Amelia Smith, Northumbria University - GFW2012

Amelia Smith collection review by Claire Chambers. Images by Lin Vitali.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Northumbria University at Graduate Fashion Week 2012

Of the 1200 students that participate in Graduate Fashion week every year, only about a quarter of them are provided with the opportunity to present their work. Students from one institution, the University of Northumbria, dazzled this year with their collections. The designs showcased by Northumbria University students at Graduate Fashion Week 2012 were eclectic and vibrant, with vivid colours and vintage tailoring featuring amongst the work on display. One particular Northumbria University student, Amelia Smith, was shortlisted for the Zandra Rhodes Textiles Award for her collection 'The Heavenly Kingdom'. Amelia’s highly original designs stood out amongst her peers and it is easy to see why she made the shortlist.

Amelia’s Troop of Russian Dolls

Amelia’s collection had a distinctly Russian theme as she sent a troop of elegant Russian dolls down the catwalk. Dressing her models in fur hats, white tights and black boots, Amelia drew from Moscow’s Red Square as her inspiration. She used a minimalist colour palette of gold, white and black, which complimented the Russian theme of the collection. Her designs fused monochrome patterns with gold collars and capes. Characterised by bell shaped dresses and lampshade skirts, Amelia’s outfits were beautifully structured, being both curved and feminine.

A particular plus point was that Amelia’s use of gold on her garments was not too overpowering and she used it subtly on her designs in order to accent them. She also bought into one of the key trends of the Spring/Summer; patterned leggings, providing her own take on the look. As well as this, she weaved the peplum trend into her work, outlining the patterns on her designs with gold.

Collection by Amelia Smith from Northumbria University GFW2012.
See more images from Amelia Smith's GFW2012 catwalk.

Hand-drawn prints featured in Amelia’s Collection

The real beauty in Amelia’s collection lies, however, in the fact that each print was hand-drawn, therefore working effectively with the domelike curves of her patterns. The architectural designs enabled each piece to look like a different building, further exploring the Russian architecture theme.

Amelia’s Collection an Inspiration

The intricity and beauty of Amelia’s collection made it a sure winner amongst fashion bloggers, with Tell Us Fashion magazine referring to the "exquisite shapes and high fashion form" of Amelia’s designs. The fairytale-esque feel to the work is likely to make many onlookers long to spend a winter in Moscow, draped in one of Amelia’s capes.

Amelia had a lot of competition from her fellow Northumbria University students; however she still managed to shine amongst them. Her collection has ensured that she will be a face to watch out for in the next few years. If her work shown at Graduate Fashion Week is anything to go by, she can rest assured of a glittering future.