Kingston University catwalk show at Graduate Fashion Week

The cream of Kingston’s BA (Hons) Fashion class of 2013 is gearing up to showcase an array of menswear, womenswear and knitwear to some of the top names in the business during the four-day event – one of the biggest in the capital’s catwalk calendar.

Pundits predict the Kingston University Show – at 8pm on Tuesday 4 June – will be one of the must-see highlights of the annual extravaganza.

The 24 Kingston students selected to unveil their latest work to a host of influential industry experts include French fashionista Nolwenn Faligot, whose striking womenswear has been inspired by her native Brittany.

The 21 year old has experimented with traditional smocking and embroidery, combining the techniques with more modern approaches including laser cutting to create a lace-like material.

Nolwenn, who interned with leading designer Hiroko Koshino in Japan last summer, has drawn heavily on her heritage – making strong use of   the classic Breton stripe throughout her six looks which feature fabrics as diverse as light silk and heavy wool.

Fellow student Cypriot-born Marios Alexandrou has also produced a collection with strong links to his homeland. The talented 24 year old has recreated the bold contour lines of a disused copper mine where his late grandfather Andreas Flaounas worked in intricate stitching which is a key feature of his menswear. Deep reds, beige and greys dominate the looks Marios has created from fine cottons, soft corduroys and moleskin.

Laura Teasdale, from Balham in London, has also used her grandfather, John Clarke, as the muse for her collection. Youthful photographs, including one of Mr Clarke doing a handstand on a beach in the 1960s, prompted the 22 year old to produce some tongue-in-cheek tailoring from classic men’s fabrics including wools and leather.

Eye-catching mesh masks adorned with a fish motif inspired by Dutch graphic artist M C Escher and created alongside acclaimed milliner Keely Hunter, complete each of her six menswear looks.