FORGET London, Paris and New York, this is Newport Fashion Week - innovative, eye-catching and, sometimes, startling.

Models paraded down the catwalk wearing clothes that ranged from the outrageous to eminently wearable, but rarely ordinary.

It was the first night of the annual fashion show from students at the university's school of art, media and design.

Fellow students, family and friends showed off a dazzling array of designs to an appreciative audience.

Collections ranged from cool urban wear to hot numbers; daring dresses to wedding gowns in traditional colours - and bright red, blue and green. There were funky clothes for men, women, and even children, which took their inspiration from various sources including the East, the 60s, Marilyn Monroe and the elements.

As well as individual collections, there were joint displays such as the one by the second-year students, who took us to The Edge with their outr outfits.

Professor Paul Seawright, dean of the school, said the students had graduated from the degree course and gone on to work with top names in the fashion industry.

Fashion design course leader Sharon Rees said they had been invited back for a third time to the prestigious Clothes Show Live.

On the evidence of last night there is no doubt that Newport students will continue to make their mark in the fashion world.

l Last night's fashion show was a great backdrop for another milestone in the history of the university.

It was the first public event launching the new corporate identity of the re-named University of Wales Newport, formerly the University of Wales College, Newport.

"Eighteen months ago we were made a full member of the University of Wales," explained the vice-chancellor, Professor James Lusty. "Although it is quite a small change in terms of the name, it is a significant step for us to take. It is a real recognition of the maturity of the university."