With an already sparkling list of talent on the alumni for the MA Fashion Design course at the London College of Fashion, it's no surprise that the fashion world wait eagerly for the graduate show each year. Wednesday night was no different. From the 18 designers who presented, So Ra Kim's pastel futurism caught our eye, along with the more macabre chainmail masks and feather-covered designs from Sophie Condie.
It wasn't just the catwalk that caught our attention, either, as some of London's most fabulous inhabitants turned out for the show, from the eccentric Grayson Perry, Jodie Harsh and Paloma Faith, to Jo Wood, Hilary Alexander and the BFC's Harold Tillman. It was an exciting time for the graduates, as Browns' Joan Burstein sat front-row, obviously scouting for the future Christopher Kanes, Giles Deacons and Gareth Pughs of the night.
One of my favourite Oscar dresses of all time has to be Hilary Swank’s long-sleeved, navy blue number. You know the one I mean. That Guy Laroche dress was simple, almost to the point of being boring from the front. Then Hilary turned around and BAM – no back. Guy Laroche set up the most interesting point of his dress to be seen when walking away, and I think LCF’s Yun Ju Ko Kate had a similar philosophy.At her runway presentation last night, Yun played around with some of the trends we knew should be coming: sheer, lots of chiffon, asymmetry – you get the idea. But her added touches, like a floaty top that became a cape from the back, or a dress that had a cowl back instead of the typical cowl neck, made her something special.
That’s not to say Yun’s looks don’t wow from head-on. In palates of mocha, buttercream and gunmetal grey, she offered the most flattering empire waists and the sweetest baby-doll dresses. And I would love to take home a pair of her high-waisted capri pants for the days when I try to feel like a Hepburn.
To stand out at LCF’s master’s show – which featured 19 talented students – takes real potential. Rivkie and I agreed Yun has that, and we hope that a rack at the Laden Showroom or a guest collection at Topshop is in her future.