A Celebration of "Rough Draft" Energy in a Changed World
W:Maximiliano Dubois
The Leeds Arts University showcase at the 2025 Graduate Fashion Week was a vivid testament to a generation that has traded "polished perfection" for "honest experimentation." As you noted, the runway felt like a lucid dream, moving away from the rigid expectations of the industry and toward a playful, process-led exploration of identity and memory.
Standout designers who defined this year’s "stress-free" and authentic spirit.
Daisy Budianta: The Talent of Tomorrow
Daisy Budianta’s work stood out for its structural integrity and its ability to bridge the gap between student experimentation and industry readiness.
- The Recognition: Selected for the Graduate Fashion Week "Talent of Tomorrow" photoshoot, Budianta’s designs were noted for their distinct visual language.
- The Design: Her collection balanced the "childhood memories" theme with a sophisticated, modern edge. Her press pieces showcased a unique ability to manipulate fabric into silhouettes that felt both nostalgic and futuristic, fitting perfectly into the show's "lucid dream" atmosphere.
Charlie Brown: Collective Innovation
Charlie Brown was a key figure in the GFW Collective Show, representing the core of the cohort's collaborative spirit.
- The Focus: While others looked at biological transformation or sustainability, Charlie Brown’s work focused on the "joy of trying things out."
- The Vibe: His designs contributed to the "authentic, unpretentious creativity" of the show, utilizing unconventional pattern-cutting and a bold color palette that refused to conform to traditional commercial pressures.
Aine Loughnane: The Sustainable Trailblazer
Winner of the Sustainable Trailblazer Collection Award, Aine Loughnane embodied the "resourcefulness" that defined the Class of 2025.
- The Aesthetic: Loughnane didn't just recycle; she elevated "old materials" into high-fashion narratives. Her work proved that sustainability doesn't have to look rustic—it can be sharp, intentional, and avant-garde.
- The Impact: Her collection was a "fresher perspective" on waste, showing how the tireless efforts of the Leeds School of Design have fostered a generation that sees potential where others see discarded scraps.
Sam Brown: The Master of Metamorphosis
Sam Brown’s collection, titled "Metamorphosis," acted as a conceptual anchor for the show’s theme of "bolder innovations." Brown explored a fictional world where humans undergo a moth-like transition, using fashion to mirror the journey of aligning with one’s true self.
- The Materials: In a subversion of typical "perfection," Brown used latex and deadstock leather to create a "skin" that felt biological rather than synthetic.
- The Narrative: The garments evolved from a restrictive leather "straitjacket" into fluid, draped forms, signifying liberation. By using raw lambskin hides, Brown gave a "second life" to the materials, creating a multi-sensory experience that felt both haunting and hopeful.
