There are still ongoing heats across Northern Ireland before the Gala Final in May, and anyone interested in entering the contest should check out the Miss Northern Ireland website, http://www.missnorthernireland.co.uk/

Massive thanks to Stephen Potter for the photographs of the Miss Northern Ireland contestants at the Belfast Heat, to CMPR for Brendan Gallagher's photograph of myself from the Best Dressed Competition and to Norm Keilty for the use of his video of the event!

Always ahead of the curve on the style stakes, Belfast FASHIONWEEK opened with a blast on Saturday 13th October showcasing highly covetable looks for yummy mummies and their fashionable kids! Style Stories in association with The OUTLET and W5 provided a fun filled afternoon filled with catwalk shows and workshops in W5's Atrium. The intent behind the event was to inspire young people with an interest in the many aspects of the fashion and beauty industry by giving them access to some of the best professionals in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is a hot house for design talent, with FASHIONWEEK even devoting one of it's nights to Northern Irish Designers (Saturday 20th Oct) and the hope is that events such as this will nurture our next generation of creatives and give them insight to what the industry is all about!
Top creatives in their field such as photographer Khara Pringle, Stylist Eve Brannon, current Miss Northern Ireland Tiffany Brien and an expert make up artist from Clinique gave parents and children a unique insight into their respective fields in fun and informative talks run throughout the afternoon!

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager at The OUTLET said: "W5 was the perfect setting for this event as we wanted to encourage children's curiosity and provide fun ways for them to learn about fashion and beauty."
"During the fun day children and their parents could hear talks by various experts including a Clinique make-up artist who chatted about the science behind make-up; while professional photographer Khara Pringle showed the children how using different camera settings can help capture striking images. The current Miss Northern Ireland, Tiffany Brien, talked about the importance of a nutritional diet for models and Eve Brannon, stylist at The OUTLET, talked about the educational side of the fashion industry."

Just as W5 prides itself on interactivity, this was carried though at the event itself with both parents and children getting the opportunity to quiz the experts on various aspects of the industry!
Stephanie Berkeley, Marketing Manager at W5 said: "The hand-picked experts were really put through their paces as the children were able to ask questions and really get involved. We hope their experiences have ignited a passion for fashion, photography and science within some of the young people who attended."

The day also included a fashion show previewing stunning Autumn/Winter ranges for ladies and kids on a dazzling pink sparkly catwalk, showcasing looks which can be found at The OUTLET in Banbridge plus striking designs from Lizzie Agnew whose unique take on fashion is inspired by the glamour of 1930s and 50s.

Models on the day included fabulous yummy mummies such as former Miss Northern Ireland's Gayle Williamson and Louisa Jane Brown, who is the perfect "yummy mummy" as anytime i'm down visiting her and my cousin she looks amazing! Also gracing the catwalk were Mrs Gerry Armstrong, Debby, and model mum KellyAnne McKendry.
I for one cannot think of a better introduction to the wonderful world of fashion for both parents & children alike.....if I was still a little girl I know this day would have truly been one to remember!



FASHIONWEEK continues throughout the week, with catwalk show's running from Wed 17th-Sat 20th Oct as well as their afternoon tea event on Sat 20th at the Merchant showcasing looks from retailer CRUISE. Style Sunday on the 21st brings FASHIONWEEK to it's stylish climax at James Street South Restaurant, the perfect excuse for the girls to get together for an afternoon of fabulous fashion, exquisite food (and lots of bubbly!).

For more information on events and also on how to purchase tickets check out the FASHIONWEEK website. www.belfastfashionweek.com

Images and Press Release courtesy of CMPR