Future of Fashion at The Cambridge Junction.

On Tuesday the 17th of June, the doors opened at the Cambridge Junction, to showcase, Cambridge School of Art’s, Graduation Fashion Show 2014. Fresh, aspiring, fashion designers had their chance to unveil their final collections, showing the public, not only their undeniable creativity, but also, the high standard of techniques that the designers have developed during their three years studying at Anglia Ruskin University. Giving these young designers the best possible chance at becoming, the future of fashion.

The Show was due to begin at 7:30pm, and by 7:20pm, most seats had already been filled! An array of family, friends and public, awaited and a buzz of excitement filled the venue, until the lights dipped and all fell quiet, and anticipation kicked in! Yasmin Greener opened the show, with her collection ‘Wonderlust’ and 15 more collections followed. All with their own unique qualities and a vast range of concepts. From the bright, pink, Womenswear collection ‘Cosmic Candy’ created by designer Layla Cheshem-Panam, with its futuristic minimalism, and clever use of the fabric Neoprene, making a youthful, fun, collection that encompasses the modern young lady. To the digital printing techniques showcased in designer Marissa Chu’s, collection ‘Digital Haze’. Which portrayed an element of Sportswear, combined with colourful mixed prints, inspired by movement and light. During the show, there was only one Menswear collection unveiled. This was created by talented designer Adrian Burac, The Spring/Summer 2015 collection ‘La Douleur Exquise’ was inspired by Romanian Folklore. Contrasting, colourful paintings and the mysticism of the occult, enabled the designer to develop a collection that portrayed strong impressions of darkness and light. With colourful printed t-shirts, and classic printed shorts, Burac was able to maintain a summer feel, within such a strong concept!

The final collection to grace the catwalk, was the beautifully created ‘Asteraceae’ collection by Designer Agnieszka Zabek. This Collection created for Spring/Summer 2015, conveyed the essence of femininity. Its use of surface textiles techniques, added softness to the elaborate cuts that were used. The designer used soft pastel colours of pink and blue, which helped to create a collection that any woman should be proud to wear.

Whilst the beautiful models sashayed down the catwalk, to an array of different styles of music, the audience looked on in awe at the collections, that these young designers had created. Family members looked on with pride, of how far these designers had come in the past 3 years. And this left one question... How far is there yet to go? Judging by the innovative creativity and beautiful craftsmanship skills, my guess is a long way. These talented designers can now move forward into an exciting new chapter, in their career within the fashion industry, which should welcome them with open arms!

Photography: Betinho Ribeiro

Rihanna and The Dress: Fashion Statement or Indecent Exposure…?

The date: Monday 2nd of June 2014. The Event: The Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. The surprise: Rihanna in that dress…!

There have been many controversial media stirs over the years, that have been brought about by a host of celebrities, stepping out at red carpet events with the one intention, to get the attention! Remember Liz Hurley, back in 1994? stealing the lime light, at the film premier of Four Weddings and a Funeral, with her risqué, black, Versace, safety pin dress. Reminding the public of the power of the right dress! The moment Madonna, bared her breasts on the catwalk in Los Angeles in 1992, for noted, French, Fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. And who can count the many times that Lady Gaga has confused the public, with her strange, yet genius artistic expression, through Fashion?

Fashion is arguably one of the most influential tools used, in the art of self expression. Helping to form identities, through creating thought provoking opinions. This poses the question...
Was Rihanna’s dress a fashion statement? Or rather, was exposing her body the intended statement? Will Adam Selman, the designer of the beautifully handcrafted, sheer, dress, that is embellished with no less than, 216.000 Swarovski crystals, be the main focus? Or will Rihanna’s nearly naked body be the focal point? What was the message Rihanna was trying to project? Fashion Statement? Quiet possibly, it was an awards ceremony within the Fashion Industry, after all! A message of power and choice for women? This could also be possible, as Rihanna is well known for pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in society. Or could it be, just a publicity stunt to ensure Rihanna stays in the fore front of the media? Is there really, no such thing as bad publicity? Regardless of the meaning behind the dress, it sparked a thought, as to why some women feel the need to expose there bodies, to project power? It could be suggested to imply a rebellious persona, that says “I am a woman in the 21st Century and i will choose to wear whatever i please” However, there was a time, not so long ago, when women expressed power through clothing in a very different manner. This would be in the 1980s, a time when women created a powerful persona, through adopting a androgynous look. Wearing masculine suits with shoulder pads, as a means to feel empowered and be taken seriously. This look opposes the overtly sexual and feminine look adorned by Rihanna, wearing the Adam Selman Gown. Can two, so very different styles, send out the same message? Or could it be that the over exposure of a women's body, is not a show of empowerment, but rather a statement that devalues women. Keeping them at the forefront of being sexualised and not being taken seriously in society. Something that women have worked so hard, to break free from for many years. Not only could it be argued to devalue women, it could also have a knock on effect, on the very impressionable youth culture of today! Rihanna, could be said to be one of the most influential icons of adolescent girls in the 21st century. Young girls that may not have any other strong female role models in their life or the parental guidance to keep there feet on the ground. Questioning whether a style icon, who is also a pop icon to many an adolescent girl or boy, should be questioning the message’s they send out. Although the dress was stunning and Rihanna looked sensational. Would there have been a better time and place to be exposed? Put in every day context, wouldn't the average person stepping out of a car, with there breast exposed, to go into a bar, be accused of indecent exposure??? Lets hope this look does not catch on with young girls, who love to follow trends and are inspired by pop icons!

We are all aware that sexuality plays an enormous role in the Fashion industry, as in almost all other media and creative industries. And there were many celebrities who attended the CFDA Awards who managed to look effortlessly, stunning and sexually attractive, without the need to take it to the next level. Just look at Heidi Klum, wearing Donna Karen, or Emmy Rossum, dressed in a stunning, lime green, gown by J Mendel. Although there has been mixed opinions, regarding Rihanna wearing that dress, in the right context it would be perfectly appropriate, as a costume for a film or concert, on the catwalk or just any environment where the public would have a choice, as to whether they were exposed to it!