As a well known TV show which shoots in Belfast has been telling us for years now Winter is coming. Hard to believe the summer is almost out and the autumn/winter nights are closing in but the kids go back to school shortly (Alleluia!) and the bikinis, shorts, kaftans and summer clothing are being replaced in the shops.

So if you, like me have been rearranging your closets and figuring out the new season trends its luck that Belfast Fashion week  launched their AW16 season on Thursday. Belfast’s style Queen Bee; Cathy Martin and the talented radio journalist and stylist; Rebecca McKinney introduced a crowd of media, bloggers, designers and VIPS to a sneak peek of this seasons style. A flurry of metallics,knits and this somewhat quirky fashionistas favourite; velvet (can I call myself a fashionista? ).

Anyway, Velvet always reminds me of my grandmother who made myself and my sister gorgeous velvet dresses in primary school, but I also love the feel  of the material. This year’s trend sees the material pop with colour predominantly light pinks. So I am very happy with my latest buy a fabulously funky pair of crushed velvet pink ankle boots.

 

The whirlwind of materials and designs continued at the launch…it was so hard to pick my favourites but I was glad to hear the pleated skirt has not gone away, the biker jacket is still very much in the  forefront and your staple coat should be a fabulous MAC or an enviable cape.My favourite out of the stylist choices had to be the amazing Harris Tweed cape from Sands and Hall. I think that will be on my list.

The fabulous Brenda Shankey had styled the models hair into some fabulous double-buns which I haven’t rocked since last Christmas’ Star Wars premier but I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of these on our catwalks and throughout the Christmas months.And the makeup trends; subdued but glam, matte and not much highlighter in sight according to Oonagh Boman.

Belfast Fashionweek has a few new events thrown into the mix this year (dont worry the original catwalk shows and Style Sunday event still exist) but this blogger is excited for quite a few new one’s including; the West Coast Cooler flat lay event, the Ju-Tox blogging event,  a positive body image seminar for young girls in association with Little Women  and a brand new ‘People’s Catwalk’.

People’s Catwalk I hear you cry? Yes that’s right Fashion Week are letting you, yes you,take to the catwalk. On the 22nd October they invite you all to experience a full ‘day in the life of a model’.

Director Cathy Martin explains: “We get requests all the time from people wanting to be catwalk models or those wanting to do a photoshoot just like a model, so we’ve created a one-day workshop with a difference and we’re looking for people at all ages and stages of life – from those in their teens to their twilight years – who would like to come and play at being a model for the day. We’ve already had plenty of diversity on our catwalks in terms of size and shape, age and gender, and we want to encourage more of this as we focus on positive body image and style at any size.

“And speaking of body image, we’ve also teamed up with Little Women to deliver a positive body image seminar for 7-10 year olds as part of their on-going life development programme for young girls. This will take place at the main BFW show venue at Life Church and we’re expecting around 20 girls to attend.”

Want to know more read on for the full rundown below:

Schedule of Shows & Events:

THURSDAY 20 October, 8.00PM – DESIGNER BOUTIQUES AND LOCAL DESIGNERS. Tickets priced at £20 or £30 for FROW available from 028 9024 6609 or via http://www.belfastfashionweek.com

FRIDAY 21 October, 8.00PM – HIGH STREET. Tickets priced at £20 or £30 for FROW available from 028 9024 6609 or via links on http://www.belfastfashionweek.com

SATURDAY 22 October, 10am-midday Little Women: The Body Image Seminar.  Contact Little Women for information and booking on their facebook @ littlewomenni.

SATURDAY 22 October, 2.00-4.00pm – SUSHI SATURDAY “The Director’s Cut” at ZEN. To book, call 02890421509 price £30pp.

SATURDAY 22 October 12-10pm The People’s Catwalk. Come & learn how to walk like a model, and have hair & make up applied as well as take part in a fashion photoshoot with a top photographer and walk the FASHIONWEEK catwalk. Price = £80 per person to include photography and images afterwards. To book call BFW HQ on 02890421509 or email cathy@cmprireland.com

SATURDAY 22 October 8pm The JuTox Business of Blogging event and fashion show at Life Church. To book call BFW HQ on 02890421509 or email cathy@cmprireland.com

SUNDAY 23 October, 2.00-5.00pm – STYLE SUNDAY in support of Action Cancer at Deane’s at Queen’s. To book call 028 9038 2111 Price per person = £45

PS my pick of my favourite attendees are below. I Loved Eve Brannon’s embroidered jeans, Donna McCabes almost modern Snow White Styling with her metallic skirt and denim jacket and of course Kerry Burns blue crush velvet two piece also designed by Nor Lisa.

(CREDIT for the fabulous pictures included goes to the amazing Brendan Gallagher photographer if that man, can make me look good he’s a pro!)

 

Emer D xx