LFW AW25 - UOS - Flourishing Artistry: The Students Of The University Of Salford
With top designers dominating the forefront of London Fashion Week, the students of the University of Salford demonstrated their undeniable talent. Taking place in Handel’s Street Yeomanry House, the fashion students took to the runaway presenting innovative designs that featured intriguing colours, shapes and textures. Each one offering unique takes on current creative trends.
A collection that caught my attention was by Viet Anh Le entitled La Motherhood. Inspired by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, the designer created a memorable collection as a tribute to the powerful and unforgettable character of the late Princess. A piece that stood out to me was a stunning hot pink dress. Pictured above, it exudes a vibrant and confident aura with an abundance of whimsical flowers cascading down the dress - a careful balance of delicate femininity with an intense pigment. A lavish use of floral that remains consistent throughout the collection. Another garment that caught my attention featured a striking silhouette and playful colour and pattern. It was embellished with similar flowers varying in size that gave it a unique texture. The extravagant dress was paired with a simple bag decorated with bows, with the combination resulting in a fun piece distinct from the rest.
One more standout piece was a dress that artfully evoked memories of the Princess of Wales's own iconic wedding gown. The train, lace and veil come together to form a cohesive and harmonious ensemble, offering a modern spin on the dress. A motif in this collection are the bows adorned onto the garments - the result being a soft, feminine aura.
Another noteworthy talent is Abigail Jennifer Young, who crafted a collection distinct from the crowd and was a particular highlight for me. Her designs offered a soft, feminine style that manifested a more serene presence compared to other collections. A garment that was one of my personal favourites, was crafted from elegant floral lace, paired with flowing fabric panels that cascaded gracefully from the sides, creating a mesmerising silhouette as the model walked. It presented itself as a perfect balance of delicate, feminine grace with the fabrication reminiscent of a deconstruction. A juxtaposition that crafts an air of delicate femininity, with its gentle lines and graceful details evoking an effortless charm.
This dreamy concept is a motif that is captured in many of the looks in this collection. A simple white dress characterised by feminine lace and patterns adorned across the bodice followed Abigail’s first look down the runaway. Again, the side of the dress features a lacy frill that moves in a captivating way as the model walks. The stylisation was much more minimal in these pieces, allowing for the craftsmanship of the dress to shine. Amidst the more vibrant collections, this simple elegance was particularly refreshing to see.
There is one more distinct ensemble that caught my attention: despite the deconstructed elements, it cleverly comes together and creates a cohesive look. By pairing a leather skirt with a linen overcoat the designer has seamlessly played around with textures. Yet, texture wasn’t the only thing balanced with finesse - the choice of colour is a perceptive one too. Although opposing colours are used it has been carefully coordinated to keep the look harmonious, the accessories add to this as well and draws the eye to the middle by keeping burgundy as the central colour. By juxtaposing diverse fabrics, textures, and colours, this collection demonstrates that designers need not confine their creativity - instead they can achieve a balance. Overall the piece has been beautifully constructed, an innovative take on silhouettes and deconstruction.
It is clear there is immense emerging talent from this cohort. The students of the University of Salford have unveiled remarkably creative designs, each exquisitely highlighting various facets of storytelling and craftsmanship, commanding the attention of onlookers. This showcase serves as a testament to their skill and potential, proving that, with time and practise, they will indeed rival industry giants. Needless to say, they set the stage for the future of the fashion industry.
All Images Courtesy of Kaavya Guhan.
Written by Kaavya Guhan
Edited by Daisy Packwood, Fashion Editor
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