Kew Gardens, the galaxy and a touch of Saint Trinians were ingredients in a special show at Banbury Museum last Saturday. The bridge over the canal was visited by a fairy godmother. She turned it into a catwalk for the graduate fashion show of the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. The packed audience of families and friends may have been partial but they had a right to be proud of the students. The work on parade was of a high standard.

Not all the students were local. Debby Robbe was among the ten BA Fashion graduates. A qualified haute-couture dressmaker from Holland, where they don't have fashion degrees, she made her way to Oxfordshire. She called her collection "Jacqueline Kennedy meets Cruella De Vil" and exhibited some stylish tailoring. All the students had a good feel for fabrics and textures. Patent and other leathers, velvets, wool and silks were successfully combined. I loved Sarah Harvey's stunning red gown. Her collection had oriental elegance. Elizabeth Hurst used Cinderella rips and Kristina Arts styled appliqu effectively. Rachel Collier-Thomas was inspired by Alice in Wonderland. She and the National Diploma year 2 students brought back the bustle and sexy it was in a demure way. There were Vivienne Westward touches of humour. The group year projects were visually striking with whites, romantics, Kew-inspired vegetation and military jackets.

Kayla Owen, the National Diploma course leader, said: "Many of my students go on to work for a degree. They gain in confidence during the two-year course. Most of our fashion degree graduates make successful careers in the industry. Unfortunately, that means leaving Banbury."

I feel sure these graduates are in with a good chance of becoming professional designers. Their models were fellow students. Perhaps it gave them the taste for a career on the cat walk!