Belfast Fashion Week press launch 2014

Top- Topshop

Trousers-Topshop

Heels-Office

(Outfit photographs by the brilliant Robin Cordiner at www.robincordiner.co.uk) 

This years launch venue was the incredible 'Life church' on the double road. Vintage chairs pinned to the walls,quotes written on the walls,and fairy lights everywhere.
As I entered the space I immediately saw models on podiums showcasing this seasons key treads,tartans,over sized coats and sheer paneling were big players on the catwalk at the launch this year as Cathy talked us through this years fab events. 

FASHIONWEEK officially opens with a charity showing of “MEAN GIRLS” THE MOVIE in association with Odyssey Cinemas and in support of breast cancer awareness month and local charity Pretty n Pink, whose founder Noleen Adair sadly passed away earlier this year. Like FASHIONWEEK, Mean Girls celebrates ten years this year, and the Wednesday showing is for a reason, as the Mean Girls mantra is ‘on Wednesdays we wear pink’. 

 Following on from this worthy start, Ireland’s largest online retailer www.excelclothing.com then kicks off catwalk proceedings on Thursday 16 October, bringing top designer names such as Armani, Calvin Klein and Boss Orange to the Belfast FASHIONWEEK runway, as well as some great British fashion brands including Hunter, Belstaff, French Connection, Ted Baker and Dr Marten’s for both men and ladies.

On Friday 17 October, FASHIONWEEK’s new event FASHION FRIDAY will see Skype’s global fashion ambassador and international fashion vlogger Sonya Esman, plus Ireland’s ‘So Sue Me’ blogger Suzanne Jackson as well as local blog success story Tiffany Brien, (AKA Peanut Butter Girl) in a bloggers’ Q&A as the girls impart their style secrets and blogging success… With a combined Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter audience of around two million users, these ladies know a thing or two about capturing the fashion world’s attention.

Autumn/winter looks from independent boutiques and local designers will grace the catwalk at the main show later that evening, and will see the return of popular stores including Blush, Goddess & Swift, Diamond Dolls and Jourdan as they showcase their collections alongside local designers Lizzie Agnew, Katie Wilson, Julia Sokele, Grannie Maher, Nor Lisa, Marie Claire Millinery, Melanie Bond Jewellery and Gordon Donaldson to name but a few.

With the boys from Beyond Man


The style proceedings continue at Sushi Saturday ‘The Director’s Cut’ at Shiro. Jane Hodges from Shiro explains:  “We’re calling it the alternative to afternoon tea – it’s low on carbs and clotted cream, and high on fun, fashion and Asian fusion. Working with the BFW style team, Director Cathy Martin will choose the top 36 looks from across all shows and bring them together over cocktails, sushi and style talks from everyone’s favourite stylist (and Cool FM presenter) Rebecca McKinney. Tickets are priced at £25 per person including a welcome cocktail and sushi platter (all dietary requirements catered for).

Then the High Street show on Saturday 18 October brings the hottest looks from the nation’s biggest and busiest stores including Next, M&S, Superdry, DV8, Phase Eight, Warehouse, Oasis, Jigsaw, Karen Millen,and many more. George at ASDA will also showcase a collection of new season looks including blue hues and plenty of plaid.

 Last, but definitely not least, the city’s most stylish event will close in sumptuous style with the flagship Style Sunday luncheon at SHU. The afternoon gives guests an up-close-and-personal look at stunning fashions from local designers over a delicious three course lunch which features the very best of local produce and seasonal ingredients.

Make-up artist Paddy McGurgan and stylists from FASHIONWEEK hair partner Peter Mark will also impart tips and tricks as well as host a mini masterclass on how to look fantastic throughout the winter. The lunch and show costs £45 per person and bookings at SHU are expected to fill quickly as usual.

Models hair by the team at Peter Mark and Make-up by Paddy McGurgan's team. 

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. The most fashionable tickets in town are priced at £20 or £25 for FROW and are available by calling 028 9024 6609 or via the website (where you’ll also find details of the movie night, Sushi Saturday at Shiro and LIDL Style Sunday at SHU). All ticket prices include a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.