BELFAST Fashion Week will celebrate its milestone 25th season in subdued fashion – colourwise, according to organiser Cathy Martin who predicts a resurgence of pastels for spring and summer.
Speaking ahead of the four-day festival, sponsored by West Coast Cooler and running from March 22-25, Ms Martin said the season would see "oodles of pastels and dusty tones" which were prevalent on the catwalk at Victoria Beckham and Versace.
"There will also be a nod towards the 80s and 90s, as fashion gets nostalgic with dramatic silhouettes and total texture clashes like those we saw at Gucci and Stella McCartney," she says.
"And going nowhere for Spring Summer '18 are logomania and athleisure which return with a glamorous makeover – think sequins, flattering silhouettes and nipped waistlines on T-shirts and slouchy silk pants.
"I am really excited to see how the local retailers and designers show off these trends – there is some incredible, creative talent in Northern Ireland and at Fashion Week, we want to acknowledge and celebrate what we have right here on our doorstep."
The busy schedule sees the return of the high street and designer runway shows at St Anne’s Cathedral and also popular fringe events, including the F Words brunch at Babel, as well as Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday at James Street South.
Meanwhile, a new dimension has been added, with the popular event stepping out of Belfast to showcase some spring style at the Outlet retail centre in Banbridge.
Shows will highlight collections from several boutiques and designers including Lover of Luxe, Nor Lisa, Jourdan, Blush and Grainne Maher, with top picks from the high street including Boux Avenue, Remus Uomo, Zara, Karen Millen and Jigsaw, among others.
:: Catwalk tickets for the main shows on March 22 and 23 March in Belfast Cathedral (£20 or £30 for a limited number of front row seats), are available from Visit Belfast on 028 9024 6609 or via the links on www.belfastfashionweek.com
