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UCIRE
has been known for promoting up-and-coming talent in its six-plus
years of publication, but Alice Coral at Central St Martins
in London is the first weve closely worked with in helping
her realize her final-year collection.
Alice will graduate from Central St Martins
in Mayjust as Stella McCartney and John Galliano had in years
before. Its not an easy place to get in to: a year ago, Francesca
Versacedaughter of Santowas turned down.
The clues she offered
already intrigue us: Strong women film icons, oriental
forms and shapes, organic lines, autumn colours and strong women
depicted in cartoons |
So its a cinch that the collection will
be something special. We will give you glimpses from time to time
so you can have the scoop on Alices collection. And well
follow her right to graduation.
Alice isnt just another student. Born in
Santa Catarina, Brazil, she graduated with a law degree from UFSC
in 1996, after which she moved to London.
Since she began the four-year course at Central
St Martins in 2000, she has won or ranked highly in several
competitions. During the first year, I was selected on the
Sunglasses Competition for the Vision ExpressPudsey Bear Children
in Need charity auction, in which one of my designs was put to auction
by the above sponsor, she said.
That was just a start: the following year, she was
a finalist in the Vespa fashion competition and won the LOréal
competition, a group project for all fashion pathways.
Her second-year final project was inspired by
1700s military uniforms and Japanese prints, resulting in a collection
called The New British Japonisme. This collection featured
tailored jackets with a Japanese print lining, recalled
Alice.
The photo shoot was done in the Royal Naval
College in Greenwich, a place that is allegedly haunted. The main
outfit consisted of a jacket, skirt and spats. For the marketing
product I created the concept of packing garments in [a desirable,
ornate] hat box with the same print as the jacket's lining.
She worked with Spencer Hart in Savile Row, La
Perla in London and Montana in Paris for her third placement year.
This final year commenced in October 2003. Alice
seeks to create a very personal collection inspired by fantasy and
glamour. The clues she offered already intrigue us: Strong women
film icons, oriental forms and shapes, organic lines, autumn colours
and strong women depicted in cartoons.
Watch this space, or write your thoughts at the
StyleTalk Forum.
LEFT, FROM TOP:
The award-winning LOréal Professionnel-sponsored competition
group entry. An item from The New British Japonisme
collection in 2001. Marketing and draft images from The New
British Japonisme including a luxurious hat box featuring
the linings print.
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