Style at it's Best, at Cruise Belfast's Chic AW'13 Launch!
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Truth is I'm a total label's girl at heart! As I've gotten older I've realised that the quality of fabric and cut of a garment will drastically affect how well it will look when worn. A well made garment will not only last far longer, but can be capable of transforming how you look!! It's for this reason why I love Cruise, one of the few retail outlets in Northern Ireland that specialises in luxury brands!
I was therefore extremely excited when I received my invite to Cruise Belfast's stylish launch party of their Autumn Winter 13 collections made up of an intimate audience of super stylish customers, journalists and media!
Upon arrival we were greated with a refreshing cocktail or beer from drink sponsors Paint the Town Red and Peroni and enjoyed tasty canapés from the fabulous restaurant Wagamama!
The store boasts a great selection of garments, from casual everyday looks right through to red carpet gowns worthy of the Oscars, and so it was with great excitement that I looked forward to seeing which looks they had chosen to illustrate the top trends of the season!
Following the drinks reception, we were invited to take our seat's as the models took to the catwalk to showcase key season looks and the hottest trends from an impressive roll call of internationally acclaimed designers including Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Victoria Beckham, Diane Von Furstenberg, Paul Smith, Armani Jeans and Matthew Williamson.
The show boasted an impressive array of ensembles, from day luxe to high voltage evening looks and top of the list was leather! From feminine leather skirts, toughened up with exposed zip detailing & quilting, to Marc Jacobs take on the classic leather dress, leather is key for both women and menswear! I also loved Marc Jacobs leather trousers, having recently invested in a similar pair I've found them to be vast becoming a staple piece of my wardrobe!
Zara is wearing Dolce & Gabanna rose print blouse £505; Amanda Wakeley leather skirt £795; Gucci lady black bag £1,530.
Carys is wearing Marc by Marc Jacobs Lena deep red leather dress £1,065; Anya Hindmarch burgundy bag £1,295.
Ciara is wearing Gucci bonded mac jacket £1,740; Gucci leaf print shirt £830; Marc by Marc Jacobs leather trousers £705; Gucci black bamboo bag £1,230.
The masculine trend has also been a hit this season, and for women who want to keep a feminine edge to it, choose luxe fabrics, with feminine detailing, such as this quirky Vivienne Westwood shirt, paired with Victoria Beckham's exquisitely cut tuxe blazer jacket in navy with black accents!
Laurina is wearing Victoria Beckham tuxe blazer jacket £1,800; Pinko navy & black trousers £194; Vivienne Westwood white shirt £205; Victoria Beckham clutch bag £510.
Texture is also important, tweeds mixed with lace or leather with chiffon gives classic shapes a style overhaul, perfectly illustrated in Diane Von Furstenburg's "Ernestina" dress!
Ciara is wearing Diane Von Furstenburg Ernestina printed dress £400; Amanda Wakeley black belt £176; Victoria Beckham zip clutch £395.
The monochrome trend was carried through in another of Diane Von Furstenburg's designs in the cute and girly, "Renee" colour block dress, which could be styled up or down depending on the occasion!
Zara is wearing Diane Von Furstenburg black & white Rennee dress £344; Michael Kors mono bag £350.
As for red carpet looks, they came in the form of two drop dead gorgeous Matthew Williamson gowns! Both elegant and effortlessly graceful, yet so very different! Whether you opt for an ethereal and romantic Grecian influenced gown, or go uptown chic in sleek and sexy black sequins, both are guaranteed to turn heads!
Ciara is wearing Matthew Williamson black sequin dress £3,995.
Carys is wearing Matthew Williamson silk chiffon gown £1,225.
Store manager Judi Graham said: “It was great to see many of our loyal customers turn out in style for the launch of the new season’s collections at Cruise. Key trends showcased on the night included leather, particularly in red and berry tones, leopard print and monochrome are also big this season with some fabulous pieces available in store now.
“We were delighted to get some great feedback from guests following the fashion show with a lot of stylish lady attendees particularly liking the stunning array of evening gowns by designers Matthew Williamson, Marchesa and Temperley London that brought the fashion show to a suitably glamorous ending.”
Having watched the show and gained some winter wardrobe inspiration we were then able to browse and purchase while DJ Jay Kay provided some upbeat tunes for a shopping experience with a difference and Cruise staff at hand offering a personalised consultation. I couldn't resist making a little purchase myself, and seriously fell in love with a pair of Dr Denim snakeprint aubergine jeans! Never before had I found a pair of jeans that fit so well and as soon as I put them on I knew they were a must buy!!
Heading home with my new purchase! (Instagram photo).
For the event I had opted to work the leather trend, wearing my new leather trousers along with one of my all time favourite tops from Karen Millen, their limited edition Hard frilled top (TM092) and matching clutch! Mixing leather with silk, with the added texture of the frills give my look both an edgy and feminine feel!
Wearing my new leather trousers with my Karen Millen Limited Edition hard frilled top (TM092) & matching Mega ruffle clutch (GM237).
Photograph by Stephen Potter.
A hugely enjoyable evening, it was great to catch up with the fantastic staff in Cruise Belfast and to see at first hand their new stock, especially their accessories section, I literally had died and gone to heaven!
All pieces showcased on the night are available in store at Cruise Belfast, Victoria Square now.
Massive thanks to Hollie Hanlan & Judi Graham for inviting me and to Hollie for providing me with all relevant imagery and information! All images unless otherwise stated by Elaine Hill.
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