[If fashion is war, then consider Zandile Blay your embedded reporter. From fashion shows to stylish parties, she's there to cover it all -- from London to New York and everywhere in between. Read all about it from your favorite fashionista.]

For fashion designers, inspiration for their clothes always comes from random sources: art, food, clothes, sex (hey!). Two inspirations however, remain constant favorites – the past and the future.

Both were in full effect during London's Graduate Fashion Week, where students showed off their work. From huge hooped skirts and elaborate ruffles from the 19th century to psychedelic prints from the 70s, these students mined the past for some ultra creative looks.

My favorites were looks by Frances Cookson and Katie Wood, both of Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland who looked at clothes from the 60's and 70s to inform their work. Their classmate, Abyssinia Sollitt-Davies drew on ancient Mesopotamia culture for her color-rich collection which had lots of long flowing dresses and – are you ready? – pom-poms.

At Manchester School of Art, Jade Kelly, used 90s denim trends as her inspiration. She managed to make acid washed, shredded denim look infinitely chic and sexy. While Tim Rhys-Evans brought us back to the future with an all black collection that would have looked right at home on Star Trek.

Now back to the present! As I type this, it's the last day of Graduate Fashion Week. I am sad to see it end, but the end always means one thing: parties! Log on later for photos from tonight's star-studded gala show and after party.

Till then! Your Favorite Fashionista, Zandile Blay.