The Sugahfix Gals are ridiculously excited about the Autumn/Winter shows and events at Belfast's West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK.
The BFW team have lots of treats and tricks up their stylish sleeves including a super-cool edgy car park show in Victoria Square on Wednesday 13 October, where every audience member will be front row view on a steel runway, which will snake its way around the car park. We've always thought the car park in Victoria Square would be an awesome location for a club night (think the club scene in Blade - minus the vampires!) but we salute the BFW gals for adding a fashion edge and featuring the stores in shopping heaven above in Victoria Square in a stylish bad-ass show below. We love it!
As if this killer opening show wasn't enough - the shows move to a dedicated new space at the Europa FASHIONWEEK centre in Glengall Street where a night of designer shows follows, with Una Rodden and Alan Beattie among those showcasing, as well as the region's top boutiques such as Silk in Newry, SarahJane in Magherfelt, The Boudoir Dungannon and Candy Plum in Hillsborough.
The high street night on Thursday 15 October will showcase a mixture of stores - from French Connection, Karen Millen and Lipsy,Wonderbra, Exhibit, M&S and Hot Diamonds. The wonderful catwalk finale on Saturday 16th will feature a ‘Love it Light' student design competition sponsored by Diet Coke as well as a selecion from Westfield Castlecourt stores including Dorothy Perkins, New Look and Miss Selfridge.
And now we get REALLY excited, as yet another first - on Friday 15th October the Sugahfix gals host our first ever Sugah Camp! If you've heard of Bar Camp and Biz Camp - we've given these ‘unconvention' concepts and added fashionable twist. Sugah Camp will host fun and informal talks from industry experts on everything from how to deal with journalists, how to use PR to boost your business to using social media effectively - basically Sugah Camp is a creative day to boost ideas for people working in, or interested in, fashion and retail.
FASHIONWEEK will add to its master class series with a model industry master class including top experts from the industry in Ireland as well as special guest, stylist Grace Woodward, who is a judge on popular TV show Britain's Next Top Model.
Taking place on Saturday 16 October, this one day course will allow participants to walk away with a portfolio shots by top fashion photographer Khara Pringle as well as learning about how to get on in the industry - how to pose, how to walk, how to manage portfolios and how to stand out at castings. One lucky girl on the day will be chosen to model in the finale show, giving her a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick start their career. But all bookings include a ticket to the finale show, so everyone will get to soak up the atmosphere.
Rounding off the schedule is the now popular Style Sunday event, which will take place in James Street South restaurant on Sunday 17 October and in support of charity Mencap. The chic event which is sponsored by Vodafone will see style experts including designer Una Rodden and stylist Stephen Mageean from Cruise in Victoria Square will team up with make up artist Paddy McGurgan and experts from Boots who are the beauty partner for the five day event who, between them, will take an up close and personal look at the trends for the season between courses. They'll also take questions and are available for one-to-one sessions on the day. Bookings for this three course luncheon by Great British Menu chef Niall McKenna can be made directly at the restaurant on 02890434310
Speaking at the launch, sponsor Karen Anderson from West Coast Cooler said: "Our association with FASHIONWEEK is now in its fifth year, proving that the event is a perfect match for the West Coast Cooler brand. We are delighted to be involved in the partnership which continues evolving and growing from strength to strength as demonstrated by the ever-varied and even more exciting schedule this season! And with a refreshing West Coast Cooler to start the shows, audience members at any of the events over the five days will not be disappointed - it's the perfect accessory to this fabulous fashion event!"
The full show schedule, design competition and master class information are available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season's trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors. Catwalk tickets, which cost £12.00, are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 02890246609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous Boots goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler. ID may be required if audience members look under 18.
Busy Lizzie
Friday, 06 August 2010 10:13
By Katrina Doran.
Belfast-based fashion designer Lizzie Agnew has created an exclusive new range of vintage-inspired ready-to-wear dresses which are selling like hot cakes in her bijou boutique Atelier in Queen's Arcade, Belfast.
Lizzie is best known for her couture vintage-inspired bridal and occassion wear as well as creating the jaw-droppingly fabulous 'Dome Dress' for the Belfast City Hall centenary. With this new range of chic frocks -available to buy off the peg - we don't know where the busy designer gets the time - never mind the inspiration!
Lizzie's inspiration was to make pretty, effortless, yet classic dresses for women that are not overly worked, keeping the shape simple for a flattering silhouette.
