London is known for championing new talent in design - and the Fashion Week womenswear finale did exactly that.
Fashion East - a non-profit initiative which supports new British talent - unveiled the work of three exciting designers.
James Long presented a selection of cable-knit ponchos, macramé dresses and leather. Inspired by Patti Smith, Long set out to create classic knitwear with a decidedly grungy edge. Highlights included a beautifully cut, long-sleeved sweater dress in fawn and a mannish, oversized Arran wool cardigan with super- skinny biker trousers.
Elliot Atkinson also played with texture. Atkinson's clothes took Native America as a reference point and used feathers, shearling and leather. Dresses cut from woven, embossed snakeskin were detailed with small speckled feathers; black tailored jackets came with leather inset panels while a side-skimming dress in lilac leather featured a shearling lapel.
Simone Rocha generated the most interest. Inspired by her father, designer John Rocha - who watched proudly from the front row - her vision was a juxtaposition of masculine and feminine forms, using fake fur, pony skin and shearling. Felt jackets featured fake-fur lapels and were layered over boxy dresses in transparent tulle while velour leggings were teamed with
knitted tunic tops.
