GFW catwalk: Somerset College

In the last few years, Somerset College has come on leaps and bounds and it is fair to say that GFW attendees are sitting up and taking much more notice of this Taunton-based FE-turned-HE college.
My impression of Somerset is that it has grown up from a textile-rich course, and this is to its benefit, as the more textile-aware a designer is, the better they can apply it to their designs.
The collections were, in general, coherent and fluid, with colour, texture and silhouette carefully considered. If I chose one, I would say that Chloe Marsh was my stand-out collection...
//// Chloe Marsh: took and ethically-conscience approach to her designs, using organic and Fairtrade fabrics; her garments were cut to highlight her digital printwork, sunburst splashes of vibrant purple and orange, with black, which ensured a very contemporary and fresh collection.
//// Jennifer Marston: the peacock colours and cocooning silhouette, and the layers of fabric from lightweight to heavy knit.
//// Nicola Davies: using opulent wine red, navy and gold, loved the exxagerated shoulders which lent a masculine edge to some very womanly cuts.
//// Debra Smitham: this was lighthearted, fun, which can be a rarity at GFW as everyone has gone so pro these days(!). Cute mini playsuits, puff sleeve blouses, pantaloon hotpants, over-sized buttons - sailor meets 50s pin-up.
//// Rebecca Nuria Hamnett: I liked this for its multiple green tones and its fluidity - it was very cohesive and for that reason pleasing to watch(!).
//// Samantha Payne: a mention for this one dress collection - a trapeze mini dress of fragile layers of lace created by laser cutting and print, a perfect rushed bride, the model presented a bouquet to PM's wife, Sarah Brown at the end of the show. Nice touch.