The dresses are all limited edition (Lizzie makes a selection in one fabric and then moves on to another print - tres exclusive!) in sizes 8, 10, 12 and other sizes can be made to order.
"These dresses are ideal for women who want to enhance their figure," says Lizzie. "The slightly longer length hangs just below the knee perfect for those looking for something a little more flattering, the pretty sweetheart neckline is great for any bust size and the broad straps on the halter neck gives great support and shows off those feminine curves!"
Even the names of the prints are adorable with names like ‘Burlesque Teatime' and ‘Pansy Prance'. We Love!
'The Butterfly Collections', fashion show sponsored by Appletiser and in association with Sugahfix.com took place on Thursday 24 June at Mary's Bar Magherafelt.
The fashion show featuring stunning Style Academy model was watched by a packed house and raised over £1000 for Northern Ireland breast cancer charity Pretty ‘n' Pink.
The catwalk was filled with fashion from local boutiques in the area including; The Brown Bag, Sorella, The Queen Bee, Dice, Nicholls Mens Wear and AJ2 Jewellers.
Make-up artist Sharon Harvey created the make-up looks for the models and hair was be styled by local legend Seamus Atchinson who also presented a fantastic hair show during the interval.
The entire proceeds from ticket sales went directly to the 'Pretty In Pink' charity who continue to support local women across the province facing breast cancer.
Ireland's First Online TV Magazine showcases Sugahfix.com
Friday, 09 July 2010 09:10
If you haven't been checking out the fab weekly video-blog features by Beat Generation then this week is the week to start watching as it features a fashion special with our very own Sugahgal Katrina Doran.
Katrina takes Beat Generation presenter Alicia shopping in Victoria Square to solve her summer 2010 fashion dilemmas and picks out two budget-busting outfits from House of Fraser and an essential summer mac from Exhibit.
Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fairs will be keeping it cool in Belfast this summer with the return of Vintage Sundays at the Empire this Sunday 4th July.
Taking place on the first Sunday of July and August these events will showcase around 18 sellers of all that is kitsch and quirky and incredibly cool.
Recently mentioned in Red's mini magazine 'Britain's Best Kept Secrets' as a Shoppers' Delight, Frock Around The Clock events are Northern Ireland's premier vintage fairs taking place regularly at several different venues around Belfast.
Creator Becky Moore says 'vintage is so hot right now that it is cool! Our vintage fairs attract fashionistas, stylists, students, designers, collectors, eco-conscious shoppers and other style-savvy individuals searching for a unique bargain, from all over Ireland as well as tourists looking for a shopping experience off the beaten track. Vintage Sundays at the Empire are our smaller events and have a wonderful laid back atmosphere making them the perfect destination for the leisurely Summer Sunday shopper looking for unique one-off finds'.
With the Empire Music Hall transformed into an emporium of eclectica, visitors will find an abundance of 20th Century treasures such as clothing and accessories from the early 1900s, costume and silver jewellery, vinyl records, kitchenlia and homewares, small antiques and collectables, vanity items, and locally handmade accessories and jewellery created from vintage and recycled textiles. Ashby Hair and Claire McEvoy Make-up will also be on hand to create retro beauty looks.
The next Vintage Sunday at the Empire takes place on Sunday 4th July at the Empire Music Hall Botanic Avenue, Belfast from 12 Noon to 4.30pm and admission costs £2.
An exhibitor list, and more information on all the Frock Around The Clock events can be found at www.northernirelandvintage.com
Style your man for less with Remus Uomo
Friday, 18 June 2010 12:22
During the World Cup, while he is glued to the TV, why not transform your football-crazed partner into your very own David Beckham?
Remus Uomo is offering Sugahfix gals an EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF all full price items at Victoria Square & CastleCourt stores from Wednesday 16th June until Wednesday 30th June 2010.
Pick your dad a nice shirt & tie combo for Father's Day this Sunday! or perhaps treat your brother to a new trendy top.
And there's more! For each purchase made in store with this exclusive voucher every style conscious female will be entered into a draw to win a pamper package with a fellow WAG to enjoy, in association with Aura Day Spa, Lisburn Road and Malmaison Hotel, Belfast.
At Aura, you'll be treated to an award-winning aromatherapy experience - 80 minutes of massage bliss!
