Trendsetters from Kingston University's fashion department have banished bling in favour of timeless "ethical" garments made out of organic cloth and vintage denim.

Resourceful homeless men on the streets of Manhattan inspired 21-year-old Kasha Crampton to re-use coat cuffs and collars on new clothes.

A childrenswear range dreamt up by Laura Harvey, 23, drew inspiration from the outfits worn by eco-warriors at Glastonbury, while Harriet Carp spent time in Portobello Market hunting out materials for her womenswear range, entitled Dutch Courage, which was fired by her upbringing in Holland.

Fashion department head Elinor Renfrew said: "At Kingston University our students have devoted a huge amount of time to finding out how to put together responsible collections.

"Their emphasis has been on creating a new type of luxury which is less about bling and much more about producing good quality, long-lasting garments that can become classic signature pieces for their owners."

Representatives from Maxmara, Aquent, L'Oreal, Abercombie and Fitch and Smith and Pye were all in attendance for a fashion show at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall last week.

Last month, Kingston University was named winner of the British Fashion Council College Portfolio Award, sponsored by fashion magazine Drapers.