What better way to spend a lunchtime break than attending the coveted Press Launch for West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK AW17 held in the recently opened Bullitt Hotel, Belfast.
Getting a sneak peak into all the Autumn/Winter trends for 2017, we really where spoiled with a fantastic show put on by Belfast Fashion Week and the incredible models from CMPR debuting looks including lots of red which is a stand out colour for this coming season alongside lots of feathers, coloured fur, metallic and velvets its going a very exciting season in the world of fashion and I cannot wait until Fashion Week kicks off in October.
Below are some action shots from the show of the incredible looks that where debuted to give you a glimpse into how your AW wardrobe should be shaping up.
Red ruffle sleeve bodysuit, Boohoo; Red Belt & green velvet wide trousers both from ASOS
Red Flare Sleeve top & tailored trousers, ASOS
Red Culotte jumpsuit, ASOS
Red tailored cropped trouser, ASOS; red jumper, Primark; Red coat, ASOS
Red tailored cropped trouser, Inchlomo cream fur knit jumper, ASOS
White Fringed Top, DV8; White wide legged trousers, River Island
Nude feathered dress & matching stole, Veromia at Jourdan
Black midi dress, Angela Sloan; Black feather coat, Akani
Black embroidered mesh sleeve dress, George at Asda
Navy velvet sequin dress, Ruby 67; Navy fur stole, George at Asda
Navy polo jumper, Paisie at Cameo Boutique; Navy leather shearling gilet, Silvian at Cameo Boutique
Burgundy flare sleeve knit, ASOS; shearling coat, Silvian Heach at Cameo Boutique; Wide leg navy culottes with stripe, ASOS
Grey quilted geometric bomber, grey full zip sweater, chinos all from Remus Uomo
Burgundy long sleeve dress, Angela Sloan
White long sleeve top, padded coat and black leggings all by DKNY
Blue trousers, Bluebird; Print shirt, UBS2; navy jacket, Carrement Beau. Cream and blue tutu skirt, Bluebird; navy long sleeve top, Billieblush; Silver fur lined jacket, Billieblush
Grey check waistcoat & jacket, black & white bowtie, grey charcoal trousers, all iDO
Distressed denim jeans, Inchlomo; Pink metallic bodywarmer, ASOS
Pink fur hoody, Inchlomo; Silver trousers, Topshop
Sequin top, New Look; Green fur coat, ASOS; Yellow flares, River Island
Silver Sequin dress, Akani; Green and blue fur jacket, In Chlomo
Grey hoody, Grey fur jacket, silver shorts, silver Birkenstock all by Topshop
Shearling Jacket, George at Asda; trousers, stylists own
Turquoise velvet dress, Grey Chevron fur jacket both by ASOS
Pink velvet ruched midi dress, ASOS
Pink velvet tuxedo jacket & black wide leg trouser both by ASOS
Pink velvet coat, ASOS
Pink velvet Kimono dress, ASOS
Purple velvet hoody & sweatpants, Lazy Oaf at ASOS; Denim wellie boot handbag, In Chlomo
Lilac velvet pleated midi skirt & metallic lilac top, ASOS
West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK AW17 kicks off on Thursday 26th October running until Sunday 29th October. The main runway shows will be taking place at a new home in St Anne’s Cathedral – meaning longer catwalks, more space and lots of interesting backdrops for photos – both of the fashion on the runway and of the guests in their stylish looks.
As well as the runway shows at St Anne’s, there will also be the popular weekend events, including Sushi Saturday at Zen, Style Sunday and a new ‘F Words’ brunch on the rooftop at Bullitt, featuring speakers including Tiffany Brien, Kim Constable, Maria Rafferty and ‘Gluten Free Fi’ talking Fashion, Fitness, Food & being Female.
Shows will include collections from several boutiques including Ruby 67, Cameo, Lisa’s Attic and In Chlomo as well as staples Jourdan, Blush and Spoilt Belle. Designers Angela Sloan and AKANI are among newcomers on the local design radar. The high street show will open with a fantastic collection of lingerie by Victoria Square’s Boux Avenue as well as a Debenhams’ Designers at Debenhams showcase, including some special pieces from Julien McDonald, Henry Holland and John Rocha. And after some affordable fashion by George, the style team will also show the top picks from the very best of online and the high street including Topshop, Zara, ASOS & Boohoo as well as French Connection, Oasis, Jigsaw & Karen Millen, among others.
Finally, this season, family will come first as there will also be childrenswear from DIGG Fashion in Dungannon, Bluebird in Ballymena and Bambinos in Donegal.
Fresh out of a summer at Vogue’s intensive summer course, director Cathy Martin is excited about the colours and textures on the catwalk. “I’m looking forward to seeing local retailers and designers showing off all the colours, silhouettes and textures which we saw at the international shows. From fiery red shades like those seen on Gigi Hadid at MaxMara, to deep Burgundy and Bordeaux colours which were prevalent at the Burberry and Mulberry shows; plus there will be plenty of futuristic metallics as seen at Chanel and Balenciaga as well as total texture clashes which took over the runway at Gucci’s super maximalist show.
“We always try to make our shows a true example of fashion theatre. And as people move towards more experiential activities, our events allow them to really engage with fashion first hand. We’ll have our usual complimentary West Coast Coolers for every guest at the show as well as a William Morris eyewear ‘Specs Appeal’ pop up, where style spotters will seek out the best dressed guests, who’ll win sunglasses and eyewear. There will also be a beautiful Versace wallpaper backdrop for photos courtesy of Noblett’s as well as other beauty, boutique and designer pop ups for guests’ enjoyment before and after the shows themselves.
“Our hair partner is the Lisburn Road’s newest salon, Monet Hair, and L’Oréal Colour Trophy winner Lee Stinton will lead the creative direction alongside Paddy McGurgan on make up, who’ll be supported by global cruelty free make up brand Illamasqua, so I’m excited to see what this creative team comes up with – they’re even talking about a fantasy hair and make up show to round off one of the St Anne’s catwalk shows. I hope that vision comes to life!”
Paddy and Lee will also be speaking at the flagship ‘Style Sunday’ event on 29 October at James Street South. The sumptuous style luncheon will close FASHIONWEEK and round off a month of activities by Action Cancer for breast cancer awareness month. The event will showcase top stylist picks from Blush Boutique in Belfast as well as the trend masterclass from hair partner Monet Hair and Illamasqua at Make Up Pro Stores. Plus, there will be an Illamasqua gift for every guest as well as West Coast Cooler cocktails on arrival.
Brand manager Laura Shiels from title sponsors West Coast Cooler commented: “Here at West Coast Cooler we are excited to continue our participation with Belfast FASHIONWEEK. Celebrating individuality and creativity is something we are passionate about and we cannot wait to see what the new season has in store. Amazing campaigns like our #WCCStyleSquad gives us a great opportunity to integrate our audience with our brand activity and allows us to interact with all of our fashion-savvy consumers”
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 26 & 27 October, which cost £20 (or £30 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available to purchase from Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the links on www.belfastfashionweek.com. For reserved seats and groups of four or more, the BFW team can take direct bookings – just call 02890421509 or email [email protected] to place an order and reserve seats. The BFW team will also manage bookings for all other events including Sushi Saturday (£35) and the ‘F Words’ brunch (£29) on Saturday 28 October as well as Style Sunday (£45) on Sunday 29 October, which is in support of Action Cancer. Ticket price includes a refreshing West Coast Cooler on arrival.