After the massage, you'll both be greeted at Malmaison with SATC-style cocktails and tempting nibbles to enjoy while you cosy up to a selection of DVDs to watch in your bedroom before enjoying a delicious meal with fine wine in the restaurant.
After a restful night, awake and refresh with breakfast in bed. What more could a girl want?!
So, hit print and head to your nearest Remus Uomo store to enjoy some retail therapy and be in with a chance for a proper pamper.
This year the Miss Oyster Pearl competition is raising the stakes. The organisers are in search of a fabulous Oyster Pearl to bring opulence and elegance to this year's festival in September.
The winner of Miss Oyster Pearl 2010 will receive a stunning designer dress from Candy Plum worth approximately £500, fabulous jewellery from Shannon's Jewellers in Lisburn and also a one year contract with Style Academy Model Agency in Belfast.
The lucky finalists will also get a fantastic opportunity to model in the festival fashion show, Viva La Glam! on Thursday 2nd September with stunning collectons from Candy Plum, Una Rodden, Wish Bridal, Grainne Maher Millinery and Angelo Designer Handbags.
For more info and to download the entry form click here
The closing date for Miss Oyster Pearl 2010 is 5th July so get your entries in asap!!
Photo credit: Candy Plum on the catwalk at Belfast FASHIONWEEK.
Hats Off To SJP
Friday, 04 June 2010 11:13
By Katrina Doran.
The London Premier of Sex and the City 2 saw Sarah Jessica Parker repeat her fashion choice from the previous premier wearing an Alexander McQueen dress and Philip Treacy hat.
The McQueen dress and shoes were worn in honour of the late fashion designer who was a personal friend of the star. SJP showed decorum by also wearing a back armband - could this start a new trend?
Her headpiece certainly made a statement and sealed her status as a fashion innovator. Sugahfix spoke to Northern Ireland's own star Milliner Grainne Maher to cast her sartorial eye over the look.
"SJP certainly stole the show as she stepped out of the limo in this amazing Philip Treacy hat - proving the wow factor a carefully considered piece of headwear can bring to any occasion.
"Sporting a fabulous abstract formation in black webbing, delicately trimmed with swarovski diamonté, she certainly left the other three on the sidelines. For me, this was less about fashion, and all about style."
What the Gals Wore to Sex and the City 2 NYC Premier - Oh My!
Tuesday, 25 May 2010 13:43
By Katrina Doran.
The world premiere of 'Sex and The City 2' took place in New York last night.
Sarah Jessica Parker wore a floor-length bright-yellow Valentino gown and while she had such fun swirling around with the fabric we think her make-up artist forgot the lipstick! We no likey the make-up SJP!
Kristin Davis wore a hot pink pink vintage gown by Jean Dresses - which was a teensy bit clashy-clashy with SJP's yellow Valentino.
Kim Cattrall glistened in gold Naeem Khan and we LOVED her hair and make-up. That red pout and finger waves - very old Hollywood glamour. Cynthia Nixon wore a classic black strapless Carolina Herrera gown with beading detail at the neckline.
Our own fabulous SATC2 competition closes this afternoon at 5pm sharp so click here get your entries in if you'd like to be at the exclusive Diet Coke pre party at Ten Square from 8pm on Thursday 27th, then whisked round to Movie House Cinema's on the Dublin Road for the midnight screening plus £300 pampering spending spree at House of Fraser, Belfast.
'Sex and the City 2' is released here on Friday, May 28.
The Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013 bid is the Height of Fashion!
Belfast FASHIONWEEK and Cathy Martin PR pledged their support on facebook, with Go Belfast magazine also pledging support on facebook and twitter. Noleen Adair of Pretty ‘n' Pink Breast Cancer charity and Faux Fashion Catwalk , which is happening this Sunday at The Europa Hotel have all posted messages of support and encouraged their friends to join in and support the bid.
Former Miss NI and Miss UK Lucy Evangelista is getting behind the bid on facebook and twitter on her personal profile as well as on her Voodoo International Modeling School fan page. Lucy's Ulster Rubgy star hubby Matt McCullough is posting his support on twitter too. Just search #derry2013 on Twitter nd you'll see the huge diversity of the support.
Milliner Grainne Maher added a twibbon to her fan page image creating a surreal image of her model from Belfast FASHION WEEK catwalk wearing the Derry2013 badge - brilliant!
