FASHIONISTAS can expect anything from elegant to edgy at this year s Alternative Fashion Week which starts on Monday in Spitalfields Market. Spitalfields will again play host to original and creative collections by a fresh crop of new designers at East Lo

FASHIONISTAS can expect anything from elegant to edgy at this year's Alternative Fashion Week which starts on Monday in Spitalfields Market.

Spitalfields will again play host to original and creative collections by a fresh crop of new designers at East London's major fashion event until April 23.

Alternative Fashion Week provides a genuine alternative for designers to present their work directly to the press, public and the fashion industry.

Designers come from all over the UK and other parts of the world including Russia, the USA, Europe, India and Japan.

More than 70 designers have been selected to show their work. Hundreds of applications were received from independent designers aiming to establish their labels to recent fashion and textile graduates. Expect anything from elegant to edgy.

Original and recycled textiles will be a major feature and 14 different designers will show each day.

There'll be women's wear and menswear from the sublime to the sensational, with an emphasis on environmental awareness and ethical sourcing.

Models will be taking to the catwalk with many arriving hot from the special model training course run for six weeks prior to Alternative Fashion Week.

Fashion shows will be open daily from 1.15pm accompanied by The Really Tight Corsettes, a live contemporary Jazz band.

The Fashion Market that surrounds the catwalk from 11am-5pm each day includes stalls selling a range of clothes, textiles and accessories.

Admission is free and includes a programme listing every designer.