Glasgow School of Art Spring Fashion Show

Inspired by Hannaywood Studios' film production 'Stacey's Face', the Glasgow School of Art's textile department challenged their second and third year students to create "designs which are environmentally sustainable and resource efficient." This new work was presented at this year's Spring Fashion Show, the professional runway production also providing an opportunity for students to hone their organisational and team skills.

Predictably, considering the challenge, the emphasis was on the use of fabric as opposed to innovative tailoring, and this led to a certain amount of repetition, with leggings and cut-away backs constantly recurring. At times it felt as if, despite a mandate to do something different, many of the third year students played it safe, applying simple geometric patterns to the recovered material and opting for designs with little depth, movement or detail. Occasionally the recovered and reutilised fabrics were harmonious with the design, as with the very wearable tweed collection, but there were only one or two truly imaginative moments, a stand-out being the costume-like element to Claire McLachlan's work.

A little more diversity was achieved by the sportswear collection that utilised a baby's buggy, and although carried off with attitude, the 'little ned riding hood' look could appeal to a limited audience. Along with some child's nightwear pieces and menswear that alluded to early eighties computer games, these were the only pieces where a source of inspiration was discernible, and an audience member could have easily left with no idea that there was any sort of a theme at work.

The show itself was well-rehearsed and high-energy, the professional feel let down only by distractingly dramatic make-up and some slightly over the top models. Although not quite the "Rag Rage Revolution 2006" that it could have been, this was a promising showcase for students growing in confidence.