Fashion Designer Una Rodden also gave her support saying "Growing up in Buncrana we would head into Derry on a Saturday to go shopping and get all our new clothes so Derry does have a special place in my heart. It's a really vibrant city and the people are so welcoming and so friendly - it's the culture of the people of the area as much as the cultural experiences in Derry that really deserve to win the UK City of Culture 2013."
Sugahfix.com have been massive supporters of the bid - adding twibbons to our profile pix on Twitter and Facebook and posting and retweeting messages of support for the bid. Even on our photoshoot in the depths of Parkanaur forest park - the Sugahfix
gals were spreading the word. Model Julie took time out to show her
support for the bid. Well she was wearing fabulous pink eye make-up that
co-ordinated fabulously with the branding on the promo bag!
Get on board and show your support!
Facebookers
1. ‘like' the City of Culture 2013 facebook page and post a message of support on the wall. Click here
Photo is an outtake of 'Enchantment' fashion shoot by Brendan Gallagher, Make-up by Julie Davidson, Hair by Olivia Muldoone, Dress by Candy Plum Hillsborough, Model Julie from Style Academy, Clothes Styling and Art Direction by Katrina Doran for Sugahfix.com.Shot on location at Parkanaur Forest Park, Dungannon.
Racing Ahead In The Style Stakes
Friday, 30 April 2010 11:38
By Katrina Doran.
If you are off to the Races at Down Royal this season and need the perfect dress - look no further than Candy Plum, Hillsborough.
The award-winning boutique showcased a number of glamorous outfits at West Coast Cooeler FASHIONWEEK sure to get you on the best-dressed list!
From ooh la la oranges to sizzling citrus yellows - their eye opening shades will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
Sugahfix spoke to Lynne and Zara, the Mother and Daughter dynamic duo proprietors of Candy Plum for their tips for catching the best dressed judges eye at the Afternoon Tea event Monday.
"Fabulously chic dresses are huge this season and hot on our rails are ranges to die for!" notes Zara. "All shades of nude from romantic rose to pretty pink pastels are perfect for a day at the races and of course, don't forget to wax and tan those legs!"
"Race day outfits should ooze class - so I recommend keeping it as simple as possible," says Lynne. "Choose a gorgeous dress and glam it up with an amazing head piece but keep other accessories to a minimum to really let your dress and hat do the talking. This will really wow the crowds and impress the judges of the best dressed competition!"
We're all for a bit of peek-a-boo teasing, it's just that we're not used to our feet being seen as an erogenous zone. A hint of shoulder is no problem, heck, we've even mastered the occasional flash of a well-toned midriff.
But with peep toe boots being the must-have footwear for summer, we're having to rethink the treatment of our tootsies, and we'll have to start paying as much attention to our feet as we do our faces.
Sexy and cute, there's nothing like a heeled, open-toe shoe to bring out your playful side.
Peep-toe shoes have been around for ages, so we're enjoying the added fashion edge that the boots offers, especially when they skim the ankle and are toughened up with chains, buckles and studs.
They're a sexy alternative to the workmen boots we've been wearing all winter and, if you choose the right pair, they'll add a rock chick element to outfits too.
New Look have a pair of high-heeled suede boots with buckles at the ankle, down to £15 from £50. And Next is rocking some particularly fine choices right now, including a red perforated show boot for £38.
But with attention being drawn to your feet, you have to make sure that your toes look in tip-top condition - so this season's pastel-coloured nail polish is a must. A different colour for each toe perhaps, or a one-shade-fits-all to be mis-matched with your outfit.
Ideal with jeans and for adding the perfect flirty touch to flippy-skirted summer dresses, the only problem with our love for this funky item of footwear lies with our weather. There's nothing worse than having wet toes, so we're saving these for days of guaranteed sunshine only.
West Coast Cooler FASHION WEEK SS10 Show - Designer Night
Thursday, 18 March 2010 15:07
By Katrina Doran.
A packed house with standing room only waited with baited breath to view the new season collections from Northern Ireland's best-loved boutiques and local designers at Belfast's West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK designer night.
The Old Bank Building on Waring Street was swarming with fashionistas sipping on chilled West Coast Cooler Rose and delving into their goodie bags.
Cruise, Victoria Square, opened the show with an array of eye popping colours and their finale dress had the audience buzzing with oos and aahs. The star of Northern Ireland fashion Una Rodden stepped up the pace with jaw-droppingly gorgeous dresses in sumptuous fabrics and cutting edge designs. The one-shoulder motif was a key look from Una's couture collection with dresses stocked at her boutique also showing on the runway.
