After successful graduate collections in both 2010 and 2011, including winning the L’Oreal Professional Young Designer Award, Central Saint Martin’s graduate Yifang Wan returned to LFW this year with a catwalk show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Building on the architectural aesthetic which proved such a hit in her MA graduate collection, her inspiration once again came from minimalist sculpture, becoming most evident in oversized angular resin belts and accessories. Elements of martial arts were also evident in the cut of the monochrome garments with high collars, dropped shoulders and Oriental style slits in long tunics and coats.

It is an undeniably beautiful and commercially viable collection but the ever modest Wan is not resting on her lorals, simply saying ‘I hope I can do another collection but let’s see how it goes with this one.’ This may have something to do with the pressure that comes with showing ones first truly solo collection, ‘It was very stressful, particularly finding funding and manufacturers, but I’m really happy with the outcome. I just wish I could have seen the show!’

Text: Zoe Dickens