West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK launches it's Tenth Year in Style!!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Any of my regular readers will know I'm little obsessed with catwalk shows! The buzz of excitement and expectation as you sit in the FROW.....the lights go down, the music blasts and one by one the stunning models strut down the catwalk showing off the latest trends, it's electric!! West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK was my first ever catwalk show many years ago and since then I've been totally hooked! #UltimateSUPERFAN! FASHIONWEEK recently hosted it's SS14 Press launch in the magnificent surroundings of interior designer Kris Turnbull's chic studio and I couldn't wait to attend to hear about FASHIONWEEK's tenth year celebration show schedule!!
FASHIONWEEK's press launch always marks the beginning of the fashion social callender here in NI and it was the perfect opportunity for me to catch up with friends, fellow bloggers, stylists, designers, photographers and models all of whom were extremely excited to hear about the upcoming shows and celebratory events to mark FASHIONWEEK's tenth year! I was also extremely privileged to be interviewed by the lovely Katie Larmour for FASHIONWEEK TV!!! Watch the video HERE.
Being interviewed by Katie Larmour with Aislinn Hagan for FASHIONWEEK TV!!!
(Photograph by Robin Cordiner).
Catching up with my friend Lisa McCabe, the designer behind label "Nor Lisa"!
FASHIONWEEK itself will be running from 19-23 March across various venues in Belfast, including catwalk shows, an afternoon tea, it's iconic Style Sunday event and an epic evening at Stormont, Parliament Buildings celebrating FASHIONWEEK's tenth year!!
Speaking at the launch, director of Belfast FASHIONWEEK Cathy Martin said: “I feel very proud to be standing here today as I announce the schedule for the seventeenth season of FASHIONWEEK and the beginning of its tenth year. When I created FASHIONWEEK at my kitchen table in 2004-2005, I could only have dreamed that it would become the much celebrated and anticipated event that it is today, and it’s been a pleasure to watch it - and all those who have been involved, including designers, models and many other creatives - evolve and flourish over the years. I’m looking forward to showcasing the talents of our local designers and new spring/summer collections from our high street stores and local designer boutiques, but also to ‘giving back’ a little with our Charity Challenge and to let loose some fantastic creativity with Paddy McGurgan’s theatrical make up show. These extras, as well as some new plans for Autumn, will help celebrate what has been a remarkable decade for FASHIONWEEK.”
FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin rocking metallics by Goddess & Swift!
Show Schedule!!
Wednesday 19th March: Local Designers and Independent Boutiques Catwalk Show with Harrison, Blush, Rachel McKnight, Diamond Dolls in Banbridge, Nor Lisa, CRUISE, Grainne Maher and Larissa Watson all confirmed to take part. (Ulster Museum).
Nor Lisa abstract print monochrome dress.
Julia Sokele black chiffon blouse with red collar worn with Mexx coral jeans.
Thursday 20th March: High Street Catwalk Show with The OUTLET, Banbridge, Benetton, Marks and Spencer, George at Asda and Next, among others. (Ulster Museum).
Armani Exchange sequin dress by The Outlet Banbridge, orange felt trilby by Gráinne Maher.
M&S mustard blouse & spring shorts with felt hat.
Cruise DVF blue, black & white dress, Amanda Wakeley jacket, YSL bag & YSL shoes.
Friday 21st March: Paddy McGurgan's Make Up Show & Charity Shop Challenge to be held in Stormont's iconic Great Hall!!!
Saturday 22nd March: Afternoon fashion tea showcasing designer looks from CRUISE to be held in SAPHYRE, Lisburn road.
Sunday 23rd March: Style Sundy four course gourmet luncheon accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and seasonal style tips at SHU Lisburn Road.
However I'm most excited about Friday's show in Stormont as I've actually be asked to take part in the Charity Shop Challenge!!!! *squeal*!!!!!!
I remember the first FASHIONWEEK I ever attended, watching the models grace the catwalk.....never in a million years did I ever imagine I would have the opportunity to see looks I personally styled on their iconic catwalk! For me it's a dream come true, made all the more special by the fact that I'll be creating awarness for my chosen charity, Heart Foundation!!
The Charity Challenge concept was created by Cathy to bring together ten fashion bloggers or stylists with ten charities and their retail stores to create a collection of ten catwalk-worthy outfits each. Cathy said: “I can’t wait to see what classic, quirky and vintage ensembles our exceptionally creative stylists will come up with. Actually, we started off with the goal of ten charity partnerships to celebrate our tenth year, but I’m delighted to say we now have twelve. And all the outfits shown on the catwalk as part of the Charity Challenge will be available to buy (via donation) on the night at each charity’s pop up store, so as well as exposing what great finds there are in store at some of these gem shops, we’re hoping that the charities will sell the entire collections to make some much needed funds.” Cathy, who will fund the Charity Challenge production herself, has supported charity over the years through FASHIONWEEK tying in with Mencap via the Style Sunday event, as well as breast cancer charity Pretty in Pink, which collects donations at all shows.
As for what I was wearing at the launch I opted for my favourite label once again, Karen Millen!! With one of my favourite bandage body con dresses! (Click HERE to read more about my outfit!)
Bandage knit dress (KM212), Snake print stud box bag (GR139) "InnerPower" large rose gold crystal carrier pendant with ball chain and tricolour open star coin from Argento & L.K. Bennett leather and pony skin "Cheyne" peep toe sandals.
The full show schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors. Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £25 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.
Massive thanks to CMPR for the invitation to attend, and for supplying the press release and all catwalk photographs by Brendan Gallagher!
