Norwich Fashion Week 2013 launched at The Forum last night with the Ionfashion Retailers Show.

Eastern Daily Press: Opening Show of Norwich Fashion Week 2013 in the Forum, Norwich. Photo: Steve AdamsOpening Show of Norwich Fashion Week 2013 in the Forum, Norwich. Photo: Steve Adams

New fashion collections from independent and high street shops were showcased on the catwalk in front of a 400-strong crowd.

Eastern Daily Press: Opening Show of Norwich Fashion Week 2013 in the Forum, Norwich. Photo: Steve AdamsOpening Show of Norwich Fashion Week 2013 in the Forum, Norwich. Photo: Steve Adams

The show highlighted the diversity of the city's high street and its strong independent offering.

Among the independents showcasing, department store Jarrold brought fashion for both men and women to the catwalk alongside trend inspired fashion with a twist from Vanilla. Ethika proved how outfits made in Norwich and Norfolk from designers Marian Eve Williams and Twisted Tailor and eco-friendly pieces from national brands can embrace current trends, and Ginger, Jonathan Trumbulls and Hatters proved that they still have their finger on the fashion pulse with inspiring collections for men and women.

Joining the independent retailers this year were sets by high street brands John Lewis and Debenhams. John Lewis presented the Somerset by Alice Temperley collection that is exclusive to the store, and Debenhams showcased designer Henry Holland for women and Red Herring for men.

Other designers on the catwalk included Norwich jewellery designer Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered whose show-stopping upscaled silver jewellery created a buzz in the crowd when it came onto the catwalk as part of the Aurum set.

The show highlighted the growing connection between retail and local and national designers.

Show producer and co-founder of Norwich Fashion Week Louise Lace said that the night proved how Norwich has become a platform for fashion.

'This year's show has really set the standard for fashion week and proves that there is a diversity of fashion in Norwich,' says Ms Lace.

'Not only do we have some of the country's finest independent shops, we are also home to a wealth of designers and makers and over the past year we have got some big designer brands in the city too. All were showcased at the Ionfashion retailers show.'

Clothes were not the only element on the catwalk that caused a stir. The hairstyles on the catwalk created by the stylists at The Gallery Haircutters on Waterloo Road, pushed the boundaries of conventional updos with side partings creating an androgynous look. The styles were complemented by make-up created by MAC make-up artists from Jarrold.

'The fashion on the catwalk is just a small selection of what is available in Norwich,' says Ms Lace. 'For 2014 we are looking to make the retailers show even bigger to really highlight the diversity of fashion we are lucky to have in Norwich. The show really does prove that retailers, however big or small can work together to put on an amazing show.

'It's thanks to the growing support we have had from across the city that has enabled us to bring a bigger and bolder fashion event to Norwich,'

You can see all the pictures from the Norwich Fashion Week Ionfashion retailers show and follow our live Norwich Fashion Week blog online at eveningnew24.co.uk/lifestyle/nfw-2013 or at edp24.co.uk/lifestyle/nfw-2013