Nicky Hancock shares the line-up highlights for Bath in Fashion 2015, taking place this March

Great British Life: Jolly's, BathJolly's, Bath (Image: ©nicksmithphotography.com)

Bath has long been a fashionable destination, a place to see and be seen. In 2015 the city continues to flex its stylish credentials and attract the international fashion pack.

Now into its sixth year, Bath In Fashion 2015 (March 21-29) showcases celebrated designers, influential editors, opinionated fashion writers and style pundits who will discuss and debate, celebrate and champion the ever-changing, all-encompassing world of fashion, and welcoming a host of front-row guests that include acclaimed New York designer Anna Sui and super-blogger Susie Lau. Alyson Walsh discusses Style Forever; the Grown Up Guide to Looking Good over scones and tea proves you don’t need to be young to look beautiful. Lead sponsor this year is the newly restored Jolly’s, one of the world’s oldest department stores. Jolly’s is something of an institution in the World Heritage city, and you can hear about the fascinating heritage of this Bath institution with a special talk in their tea room.

The packed programme includes unmissable talks, catwalk shows staged in the glamorous Assembly Rooms, a hands-on knitting workshop with Brandon Mabley of the Kaffe Fassett Studio and a fabulous upcycling jewellery workshop, a vintage fashion fair and exhibitions. Celebrated American fashion designer Anna Sui will talk about her love of fashion, and designer Roksanda Ilincic will be in conversation with Sunday Times fashion editor, Claudia Croft.

Jaeger is also supporting Bath in Fashion with a series of ‘in conversation’ Jaeger talks, including their own creative director Sheila McCain Wade, who will showcase the cherished brand’s creative vision and position at the core of British fashion heritage, and its role in the resurgence of British manufacturing.

Jessica Bumpus, fashion features editor of Vogue.co.uk, will interview designer Holly Fulton, whose eye-catching, graphic designs and innovative use of textiles have made her a distinctive voice of London Fashion Week. World-famous blogger Susie Lau of Style Bubble will be in conversation with Lulu Kennedy MBE who leads Fashion East, and her latest protégé Ed Marler.

Susannah Frankel, fashion director of Grazia, and editor-at-large for Style.com Tim Blanks will discuss the V&A’s hugely anticipated exhibition, ‘Savage Beauty; Alexander McQueen’ and the work of this visionary designer. Lou Stoppard, editor of Show Studio meets Bath-based fashion writer Iain R Webb to discuss his treasure trove of fashion paraphernalia showcased in his new book, ‘Invitation Strictly Personal.’

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, chief executive of the Royal School of Needlework, talks about the intricate and beautiful work the school delivers and its link with the fashion world. When Sarah Burton was creating a wedding dress for Kate Middleton it was the RSN who were called upon. You can see the work of the RSN graduates on show in Anthropologie who will host a RSN ‘Beautiful Buttons’ workshop.

World renowned tattoo artist, Mo Coppoletta, who has designed fabrics for Liberty as well as inking Paloma Faith, will tell his incredible story. Hear from Vogue-proclaimed King of Vintage William Banks Blaney, who will present his book of 25 dresses, and Nicky Albrechtsen will discuss her book, Vintage Fashion Complete, the most comprehensive guide to vintage fashion yet.

Seventies designer Thea Porter is the subject of London’s Fashion and Textiles Museum spring exhibition. Her daughter, Venetia Porter will lead a talk about her mother’s work which epitomized seventies bohemian chic, with editor Laura McLaws Helms. Nautical Chic comes under the spotlight in Amber Jane Butchart’s new book and the process of creating a fashion book spotlights Dress of The Year – a fixture in Bath’s Fashion Museum’s calendar. Curator, Rosemary Harden discusses embroidery in the collection.

The Fashion Museum has a series of special exhibitions, and textile treasures are the subject of The American Museum in Britain’s new exhibition ‘Hatched, Matched, Dispatched and Patched’, which explores how memories are reflected in this exquisite collection of items that are both practical and decorative.

If you are still uncertain, then go ahead and book a catwalk show – they are truly spectacular with spring/summer fashions supported by Specsavers and the finale catwalk in partnership with extraordinary jeweller Nicholas Wylde; you will not be disappointed. Bath in Fashion, managed by the Bath BID in partnership with Bath Tourism Plus, is a true collaboration by Bath businesses to put the city in the fashion spotlight. Tickets are available from bathinfashion.co.uk