Somerset College

Somerset College Fashion Graduates’ work shone on the catwalk at the recent Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London on 7^th October.  1700 guests attended afternoon and evening shows.

Young designers Paula Fisher, Hilary Wells, Emma Harvey, Tara Farbahi, Katie Quinn, Lisa Edwards, Lucy Ann Williams, Natasha Bosworth and Diana Matveeva have all just finished a three-year long BA Honours degree at Somerset College. Their collections previewed to critical acclaim at Graduate Fashion Week earlier this year.

This was the first time the Fashion Show showcased up and coming designers from the fashion industry. The graduates featured all trained at Somerset College under fashion lecturer Gary Mills.

Known for his fabulous designs and chic tailoring, lecturer Gary Mills knows all about couture. This is apparent in his students’ collections where inspiration is taken from English gardens to Persian architecture and even Tokyo’s urban metropolis.

For evening, the array of fabulous hand-dyed silks in rich and vibrant colours evokes memories of faraway places, while encrusted jewellery is used to add extra dimensions of luxury and decadence.

Katie Quinn was inspired by her grandmother’s jewellery box and English gardens to create fashion textiles that combine man-made and natural treasures. Her prints are based on images from her own sketches.

The rich turquoise often used to decorate mosques inspired Tara Farbahi. Combined with terracotta colour fabric, this reflects the materials used in Persian architecture and traditional Persian carpets.

Paula Fisher’s collection is completely different. Originally a sheep farmer, she specialises in sheepskin and corsetry, fusing the two to create unique and sensational pieces.

Every one of the young graduates has been inspired by textiles and design and now they hope to make a name for themselves in the tough world of fashion.

Gary Mills said:  ‘These selected graduate designers are extremely excited to be taking part in this well established, glamorous event. It is a great platform for them to show off their creations.’