The UK’s biggest fashion show outside of London kicks off in town on Monday night, returning for a sixth consecutive year.
Liverpool Fashion Week will be made up of four events from October 12th-15th, with The Liner Hotel featuring as the main venue for the opening two days.
Liverpool Marina will host the third day, featuring exhibitions and fashion workshops, as well as advice and support for anyone interested in getting into the fashion industry.
The final night features independent boutique, with the closing party being held at Nova 48 on Castle Street.
Amanda Moss, event organiser and editor of Lifestyle Monthly Magazine, told JMU Journalism: “The show offers people an opportunity to launch their career in fashion in front of the world’s media — and I say world because we have a strong following all over the globe.
“This year alone, we have already made headlines in Zimbabwe and designers flock to the city from many countries, so we boost the economy by filling hotels and restaurants and, of course, put the city on the global fashion map.”
On opening night, independent haute couture designers from across the North West are dominating the catwalk, with Victoria Reddington from Fashion Pony debuting her new collection, called Isaac Ava.
Erica Wildflower, who won ‘best fashion designer’ at the Liverpool Fashion and Beauty Awards 2015, will also be bringing a twist to the opening night’s nautical theme.
Moss continued: “We have a lot more independent fledgling designers this year and less high street stores, concentrating on the traditional fashion designers at grass roots level, so you may catch a glimpse of the next ‘big one’ to hit the fashion press.”
The event has created controversy in the past, with the rejection of models using sunbeds prior to or during the show two years ago. This year, they have again caused a stir by banning ‘skeletal models’, in their bid to make fashion accessible to everyone —regardless of age, size or disability.
Asked about the decision, Moss said: “I just make decisions that I believe are right for my shows. I have always promoted body confidence, but don’t want to see models starving themselves in the name of fashion.
“Seeing an underweight model on the catwalk is irresponsible, just as seeing an overweight model is as well. There has to be balance and the industry has a responsibility to impressionable young people to send out a positive message.”
Tickets for next week’s event are available on Liverpool Fashion Week’s website.