Thursday, March 11 2010

National News

Fashion week fever hits Belfast

Tuesday February 09 2010

The multi-award winning West Coast Cooler Fashion Week is to return to Belfast for the sixth year running with a new location and bigger-than-ever schedule.

Kicking-off on March 9 at the old Northern Bank Building in Waring Street, audiences can expect a packed programme of shows, design classes and opportunities to buy from specialist boutiques.

This year's high street line-up includes Tempest, Oasis, Warehouse, Lipsy, French Connection, Benetton, Argento jewellery and Marks & Spencer.

Leading the way for the catwalk shows will be Vero Moda and Miss Selfridge, with local designers Una Rodden, Grainne Maher and Lizzie Agnew also showcasing their latest collections.

Tipped-for-the-top designers Katie McGuigan and Bridgene Graham will also display their wares, as will Belfast Met fashion students.

Ireland's only supermodel Kiera Gormley, who has appeared in Italian Vogue and worked in fashion shoots for Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Armani Prive, will also make an appearance

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, 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."

£10 show tickets are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre Box Office on 028 9024 6609 or online at www.gotobelfast.com.