Norwich Lanes fashion night out Fourth Avenue catwalk show

London, Paris and New York all have one – and on Saturday it was Norwich’s turn to hold a fashion night out.

Norwich Lanes fashion night out

Boutiques in the Lanes opened their doors for a special night of shopping to celebrate Norwich Fashion Week on Saturday.

From blow-dry bars to tattooing, the collection of independent shops on the city’s historic streets each celebrated fashion week in their own, unique way.

The evening kicked off at Fourth Avenue on Swan Lane with a catwalk show, Rocks on the Runway, introducing new lines from Thomas Sabo, Pandora and Fiorelli. The fashion show, which was held in aid of Keeping Abreast, was a sparkling showcase of delicate charms from Pandora and statement necklaces in neon colours including canary yellow and flamingo pink from Fiorelli.

Long chains with crucifix motifs dominated the catwalk with stunning silver pieces from ChloBo.

Michele Whittam, director at Fourth Avenue, said it was the first time the firm had been involved with Norwich Fashion Week.

“I thought with some of the jewellery that we stock, it would be a good catwalk show. Some of them are good statement pieces.”

She said that she enjoyed being part of the Lanes and getting involved with the city’s fashion week. “There are boutiques that I had never heard of before – I think it’s fantastic.”

Sevenwolves, based in Exchange Street, held a special night of shopping with discounts, drinks and mini makeovers.

Robin Norton, proprietor at Sevenwolves, Catfish and Dogfish opened his stores for a night of shopping, music and martinis.

“The whole evening was about getting together, conversation and spending time together which is what The Lanes is all about,” he said. “People really need to work together at the moment. There are some wonderful businesses and great people in the Lanes. It’s onwards and upwards from here.”

There was a blow dry bar in Hooloovoo Hair where stylists were giving people free up-dos in exchange for a donation to the charity Let’s Beat Nets. People could then go and have their photos taken in a retro VW campervan.

Lanes member Karen James-Welton said: “Lauren Gregory and I took the idea for the fashion night out from Vogue’s night out in London. We will definitely do it again next year. It has been really good. I was disappointed when I saw the weather but it has been encouraging to see people out, it has been fantastic.”

Further up the Lanes, Neal’s Yard held a pamper evening where shoppers could indulge in mini massages, skincare advice and goodie bags.

Philip Browne menswear gave shoppers the chance to have a tattoo done while a DJ entertained people with a mix of 1950s R&B, reggae and soul music.

Shop manager Paul Harris said: “It was a good evening despite the fact it snowed all day. We have had a DJ playing in the shop all evening and we were open for shopping.

“People have been happy and they have enjoyed it. It has been a good event to hold on the back of Friday night’s fashion show. It’s nice to see new customers. We love being part of the Lanes – we love the community feel it brings and when everyone gets together.”

To see a video from the event, log on to www.mustardtv.co.uk

For more on Norwich Fashion Week see pages 32-33.

Catch up with all the news from Norwich Fashion Week 2013 in the paper all this week.