If there is one thing I believe in strongly it’s in the incredible wealth of creative talent we have here in Northern Ireland. As a blogger I’ve been privileged to get to know many of our top Northern Irish designers, and I believe it's vital that investment and support is given to next generation of design talent coming through our universities and collages!

That’s why I love attending the graduate shows, not only is it a really fun night, but you always see some incredible designs. These kind of shows gives graduates the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and really go to town with some seriously amazing designs, creating a truly show stopping event!

In case you didn't know, we are heading ever closer to the hotly anticipated Ulster University Graduate Fashion show which will take place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 26 May. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this show for the past 4 years and it always has the wow factor, this year it’s taking place in a new venue, the Europa Hotel and I'm so excited to be able to give you all a sneak peek at some of my favourite pieces from the forthcoming show!

Catching my eye is Gemma McAllister’s “Network Collection”, a series of pieces which can be added or taken away through button fastenings from the main body of the outfit creating multiple looks, while the timeless chic of Jeremy Huddleson’s “Decadence in a time of Crisis” is definitely a look I would love to wear myself! Last but by know means least is Sarah Walker’s “Ambedextrous” collection which caught my eye with it’s intricate and detailed panelling, creating a beautifully tailored, slightly futuristic look! (I'm seriously coveting those leggings!)

Stephen King MA Des RCA, Fashion Lecturer, Belfast School of Art at Ulster University said: “The students’ work on the catwalk will no doubt be a proud display of their unique style and individual vision. With some truly inspiring and creative pieces including knits, prints and jaw-dropping silhouettes in the mix, the students are sure to wow the audiences."

Final year student Amy Scanlon talks of her collection: “From the conceptual idea in my head, to putting pen to paper and sketching out a 5 piece collection, right through to the uncountable and pain-staking hours at a knitting machine, it’s cathartic to come full circle now as we prepare for our pieces to come alive on real life models, with professional hair and make up to create a full fashion theatre experience.”

Classmate Roseanna Crawford adds: “Having the show brings the whole project from academia to the commercial world, and it has certainly helped me learn the importance of things like commerciality versus creativity for example, so it is such a fantastic way to finish our degree and help launch our fashion careers.”

The students will see their collections modelled on show producer Cathy Martin’s CMPR Models with hair perfectly styled by the inventive team at Andrew Mulvenna hair and beautiful make up looks created by the talented artists at MNX Pro.

Tickets are on sale now at just £15 per ticket, which includes a fabulous goodie bag and are available from https://getinvited.to/ulstergraduatesfashionshow2016. Hope to see you all there!

Massive thanks to Christopher Wilson at CMPR for press release and all relevant imagery.