Liverpool Fashion Week – Day 4
by KIRSTY MANSELL and MARNIE BUCKLEY
looprevilpress@live.co.uk
On Thursday evening, the spotlight was on unique Asian fashions and quirky boutiques as the fourth day of Liverpool Fashion week came to the great Royal Liver Building.
The first designer to hit the catwalk was Durran Connection. Within seconds of Durran’s opening designs, spectators found themselves being swiftly transported from a grey, October evening to a scorching, Bollywood party full of colour. Durran’s handmade pink flowing dresses, sunny yellow kaftans and florescent embellished tops amazed many audience members.
Next up was ROOO1, debuting his collection at Liverpool Fashion Week in 2012 and eager to return for the second time this year. ROOO1’s diverse collection began with bright, fun evening dresses and ended with feminine bridal-esque wear. Oversized metallic shoulder bags and floral patterns are definitely ROOO1’s creative niche.
One of the most outstanding designers of the night was Florina, who had models hitting the catwalk in outfits made from grass and wooden textured materials, bringing a definite hula-girl vibe. One dress from the collection was created using hundreds of twigs for the base with berries and leaves as accessories, whilst another outfit included a pine cone bra (ouch).
Liverpool based At Last Vintage and Scottish artist Dora Bauer both showcased their boutique creations at the show. At Last Vintage presented a large variety of elegant, sophisticated kaftans that would be perfect for any summer holiday, and the girls looked gorgeous with their angel sleeved dresses and fresh faces.
Dora Bauer’s first collection revolved around historical costume accessories such as 1920’s head garments and Victorian flower bouquets, whereas her second focused on the hippie movement with models sporting flower garlands and ponchos walking down the catwalk to Bob Dylan.
Having flown in from Massachusetts, USA the last designer to grace Thursday’s show was Ngolela. Ngolela’s collection began with a series of monochrome party dresses that are spot on for the current Autumn/Winter 2014 trends. African prints, 1980’s Madonna inspired fishnet skirts and 90’s neon dresses were also just a small few of Ngolela’s wide variety of outfits. All of Ngolela’s opposing designs highlight her creative talents and her passion for her work.
A mixture of Bollywood and RnB music kept the show alive for the entire night and got the crowd’s toes tapping. A free ‘cheeky Lambrini’ was offered in the show intervals, and the guests were given the chance to indulge in the different boutiques on show downstairs.
The first entertainment interval really topped the night for me, Sophia Ben-Yousef, a recently 17 year old soul artist, sang her original single ‘Ocean and a Half’. Sophia’s stunning voice touched the entire audience on Thursday evening. Sophia’s soulful voice is really incredible.
19 year old runway model Sophie Hart from Skelmersdale, Lancashire told Looprevil Press about her Liverpool Fashion Week experience:
Sophie said: “With it being my first fashion week I did not know what to expect but I loved it. The mayhem, the stress of getting everything ready and the fast outfit changes are what kept me going all week. We had a great hair and makeup team that worked hard in making sure our look went with each outfit we had to showcase.”
With all these amazing outfits, talented designers and models taking centre stage, this segment of Liverpool Fashion week was both incredible and awe inspiring. Thursday nights Asian fusion and Boutique Bonanaza catwalk definitely gave the audience a taste of fashion that is totally unique from the everyday high street.
Looprevil Press 