IT’S time to prepare for some glitz and glamour as Fashion Fest 2016 is confirmed to take place from the 18th until 20th November.
Bringing some of the biggest names in Irish design and hot on their heels, a new wave of emerging designers to the three day programme, which is sure to excite.
Showcasing the season’s biggest trends and cutting edge designs, Fashion Fest, organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, is a must for fashion lovers.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock welcomed the return of the event saying:
“This is three days of fashion joy sure to brighten the dark winter days and nights. Come along and celebrate the talented designers showcasing their work in some of our most exciting and grand settings.
“There will be opportunities for retailers, designers, buyers and fashionistas to both engage and be inspired by all the events planned for the city and district.’
Eddie Shanahan, Chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, who has worked with leading retailers Brown Thomas and Arrnotts Department Store and is a regular contributor to business and lifestyle programmes on radio and television will launch proceedings with a Retail Workshop in the Guildhall on Friday 18th November.
Specialising in business and product development for the fashion, craft, home wares and retail industries he will be helping retailers to creatively consider their challenges and opportunities to better engage and convert consumers.
Eddie will join Deirdre McQuillan, Fashion Editor of the Irish Times at a sensational Design Showcase Exhibition and Designer Showcase Awards later that evening in the Guildhall.
This will provide an opportunity to view the work of some of Ireland’s most exciting established designers and emerging creative talents as they provide an exclusive preview of their Spring/Summer 2017 collections.
Following the show there will be an awards and presentation of the Derry City and Strabane District Council Business Development Bursary of £1,000 to a lucky winner.
On the Saturday evening, 19th November Q Radio’s Stephen Clements and Kate Conway will host the 2016 Fashion Fest runway show.
Set in one the City’s most iconic buildings, the stunning Guildhall, it’ll be time to dress to impress as some of the most prolific names in Irish fashion including the internationally renowned designer Jen Kelly and a number of highlighted designers from London Fashion Week take to the runway to reveal the key looks for next season.
Finally, on Sunday 20th November they’ll be some time to relax in the stunning Bishop’s Gate Hotel at a High Fashion Afternoon Tea.
Profiling cutting edge collections, the round table fashion show will allow guests to get up close and personal with the new season collections from some of the North Wests top independent boutiques, whilst sipping some bubbly and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries throughout the afternoon.
The Retail Workshop at the Guildhall is a free event and will take place on Friday 18th November 2016 from 11.00am – 12.30pm.
To secure a place, attendance must be registered by emailing [email protected].
The Design Showcase will take place on Friday 18th November 2016 from 12.00pm until 5.00pm, with awards following from 5.30pm until 6.30pm at the Guildhall, entry is free.
The Fashion Show will take place on Saturday 19th November 2016 from 7.30pm until 11.00pm at the Guildhall.
Tickets are priced £25 (standard), £30 (front row) with an added booking fee, details available from the website below.
The High Fashion High Tea at Bishops Gate Hotel will take place on Sunday 20th November 2016 from 1.00pm until 3.00pm.
Tickets cost £30.00 with an early bird rate currently available for £27.50, plus an added booking fee.
Further details on all the events for Fashion Fest is available at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest or by telephoning the Fashion Fest team on telephone: 028 7137 6506.
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