picture Laura Booty from www.fuk.co.uk

This week is yet another exciting fashion event in the busy fashion calender. Alternative Fashion Week which is running between the 20th and 24th April at Spitalfields Market in London is a fashion week with a difference. Unlike other fashion weeks, there is no charge for designers to enter and it is open to anyone to attend. The event which is now in it’s 15 year has become known for it’s innovative, outrageous and crazy designs. It is not about making lots of money it is about bridging the gap between graduate and designer fashion and bringing on new talent with risky experimental fashion.

The fashion market of Spitalfields is a vibrant setting for the shows which are organised and produced by Alternative Arts. This year the Alternative Fashion Week is supported by Rescue Cream, Hammerson and the Spitalfields Estate. Money will also be collected after the shows for a local charity the Spitalfields Crypt Trust.

The models used in the shows are also gaining experience following a  free training course with Alternative Arts. They come from diverse backgrounds and many are from East London.

The first few days are already proving that the recession is certainly no stifling these designers creativity with recycled and vintage materials being a major theme this year.

If you want your own piece of innovative and eco friendly recycled style, try this shopper made from recycled confectionary wrappers.