West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK S/S 16 Press Launch

I can't believe I'm saying this but I have just attended the West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK Press Launch,for the forth season as Printed Skull Ink.Its also a very exciting time for West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK as they celebrate their 21st Season.This season I decided to really work the Denim trend by choosing to a wear a custom made double denim ensemble to the launch,designed by Nor-Lisa Fashion Designer.I wanted to go for a classy edgy look,so I went for a off the shoulder denim crop top with a matching denim pleated full skirt.I then styled my ensemble up with a pastel pink sequin floral clutch with matching pastel pink court heels.Then finishing the overall look off with matching gem stone earrings,a bangle and ring.

What I wore:

Photography by Brendan Gallagher

Double Denim crop top and full skirt by Nor-Lisa Fashion Designer

Pastel Pink Court Heels by New Look

Pastel Pink sequin floral clutch by New Look

Jewellery by New Look

For the last three seasons,West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK has been hosted at the "Life" church on Bruce street in Belfast.I was wowed all over again by it's beautiful interiors and homely atmosphere.When my fellow bloggers and I entered the "Life" church,we were given a refreshing West Coast Cooler drink.We then walked into the reception room,were we mingled with other bloggers and designers.Afterwards we entered the main room,were we had our social shots taken by the very talented Brendan Gallagher.There was another West Coast Cooler drinks reception in the main room,along with some unbelievable cupcakes created by Miel et Moi.

Cathy Martin and Rebecca McKinney welcomed everyone to the launch.Cathy Martin began to talk about each night and what events would take place this season at FASHIONWEEK.She mentioned that Local Designers like Nor-Lisa Fashion Designer,Grainne Maher amongst others will be showcasing,boutiques such as Spoilt belle boutique,Diamond dolls,jourdon and Blush will also showcase. FASHIONWEEK new-comers this season include Sarah Alexander Boutique and Lotus Boutique,which is due to open in Holywood in March stocking high-end designer collections for hire.These new-comers along with the usual designers and boutiques will be showcasing their designs at the "Designers and Boutiques" evening on the 10th March.

Following from the very successful designer night, style proceedings continue with the "High Street Heaven" show on Saturday 11th March.Bringing the latest styles from the nation’s biggest and busiest stores including Next, Warehouse, Remus Uomo, DV8 Fashion, Diamond Dolls high street range, as well as Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Designers at Debenhams and Miss Selfridge from CastleCourt, and brands like Joules, Tommy Hilfiger and Guess from Alana Lifestyle in Lurgan.  

Returning for its third time in association with West Coast Cooler is the COVERGIRL competition.  FASHIONWEEK will once again seek to find ten models – and one ultimate COVERGIRL – who will walk away with a host of amazing prizes including £1000 worth of fashion from Victoria Square, plus return flights from airline partner Aer Lingus and make up and hair by the event’s official partners Oonagh Boman and Jason Shankey Hair.  The Top Ten COVERGIRLs will take to the Victoria Square catwalk at the Fashion Awards on Saturday 12 March when the top three finalists, who’ll be jetting off for a sunny destination photoshoot, courtesy of airline sponsor Aer Lingus and West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, will be announced.

Fashionistas in their fifties and stylistas in their sixties and seventies will also enjoy a "Fifty Over Fifty" fashion show on Saturday 12th March as part of the Fashion & Retail Awards, the theme of which is ‘coming of age’. Siobhan Casey, Director of Marketing at AgeNI commented, “Age NI is delighted to be associated with Belfast Fashion Week’s new ‘Fifty Over Fifty’ showcase to highlight how fashion, style, image and body confidence are important at any age.

For anyone unable to make the evening catwalk shows, the return of Sushi Saturday at the super chic Zen is a welcome treat. The “Director’s Cut” fashion event showcases 36 of the best looks from across all shows at Belfast FASHIONWEEK,whilst guests enjoy a welcome West Coast Cooler cocktail and an Asian inspired afternoon tea - all for a amazing price of £30 per person.

To finish off the fabulous fashion filled week, schedule will close as always in sumptuous style with the flagship Style Sunday luncheon at Deane’s at Queen’s on 20 March. This glamorous four course gourmet luncheon, which is run in association with Action Cancer, accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show anda 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 Candy Plum boutique in Hillsborough. The charity lunch only costs £45.00 per person and places can be booked directly through the restaurant on 02890382111

Whilst Cathy Martin and Rebecca McKinney went through the long list of shows and events for FASHIONWEEK.Twelve CMPR models stood on the stage like manequins wearing some of the hottest designs and trends around.Rebecca McKinney helped Cathy go through each trend and styles.Each model individually walked down the stage and modelled the design they were wearing.We saw some metallics,brights,sequins,off the shoulder designs,double denim,contrasting fabrics,nudes,pastel colours,floral prints,ruffles and pleats.The main trends and styles to focus on this season according to Cathy Martin consist off Death by denim,which means the more denim you wear the better.Cathy also fell in Love with romantic ruffles and pleats this season.Along with some show stopping sequin pieces,from sequin jumpsuits to a denim and sequin trouser combo.Colour blocking and colour popping brights are also back in this season,in the form off feminine short skirts and jumpsuits.The classic stripe is also a key trend this season,as we saw a cute and quirky striped navy short dress by Nor -Lisa Fashion Designer. We also see that for Menswear,the trends are quite similar to the womenswear.Death by Denim is defiantly quite suitable for men.We also see more tailored suits,but a little lighter for Spring/Summer 16.

                         Photography by Stephen Potter

                        Photography by Stephen Potter

                       First Dress by Nor-Lisa Fashion Designer 

                         Photography by Stephen Potter

                         Photography by Stephen Potter

                         Photography by Brendan Mariani

                        www.photographybybrendan.com

       Makeup by Oonagh Boman and hair by Jason Shankey Hair

The full show schedule is available online atwww.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors.  Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £30 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

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

                                                       Love Donna

                                                             Xxx