Angelo designer handbags showed that bigger is best with butter soft leather designs from Furla, Longchamp and Coccinelle.
Local designer Lizzie Agnew showed key pieces in perfectly tailored shapes and luxurious fabrics. New season nudes in pale creams, soft dove greys, peachy nudes were shown at Silk Emporium, Atelier and Candy Plum.
Harrison boutique showed edgy looks perfect for the rock chick finding her inner boho babe with maxi dresses in feminine florals and graphic prints.
Candy Plum's knock-out dresses in summer brights are the perfect party pieces (pictured left). Their "Let me eat cake" t-shirt gave the Sugahfix gals a smile - we're thinking it should be our staff uniform essential!
Belfast's marvellous Milliner Grainne Maher showed a new collection of summer hats from boaters to berets, lace covered cocktail hats to dramatic statement pieces perfect for weddings or the races.
Blush showed some breath taking bridal dresses from Jenny Packham as well as A-List worthy summer evening dresses - perfect for a summer wedding or an extra special occasion. Jourdan closed the show with a selection of stunning dresses that wouldn't look out of place on the beaches or Marbella or Malibu.
Photography by Jessica Weber.
Click on any of the images below to bring up full size and click through the gallery.
Last night (Wednesday 10th March) the Old Bank Building on Waring Street played host to the second show of Belfast's West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK.
The designer night saw a prestigious line-up of local designers and designer boutiques showcase their Spring/Summer collections alongside German-based designer Petra Tobias.
Models took to the mirrored runway with covetable creations from local fashion designers Una Rodden, Lizzie Agnew and Belfast's own marvelous milliner - Grainne Maher.
Independent boutiques including Hillsborough's award-winning Candy Plum, Queen's Arcades treasure of girliness Atelier, the Lisburn Road boutiques including designer denim heaven Harrison, and the must-see boutique for stylish brides and fabulous occasion wear - Blush all showcasing their Spring/Summer 2010 collections.
Full catwalk gallery coming soon right here on Sugahfix.com.
We're all very aware of the benefits of organic food in our diets and living a more 'green' lifestyle so The Sugahfix gals were thrilled when we heard that Northern Ireland's first fair trade organic clothing store, Spiral Threads, had opened in Belfast.
Spiral Threads, located in Pottinger's entry, is Belfast's only store to offer fairtrade organic clothes for men, women and kids from a range of brands such as Hemp Hoodlamb, Sativa Bags and PANTS to Poverty. This is the perfect shop to stock up on all things ethical and essential wear for Oxegen and Glasto festival goers.
Nick Todd, the owner of the store said; "The idea of opening a store like this in Belfast came to me after I did a lot of travelling and realised the importance of sustainability for various producers both here and in developing countries.
"Belfast is becoming more cultural as a city and our shop will allow people to buy and wear clothes from all over the world where producers have been paid a fair price for their products. And the bonus is, organic cotton and similar fabrics made from hemp - or even bamboo - are great worn next to the skin as they are natural and very durable."
West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK opened last night at the old Northern Bank building on Waring street with a futuristic stage set including mirrored catwalk and clear Perspex seats.
The opening show featured local fashion stores Menarys and Tempest.
"Menarys and Tempest are delighted to be opening West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK in 2010," says Jacqueline Beattie from the group. "It's the first time we have decided to bring both brands together to show how fashionista's can be uber stylish at any age"
"Romance is huge for spring so look out for lace, slips, underwear, ruffles and nudes for your wardrobe. And, it is a trend that flatters every shape and age so take a leaf out of our book and celebrate femininity at its best.
"The Nautical look with vertical stripes in blacks, whites, navys, reds and corals add a real fresh spring bounce to any look and you can wear it at any age. Team with wide legged trousers, skinny jeans, leggings, ankle boots or pearls. Think Coco Chanel meets the French Riviera to add a real sophisticated edge to your ensemble and you will definitely work this look."
West Coast Cooler FASHION WEEK continues with shows every evening this week and Style Saturday event at CoCo. www.belfastfashionweek.com
House of Fraser Spring Fashion Launch
Thursday, 04 March 2010 15:08
By Katrina Doran.
House of Fraser launched their new Spring Summer fashion ranges with a stylish catwalk show at The Ivory on Tuesday evening.
