March 2000 [tue 21-03] [wed 22-03] [thu 23-03] [fri 24-03] As usual the shows at Alternative Fashion Week went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Hackney and Southwark college students showed the expected outrageous designs alongside surprisingly commercial styles, whilst other designers showed collections to rival fashion's big boys and girls. Bex Harvey reports.   German Annika Graalf's collection is a summery affair with kitsch prints and hair-like fringe details - culminating with a curious Rapunzel hair wedding dress. There was a surprising lack of subversive elements to James Soesan's tailored collection for the "modern, confident woman", which came across as safe and conservative. Meanwhile Mindy Lo's use of unusual material and cut resulted in delicate, softly engineered pieces. Mien and Vesna Trisovic couldn't have used more diverse fabrics and inspiration. Trisovic's collection, made from recycled material, is designed for "environmentally friendly people", whilst Mien's collection in modern fabric is inspired by the unsual combination of protective x-ray clothing and envelopes! The highlights of the day were Ngozi Uchea and Macsons' shows which both combined the unusal with the highly wearable. Uhea's glamorous 1920's-inspired collection in black, brown and gold was beautifully styled. Meanwhile Macson's hand framed knitwear comes in gorgeous colours, directional shapes and interesting details.

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