Last night stars of the fashion industry and beyond were out in force to support this year’s MA Fashion Design and Technology graduates who showcased their collections in the Raphael Gallery at the V&A.

Over 500 guests packed the Raphael gallery to catch a glimpse of the industry’s newest emerging talent including: Paloma Faith, Mika, Amber Le Bon, Carmen Dell Orefice, Jo Wood, Keisha, Gabriella Cilmi, Marina from  Marina and the Diamonds, William Tempest, Gemma Cairney, Jodie Harsh, Grayson Perry, Boudicca, Liz and Terry De Havilland, Chairman of British Fashion Council Harold Tillman and Jane Shepherdson.

Left to Right: Amber Le Bon, David Downton and Jane Shepherdson, Mika, and Paloma Faith

Presented by Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman the winner of Collection of the Year was German born designer Sven Hoppe whose menswear collection was described by the judging panel (who included Leathersellers’ Designers is Residence Zowie Broach of B O U D I C C A) as outstanding both in design and technical ability. His inspirational ideas of capturing the thoughts and feelings of a new generation of German’s coming to terms with the horrors of the holocaust lie behind this incredibly stylish collection.

The judges reserved special praise for Youngli Lee from South Korea who was awarded Highly Commended for her exquisite designs and beautifully cut womenswear. The judges commented on her immaculate use of colour and structure.

Although Sven scooped the main award all of the students showing at last night’s show are ‘Ones to Watch.’ The design team of online retail giants ASOS.com, who were in the audience, were so impressed with what they saw they have arranged private visits with selected graduates – so watch this space for further announcements on future collaborations.

Harold Tillman Chair of the British Fashion Council and himself an LCF alumnus said: “Last night’s show was spectacular – I’m particularly proud of the students that I support through my scholarship fund such as Nicole Murray and Domingo Rodriguez. Each year the quality of the students’ work gets better and better and I’m delighted to hear that ASOS.com have, on the back of the show, decided to collaborate with some of this year’s MA graduates; it is absolutely essential that big fashion brands support and nurture emerging talent for they are the future of our industry.”

• Hear what the celebs had to say about the collections

For more photos, interviews and further info about last night’s show please contact Rebecca Munro or Melissa Langlands in the Press Office on +44 (0) 20 7514 2998/7427.

For info on all MA graduates and the forthcoming Graduate MA Season at the Mall galleries please visit the MA_STERS blog.

Read on – further online coverage:

• ELLE UK
• Vogue.co.uk
• www.instyle.co.uk
• Hilary Alexander for The Telegraph
• Telegraph online front page
• Grazia
• Marie Claire
• Now Magazine
• ftape.com
• RDuJour
• runway.glam.co.uk
• fashioncapital.co.uk

Here’s what the fashion bloggers are writing:

• miggylikestheinternet.com
• fabsugar.co.uk
• stylebubble.co.uk
• wonderland magazine blog
• Ribbed Magazine

Showbiz reports:

• Glamour