TellusFashion reviews the End of Summer Fashion Show

The Leeds End of Summer Fashion Show, now in its third year, was back bigger than ever. The event showcases the work of talented designers and boutiques from up and down the country and even a few international names. This year the show was held in the spectacular Left Bank building; a former church complete with dazzling stained glass, patterned tiles and soaring columns; the cameras were flashing long before the models started walking. 

As the sun set behind the stained glass windows, a violinist played to the crowd as they found their seats and waited for the show to begin. Far from being subdued by the demise of summer, there was an excitement in the air as the runway lights lit up the church and the audience anticipated what was to be a fantastic celebration of both vintage and innovative fashion design. 

After hunting down a goody bag and having a last look at the boutique stalls after the show, we were off home to search the internet to find out more about the show's designers and hunt down a few of those one off pieces.

Pop Boutique
Pop opened the show with black leather shorts worn with an oversized boyfriend shirt in burnt yellow. This striking clash of both fabric and print continued throughout the Pop collection. They featured knitted skirts with sheer tops, masculine striped trousers with feminine floral blouses and houndstooth tailored shorts clashed with outsized vintage jumpers.

The menswear was equally as eye-catching. Black corduroy suits were given a funky twist with quirky accessories including small, round-framed sunglasses and oversized tribal jewellery.

Victoria Rosso
Victoria Rosso continued the vintage theme in her sixties inspired collection. Drop waists, floral patterns and clashing prints exuded sixties laid back cool. Featuring heavily in Rosso’s collection were ditsy floral print blouses worn with tight fitted mini skirts. The collection illustrated how to combine one-off vintage pieces to create individual, contemporary looks.

Gwen Reid
It may be coming to the end of the summer, but Gwen Reid showed no signs of cooling off or wrapping up. Her fiesta of bright prints and feminine silhouettes were hard to miss. Adding a vibrant splash of 80s New York summer styles with a Caribbean twist; off the shoulder tops, high waistlines and bold lines kept the party going (even if the sunshine seems to have gone). 

Helen Barran
The collection by Helen Barran brought a touch of Victorian elegance to the evening. Her designs showcased bustles and crinolines using locally sourced fabrics. A standout piece was a floor length, lace dress. The lace was draped over the model and synched in at the waist with a soft purple belt to create a modern, elegant evening look. The look was a true encapsulation of Barran’s celebrated fusion of Victorian elegance and modern chic. 

Jamilia Designs
Jamilia Designs gave a unique twist to this season’s knitwear fashion. All of the pieces in Jamillia’s collection are hand-knitted and made using vintage and recycled material to create truly individual knitwear. The mohair cardigans and jumpers shimmied down the catwalk in striking autumnal shades. As well as traditional knitwear pieces Jamilia’s collection also featured mohair mini-skirts, midriff jumpers and vest tops. 

Loela
Loela showcased a range of bold and exciting prints that are striking yet simple and easy to wear. The dresses particularly highlighted the designer’s quirky edge. Ditsy floral print dresses were transformed into bespoke designs thanks to some striking panelling. The front section of each dress was spliced with square and triangular panels of clashing block colours, polka dots, and oriental floral designs.

Cross Culture Project 
Cross Culture Project’s t-shirts take influence from graffiti, Ghanaian fabric, music and anything else that sparks something in their creative mind. Cross Culture Project provides something that is both contemporary and wearable. 

Crystal Padmore
Crystal Padmore’s collection was a master class of layering fabrics and texture. Neutral colours and simple fabrics were transformed by striking pattern and detail. White cotton leggings were instantly updated with brown knee pads and grey knitting around the ankles.

Environmentally friendly and effortlessly beautiful Crystal Padmore’s collection demonstrated how to do charming, classic fashion pieces with a conscience. 

Kee Boutique 
With pretty floral prints, polka dots and lace, Kee Boutique’s designs can be worn with confidence both on and off the runway. Simple two piece outfits with above the knee skirts and cute collar sections create a look that is both feminine and mature.

Naomi Ding 
Naomi Ding showed a range of stunning evening dresses that suited those looking for something elegant and distinctive in the coming season. Deep and luscious reds, teamed with earth tones and blacks; modest necklines, floor length skirts and ruffled jackets showed a toning down for the Autumn season, while still remaining sexy. 

Roc & Doll 
Worth waiting for, design label Roc & Doll closed the show with their powerful collection of strong feminine fashion. Simple swathes of dark colours, dissected with cut-outs and unique shapes meant that the final collection was really the one to remember. Stunning dresses adorned with either capes or biker jackets encapsulated a style and flair for edgy, if not verging on aggressive fashion design.