Designers, retailers, media and fashionistas were all on hand last week at the launch of the Belfast FashionWeek 2012 to celebrate the spring/summer trends (here’s a hint: think pastels, sport luxe and shimmer).
Running from 14-18 March, Belfast FashionWeek will feature three days of catwalk shows, master classes, the Culloden’s Fashion Teas and the popular Style Sunday event – it promises to have something to suit fashion fans of all ages and tastes.
Regarded as Ireland’s leading fashion extravaganza, Belfast FashionWeek is in its eighth year and thirteenth season. Event director Cathy Martin says: “Our exciting programme will include breath-taking catwalk shows featuring stunning models styled to perfection by the most fashion forward retailers and designers.
“Then we’ll also introduce our free kids’ fashion seminar in conjunction with the Belfast Children’s Festival, as well as our now popular daytime events: Style Sunday at James Street South restaurant with exciting new store Please Don’t Tell and designer Una Rodden, as well as the Culloden Hotel’s Fashion Teas in association with luxury retailer Cruise.”
Martin also highlights the wide range of independent stores and designer boutiques that will be showing their wares at Belfast FashionWeek.
“On opening night we pass the catwalk gauntlet to our stunning regional designer boutiques, giving them the chance once again to wow audiences with their latest ranges. Boutique stores include Logans of Cloughmills, Candy Plum in Hillsborough, Notaria in Larne, Diamond Dolls in Banbridge, Yoke and Blush in Belfast and Armani at The Outlet in Banbridge.
“We’ll also host local design talent in the form of talented milliners John Paul from Derry and Belfast’s very own Grainne Maher. Lizzie Agnew, Maria Cardenas, Lisa McCabe, Zoe Boomer and Una Rodden will showcase their collections, while newcomers Ruedi Maguire and Dave Henderson will host their edgy dress styles.”
The high street catwalk night will see spring/summer collections from online fashion store boohoo.com as well as French Connection UK, Exhibit, Marks & Spencer, George at Asda, and stores including Oasis, LK Bennett, Kurt Muller, GAP, New Look, Designers at Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Republic.
This season’s programme welcomes a new fringe event in the free designer master class for children ages 10-13 who have a passion for fashion design and style, hosted by the Belfast Children’s Festival and The Fashion Souk at the Europa FashionWeek Centre on Friday 16 March,
“The event is totally free and will give the kids exclusive behind the scenes access to the hottest fashion show in town as well as giving them the opportunity to interact with experts and professionals involved in showcasing a top fashion event,” says The Fashion Souk’s Alyson McElroy.
Back by popular demand are the fabulous Fashion Teas at the Culloden Estate and Spa, featuring clothing from designer retailer Cruise in Victoria Square. Style Sunday at James Street South also makes a welcome return this season as the event finale, and will feature stunning fashions from Lisburn Road Boutique and Please Don’t Tell along with seasonal style tips from top Northern Ireland designer Una Rodden.
The chic event, which supports charity Mencap, also includes a delicious three-course luncheon designed by chef Niall McKenna.
Throughout the week, breast cancer charity Pretty‘n’Pink will be collecting at all shows to support women who have undergone often debilitating breast cancer surgery or treatment.
To see the full schedule for Belfast FashionWeek 2012 visit belfastfashionweek.com. Catwalk tickets, which cost £15, are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website.
