RCA Fashion Gala

The Royal College of Art's annual fashion gala is a celebratory showcase of the 34 Master's students in Menswear, Womenswear, Millinery, Footwear and Accessories, and in the past has seen designers such as Erdem Moralioglu, Christopher Bailey and Aitor Throup graduate from the college.

Emma took the chance to view the catwalk show and head back to her former campus for the evening, where she attended the gala courtesy of Nadja Swarovski and the rest of the Atelier Swarovski team to celebrate the upcoming collaboration.

Above image: Julia Sarr-Jamois and Victoria Young in Atelier Swarovski x Emma J Shipley

The show was a great testament to emerging British design with plenty of talent on offer. Faye Oakenfull's textile-led collection - inspired by ancient embroidery and featuring nostalgic prints stitched together in a patchwork fashion - was a particular hit of the night. As was menswear designer, Johanne Dindler's hip-hop and attitude-driven collection of baggy trousers and jackets.

Above image: Faye Oakenfull

Above image: Johanne Didler

The gala saw fashionable guests such as Hilary Alexander, Suzy Menkes and Alice Temperley attend and enjoy the catwalk show and supper.

The evening also marked Wendy Dagworthy's final gala, after 16 years leading the RCA's fashion programmes and 26 years leading the way for British fashion education. Over the years she has helped nurture designers such as Stella McCartney, Antonio Berardi and Hussein Chalayan. Find out more about Wendy's career in fashion in this profile by AnOther.

Above image: Wendy Dagworthy and Erdem Moraliogu, courtesy of Tatler

Overall, the night was a great celebration of the new wave of British fashion talent from the RCA, and a perfect opportunity (as RCA alumni) for Emma to enjoy an evening of fashion fun at her former college!

Zoe Waters

Marta Jakobowski