ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

In the same way that London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design can be counted on to deliver when it comes to the talent of their graduating class (which in the past has included Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano) London’s other famed school, the Royal College of Art, has helped hone the skills of an impressive set of talents as well.

The Royal College of Art is the only postgraduate university that focuses solely on art and design. Past graduates of the Royal College of Art have included Ossie Clark, Philip Treacy, and Burberry designer Christopher Bailey.

This year, the school’s annual graduate fashion show is slated to take place on June 10 and tickets are available to the public by calling 02075904566 or can be booked online at www.rca.ac.uk. Tickets are priced at 12 pounds for the 4pm show and at 25 pounds for the 7pm show. The price includes Champagne and canapés.

There will be 36 MA students – in menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessories – presenting their collection and this year the collections have been inspired, in part, by the global economic situation. Vogue UK is reporting that a number of the MA students were inspired by designers like Vivienne Westwood and Katherine Hamnett who created collections that are said to be driven by social and political messages. Some students are also opting to use fair trade or recycled materials.

The head of fashion at the Royal College of Art told Vogue UK that this year’s graduate show will include carefully considered collections that reflect the diversity of world issues that are having an impact on students today, adding that “many students are also incorporating recycled or found materials into their garments or ensuring that fabric comes from Fairtrade sources.”


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