Cutting edge of fashion

Jun 2 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal

Final-year students on the fashion design course at Northumbria University will be displaying their talents at Graduate Fashion Week this weekend. LIZ LAMB speaks to some of the rising stars of tomorrow.

Sylvie Hall

FOR her final collection Sylvie, from Benton, North Tyneside, was influenced by tribal dance and body movement. The 23-year-old also looked at body art used by tribes and translated it into her knitwear.

The designer developed a fabric using silk and cotton and plated it with lycra so that clothes would stretch. Her collection consists of six jumpers and six catsuits.

“I used it to make tight body catsuits,” she says.

“I wanted to try and make it like a second skin.

“I really wanted to push knitwear to a different level. I didn’t use traditional mediums such as knitwear to keep warm. I wanted it to be more glamorous and to use colour.

“On the borders I have used shiny bright translucent colours that reflect the light and help to show the body shape.

“I am over the moon about going to Graduate Fashion Week. It’s something that I have always wanted to do.

“It’s a real personal achievement to be selected. I have always wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a little girl. My dream job would be to work for Missoni or Pucci.”