West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK Celebrates its Tenth Year
January has to be the worst month of the year. Its Baltic,dull and dreary. Nothing brightens it up more than the Belfast FASHIONWEEK launch.
Ireland’s leading fashion event will not only return for another season, but this year it celebrates a remarkable milestone with 2014 marking its tenth year. Hoards of gorgeous,glamerous and stylish attendees made their way to the launch at renowned interior designer Kris Turnbull’s chic studio hear the exciting schedule including celebratory events to mark the tenth year.
Speaking at the launch, Cathy 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
The local designers and independent boutiques will kick off the main catwalk shows at the Ulster Museum on Wednesday 19 March with Harrison, Blush, Rachel McKnight, Diamond Dolls in Banbridge, Nor Lisa, CRUISE, Grainne Maher and Larissa Watson all confirmed to take part.
Spring/Summer looks from the high street continue the proceedings on Thursday 20 March, and will see the return of The OUTLET, Banbridge, Benetton, Marks and Spencer, George at Asda and Next, among others. This hugely popular show always sells out quickly so snap up your ticket now to avoid disappointment!
But unlike the main catwalk shows for designers, designer boutiques and the high street stores - which will take place at the Ulster Museum - both the Charity Challenge and Paddy McGurgan’s Make Up Show will be held in Stormont’s iconic Great Hall on Friday 21 March.
I'm delighted to say that i'm one of the bloggers involved in The Charity Challenge. The 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. Luckily for me i'm a charity shop addict so this was easy for me!
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Two of my looks featured at the launch,showcasing the fabulous pieces I found at Cancer focus NI.
Cathy said: “I can’t wait to see what classic, quirky and vintage ensembles our exceptionally creative stylists will come up with. 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.”
Although the main catwalk shows draw to a close on Friday, fashion fans are in for a treat at the weekend (quite literally!) as afternoon fashion teas will take place on Saturday 22 March at the sumptuous and decadent surroundings of Saphyre on the Lisburn Road. Fresh gourmet sandwiches, cream cakes and other delicious treats will be served as guests sit back, relax and enjoy a mini fashion show by luxury fashion store, CRUISE.
The celebrations will come to a very tasty end with the renowned Style Sunday event, which will take place once again at SHU restaurant on Sunday 23 March in association with Mencap. This glamorous four course gourmet luncheon accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and seasonal style tips from some of the country’s top style experts. It is very often sold out within days of being launched. Tickets cost £45.00 per person and places can be booked directly through the restaurant on 028 9038 1655.
Karen Anderson, brand manager for West Coast Cooler, which sponsors the event added: “FASHIONWEEK has stood the test of time and never disappoints when it comes to providing an exciting and varied schedule of events. I’m looking forward to another busy season of show-stopping catwalk shows and to celebrate, in style, what has been a wonderful collaboration between FASHIONWEEK and West Coast Cooler.”
