West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK A/W 16 Launch

After a very miserable Summer, I am more than ready to prepare myself for the Autumn and Winter months. This week I attended West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK A/W 16 launch in Belfast's super quirky venue "The Life" church.  As usual the venue was lit up with twinkly lights,handmade flower walls and vintage furniture for a creative overall look.  Social shots were taken by the very talented Brendan Gallagher.  Afterwards the guests were directed towards the main room and brands such as West Coast Cooler, Miel et Moi, Skinny Malinkeys and many more served the most exquisite food and drink.

                  Full ensemble by Nor-Lisa fashion designer 

                 Both ensembles by Nor-Lisa fashion designer

 FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin hosted the event.She was joined by co-host and Cool FM presenter Rebecca McKinney whilst decoding the bustling schedule for the season ahead. Cathy Martin talked about the latest trends such as metallic, velvet, pleated skirts,ruffles, bomber jackets,  biker chick and goth.Gold tones, nudes, greens, greys and burgundy are also key colours this season.

Local designers/boutiques such as Nor-Lisa,Grainne Maher,Deux Cara,ONA by Agne, Diamond dolls,blush, Remus Uomo showcased some of their designs.Alongside high street retailers such as Asos, Topshop, Next and Miss Selfridge at CastleCourt. These same designers/retailers and many more brands will be showcasing their latest collections at West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK this October. The very talented make up artist Oonagh Boman and hair stylist Brenda Shankey are the official creative sponsors of Senna Make Up and ALFAPARF Milano professional haircare.The hair and makeup was flawless at the event.I know that I'm looking forward to seeing what these two artists come up with together for FASHIONWEEK.

Adriana Zegulina, Joy Ellis and Thandi Dube pictured at the Autumn/Winter 16 launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK wearing the latest looks from Zara, ONA by Agne, Miss Selfridge at CastleCourt, Asos and Topshop

Connor Schelling Tisza and Carlos Djalo pictured at the Autumn/Winter 16 launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK wearing the latest looks from Remus Uomo

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK schedule:

Thursday 20 October will see the catwalk come alive with style from FASHIONWEEK favourites Blush Boutique, Grainne Maher:: Vault, Jourdan, Nor Lisa, Diamond Dolls, Deux Cara, Sands & Hall (formerly known as Cocoon Luxury Wear) and Spoilt Belle Boutique as well as newcomers in the form of accessory brand Zohara, alongside designers Laura O’Hanlon Millinery, knitwear brand ONA by Agne, plus recent fashion graduate Vijeta Lal in the Designer and Designer Boutique show. 

Style proceedings will continue with the High Street Heaven show on Friday 21 October, bringing the latest looks from the nation’s biggest and busiest high street stores including Next, Remus Uomo, Marks & Spencer, Oasis, DV8 Fashion and not forgetting everyone’s favourite lingerie brand Boux Avenue. Alongside these names fashion favourites George at ASDA will return plus an amazing range retailers from CastleCourt, including Designers at Debenhams, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins among others.

Saturday 22 August sees the addition of the Ju-Tox blogging event hosted by James Butler (AKA James Patrice) [more info to be released!] as well as the new People’s Catwalk, in which individuals can join the catwalk and spend the day living life as a model – with hair and make up applied by the experts, catwalk training and a photoshoot with a top fashion photographer, plus the opportunity to walk the FASHIONWEEK catwalk at the end of the evening.

Lastly, the schedule will close, as always, in sumptuous style with the flagship Style Sunday luncheon at Deane’s at Queen’s on 23 October. This glamorous four course gourmet luncheon, which is run in association with Action Cancer, accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and a mini masterclass from FASHIONWEEK’s hair, style and make up partners. Deane’s at Queen’s chefs will deliver a delicious meal while guests enjoy designer fashion from Blush boutique in Belfast as well as accessories from Stella and Dot. The charity lunch costs £45.00 per person and places can be booked directly through the restaurant on 028 9038 2111.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the shows in October visit www.belfastfashionweek.com or call the Belfast Welcome centre on 028 9024 6609.”I know that I'm really excited to attend West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK this season,  as I know it will be even better than last season.

           

         I hope that you have enjoyed my blog and don't forget to check back soon!!!

                                                      Love Donna

                                                            XXX