Fashionistas flock to the Great Yorkshire Show
London, Milan, Paris and New York are all very well, but frankly we’d rather go to Harrogate for our fashion fix.
There’s always something new, inspiring and, on occasion, brazenly outlandish (in a very good way) on the catwalk at the Great Yorkshire Show, which runs from July 11th-13th, and this year the spotlight falls on the work of fashion students from Hull, Harrogate and Huddersfield.
‘We’re delighted to offer a platform to help students develop their work,’ said show director Charles Mills. ‘Our fashion show always attracts thousands of visitors and brings together cutting edge fashion and agriculture, while giving up-and-coming designers from across Yorkshire the chance to showcase their work.’
Students from the University of Huddersfield have created spin-off versions of Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s tailored jackets, while their counterparts at Hull School of Art & Design have taken their inspiration from the city’s strong connections to slavery through abolitionist hero William Wilberforce.
Harrogate College, meanwhile, is being represented by BA (Hons) fashion design students Berenice Gilmour, Beth Redshaw and Holly Greenwood, who are showcasing their final degree collections.
A special fashion photoshoot was held at Birdsall House, the Malton estate of Lord Middleton, president of Yorkshire Agriculture Society, to preview the students’ work alongside John Lewis’ new season collection, featuring well-known brands like Barbour and Yorkshire designers like Laura Slater.
‘We’re excited to participate in such a prestigious local event as the Great Yorkshire Show,’ said James Prince, head of John Lewis in Leeds. ‘Working with the community is something that’s very important to us.’
As if all that wasn’t fashionably fabulous enough, there’s also an extra treat for style-seekers at this year’s show. Following the runaway runway success of the men’s tailored Yorkshire Agricultural Society jacket last year, there’s going to be a catwalk launch of a women’s version.
Two designs – a fitted, single-breasted jacket and, for winter days, a heavier-weight shooting jacket – have been designed by tailors and long-term GYS supporters Brook Taverner.
Both versions are made from the unique Great Yorkshire Tweed, woven in the society’s distinctive green and gold colours by Guiseley-based Abraham Moon & Son. The fitted jacket has a white rose on its lapel and ‘Yorkshire Born & Bred’ embroidered under its collar, while the waterproof design is finished with gold lining and the stitched slogan (we’re just as proud of our county come rain or shine).
‘Not only did demand for the men’s jacket exceed expectations but having the opportunity to expand the range has been really exciting,’ said Roger Meeke, retail sales director of Brook Taverner. ‘We’re just delighted that the tweed has proved so popular.’
The new women’s line also includes a cap and soft hat made by Castleford milliners Lawrence & Foster. New additions to the men’s range for this year include trousers and waistcoats, which stylish Yorkshire gents can team with the jacket they bought last year to make a snazzy three-piece suit. All are available to buy from Eric Spencer of Ilkley and Clarksons of York.
The GYS fashion shows, coordinated by Bernadette Gledhill of Morton Gledhill – The Fashion Team, run daily at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. For details, visit greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
