Graduate Fashion Week in London

On the 7^th of June at 12 PM, two cultures will collide when AMFI presents five of their graduating students collections on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in London. AMFI is showing these collections as part of the international show along with Istituto Marangoni (Paris), Instituto Marangoni (Milan), La Salle College of the Arts (Singapore) and St. Petersburg State University of Design and Technology (Russia). Last year AMFI graduate Roya Hesam won the international award at this show.

Laura Kirchner, a passionate Fashion & Design graduate is one of the five AMFI students participating in the show.

How do you feel about participating in the show. What are your expectations?

‘I am very excited to take part in the international show at Graduate Fashion Week. Luckily I don’t feel any nerves.  It’s an unique chance to show my graduation collection to a broad and new audience. It’s also an opportunity for me to get publicity, to network with intriguing people from the industry and to gain information about possible Masters courses.

Can you tell something about your collection?

‘My collection promotes narcissism, in other words, the healthy focus on oneself. Usually my technique consists of forming asymmetrical silhouettes with fluent lines that entrap the body. I construct a certain shape on a doll and then recreate it in fabric. The constructions are complex, with huge darts and peculiar shaped patterns. This collection is the result of four years of very hard work at AMFI and I am very happy with the results.’

Alongside Laura Kirchner, we have another inspiring Fashion & Design student; Bram van Diepen, who will also participate in the show.

What sets you apart as an individual designer? What is your recognisable signature?

‘I think I have quite an outspoken handwriting when designing my menswear collection. I try to find balance between fantasy and men’s reality, between what I want and what others want without compromising my own aesthetic.’

What do you expect from the experience of participating in the show?

‘Next to having a great time, I hope to get professional feedback on my work from people outside of AMFI and outside of the Netherlands even.’

AMFI will also have a stand at the exhibition where we will be showcasing the work of third year students. This year it was decided to dedicate this stand to La Petite Mort which is the 10^th Individuals collection, a milestone in the history of the brand.

Graduate Fashion Week London: 5-8 June 2011.
AMFI exhibition stand: E103

More information about GFW: www.gfw.org.uk

Text: May Putman Cramer (2^nd year AMFI student International Fashion & Branding).