Trend Report: Launching WCC FASHIONWEEK In Style!
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
"Everyday is a fashion show and the world is my runway" - Coco Chanel.
Ever since I can remember I have always been obsessed with fashion, in fact some may argue that fashion is in my DNA! I remember fondly the first time I attended West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK 13 years ago, and since then I haven't missed a season! It has been such a pleasure to watch the event evolve over the years which has been a springboard for so many amazing designers, stylists and models over the years. I too have seen my role at FASHIONWEEK change, from audience member to fashion blogger, with a little styling (and modelling!) thrown in for good measure!
 |
| FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin & Cool FM host Rebecca McKinney. |
I always look forward to the FASHIONWEEK press launch for as it's normally the beginning of my fashion calendar so to speak! This time round we found ourselves in the stylish surroundings of hip restaurant Robinson & Cleaver as FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin and Cool FM Presenter/FASHIONWEEK host Rebecca McKinney gave us a rundown of this season's show schedule as well as an exclusive look at the hottest trends for the new season!
 |
| Catching up with friends! The always stylish Emily Hancock and Wendi Kane. (Photograph by Stephen McCracken). |
 |
| FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin and I sharing our love for white! Loving Cathy's beautiful tailored look from the Italian label MaxMara. |
 |
| Posing with Lauryn Hall, Designer Lisa McCabe (Nor Lisa) and fellow Blogger Donna McCabe from "Printed Skull Ink"! |
 |
| Hanging out with good friend & fellow Blogger/YouTuber Emily Hancock from "Style Me With Love". |
Trend wise it was an eclectic mix of feminine frills, bold stripes and vibrant pops of colour. Relaxed silhouettes paired with ruffles and frills creating the 'Geek Chic" look in muted palettes of blush and blue for SS17.
For those who prefer a more minimal feel there are lots of options, pretty shirt dresses which can be styled with trainers for a casual take, or dressed up with heels for lunch with the girls. Bold graphic stripes were in abundance from candy girl pink and caramel hues to nautical pinstripes, the trend was worked into relaxed separates and cute and girly dresses perfectly finished off with designer shades from EK Eyewear.
However the stand out trend of the launch was yellow! A colour which many are afraid to wear, it was a massive hit among the stylish attendees! From floaty feathers to biker chic, it is one colour which is sure to turn heads! My favourite was an amazing off the shoulder body con dress from designer Kevan Jon, available exclusively in NI from Blush Boutique.
As for my #OOTD, I opted for this amazing blazer which I picked up at one of my favourite local boutiques, The Walk In Wardrobe! Owner Laura McPolin has such an incredible eye for fashion and as soon as she showed me this "Lexi" blazer from label Rebecca Rhoades it was love at first sight!
I love it's super chic, relaxed approach to modern tailoring and it's unusual double sleeve which gives it a slightly futuristic feel. To maintain the clean minimal lines of the blazer I wore a strapless charcoal corset top underneath and finishing off the look with statement metallic leather leggings from Zara! Handbag wise it had to be my tassel bag from Karen Millen, and even my "Jerry" cat pom pom bag charm matched my ensemble!
West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK returns this March from 23rd-26th for a series of super stylish events. Catwalk shows at BFW HQ Bruce St include Independent Boutiques and Local Designers (23rd March) feat. Designer Nor Lisa, Spoilt Belle Boutique, Diamond Dolls, Jourdan, Blush Boutique, Zohara, Cameo, Narah & Co & Silhouette. High St Heaven (24th March) feat. Zara, Oasis, ASOS, Toyshop, Next, Remus Uomo, Designers at Debenhams, DV8, Marks & Spencer and much more! Standard Seating £20, FROW £30.
Style Saturday: Lavazza Brunch Event at Robinson & Cleaver will be the ultimate fashion filter with looks selected by some of the country's top stylists. The perfect way to start the day! Ticket Price £20.
Sushi Saturday: Enjoy a delicious Asian inspired lunch at Zen along with an exclusive "Director's Cut" of the best looks from across the FASHIONWEEK shows! Ticket price £30.
Style Sunday: The FASHIONWEEK schedule comes to a stylish close with a fabulous 4 course luncheon at CoCo Restaurant. Featuring a mini fashion show from Blush Boutique and mini masterclasses from FASHIONWEEK'S hair and make up partners. Ticket Price £45.
The full show schedule can be viewed online at www.belfastfashionweek.com, with tickets for the catwalk shows available to be purchased now from the Belfast Welcome Centre by calling 028 9024 6609 or though the website. Tickets for Lavazza Style Saturday, Sushi Saturday`& Style Sunday can be purchased from CMPR by calling 028 90421509.
Once again a massive thank you to Cathy Martin and the FASHIONWEEK team for inviting me to the launch and watch out for my upcoming show coverage from FROW to behind the scenes for all the FASHIONWEEK goss!
All photography unless otherwise stated by Brendan Gallagher Photography.
0 comments