By Katrina Doran.

The Sugahfix Gals are well and truly fed up of winter and ready to shed our chunky knits, pack away our cashmere scarves and mourn our unworn snow boots. We're oh so ready to embrace the pretty pastels, frothy white, sports lux and bold print trends that the new Spring Summer season brings. And new fashion season equals new West Coast Cooler FASHION WEEK programme – yay!

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, launched its eighth year and thirteenth season of exciting shows and fashion events this morning with a stylish soiree at James Street South.

Spring/Summer 2012's programme – which runs from 14-18 March - includes five days of catwalk shows, master classes, the Culloden's Fashion Teas and the popular Style Sunday event.

Director of Belfast FASHIONWEEK, Cathy Martin, said: "Our exciting programme will include breath-taking catwalk shows featuring stunning models styled to perfection by the most fashion forward retailers and designers."

Sarah Harvey from sponsor West Coast Cooler commented on the eight year partnership saying: "The ideal choice for a night out with friends or a fun night at home, West Coast Cooler matches perfectly with the ethos of FASHIONWEEK, providing a chic and refreshing accessory to the style on the catwalk. And we are very much looking forward to seeing what's on trend for Spring Summer 2012."

Catwalk Show Schedule

Wed 14th March 8pm: Designers & Designer Boutiques - Logans of Cloughmills, Candy Plum in Hillsborough, Notaria in Larne, Diamond Dolls in Banbridge, Yoke, Blush and Jourdan in Belfast and Armani, DKNY & Calvin Klein underwear at The OUTLET in Banbridge.

Thurs 15th March 8pm: Up & Coming Local Designers -  Grainne Maher, Lizzie Agnew, Zoe Boomer, Maria Cardenas and Una Rodden. Ruedi Maguire, Lisa McCabe and Dave Henderson and John Paul Millinery from Derry.

Friday 16th March: High Street Heaven - Boohoo.com, French Connection, Marks & Spencer, George at Asda, The OUTLET in Banbridge and CastleCourt.

Official legwear sponsor theRightTights.co.uk will provide gorgeous tights and super-cute socks along with eyewear partner William Morris will add the essential finishing touches to style up the new season trends.

If you love to sip and snack while you survey new season style, the Fabulous Fashion Teas at the Culloden Estate and Spa featuring clothing from designer retailer, Cruise in Victoria Square, or Style Sunday at James Street South restaurant, on 18 March are the events for you. Style Sunday, which supports charity Mencap, brings the week to a close featuring the Lisburn Road Boutique, Please Don't Tell, as well as seasonal style tips from top Northern Ireland designer, Una Rodden.

Throughout the week, Northern Ireland's only dedicated breast cancer charity Pretty'n'Pink will collect funds at all shows to support breast cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.

The full show schedule is available online at www.facebook.com/belfastfw or at www.belfastfashionweek.com

Catwalk tickets, which cost £15.00 (or £20 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats) are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 02890246609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

Photo credits: Photo by Khara Pringle

Model: Laurina Kennedy

Make-up by Paddy McGurgan

Hair by Andrew Mulvenna

Dress Una Rodden

Nails by Artistic Nails