Chester designer Matthew O’Brien pulled out all the stops to create a stunning fashion event at the city’s cathedral.
The fashionistas of Chester were out in force for a fabulous catwalk show by designer Matthew O’Brien.
Matthew, a master of occasion dressing, pulled out all the stops for his 500 plus guestlist, giving Chester Cathedral a divine make-over that included masses of flowers and foliage and huge chandeliers festooned above the runway.
It was the second show at the cathedral for the designer who has an atelier in Rufus Court, Chester and by his own admission even bigger and more ambitious than the first.
There were 45 looks spanning two shows, the first half showcasing ready-to-wear and some bespoke creations and the second half featuring ballgowns, wedding dresses and an even an illuminated gown.
Last year the runway was in the south transept but this year the show was also extended to the nave. There was music from Gospel choir Sing Out and a VIP champagne reception, followed by a Laurent Perrier sponsored aftershow party at the 1539 restaurant at Chester Racecourse.
Matthew, winner of Britain’s Top Designer, Young Designer of the Year and Top Real Role Model of the Year finalist pulled everything together with the help of Springbank Flowers, creators of those sumptuous floral displays, Events Equipment Ltd who provided the infrastructure, Rebecca Jayne Make-up Studio and Andi Hibbeler-Pearce from Boutique Atelier who did the hair. Shoes were provided by Hoity Toity of Tarporley.
The show also helped Matthew raise around £3,700 for Lady Taverners.
Said Matthew: ‘I am so, so pleased that it turned out to be such a success. We had around 500 people there which was incredible. It was a mammoth task but I am so glad we were able to pull it off.
‘It is now definitley going to be an annual event and next year I am going to take it to a whole new level, but if people can’t wait until then they should look out for the events we will be doing across Cheshire and Manchester throughout the year.’
