Here at On the Streets of Sydney we like nothing more than celebrating everything young and creative about this city, primarily because we are a bunch of young creative types ourselves. And there is nothing more young and creative in fashion than the UTS graduate Fashion Show Preview, held on the 8^th December.

The graduating class of 2010 showed six look collections that spanned the spectrum of fashion from wearable, retro designs to the more avant-garde conceptual pieces via swimwear and a couple of decadent, beautiful realised evening looks. As a preview of the entire class’ talent and breadth of vision, it was fascinating. But as a stand alone fashion show in its own right, it was remarkable.

The best thing about the fashion show was witnessing the level of technical proficiency and skill that the graduates have. From Sarah Mok’s beautiful ombre pleating that fanned out from mini dresses and capes to the laser-cutting and brilliant texture – was that rubber? – of Lauren Becker’s circle skirts and tailored jackets there was a real mastery of design skills that can only signal good things for Sydney’s fashion industry in years to come. As we chatted to Yvan Rodic of  Face Hunter – seated directly in front of us – we mused over the exciting future for Sydney fashion. The span and variety of the design talent was nothing short of exhilarating. And while we are loath to make comparisons to current designers, who is to say that the next Nicky Zimmerman doesn’t lie in the folds of Pirra Griffith’s digital print swimsuits, or the next Christopher Kane in Rhiannon Gray’s plissé pleats and cute little party frocks? There were hints to current designers, but not lashings of them – enough to show that the graduating class of UTS 2010 was fully in tune with fashion without being a carbon copy.

Our picks of the preview show? The team was divided over our favourites. Our Creatve Director Hayley favoured the drama of Annika Pol, whose designs featured a blood red print splattered over white pieces. The look was gothic, eerie and totally captivating, with a soundtrack that bleated out “pray for me” and models who sauntered out half-dazed. Emily, our Contributing Fashion Editor’s favourite item was the spectacular navy blue plaid cape with strong shoulder and beaded detail along the neckline by Karima Hazim. Paired with an oversized pussy bow blouse and tailored pants the look was all about extravagance with a few nods to history – perfect to pair with a simple look for some of that Balmainia exuberance.

And me? Bizarrely what I loved most was Bronwyn O’Brien’s menswear collection. With pieces in a subdued palette of murky charcoals, navy blues, some rich chocolate browns and pops of creamy beiges the collection referenced history in the tunics and armour breast-plate detail on sweaters but also tapped into that modern sensibility for minimalism and refinement. Though I am no tomboy, I could certainly see myself wrapped up in those leather jackets with oversized shearling collars, or baggy colour-blocked track pants. Sign me up for some of that easy luxury please!