Central Saint Martins in London has produced some of the world’s most important fashion names – Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Mark Fast are just a few. Every fashion student who passes through its doors (including those mentioned above) is taught by the very lovely Willie Walters, course director of BA fashion. Willie told us about five new, under-the-radar fashion designers to look out for.
CRAIG LAWRENCE
“I expect all my fashion students to do the unexpected and that’s exactly what Craig does. He designs knitwear, but not as we know it. He takes a sculptural approach using wire and plastic and the result is the most beautiful, effervescent clothes. Tilda Swinton is a big fan. Elastic ladder mini dress, £290, Osmoda
HERMIONE DE PAULA
“Hermione studied fashion print at Central Saint Martins and her strength is her extremely feminine, printed fabrics, which suggest hot summer days and relaxed hours spent in the garden with a nice cool drink. Let’s hope July brings some fine weather!” Foxglove fantasy silk shorts, £140; white printed silk scarf, £155, Avenue 32
EDELINE LEE
“I love Edeline’s minimal aesthetic. Her silhouettes are severe and use neutral colour blocking. She creates beautiful designs for the modern woman who doesn’t want her life to be complicated. Edeline’s first official collection will be available to buy in Browns from the end of August.”
HUISHAN ZHENG
“When you put on a dress by Huishan you instantly feel amazing. His designs are so flattering and they’re not just for young women – I’m not young and I want to buy his stuff! His clothes are very much East meets West.” Lace overlaid crepe silk dress, £550, Browns
LEVI PALMER AND MATTHEW HARDING
“You can never have too many white shirts and Palmer Harding’s s/s 2012 collection is full of them. What I love is that they’ve taken a very basic idea and run away with it. When they went to Paris Anna Wintour was very interested in their designs.” Sleeveless corrugated waist shirt, £231, Avenue 32
