The most influential fashion college in the world, Central St. Martin’s College of Art in London, hosted its annual graduate show last week in front of industry legends, buyers and media. With125 graduates debuting their collections also that week, the college only chose its 40 most promising talents to show during its annual press showing.

The event is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated graduate shows in fashion, with some of the greatest names in the industry having graduated from the college. If you just take a look at their alumni, which includes the likes of Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Riccardo Tisci and Gareth Pugh as well as Australia’s own Kym Ellery and Daniel Askill, it is clear as to why the college promises a new generation of genius to the world.

The L’Oréal Professionnel Award for Young Talent is also awarded to the top student each year and this year that was Yi Fang Wan. She impressed the judges with her exquisite collection of intricately draped neutral-hued cottons and linens that were voluptuously gathered, with an intricate focus on pleating and drapery.

Yi Fang Wan

Phillip Patterson

In second place was Phillip Patterson with a well executed and completely wearable menswear collection. Delicately tailored trousers, washed knits, and khaki jackets were all of felted and fused fabrics that will undoubtedly be walked straight off the catwalk into the wardrobes of stylish men right around the world.

Second runner up was awarded to Alex Mullins who used fluorescent overtones, elaborate tasselry, surrealist prints and symbolic headpieces to create a playful approach to his graduate collection.

Honorable mentions went to print wear student Eloise Jephson for her showcase of feminine fantasy, with hand painted silks bearing fantastical creatures paired with enchanting turbans.

Eloise Jephsen

Special mentions also went to Sorcha O’Raghallaigh who closed the show with a juxtapositioned collection modelled by stilt-walkers in bridal-inspired costumes of bejewelled knits, rose-strewn silks, and lace, veiled in gossamer-like tulle.

Sarah O'Raghallaigh

The trends that dominated the runway were multi-dimensional surrealist pieces, fantastical prints, distorted forms, and armatures of all kinds.

From inflatable swimwear, to models on stilts, and ridiculously exuberant designs, this year’s Central St. Martin’s graduate showcase was undoubtedly a flamboyant display of the worlds next big names in fashion.

Words: Leni Andronicos