If it wasn't for the Graduate Fashion Week logo strategically placed either side of the catwalk, you would be forgiven for thinking you were witnessing the collections of international designers working for prestigious fashion houses based in either New York, Paris, London or Milan. Sure this was London, but not London Fashion Week. The fashion faces synonymous with the industry (like journalist Hilary Alexander, photographer Chris Moore, shoe designer Jimmy Choo and Burberry's Christopher Bailey), were there (for those in the know — star spotting) but, not as the creators of a seasonal collection nor recorders of emerging trends. Instead, they were their to witness the talent. And, at Graduate Fashion Week 2006, there was a concentrated, abundance of it.

Taking professionalism to new heights, the students (from colleges and universities nationwide) displayed their end-of-year shows to global markets standard. With the level of confidence, in cut, use of colour, textures, shapes and fabrics at a record high, the sheer commercial value of collections and the level of innovation made you sit-up (in the audience) and take notice. You couldn't help not to. Trying to single-out star designers turned into roll-calls, as there were so many to choose from. Students like James Seebarun who showed (with such aplomb) his skills to produce a stunning collection that included: tailored skirts, jackets and trousers interspersed with pretty bow blouses. (See below). Not bad for a first collection — an internship/job with Burberry wouldn't be surprising.

Other names to make the list include: David Sparey — who created a beautiful, feminine collection; Beverley Essam's (see picture left) striking dresses; Emily Langton's patterned jerseywear; Emily Wasson's sculptured jackets; Gemma Scott's delicate evening dresses with knitted cape; Holly Andrews 50's inspired collection; Jinewen Xu's pretty floral collection; Kate Slevin's laid back style; Gemma Harrison's use of ruffles; Helen Green's sassy city style; Louise Ackerley tulip skirts and cropped jackets; Lizzie Burn's feminine collection; Nina Tavakoli's show stopping sleeveless black dress; Sophie William's chiffon blouses teamed with bikini's; Suzanne Colley's nude dresses; and Terri Cohen's flattering trousers teamed with stylish jackets. (See pictures below).

Now in its 15th year, Graduate Fashion Week has become an employers paradise for recruiting new talent, a fitting tribute to the quality of teaching in Britain. In the future, as the week grows and students become even more business savvy, it wouldn't be surprising to see retailers placing wholesale orders for new collections directly.

graduate fashion week Shows
> De Montfort University 2009
> Kingston University 2009
> Manchester Metropolitan University 2009
> Brighton University 2008
> Graduate Fashion Week 2008
> Brighton University 2007
> Graduate Fashion week 2007
> Central Saint Martins 2007
> Graduate fashion week 2006
> London College of Fashion 2005
> Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College 2005
> London College of Fashion 2004
> Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College 2004
> Central St Martins 2002
> Brighton University's 2001
> London College of Fashion 2001