YOUNG TALENTS (From right): At UCSI, fashion students like Bishrel Byambajav, Hannah Wanjuhi Waihumbu and Sepideh Zandieh are equipped with technical skills and creative knowledge to bring out the best in their designs.

WINNING DESIGN: UCSI fashion student Bishrel Byambajav (right) greeting the audience with models dressed in her Dark Victorian collection during the graduation fashion show.

BOLD COLOURS: A model showcasing UCSI fashion student Bishrel Byambajav's designs during the graduation fashion show. Bishrel bagged all three awards.

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent UCSI University (UCSI) Graduation Fashion Show 2013 - themed, 'Ec-lec-tic' - was an evening filled with exciting fashion shows and lively musical performances. 

Models paraded the collections of UCSI's graduating and junior fashion students - in addition to a casual denim collection by an event sponsor, Nusantara Denims - in the 117-year-old National Textiles Museum. 

But among the many highlights, the -Dark Victorian- collection - designed by Mongolian student Bishrel Byambajav - stole the limelight.

Swathed in hues of gold and polished mahogany, the collection took a modern take on the Victorian era and swept all three awards - namely, the Most Liked Facebook Entry, Best Fashion Design Student Award and Best Fashion Design Collection Award - at the show.

Ecstatic about her multiple wins, Bishrel explains her design aesthetic: "It leans towards rock and gothic styles but I also wanted to incorporate Victorian elements like layered ruffles as well." 

"This unique twist suits my personality as I am not keen on girlish designs." 

She further credits the lecturers at UCSI's De Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) for their support throughout the programme, grateful that she has gained much technical knowledge and life skills at the University. 

"During my first year at UCSI, I did not know how to go about garment construction at all but we were encouraged to participate in a fashion competition in the same year and from there, I learned a lot," she adds. 

Notably, Bishrel's stunning collection is proof that she is no longer a fresh faced novice in fashion design. 

Her two course mates, Sepideh Zandieh and Hannah Wanjuhi Waihumbu, have designed unique collections as well, inspired by Wabi-sabi - a comprehensive Japanese view on the acceptance of imperfections - and Maasai ethnic wear, respectively. 

Needless to say, the collections of the young designers have elicited an overwhelming response from the attendees, some of whom described the designs as "unique and beautiful". 

ZALORA's marketing director Mr Giulio Xiloyannis is of a similar view and comments: "What the girls did was wonderful; it was wonderful high couture." 

UCSI vice-chancellor and president Prof Dato' Dr Khalid Yusoff, who spoke at the event, was equally quick to heap praise on the students. 

He pointed out that the students' designs showed maturity and a great deal of creativity - the result of the University's uniquely formulated Praxis concept - one that advocates the application of theory to practice. 

As such, he adds, it is important to establish a strong relationship between the industry and academia to ensure students are kept abreast of the latest trends and happenings. 

The event was attended by more than 120 guests, including prominent industry leaders and academics - such as deputy director-general of the National Textile Museum Mr Wan Jamaluddin bin Wan Yusof, UCSI Group founder and chairman Dato' Peter Ng and UCSI deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Affairs and Research) Prof Dr Teoh Kok Soo.