Fashionistas of Nottingham are descending on the city this weekend to see the nation’s biggest brands take centre stage for the annual 48 Hours of Fashion event.
Stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Ted Baker are showcasing their latest clothing and accessory designs to the city’s ‘style savvy’ this Friday and Saturday.
With shows taking place every hour, on the hour, audience members are getting the chance to see the latest collections from more than 50 of the most stylish and famous retailers from across the country, free of charge.
Image: Seats ready for audience members for the 12pm show at 48 Hours of Fashion.
A fashion show with a twist, the city centre fashion marquee features a revolving catwalk and dancing models.
Shows began at 12pm on Friday and are being hosted by radio duo, Sam and Amy from Gem 106, who are both getting decked out in outfits from House of Fraser’s own line, Linea, for the fashion events.
Video: The 48 Hours of Fashion models strut their stuff on the catwalk.
The city is known for its large fashion community, with several fashion courses offered at Nottingham Trent University’s city centre campus and a number of independent boutiques stretching across the city.
Image: The 48 Hours of Fashion banner is displayed outside the marquee.
Nicola Tidy, director and chair of Nottingham BID Place Marketing, explains why Nottingham is a special place in the world of fashion.
“Nottingham has got everything, the big names, the high street names, but it also has this amazing range of independent stores, vintage outlets and charity shops- you can find every fashion item you want here, that’s why you should come to Nottingham.
“We aren’t as big as London, it’s very compact, but it’s the range of what we have to offer that makes it a good competitor with all of those cities.”
Stylist for the event, Lola Royle, originally from London, told Notts TV’s Sharon Walia why she thinks Nottingham’s fashion scene is catching up with the likes of London.
Video: Lola Royle talks about Nottingham and its fashionable reputation.
Once the shows are over audiences have the chance to stay in their seats for master classes on how to achieve the “model look” from brands such as Boots, Specsavers and Lush.
Timetable for Fashionistas
Friday 13th: Shows from 12pm- 6pm
Saturday 14th: Shows from 11am – 5pm.
Master class Times
Friday 13th
Space NK- after 12pm show.
NKD – after 1pm show.
Lush – after 2pm show.
Specsavers – after 3pm show.
Saturday 14th
Boots (Smashbox and Bumble & Bumble) – after 12pm show.
Austin Reed – after 1pm show.
This is the third 48 Hours of Fashion event that has been held in the city and is being described as its ‘biggest yet.’
This is a great opportunity for us to see what’s hot.
Kimmy Rolfe, local style and image consultant.
The annual style event launched yesterday evening with a VIP event in the catwalk marquee.
Goody bags are available for guests at the shows and audience members who have come dressed in their best may be up for winning a best-dressed prize over the two days.
Kimmy Rolfe, 36, owner of Kimmy, a local image and style consultants, watched the first show on Friday afternoon and said it was a great opportunity to see “what’s hot” this season.
Miss Rolfe says: “I absolutely loved the show, the choreography was amazing and the music was great- I wanted to get up and dance.
“As an image consultant I love to know what’s going on locally so I can get all the best information to give to the ladies I help.”
To see the highlights from last year’s annual fashion event you can watch the video on the 48 Hours of Fashion website.
If you want to find out more about the events you can visit the It’s In Nottingham website.
