The Launch at Boston Fashion Week

[all photos by The Well-Appointed Catwalk]

Student work (or in this case, post-grad work) never fails to amaze me. Maybe it's because I go into these shows with low expectations, but I think I've finally learned my lesson.

The Launch kicked off the final day of Boston Fashion Week, debuting the collections of five designers to watch, all recent graduates of area schools. Check out the highlights of each talent below...

ACHK KOMBANA

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and a graduate of MassArt, Achk drew inspiration from both her African roots and European experience. Featuring native mud cloth, the collection combines bold African patterns with shapes from imperialist-era England. Think high-neck gowns, puff sleeves and bustles.

JENNIFER MILLER

 

A graduate of the School of Fashion Design, Jennifer Miller says she is "committed to the fight against aesthetic monotony." The highlight of her collection? Those knits!

DANIELLE FERNANDES

Danielle Fernandes, a graduate of Mount Ida College, used a mix of textures and fabrics for a dark, edgy aesthetic. It takes a bold girl to wear that finale dress, but it was certainly a show stopper.

REI HYUN LEE

Rei Hyun Lee was right on trend for Spring 2013 with pastel hues and iridescent fabrics. The Korean-born, MassArt-educated designer combines Oriental themes and western influence in her designs.

TATIANA CUEVO

This collection screamed "Balmain" to me as soon as the first look appeared on the runway - and that is a compliment in the highest regard. A graduate of the School of Fashion Design, Tatiana Cuevo's collection was defined by intricate detailing, structured shoulders and exaggerated balloon skirts.

Young designers like these give me faith in the future of Boston's fashion scene.