do it Best!

London’s Earl’s Court saw fashion’s elite (and Viva!) out in force last week to celebrate the cream of this years innovative new design talent.

The venue once again played host to the Annual Graduate Fashion Week, back with a spectacular exhibition to mark the twentieth anniversary of a celebration of British style.

The world famous event showcases the finest in graduate fashion design talent from over fifty of the top fashion and textile Universities across the UK and overseas, ending in a series of sensational runway shows, closing the week with a star-studded Gala awards ceremony.

Proving that no-one does style like the North-West, Viva had the pleasure of watching (front-row of course!) the unveiling of eighteen stunning new collections from the graduates of The Manchester School of Art.

 With a quirky “Back to Basics” style catwalk show, Maria Hakings simple tennis style collection stuck to a palette of white, pink and orange stripes, focusing on simple cuts with key details in the collars and button fastenings, mixed with sophisticated sleeveless shirt-dresses.

In vibrant contrast, Olivia Hewitt threw an exotic collection of green and purple tribal prints into the mix, used on sheer fabric and elegantly layered over retro striped and zigzagged leggings with daring gold embellishment on the shoulders.

However, it was Zahiah Alawneh’s striking metal headpieces that really stole the show.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fashion week without the Gala Awards Show, back for its twentieth anniversary and celebrating brand new sponsor’s George at Asda. Viva spotted Sophie-Ellis Bexter looking stunning in Gold Dior, with Sugababe Heidi Range in Basso and Brooke. 

Rory Longdon receives the prestigious Gold Award

Also attending the event, co-hosted by Caryn Franklin and Jeff Banks, dancing on ice judge Jason Gardener, Pineapple Dance Studio’s Louis Spence, Premier Model Agency founder Carole White, British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman and, presenting the Mulberry prize for accessories, Mulberry Creative Director Emma Hill.

Nottingham Trent University Graduate Rory Longdon received the prestigious seventh annual Graduate Fashion Week Gold Award, worth £20,000, presented by GFW sponsors George at Asda for his collection of stunning black and silver body-con pieces; while Felix Chabluk Smith of Edinburgh College of Art went on to scoop the Menswear prize for his unique take on the trench.

Lauren Brown and Sophia Sabados scooped an award for their pictorial zine

Marissa Owen of The University of Central Lancashire won the Womanswear Award for her sculptured collection of eveningwear, while UCA Epsom graduates Lauren Brown and Sophia Sabados picked up the Lifeline I.T Media and Design Award for their fashion promotion and image making collaboration in the form of a spectacular pictorial zine comprised of six fashion stories, themed to be a celebration of youth.

International winner Christina Economu shows a stunning collection

Jennifer Young of The University of Salford also came runner-up in this award for her project inspired by pop and style icon, Gwen Stefani.

Molly Ratcliff takes the £5,000 Mulberry Accessories Award

The International Show Award went to Christina Economu of Istituto Marangoni Paris for her beautiful collection of printed satin pieces, while Molly Ratcliff of Northumbria University took the highly sought-after  £5,000 Mulberry accessories Award with James Pilcher of Salford University coming runner-up.

True proof that Brits do it best!

Picks Of The Week - Women

Goodbye April Showers and Windy May and hellooooo Summer! Sunshine, hot weather and light breezes are what we are expecting and all these elements are the perfect excuse for a brand new wardrobe.

So Viva Magazine has been scouring the shops and we have found some beauties. To keep you in the know here are our top fashion picks from a variety of different stores to give your summer wardrobe a little bit of a boost.

A definite favourite on the high street is Republic; with so many different collections in store you are sure to find an outfit for every occasion. Whether it is a road trip, going out for an evening meal or just strolling in the park Republic definitely has it. Here are our picks from the new spring/summer 2011 collection.

Republic is also bringing us a new collection this summer. Full of colour and personality you will never be without something to wear. The Colourama Collection from Miso. This collection sees the colour blocking trends of the catwalk at affordable prices.

For the more urban fashionista in you try the company Smiley-Happy Deluxe. Their clothes use the simple smiley face logo in a creative and glamourous style to create an Haute Street Style. See which of these puts a smile on your face.

Shoes, shoes and more shoes. You can never have too many and Clarks has a wide range to choose from for all occasions. We pitter-pattered around and find some stylish shoes from the Autumn/Winter collection. Here they are!

Now for the accessories!

The bags with the perfect accessory – the black Scottish Terrier – are back and ready for summer. Radley London has some cute bags and shoes waiting to accessorise our summer outfits. Here are some of the ones we love. 

Words: Laura Burke

The Viva Team

Picks Of The Week - Mens

Summer and the festival season is rearing its head in the up coming months and Viva has chosen some must have pieces to complete your look this summer season.

Current trends of a bohemian musical summer call for vests, patterned shirts and a vintage twist. Fashion retailer Republic is carrying a great range of graphic t-shirts with great vintage detailing or classic retro logos. You can match these t-shirts with a summer plaid western shirt from Levi’s or Diesel as an over shirt to give that layered affect. A bright plaid plays along with the playful summer days and an earthier light colour tone gives more of a laid back summer feel. A dark navy or beige chino shorts can also offer a more tailored casual look. 

To complete your summer look go for a straw hat that evokes those long summer months in the sun. To protect your eyes in the long awaited summer sun grab a pair of Crafted Wayfarer Sunglasses. These vintage inspired sunnies offer you that fine detailing towards your vintage inspired summer wardrobe. 

With the summer season around the corner Espadrilles have become a key piece within men’s footwear. Their lightweight design and their rustic appeal make them a must have for the summer months. Popular flip-flop manufacturer Havaianas have branched out and produced an exciting line of Espadrilles, but with a Brazilian twist. Like their infamous flip-flops they come in a range of summer colours and have key unique features such as their rubber soles. The brand has also came out with a shoe range that boasts a flurry of exciting colours with an urban edge. Match these bright colours with a more toned down outfit to make them the key feature.

Clarks Originals Desert boot has been an iconic piece for the past couple of seasons in men’s wear. Clarks’ up coming autumn collection boasts a classic range of their suede Desert Boot with colours such as rich browns and antiqued greys. They give a touch of adventure to your sartorial look. 

The Smiley logo is an infamous logo known throughout the world and is attached to various subcultures ranging from the hippy movement to the early 90s dance culture. Smiley-Happy Deluxe showcases how this infamous logo can be used and transformed in fashion. Haute street-style and a cutting edge factor embody the spirit of the company. Their clothes display a range of unique takes on the logo that make it adaptable for a sleek standout statement with a humours twist.

The Viva Team