Jody Shafton, Ravensbourne College of Design

Anthony Hagan reports on the highlights from Ravensbournes Graduate Show.

The new home of Ravensbourne’s fashion program was the first star of the evening. Situated a stone’s throw from the O2 arena, the modern industrial space provided an appropriately swish backdrop for the titillating new talent. The production value gets A+ and the students’ work earns top marks for professionalism, thematic creativity and attention to the details that matter. Not a hem was left undone nor a safety pin used (unintentionally, of course). Crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s was a definite coup.

My only regret about the show was that the Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander beat me to the punch yet again. Before announcing the awards at the end of the runway show, she deemed Ravensbourne a prime example that the country of Italy isn’t holding creative knitwear at ransom. Alas she was too right, once again. Jody Shafton was one of many graduates whose knitwear collection shone brightly amongst her peers. Her slinky, mostly sheer, knits drew inspiration from American minimalist painter, Agnes Martin. The use of colour blocking and loose knits gave the collection a contemporary summer feel, whereas the dip dying added an edgy juxtaposing twist of grunge.

Kim Nguyen, Ravensbourne College of Design

Kim Nguyen’s graduate collection begged for attention — and deservedly so.  Bold eclectic prints in a fiery palette moved fluidly down the runway in intriguing shapes inspired by Japanese pop art. The quirky designs were expertly crafted to make the most of her textile designs, which earned her the Fashion in Print award presented by Ms. Alexander. Something tells me her ambition to continue onto an MA course in fashion textiles will be an effortless, not to mention inspired, transition.

Nanna Rein, Ravensbourne College of Design

Any man would be lucky to weather the cold in one of Nanna Rein’s creations. Her extraordinary knitwear (namely the over-sized jumper) and sharply tailored outerwear are exactly what the doctor ordered. Savile Row rebel, E. Tatuz, obviously provided an exceptional training ground for Rein and the outcome was an up-to-the-minute success. The range of skills that she demonstrated is sure to catch the eye, and heart, of the blossoming menswear scene.

Korina Kyriakou, Ravensbourne College of Design

Korina Kyriakou, who dazzled with her collection of folksy, multi-pattern dresses, brought us another shining example of well-executed knitwear. A mix of fine and robust knits shown in a cheery Austrian palette almost makes me want to fast forward to winter temperatures. The beautifully coordinated patterns seemed to evoke a sense of nostalgia without feeling overly twee. Appropriately styled with knee socks and brogue-inspired heels, Kyriakou’s looks were wearable without being wimpy.

Morgane Press, Ravensbourne College of Design

Drawstrings and rouching became almost synonymous in Morgane Press’ graduate menswear collection. The collection focused on the transformative properties of fashion and was exemplified by her final piece; a rucksack that was swiftly unfastened to convert into a jacket. Her trousers remained comfy cool with plenty of drop-crotch flare, but the jackets were well tailored and suitably matched for her chosen aesthetic. Street tailoring, dare I say?

Koda Choi, Ravensbourne College of Design

It’s often difficult when designers choose to create a collection based on a colour palette with strong cultural connotations. Orange and black may belong to Lady Gaga’s favourite October holiday, but Koda Choi pushed past our primal notions to deliver a graphic collection that defied convention. Choi’s looks were presented in a variety of forms including cropped cigarette trousers, sculptural overcoats and thinly belted dresses.  The statement pieces successfully leaned towards editorial fashion, but the drama was certainly something that all women could muse.

Visit the Ravensbourne website to learn more about the course