Pop-up fashion shows, free catwalk shows, shopping events and The Vintage Show brightened up what was already a sunny weekend, as Norwich Fashion Week continued.
The main show of the weekend was The Vintage Show, sponsored by Wex Photographic. Two shows took place this year at the Norwich Puppet Theatre, which was transformed into an oriental inspired hub.
Vintage boutiques, independent retailers and vintage inspired designers including Proudlock and Harry, Wake Up Little Suzie, The Wedding Shed, Fabulous Miss K, House of Handmade, Retreat Vintage, Prim, Hyde Johnson Couture Clothing, The Frock Spot, Betsy Hatter, Samantha Walden, Ruby & Rose, Lisa Angel, Habibiti and the Norwich Costume and Textile Assocation, created collections inspired by the Far East.
Co-ordinator of The Vintage Show, Kerry Curl said that the theme of the show was inspired by a trip to London's Victoria and Albert museum: 'Norwich stylist Karen James Welton, who helps style the show, was inspired by a video of the Alexander McQueen show 2009 at the Isabella Blow exhibition at the V&A, which has a nod towards the orient. These oriental styles are back in the spring and summer collections this year with cherry blossom prints, ornate fabrics and chinese floral prints, so is is apt that this year's show at Norwich Fashion Week should mix vintage with current styles.'
Highlights from the show included designs such as a straw hat collection featuring red, turquoise and pom poms from Norwich miliner and Norwich Fashion Week regular Betsy Hatter, latex and luxury lingerie from Proudlock and Harry, and kimonos for men.
Hair and make-up for the female models was created by Jackie Hamilton School of Beauty, who also helped with the Oriental inspired set both on the stage and in the bar area, which was also created by Norwich Fashion photographer Joe Black and his wife Milda.
Gentlemen grooming specialists Swagger & Jack's created the looks for the male models, which took inspiration from the 'Jack the lads' of the last century with longer hairstyles worn full in a high pompadour and shorter styles worn with a tight high parting.
The finale of the show saw local burlesque dancer Natalya Umanska once again finish the show in spectacular vintage style.
Fashion goers to the evening show were then treated to an after-party with DJ Three Bits of Rhythm, hand massages by Palm & Sole and a pop-up cocktail bar by the Sir Garnet.
Vintage was also on the menu over at The Assembly House, with the Britain Does Vintage putting on a Norwich Does Vintage fair.
Other highlights from the fashion weekend included nine free fashion shows at intu Chapelfield, choreographed by Dani Banjo, director of Dancework Studio, home of street dancing group Diversity. The shows mixed professional models with high-energy dance routines to show off the latest fashions from the shopping centre.
Taking to the catwalk were the latest styles from French Connection, River Island, Simply Be and Select, plus House of Fraser showcased high fashion brands Biba and Mary Portas.
Mercedes-Benz of Norwich, sponsors of the Norwich Fashion Week opening show last Thursday, surprised shoppers with an impromptu fashion show on Chapelfield Plain. A display of Mercedes-Benz vehicles was suddenly brought to life with Norwich Fashion Week models, wearing the latest collections from independent department store Jarrold, stepping out of the cars to pose on the red carpet in front of passers-by.
The weekend was complete with fashion taking over John Lewis and Jarrold, with in-store fashion shows, discounts and events taking place in both department stores.
Norwich Fashion Week takes place until Thursday March 12. The week is sponsored by the Norwich Business Improvement District in association with The Norwich Resident magazine, www.norwichresident.co.uk
To find out what is happening at Norwich Fashion Week for the rest of the week visit www.norwichfashion.co.uk
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