Today’s post comes to you from guest blogger Hayley Eleanor Smith
The first Nottingham Indie Fashion Week aimed to bring together all the best fashion talent from across the city. It was a free ticket event with donations going to Emmanuel House. I had been invited by fabulous designer Fazane Malik who was showcasing her new spring/summer collection.
The first event was the Fabric of Nottingham Fashion Show which was held at the stunning St Marys Church on High Pavement. I knew we were in for something special when the walk up to the Church was lined with amazing eco tealight holders from Sarah Turner.
Inside it was a hive of bustling activity and luckily the show had not started, as we were slightly late after having to quell our rumbling stomachs! Unluckily for us all the good seats near the stage were taken, so when the show started I snuck to a spot behind a Midsummers Night Tree for a better view.
There were fourteen amazing designers showcasing their collections with everything from bespoke bridal wear by Angela Vickers to mens smoke-room-styled lounge wear from Daniel Hanson and pocket watch pendants from Clockwork Lobster.
My standout favourites were Callecia J Brown’s tailored and sophisticated blouses featuring back drapes and puffed sleeves, with intricate tailored waistcoats and jackets. The collection embodies the womanly form and would be so flattering on.
JC Middlebrook had some amazing wearable lace pieces, which sadly I felt weren’t given the spotlight they needed in the darkened Church.
I could see Harriet Kjellman’s scandinavian inspired pieces would be easy to wear with flowing fabrics and jerseys. Simplicity at its best.
Having had a corset handmade several years ago I was thrilled to see Eternal Spirits Victorian corseted creations. Although they didn’t look the most comfortable for all the models, they were a truly stunning design and i can appreciate the craftmanship which goes into such pieces.
The evening was poignantly closed by my friend Fazane Malik who showcased her Grey Collection. The pieces are so wearable and designed with real women in mind. The garments are all beautifully made and finished exquisitely with Fazane’s signature print.
All the designers were fabulous and it made me realise that with a bit of searching there is so many amazing independent designers out there that you should look beyond the High Street to pick up something unique and fabulously made. I hope that it is the start of a new regular event on the Nottingham calendar.
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Hayley Eleanor Smith is an Image Consultant and Personal Stylist around the Nottingham area – you can check out her website but clicking here. You can also check out what she has to say in 140 characters on Twitter here.
