You’re probably living in cuckoo land if you haven’t heard of London College of Fashion graduate Chi Chi by now. If it’s not for her strap-line, ‘Vegetarian wishing to be vegan/ Buddhist/ fashion student/ super intern/ blogger,’ then it’ll be for her status as one of Vogue’s ‘best fashion graduates of 2011’ or for making her way to the final of WGSN’s Global Fashion Awards. It seems this little lady is being picked up and shipped off to fashion’s mainland, pronto.

 

Her graduate collection, Tara, is testament to her skill and creativity and characterizes her distinct style. Based on a trip to Tibet, Chi Chi used photographs and images of the native women to create her seven-piece collection. Heavily beaded and braided, she focused on the way women plaited their hair and translated this fascination through Macramé on several of the pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

‘The silhouette is based on what the people were wearing. This inspired me to create a new look with lots of draping and layering.’ The result is finely sculpted garments that hug the body in just the right places. The unsupported strands and loose layers bounce along the models’ bodies as they walk, adding a whimsical touch.

 

Colour is another important aspect of the Tara collection. Chi Chi used the brash tangerines, emerald greens and royal blues in a colour-blocking format, creating a bold statement on the catwalk.

 

 

 

‘The selected colour’s are bright, vivid and energetic, representing the Tibeten people’s kindness, boldness, faith and passion for their religion.’

 

 

 

 

Chi Chi however, has only just graduated, and is still finding her feet within the fashion world. ‘I’m really pleased that my work is being recognized so early on in my career but it warns me that I also have to work even harder to improve myself.’ She is obviously working her heart out as her second collection is already being planned. We’ll let you know first.

 

Vote for Chi Chi’s current collection, Tara, here.

 

Or check out her blog at www.chichiluo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: chi chi, london college of fashion, vogues best fashion graduates