Future stars of fashion graduate to the catwalk

THE intricately-bejewelled headdress begs to be noticed. The kaleidoscope of on-trend coloured beads and gold are clearly beautifully – and painstakingly – crafted and wouldn't look out of place as a catwalk show finale or on the cover of Vogue.

The 60s-inspired A-lined dress is also embellished and bejewelled, providing an equally dazzling affect. With John Galliano-inspired drama and Matthew Williamson glamour you'd be forgiven for assuming the ensemble is available to buy on the international designer floor at Harvey Nichols.

In fact, the fashions are just some of those coming from the creative hands of tomorrow, the future stars of Scottish style. In only a few weeks' time their fashions will be thrust into the public limelight with the annual sell-out exhibition that is the Edinburgh College of Art Graduate Fashion Show on Wednesday, May 7, and Friday, May 9.

The wealth of talent coming out of the Capital is burgeoning and, the latest crop of talented students are following some illustrious names who have gone on to work for the likes of Armani, Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior. Famous alumni include April Crichton, who went on to work for French design house Sonia Rykiel, Graeme Black, who worked for Armani and Ferragamo before setting up his own label, and Yong Hei Fong, who has worked with Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and Ghost.

And this year's graduates are no different. One of those tipped for the top is Rachel Lamb, a 21-year-old from the Grange. "I can't remember not being interested in fashion," says Rachel, who created the bejewelled ensemble for her eight-piece Midas-inspired collection. "I'm really looking forward to finally seeing my own collection on the catwalk."

Rachel's collection is inspired by the 1920s, when women were wearing Egyptian-themed clothing. "So I created very short dresses to be worn with Egyptian head-pieces, and called it Midas because I used a lot of gold and have a lot of embellishment," adds Rachel, who went to St Margaret's secondary.

The future for Rachel looks bright. She'll be showcasing at London Graduate Fashion Week – the event which launched the career of Stella McCartney – and she's handing her portfolio into the illustrious Central St Martin's.

"Realistically, I'd like to work in the industry and get a better understanding of the couture houses."

Fellow final year student Lindsay Connerton, 22, from Musselburgh, whose collection is inspired by her dad's old sheepskin jacket and Newhaven, is equally ambitious. "I plan to move to Milan to work," says Lindsay, who went to Musselburgh Grammar School. "It's really a case of getting out there and finding work within a design house.

"I was looking through old photos and found ones of fishwives in Newhaven. I really wanted to make a collection that used traditional fabrics but use them in a modern way. I wanted the Scottish look, but contemporary."

Her eight-piece, ready-to-wear collection is sophisticated, and long fringing, braiding and sleek silhouettes form her chic capsule collection. So why her dad's sheepskin jacket? "It was something I came across when I was tidying up, and it brought back memories. "

Richard Welch, 21, chose to shy away from intricate patterns and produced a futuristic and androgynous collection. "I wanted it to be modern, showy and very visual," explains the Bruntsfield student.

He is keen to spend the next year working for a designer and "learning the trade", and will be unveiling his seven-piece collection at London Graduate Fashion Week. And, he's confident his Scottish roots will turn heads.

"Scotland's definitely packing a heavier punch," he says. "You've got the likes of Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and Louise Golden. The right people are now coming out of Scotland."

Frances Cookson, 20, from Tollcross, has already worked for renowned designers Sinha-Stanic. Her collection features dramatic tailoring with framed jackets, floor-length uniformed dresses and a monochrome palette.

"I'm hoping that Graduate Fashion Week will open up some opportunities, and work within the designing area," she says. "In Edinburgh, the fashion industry has really taken off and we're definitely on the map."

Student Katie Wood agrees. The 22-year-old from the Old Town was inspired by the 1960s, and captured the playful era with a colourful collection of tiered ruffle dresses, Biba-inspired shifts and retro Capri trousers. "I think Scotland will soon be the place to be," she says

And 22-year-old Abyssinia Solitt-Davis, who is living in Lauriston, is proof. The Londoner chose to study in Edinburgh for the fashion buzz. "It's the ultimate place to get inspiration and it's made a difference," she adds.

Her collection, which shows the contrast between tribal and Italian tailoring, is striking and has already attracted attention from Maxmara and Burberry.

The ECA Fashion Show takes place on May 7 (6.30pm and 9pm) and 9 (7pm and 9pm). Tickets £15. www.tickets-scotland.com