The British Style Collective arrived in Liverpool last weekend for a three-day fashion and beauty extravaganza.
After spending more than 30 years based at Birmingham's NEC under the name The Clothes Show, the event has been rebranded and moved to its new northern home for a city-wide takeover. Huge names from the world of fashion and beauty, including celebrities, designers, models and bloggers, all took part.
The event kicked off on Friday with a fashion catwalk at Liverpool's ECHO Arena. Renowned British designers including Philip Armstrong, Sorapol and Edeline Lee, and Lisbon based designer David Ferreira all showcased their collections.
Shows took place across the weekend at the beautiful St George’s Hall which hosted exclusive Q&A sessions and insider interviews, allowing the audience to delve a little deeper into the glamorous world of fashion.
Caryn Franklin MBE interviewed singer and presenter Kimberley Walsh
Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing spoke about his brand Candy Kittens and his pal Alex Mytton also appeared, fresh off a flight from Ibiza.
British designer Henry Holland spoke about his brand, House of Holland.
Singer Mollie King spoke with Caryn Franklin MBE
Glamour magazine’s editor Jo Elvin joined with Lisa Snowdon and Jules Von Hep.
Celebrity stylist Sabina Emrit joined a panel including Towie's Lydia Bright and Glamour beauty director Alessandra Steinherr to discuss dressing for confidence.
Another Made in Chelsea favourite appeared, Lucy Watson.
With all of those interviews, it’s no wonder host Antonia O’Brien took a little nap in between talks.
There was opportunity to mingle with the speakers after each session, both Mollie and Alessandra Steinherr were absolutely gogeous.
The event also had a significant blogger presence, with Megan Ellaby of Pages By Megan, Olivia Purvis of What Olivia Did, Sarah Ashcroft of That Pommie Girl, Helen Canning of Coco Mama Style and Alex Light of What Alex Wears.
Designer Wayne Hemingway hosted the Fine Tuned event at the Albert Dock, a collection of independent designers, street food vendors, vintage traders and performers.
Perhaps my favourite talk was with Brit designer Gary James McQueen, nephew of the late great Alexander McQueen. He spoke about how he intends to continue his family’s legacy with the launch of his new collection of made-to-order hand printed silk scarves. It was a real treat for him to debut his collection in Liverpool and a nicer guy you could not wish to meet.
It was fantastic to see our beautiful city hosting such a glamorous event and I’m thrilled to hear it’s coming back next year!
