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Published 16 June 2009

The University of Brighton took its brightest fashion stars to London's East Wintergardens for a catwalk show and awards ceremony, presented by international designer and former student, Julien MacDonald, OBE.

Left to right: Julien MacDonald, Jake Leith and Rasmus Rohde

Julien said: "I'm really excited to be involved in graduate fashion programmes. I'm a loyal alumnus and proud to be a former student of the University of Brighton."

The best 21 students showed their collections on a stark white catwalk, in a fast and feisty show produced by the London Fashion Week veteran, Lesley Goring.

The collections' looks ranged from Catherine Gerard's striking feminine silhouettes inspired by the 1930's combined with masculine armour, to Patrick Li's appliqué and leather panels (pictured right).

Katie Robinson had worked with acclaimed tailors including Carol Alayne, Mitchell Shirt Makers and Welsh & Jefferies to create her recession-inspired collection called "Boom and Bust". She used financial motifs and slogans to get her message across.

The students had an impressive record of work placements including stints with major designers such as Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Viktor & Rolf, See by Chloe, Hussein Chalayan, Temperley, DKNY as well as high street chains like Marks & Spencer, River Island and H&M.

Julien presented Rasmus Rohde with the university's Fashion Catwalk Collection award for his avant-garde tailoring (see top picture). Poppy Mayer scooped the Best Business Plan for her ambitious to bring style to the sporting arena, presented by Anne Tyrrell MBE, international design consultant and chair of the British Fashion Council Colleges Council. Students Hollie Maloney and Natasha Mohide shared the textiles award presented by Avsh Alom Gur and London-based designer of props and accessories, Fred Butler, also a former student.