The Sugahfix gals were there front row - of course! - to cast our sartorial eye over the proceedings and we just wished the store was still be open afterward so we could have went for a splurge!
Store Manager Michelle Jackson shared all the biz about the fab new brands about to hit the Belfast store including the new and exclusive womenswear label Pied à Terre launching early in the season plus Kenneth Cole, Day Birger, Mint Velvet and Kenneth Cole bags.
This gorg mac with ruffle detail (pictured left) is the perfect ‘trans-seasonal' buy to get you out of your winter coat and firmly into your Spring wardrobe. Wear with a little lime green for fresh spring colour and the gold Ted Baker belt worn over the top to adds a gilt lux.
Jude wears: Lime Paul Costelloe Linen Blouse, £89, Beige Snob Ruffle Mac, £149, Gold Ted Baker Belt, £49 all from House of Fraser, Belfast.
Vera Wang to show at St George's
Thursday, 25 February 2010 17:16
Internationally acclaimed bridal and occasion wear designer Vera Wang is set to headline at 2010 Magners Light Spring into Summer.
The two day fiesta of fashion will take place in the historic and atmospheric setting of St George's Market on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 March and Ms Wang's Wedding Collection will be a major attraction in the eclectic mix of designer, High Street and vintage looks.
The fashion showcase was launched the event in the suitably stylish surroundings of Belfast's Fitzwilliam Hotel a recent winner in the Magners Light Style Awards, with a mini fashion show featuring a selection of key looks that wil be seen on the catwalk in St George's Market.
The event will see designer Vera Wang unveil, for the first time ever in Northern Ireland, her bridal collections as worn by celebrity brides such as Victoria Beckham and Andrea Corr and available at Brown Thomas.
Also, a first for Magners Light Spring into Summer, Vera Wang will award one of the University of Ulster students the money-can't-buy prize of a week's work experience with her top couturier Kiko Randon in London, plus a £500 cash prize from Magners Light.
The opening night themed 'Something Old, Something New', will blend collections from big name High Street retailers with vintage chic, styled for the catwalk by fashion stylist Sara O'Neill. First year students from the University of Ulster will highlight their dedication to re-cycling by transforming coffee sacks, provided by Grounded Expresso Bars.
Hair will be styled by the award-winning team at Zuni Hairdressing based in India Street, Belfast, with makeup to complete the look in the very capable hands of Oonagh Boman and her Elite team.
The second night, with its 'Deadly Designer' theme will feature new collections from designer retailers at Victoria Square, including Cruise and Calvin Klein, plus must-have designer eyewear from EK Eyewear to name but a few.
Pictured above: Denisa models Vera Wang Wedding Dress from Brown Thomas, Suzanne wears Miss Selfridges from House of Fraser at Victoria Square.
Pictured left: Andrea models sunglasses by Tom Ford from EK Eyewear
Banking On Fashion
Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:59
Belfast's multi award-winning fashion event, West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, is back with a show stopping schedule of runway shows and style events which will kick off on 09 March 2010 in the heart of the city at the old Northern Bank building in Waring Street.
Along with the high street fashion giants and designer boutiques show goers will enjoy a taste of Belfast talent from designers, students and models.
Local designers such as Una Rodden, Grainne Maher and Lizzie Agnew who will show both static exhibitions and runway collections.
Newry-based hot-young-thing Katie McGuigan, whose CCKT label is making waves with fashion industry big wigs in New York and London, will also showcase; as will young Coleraine designer Bridgene Graham.Belfast Met students' work will also shine in what is predicted to be a complete sell-out show.
The event also welcomes a guest model this season, in the form of Belfast's own superstar model Kiera Gormley, who took part in the campaign photoshoot last week in between her busy schedule - which often includes shoots with top photographer Mario Testino for UK & Italian Vogue. Her career CV also includes campaigns for Burberry, Agent Provocateur and MAC Cosmetics as well as catwalk shows for Vivienne Westwood and couture shows for Jean Paul Gaultier and Armani Prive to name a few.
Organiser Cathy Martin said: "We are so excited about this season as we move to the edgy location of the old bank and usher in the season's hottest colour, pastel pink. We're also welcoming back some retailers who have been with us season after season, as well as bringing on board some new collections and designers. And there will be other news closer to our show dates on master classes and style events with the industry's top experts - both from here and abroad, so watch this space!"
