The move has paid off, with the re-location to the Vision Building, at the west of the Greenmarket, behind Seabraes, creating a superb space for the wide range of work on show.

Last night there was an invite-only VIP event as a preview to the Degree Show this weekend.

Guest of honour was Erin O’Connor, international model, chairwoman of the British Fashion Council and a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Show.

Just as the show encapsulates the students’ hopes for the future, there was also mention of what the addition of a V & A presence to Dundee could mean to the cultural life of the city.

The university has been actively involved in bringing this about.

The event, Designs on the Future, featured a catwalk show of new work from the graduate jewellery and textile design students.

Professor Georgina Follett spoke of the plans to bring a V&A project to the waterfront of Dundee, underlining the amount of talent in the city.

Tim Allan of Unicorn Property Group, the show sponsors, spoke of their commitment to the waterfront and hoped the V&A’s Dundee project would be a catalyst for regeneration.

The students then took to the catwalk in a series of amazing designs. The work shown ranges from fine art and animation to interactive media design and as an added bonus, the Scottish Society of Artists is also exhibiting.

Printed textile designer Hayley Scanlan (25), from Dundee, happened to attract the eye of Erin O’Connor, who loved the jacket the student modelled and has asked for one.

The former St Johns’ High pupil showed a “luxury apparel’’ collection.

The Degree Show is open to the public from Saturday until June 6.