Zandra Rhodes Textile Award winner Kirandeep Bassan

Kirandeep Bassan GFW 2013 Gala catwalk review by Emma Scott, images by Lin Vitali.

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Graduate Fashion Week 2013: Kirandeep Bassan

Kirandeep Bassan - Winner of Zandra Rhodes Textile Award

Graduate Kirandeep Bassan from The University of Northampton was presented with the Zandra Rhodes Textile Award named in Zandra Rhodes honour and presented by designer herself at the Graduate Fashion Week Awards.

A Taste Of The Exoctic

A warm summers evening in the Caribbean, its sunset, the image that springs to my mind when viewing this bright and striking collection from Kirandeep Bassan. The array of geometric prints in vivid royal blue, warm orange and mustard yellow work in harmony together when placed on delicate chiffon fabrics, to make this collection feel very exotic. Fitted jersey skirts and dresses are contrasted against loose, baggy jackets that boast voluminous folds of fabric, exaggerating collars and sleeves. What I love about this collection is that it shows how, as a designer, you can take a simple colour palette of maybe three or four colours and use them in a way that creates such a diverse range of garments and prints.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Acceptable In The 80's

I can see a slight 80's influence pushing through with this collection the eye catching colours and use of print was a staple feature during this decade, however the mix of geometric shapes, lines and paintbrush style strokes make the prints appear as a piece of modern art. Unstructured silhouettes, drapery and volume seem to be the key elements for the garments, an example of this is seen through one outfit in which a large length of fabric is wrapped around the body almost in a way similar to a sari, this is then contrasted against a pair of leggings balancing the overall look of the outfit out nicely. This was refreshing to see, that instead of promoting baring large amounts of flesh, the aim was to cover the body with all the models in outfits that covered them from head to toe.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Trio Of Textures

Although much of the focus for these garments was on print and colour, we also see a range of textures being used throughout the collection, from matte dupion type fabrics with a rough and crisp texture to smooth lycra skirts, it was interesting to see the way the print and fabric behaved on each garment. Naturally the skirts and dresses that featured hints of elastane, clung to the body and the smooth nature of the fabric allowed the print to be bold and blocky. Whereas the jackets constructed of a fabric that resembles a dupion weave, created a much more rugged appearance clearing showing the weave through the print, as it hung in natural creases over the body. This mix of fabric is subtle yet effective, and with most of them being of a lightweight nature helped to enhance the idea of volume and drapery.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Awards catwalk show: Kirandeep Bassan, The University of Northampton.

I really like this collection; I could definitely see myself wearing a few of the pieces, with my personal favourite being a high necked, printed maxi dress. The bright colours are appealing and complement each other really well and in my eyes reflect the warmth of summer in a cool and abstract way. It's easy to see why she was presented the textile award, her collection is innovative, yet simplistic and creative, a very talented designer.