The launch of Belfast Fashion Week

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all well? Last week was a busy one for me with lots going on but I think the highlight was meeting Jo Malone at her event in Dublin for the launch of one of her new products. It was one of the most inspirational events I've been to and she was so down to earth. 

I was going to do a segment on snapchat where I talked all about it but have decided to do a blog post instead and should hopefully get that covered this week. Today, I'm filling you all in on the launch of Belfast Fashion Week which I will be attending next week. It's always a brilliant event and I'm really looking forward to it. 

#BFW is a four-day fashion festival and set to celebrate its' 25th year milestone. There will be a spectacular Spring/Summer schedule that will offer serious style inspiration for the season ahead.

Taking place from 22nd-25th March at venues across the city, the busy schedule sees the return of the sell-out high street and designer runway shows at the stunning venue of St Anne’s Cathedral. 

Also returning this season are the popular fringe events including the F Words brunch at Babel, as well as Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday at James Street South - the Action Cancer fundraiser which rounds off the fashionable affair just a week after Mother’s Day -  making a place at the lunch a perfect gift for any stylish mum.

                       

Shows will include collections from several boutiques and designers including Lover of Luxe, Nor Lisa as well as staples Jourdan, Blush and Grainne Maher. The style team will also show the top picks from the High Street and online including Boux Avenue, Remus Uomo, Designers at Debenhams and Zara, plus ASOS, Boohoo, M&S, Next and TopShop as well as French Connection, Karen Millen and Jigsaw, among others.

           

Speaking about what to expect this season FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin said: “This season we’ll see oodles of pastels and dusty tones which were prevalent on the catwalk at Victoria Beckham and Versace - lilac, pink, sage green and powder blue are definitely the chosen colours for this gentle season.

       

“There will also be a nod towards the 80s and 90s, as fashion gets nostalgic with dramatic silhouettes and total texture clashes like those we saw at Gucci and Stella McCartney. Also going nowhere for SS18, logomania and athleisure return with a glamorous makeover – think sequins, flattering silhouettes and nipped waistlines on t-shirts and slouchy silk pants.”

“I am really excited to see how the local retailers and designers show off these trends. I’m sure everyone will agree that there is some incredible creative talent here in Northern Ireland and at FASHIONWEEK we want to acknowledge and celebrate what we have right here on our doorstep.

“And speaking of talent, returning to lead the creative team at our launch is the powerhouse duo of L’Oreal Colour Trophy winner Lee Stinton looking after hair alongside Paddy McGurgan on make up. I really can’t wait to see what this creative team come up with”

     

“We want to make our shows a true example of fashion theatre and in an overlapping world that constantly blends experiences we want to blur the lines between fashion and other industries to create the ultimate experience for the audience where they can really engage with fashion first hand. As well as the usual complimentary West Coast Coolers for every guests at the shows in the cathedral, there will also be beauty, food, boutique, designer and fitness pop ups for guests to enjoy before the show begins”

       

Brand manager Laura Shiels from title sponsor West Coast Cooler commented: “We are delighted to continue our participation with Belfast FASHIONWEEK here at West Coast Cooler and can’t wait to see what the new season has in store. Firmly fixed in the social calendar, the event celebrates individuality, creativity and talent and that is something we are passionate about.”

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.  Catwalk tickets for the main shows on 22nd & 23rd March in Belfast Cathedral are available to purchase from Visit Belfast on 028 9024 6609 or via the links on www.belfastfashionweek.com.

DESIGNER BOUTIQUES AND LOCAL DESIGNERS:

Tickets priced at £20 or £30 for FROW available from 028 9024 6609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com

HIGH STREET:

Tickets priced at £20 or £30 for FROW available from 028 9024 6609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com     

10am-midday

The F Words : Fashion, Fitness & Food Brunch with special guest speakers. 

£29pp 

Call BFW on 02890421509 to book.

1.30-5.00pm

Belfast FASHIONWEEK to The Outlet (FREE)

2.00-5.00pm 

SUSHI SATURDAY “The Director’s Cut” at ZEN. 

Generous Asian afternoon tea with West Coast Cooler cocktails on arrival. 

To book, call 02890421509 

£35pp.

STYLE SUNDAY: 

In support of Action Cancer at James Street South. 

Price = £45pp To book call 028 90421509

Hope to see some of you there! 

Until next time,

Emma

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