THREE key looks were unveiled this week as the 2015 autumn/winter Belfast FashionWeek launched.
Returning to the city from October 15-18 and once again sponsored by West Coast Cooler, this year’s series of events is set to get welcome the country’s top designers as well as boutique shops, designer brands and high street names to the catwalks.
Celebrating their 20th season this year’s programme is packed with everything from nightly catwalk shows, Sushi Saturday, Style Sunday, menswear show and the Fashion Souk as well as a body image workshop.
3 key autumn/winter looks:
1. Bright, bold and colourful
With the eighties being welcomed back into the fashion fold if you’re going to be colourful this autumn/winter season it’s all about a neon glow.
From shocking pink and bright yellow to pillar box red, mustard and stand-out purple wear straight cut lines mixed with ruffles in all the right places to show your figure at its best.
2. Smooth, sassy suede
The summer season gave us the go ahead to fall in love all over again with the beautiful and often wonderfully textured fabric suede. Allowing us to tap into that 60s and 70s boho chic with a classy, sophisticated edge.
Now, you’ll be pleased to know that your summer buys weren’t one season wonders. Suede will carry through to autumn/winter allowing you to dress lightly for the more pleasant weather and team with fabulous woolens for a comfy autumn/winter glow.
3. Tweed’le definitely do
Tweed is by far the autumn/winter season’s most sensible buy if you’re looking for something that can be worn year on year.
The wonderfully woven tweed patterns rarely go out of fashion and when partnered with the right accessories and matched with a fabulous blouse, it’s a classy look that won’t look out of place shopping with the girls or out to dinner at night.
Speaking of the forthcoming trends FashionWeek director Cathy Martin said: “In terms of trends for this season, fashion fans should prepare for a stunning palette of winter brights, particularly oranges and pinks, and these will be used a lot in modern, graphic prints as well as in bold, block colours.
“It’s also time to rummage through your Grandma’s wardrobe for inspiration, as tweeds and prints akin to chintzy interior fabrics abound.
“In terms of fabrics and textures, winter often brings more interesting tactile looks, and this season suede and luxurious velvet are celebrated as well as a bit of fluff and fur.
“Also jumping to the fore are the 1970s silhouettes – flattering flares and 80s elbow and shoulder shapes are all acceptable, with a big focus on big blouses too.
“The 1980s influences can also be seen with an eclectic mix of metallic fabrics and glitz galore, prepping wardrobes everywhere for the party season.
“As always, for winter, layering should be the focus, not only to keep warm, but keeping wearers bang-on-trend.”
The full show schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com.
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.
Schedule of shows:
Thursday October 15
The Menswear Show – 6pm
Designer Boutiques & Local Designers – 8pm
Friday October 16
The High Street Show – 8pm
Saturday October 17
Body Image Symposium – 11am-1pm
The Fashion Souk – 11am-4pm
Sushi Saturday (The Director’s Cut) – 2-4pm
Excel Clothing – 8pm
Sunday October 18
Style Sunday – 2-5pm
(in support of Action Cancer & sponsored by M&S)