On the 15th of Augst,Belfasts most fashionable took the Fitzwilliam hotel to celebrate the launch of BFW 2013.
The A/W launch marked the sixteenth season of the ever celebrated Belfast Fashion Week.
Image by Kirth Ferris
What I wore-
Shirt-Stradivarus £10
Joni jeans-Topshop £36
studded heels-Office £20
Clutch bag- primark £6
Spiked necklace- Primark
Lionhead necklace-Ebay £2
This was my first ever BFW event and I'll admit that I was slightly nervous once I saw the HUGE crowd of mega glam peeps. I was greeted at the door by some lovely CMPR team girl and I my outfit was then photographed by Brendan Gallagher. The CMPR girls kept complimenting my outfit and it made me feel so much better. As i walked into the Fitzwilliam reception area I quickly spotted my fellow FABB bloggers Gemma from thatbelfastgirl and Avril from Schoolgatestyle. Within seconds we were discussing each others outfits and my new blonde hair.
My favourite part of these events are seeing all the familiar fashion lovers and catching up with all of the photographers. Anyway. Nuff about me,Lets talk trends. I was glad to hear that deep reds and burgandy shades were going to be a key trend this season,I love me a bitta burgundy.
Another purchase i actually seriously MUST make is a cape. Ideally a camel or burgundy coloured one.
This season will focus on heavy embellishment-YES-and thigh high splits on skirts and dresses-YES. Also look out for soft pinks,plaid and leopard print. I saw some amazing pieces during the catwalk section of the launch that showed off some beautiful textures including lace,leather and chiffon. I've never been one for leather but I'm hoping to soon find and purchase a fitted leather pencil skirt to rock during the icy months.
Photography by Robin Cordiner
I'm actually obsessed and in love with this incredible Shauna Fay dress.
This season’s events will run over four days from 10-13 October across various venues in Belfast but with the catwalk shows returning to the iconic Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens. The opening night of fashion week will be on Thursday 10 October with CRUISE, Liberty Blue, Blush, Helen McAlinden and Diamond Dolls in Banbridge all confirmed to take part. Fridays show will consist of high street favourites including Next, Jigsaw, Mexx, CastleCourt, M&S, Oasis, Heaton’s and George at Asda -and more.
On Saturday 12 October My favourite fashion event,the Fashion Souk at Spire’s Mall will be selling vintage and previously owned pieces from 10am - 2pm,followed by a delicious Fashion Tea at the Merchant Hotel where designer emporium CRUISE will showcase their high end collections from Victoria Beckham, Armani, Vivienne Westwood and Marchesa, among others. That Saturday evening will showcase some of Northern Irelands most talented local designersThis season Nor Lisa, Goddess and Swift, Ruedi Maguire and one of my personal favourites,Grainne Maher,among others, will all take part.
Saturdays show will also showcase the three finalists from the Diet Coke Design Award,where judges will decide which lucky designer will win a mini schlorship to the Londom College of Fahion and a shoot with the amazing Khara Pringle.
Lucky students from across Northern Ireland will also feature on the catwalk with selected outfits from the secondary school competition Junk Kouture, which challenges students to create fashion art from junk and recycled materials. I was lucky enough to see some of the creations at the press launch and a few were absolutely incredible. They arent meant to be worn as your usual attire but i'd totally wear a them!
Style sunday will round up with week at SHU restaraunt with a mini fashion show,trend forecasts and style tips. This event often sells out quickly so you can buy your ticket at £45.00 per person directly through the restraunt on 028 9038 1655. The full show schedule and design competition details are all 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!
Photography By Stephen Potter
I'd like to thank Cathy Martian and the CMPR team for invite and for hosting such a fabulous launch!I cant wait to see my fave model Lauyrn Greer- Far right! On the catwalk. Im gonna hollar at her every time she struts past me. Grab your BFW tickets now and i'll cya there!