Show tickets, which cost £10, are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre Box Office on 028 9024 6609 or online at www.gotobelfast.com . For further information on show schedules, tickets, links to participant retailers and designers as well as the season's hottest trends, log on to www.belfastfashionweek.com .
Oh Sew Chic
Wednesday, 10 February 2010 22:47
If you're thinking of spring cleaning your wardrobe, a free Belfast City Council fashion event will have all the know-how you need to go from scrapheap to - oh sew stylish.
The fourth and final Stitch and Style, which will be held in St George's Market on Saturday, March 6.
The emphasis will once again be on reducing textile waste and looking at ways in which we can refashion last season's must-haves to reflect our own unique style.
Three local designers will be joined by three fashion and textile students from the University of Ulster for a different kind of scrapheap challenge, fashioning a new creation out of a pile of discarded clothes.
Members of the public will be able to look on as the designers and students work on their creations, with all the finished designs being showcased at Belfast Fashion Week. They will also form part of a photographic exhibition at Victoria Square.
Event organiser Alyson McElroy Jones said: "It's that time of year when we're hoping to pack away the winter woollies and breathe some new life into our wardrobe - and what better way to do that than learning a few quick and easy tips that will transform a favourite jumper or dress.
"Embellishing and detail are still big news for spring/summer and we'll have a drop-in workshop for people to learn how to sew on buttons and sequins, add a zip, embroider, crochet and knit. There'll also be lessons in 'patch and repair' and best of all, it's absolutely free - and this time you don't need to register in advance.
"We're also delighted to have the Ulster Museum's artist in residence Lesley Frew onboard for this event. She'll be transforming waste materials into fabulous fashion on the day."
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Naomi Long said the council was extremely proud to have their waste campaign recognised for best practice on a national level.
She said: "Since our first Stitch and Style event last June, we've gone on to win a major national award, being named Best Green Event at the Green Awards.
"We've also been praised for the 'waste-free' methods we used to publicise the event, using Facebook and Twitter for the first time with great success.
"Stitch and Style has been an even bigger success than we hoped, and winning the award was an extra bonus as it recognised the work the council is doing to reduce textile waste through it's 'reduce, reuse and recycle' message. We're hoping now to go out on a real high and make this our best event yet.
If you're interested in learning how to teach old clothes new tricks, the drop-in workshop will run from 10am-2pm.
There will also be a children's workshop for the first time where kids aged 4 to 12 can learn all about recycling while their parents attend the adult workshop.
Photography by Jessica Weber from Festive Stitch & Style event.
The Sugahfix Gals are ridiculously excited about the Autumn/Winter shows and events at Belfast's West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK.
Taking place on Saturday 16 October, this one day course will allow participants to walk away with a portfolio shots by top fashion photographer Khara Pringle as well as learning about how to get on in the industry - how to pose, how to walk, how to manage portfolios and how to stand out at castings. One lucky girl on the day will be chosen to model in the finale show, giving her a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick start their career. But all bookings include a ticket to the finale show, so everyone will get to soak up the atmosphere.
By Katrina Doran.
If you haven't been checking out the fab weekly video-blog features by Beat Generation then this week is the week to start watching as it features a fashion special with our very own Sugahgal Katrina Doran. 
Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fairs will be keeping it cool in Belfast this summer with the return of Vintage Sundays at the Empire this Sunday 4th July.
During the World Cup, while he is glued to the TV, why not transform your football-crazed partner into your very own David Beckham?
By Katrina Doran.
By Katrina Doran.
By Katrina Doran
By Katrina Doran.
By Andrea McVeigh.
By Katrina Doran.
By Katrina Doran.
Internationally acclaimed bridal and occasion wear designer Vera Wang is set to headline at 2010 Magners Light Spring into Summer.
by fashion stylist Sara O'Neill. First year students from the University of Ulster will highlight their dedication to re-cycling by transforming coffee sacks, provided by Grounded Expresso Bars.
Belfast's multi award-winning fashion event, West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, is back with a show stopping schedule of runway shows and style events which will kick off on 09 March 2010 in the heart of the city at the old Northern Bank building in Waring Street.
If you're thinking of spring cleaning your wardrobe, a free Belfast City Council fashion event will have all the know-how you need to go from scrapheap to - oh sew stylish.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Naomi Long said the council was extremely proud to have their waste campaign recognised for best practice on a national level.