Vintage style, gorgeous glamour, spectacular hairstyles, music and so much more - Norwich Fashion Week is here
When Norwich Fashion Week was launched in 2010, its aim was to celebrate, nurture and promote the city’s vibrant and growing fashion scene.
Now in its seventh year, it is one of the most anticipated events on Norfolk’s calendar, boasting a crammed programme of catwalk shows, workshops, hair and make-up demonstrations, design events and pop-up shops.
Not only does it reinforce Norwich’s reputation as a vibrant hub for independent retail, creativity and thriving student fashion design by bringing together the many individuals and businesses who contribute to that success, it further raises the profile of the talent here in the city and gives a vital boost to the local economy.
Emma Harrowing, a director of NFW, alongside photographer, blogger and stylist Kerry Curl and Norwich University of the Arts BA (Hons) Fashion Communications lecturer Alex Hill, says the event has grown beyond all their expectations.
“It has grown from one catwalk show and a few events in the city centre, to six main catwalk shows and events and a city-wide programme of shopping, fashion and food and drink events.
“It is a platform for emerging fashion designers, photographers, hair and make-up artists and others looking for a career in the fashion industry,” she says.
There are dozens of events happening throughout the week and, says Emma, the programme is designed to ensure there is something for everyone, whatever your age or fashion inspirations.
“Fashion should be inclusive of all, so all the main catwalk shows highlight a different style,” she says. “From spotting the latest trends on the high street and from the independent boutiques, to discovering fashion made right here in Norfolk, to celebrating the fashionable food, drink and music scene, all the events are designed to bring style to life.
“The catwalks aim to inspire, with shows that include ready to wear, design-led or vintage clothing and accessories that encourage you to experiment with your look or discover how style can bring out the real you, while the Design and Enterprise Day provides a free event of industry talks, seminars and fashion exhibitions to highlight Norfolk’s fashion and style heritage and to educate and inspire those wanting to work in the highly competitive fashion industry.”
NFW is supported by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and all of those behind the event work on a voluntary basis to continue to promote, support and provide opportunities for Norwich’s creative community.
Norwich Fashion Week 2017 runs between March 9 and 17. Tickets are on sale for all of the shows, www.norwichfashion.co.uk or via the box office at OPEN on www.openorwich.co.uk or 01603 763111.
There is a packed programme of events happening throughout Norwich Fashion Week from catwalk shows, pop up shops to exhibitions and workshops, all designed to inspire, excite and entertain. Here are details of the five main catwalk shows
The Mercedes-Benz of Norwich Retailers Show
Thursday, March, 7.30pm; Open Norwich
Collections from local independents and high street retailers hit to the catwak to showcase key trends for your spring/summer wardrobe.
Tickets £15, (£22.50 for a limited edition VIP ticket)
The Dipple and Conway Hair and Make-up Show
Friday, March 10, 7.30pm; Open Norwich
With a glamorous theatrical vibe, the show brings together the creative talents of stylists, designers and make-up artists with great fashion looks, dramatic hair styles, gorgeous glasses and bold body art.
Tickets £10 (£17.50 for a limited edition VIP ticket)
The Vintage Show, sponsored by Zaks Authentic American Diners
Sunday, March 12, 7.30pm; Open Norwich
A highlight of Norwich Fashion Week, this year’s vintage catwalk show gives a cheeky nod towards the disco glamour of Studio 54. Expect a party vibe and styles from the 40s through to the 90s.
Tickets £10 (£17.50 for a limited edition VIP ticket)
The Norwich Cosmetic Clinic and Brasted’s Designers Show
Tuesday, March 14, 7.30pm; Open Norwich
Those looking for the next big thing, or hoping to be inspired by home-grown talent, shouldn’t miss out on this year’s Designer’s Show. An eclectic mix of local designers, tailors, milliners and stylists take to the catwalk to showcase their talent and inspire the audience with their stunning creations.
Tickets £10 (£17.50 for a limited edition VIP ticket)
Fashion Excess
Friday, March 17, 8.30pm – 2am; Open Norwich.
The week ends in style with Fashion Excess – a catwalk show fusing alternative fashion styles with live music and a party atmosphere.
Tickets £8 in advance. £10 on the door.
An essential part of Norwich Fashion Week is giving a platform to the county’s hugely talented up and coming designers. Here we meet two to look out for at this year’s Designers Show
Nicolas Marcs
It seems an unlikely journey from animal care to fashion design but for Nicolas Marcs a traumatic experience led him to a dramatic change of career.
Now his cutting edge collections are catching the eye of the fashion industry and after winning the Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) Creative Cut Award his collection was selected by fashion designer Betty Jackson and fashion journalist Hilary Alexander to be showcased at London Graduate Fashion Week.
Originally from Leicester, he is well and truly part of Norwich’s fashion scene now, working on a part-time masters at NUA and his latest collections, which very much push the boundaries of fashion design.
“Growing up I loved making clothes for my teddies and Action Men, I was taught to knit by my great aunt. But all I wanted to do was work with animals, so I studied animal care and veterinary nursing. But after losing my beloved Alsatian on my 21st birthday I lost interest in it all. So I started to carve out a career in retail and discovered an interest and passion for merchandising. Something just clicked.
“I got a pattern cutting book and began to teach myself the basics. I took an evening class that taught pattern and construction, which led to an art foundation class at a college. I made it through and got into Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) and my work ended up on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in London, which was amazing.
“Every designer has their own handwriting. I think mine is yet to fully develop, but I enjoy seam elimination, playing with volume and creating a story within the work.
“When it comes to designers which inspire me, I love COS and how they use different fabrics and unusual approaches to cut classic pieces of clothing. Raf Simons has such an amazing approach to work - his short time with Dior really created some interesting takes on their classics.
“Norwich is such a great city. My favourite place is the Castle Museum and the fashion archives they hold there. The small team work so hard to preserve and grow the collection and are full of so much knowledge - it played a huge part in my research for my university work.
“Norwich Fashion Week is a testament to what the city has to offer, showcasing the creative diversity here and providing a great networking opportunity.”
Becki Ball
Last year, aged just 18, while studying for her A-Levels, Becki Ball created her first full collection for Norwich Fashion Week and won acclaim for her exciting, bright and colourful designs.
She has already won a major competition which led to one of her designs hitting the catwalk at Lisbon Fashion Week and is working on new collections inspired by the Norfolk landscape.
“I think applying for Norwich Fashion Week last year really encouraged me and made me realise that if I do work hard enough, the dream of being a fashion designer could come true. When my winning dress design was shown in Lisbon Fashion Week it was a real achievement for me. I really want to get my name out there so by taking on these opportunities and working hard I will eventually get there.
“My collection for NFW16 was really colourful and used lots of different fabric dying techniques, focusing on silk. This year I am moving away from lots of colour, and instead focusing on bold shapes - creating a more modern approach, with maybe even a slightly futuristic appeal. I sell clothes on my website that are designed to be worn for evening/party/club wear, so my work is very versatile and I like to produce a range of different and unique collections.
“I am inspired by a range of designers, from the floral, intricate and delicate designs of Elie Saab to the bold prints of Mary Katrantzou. However I take a lot of inspiration from the high street.
“But I do think the nature in Norfolk has inspired me, for my textiles A-level course a lot of my samples were inspired by colour from the sea and sky and Norfolk’s beautiful coast.”
