Arts University Bournemouth, Graduate Fashion Week

While studying at Bournemouth University, I inevitably developed an intrigue for the creative goings-on at our next door neighbour, the Arts University Bournemouth. Even after graduating with my journalism degree, I had contemplated following my interest for fashion in a more hands-on capacity than simply this blog, for which the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course at AUB would have been my first option. Perhaps if I had taken that path, I might have designed the cat-print shirts for which I have been so longing.

Thankfully, those who did actually study Fashion Design at AUB know how to produce exciting clothes beyond my not-so-subtle obsession for feline kind. Among the final-year collections presented at Graduate Fashion Week were Aimee Willsher's marriage of science fiction and cabin crew uniform, Holly Marie Anderson's tropical beachwear, and Kelsea Lea's paratrooper themed menswear. Also featured were three childrenswear collections by Sophia Brecon-Smith, Elizabeth Layte and Catherine Thompson.

Further to producing a host of design talent, Arts University Bournemouth are a frontrunner in challenging the fashion industry's overarching yet outdated ideals towards beauty and body image. The university are supported by fashion commentator Caryn Franklin MBE, whose All Walks Behind The Catwalk initative seeks greater diversity of race, age, size and body shape in fashion imagery. Accordingly, the AUB fashion show employed a variety of models to represent the true breadth of UK consumers.

Arts University Bournemouth, Graduate Fashion Week

Since finishing university, I have revisited Bournemouth only twice - firstly for 1Xtra Live, then shortly after for my graduation ceremony. With virtually all my uni friends having packed up and left, there's not much reason for a return trip. I mean, it's not like I have a younger sibling studying at Bournemouth University. Oh, wait.

Thankfully, I can afford for Bournemouth to come to me - sadly not its beautiful sandy beaches (global warming isn't that fast), but the up-and-coming fashion designers from Arts University Bournemouth, who present their final year collections at Graduate Fashion Week. Theirs was the first catwalk show in this year's schedule, and I was delighted to have been allocated a front row seat.

Graduate collections included those by Harriet Neal, Lara Gunnarsdottir, Alice Polley, Naa Williams, Danielle Perry, Louise Boland, Sanna Olsson, Valinda Rai, Leah Turberville, Cristina Criaco, Olga Novikova, Anja Povey, Holly Jones, Jessica Russell, Georgia Walter, Grant Brown, James Andrew, Kai Leong and Poppy Russell.

Poppy, whose lead model took to the catwalk with infectious street dancing, saw her menswear designs make it to the Graduate Fashion Week Gala Awards Show as part of this year's top twenty-five collections. Fellow AUB student Charlie Carstairs was named winner of the Accessories Award.

Twinks Burnett, Vogue Festival

Whether in Bournemouth, Brighton or London, it is such a delight to bump into Twinks. Her vibrant and eccentric style perfectly matches her fun and colourful personality, and she has one of the biggest smiles you may see. Her confidence and creative flair have seen her go from strength to strength as a talented stylist and accessories designer. I wouldn't put it past her to become a next generation icon of the fashion industry.

If you enjoy Twinks' style, please vote for her to win Harrods Live! All you have to do is visit the Harrods Facebook page and 'like' her catwalk photo. The winner will receive £1,000 to spend in-store, and I can think of nobody else more deserving. Go, go, go!

Twinks Burnett, Graduate Fashion Week

Twinks, stylist and Arts University Bournemouth student, won the All Walks 'Diversity NOW!' photography award at Graduate Fashion Week 2013. A much deserved prize for a talented individual. She wears Jeffrey Campbell shoes, dress from Spitalfields, and her camera is Lomography. (Check out Twinks' portfolio and more on her Tumblr blog.)

Boscombe Vintage Market

Amy and Elle are art foundation students at AUB. Amy wears a vintage skirt and shawl, Armani jumper, bag from T.K.Maxx, and blazer from a charity shop. Elle also wears a vintage skirt, River Island scarf, and denim jacket from a Ugandan market.