Graduates set city catwalks buzzing

This week is without doubt the highlight of the fashion students' year.

The Prince's Trust Graduate Fashion Week, which kicked off with Newcastle's University of Northumbria yesterday, will bring together in London the best in new talent from 29 highprofile colleges across Britain - and for the first time includes work from a guest college, Polimoda from Italy.

Held for the first time at Battersea Park Arena and sponsored by Top Shop, Graduate Fashion Week promises a static exhibition of portfolios including works from fashion promotion and media students - as well as 21 catwalk shows culminating in the fashion "Oscars", a gala show on Thursday.

Northumbria University, whose past graduates include Scott Henshall, the man behind Jodie Kidd's barely-there cobweb dress for last week's Spider-Man premiere, started the proceedings in fine style.

Introduced by Jeff Banks, students showed their ideas off in a tent packed with industry talent scouts.

More than a little risque, Nina Todd's collection of sheer lingerie, draped jersey dresses and fur accessories is likely to catch the eye of future employers; and Emma Gillam's hunky schoolgirls crafted from brightly printed pinstripes and fabrics strewn with feathers will not go unnoticed either.

Men weren't left out of the proceedings, with strong collections from Lucy Hinchcliffe - divided skirts for men in stark black and white - and Christopher >Bailey's casual denims and leathers.

Five students have already secured jobs.