Central Saint Martin's MA show is the highlight of day one at London fashion week

The show, a highlight of London Fashion week and headlining show of the first day drew a stellar fashion crowd, including Roland Mouret and Harold Tillman - head of the British Fashion Council. This show is seen as a glimpse in to fashion's future and previous students include Britain's top international designers, including Christopher Bailey, Stella McCartney and Gareth Pugh

The theme of all 17 collections was clear; bold fashion intended to make a statement. MA course director Professor Louise Wilson MBE said of her students, 'they’re designing clothes that call for attitude. They’re not clothes that you just throw on.'

And that was certainly true of Michael Van Der Ham's collection (pictured). A beautifully crafted collection of clothes constructed of contrasting fabrics and shapes. the result was a topsy turvy exploration of clothes throughout history, executed expertly. ' It is so hard to pull that off,' commented Rebecca Lowthorpe after the show.' But he did it brilliantly.'

Another student that caught ELLE's eye and has also been attracting attention from designers and fashion writers was Odem Wilson, who's couture like creations in taupe and royal blue taffeta closed the show.

By Laurelle Gilbert

Posted: 21st February 2009