A panel of experts from some of the country’s most successful brands – including Matthew Williamson, Andrew Collinge, Matalan and Cricket – will come together to give an insight into their careers and debate some of the fashion and beauty industry’s hot topics at the Influence of Style exhibition tomorrow, Friday 14 November.

The Influence of Style event will take place at the Rum Warehouse in the Titanic Hotel at Stanley Dock, as part of a three day Celebration of Style extravaganza, which will run across hand-picked style venues and stores across Merseyside from 13-15 November.

A series of three seminars will take place at the Influence of Style exhibition. During the first session, Shelley Whalley, buying manager ladieswear at Matalan, David Mellett, sourcing and technical director at Matalan, Caroline Hertz, principal fashion design lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Justine Mills, owner of Cricket, will explore what it is really like to work in the fashion industry. They will also offer tips and advice on how to succeed in the industry.

The second session will see top British hair stylist, Andrew Collinge, make-up artist to the stars, Cassie Lomas, and celebrity stylist, Lorraine McCulloch, talk about how they turned their passion for fashion and style into careers styling high-profile international celebrities.

The final seminar panel will feature Rosanna Falconer, communications director at Matthew Williamson, Stephen Shaw, marketing opportunities director at Blippar, and Tim Bret Day, top fashion photographer debate the changing face of fashion. They will discuss how digital technology has changed marketing and brand building across the fashion industry.

Denise Harris, Director of Celebration of Style, said:

“The Influence of Style exhibition, which forms part of the three day Celebration of Style event, has been designed to inspire, motivate and mentor future talent. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in style, as well as those looking to break into the industry.

“The world of fashion is notoriously competitive and it can be very difficult for even the most talented to get their first rung on the ladder. Influence of Style will provide a rare opportunity to learn from an interesting panel of experts, who have all managed to reach the top of their game.”

Along with the panel discussions, there will also be an expo jam packed with fantastic fashion and beauty stands. Illamasqua, Nails Inc, Kiehl’s and Oasis are just some of the exciting brands that will be showcasing their latest collections alongside local independent retailers. Visitors will have plenty to try and buy, with everything from makeovers and nail touch-ups, to hair styling and career advice.

The Celebration of Style programme features exclusive high-end events – such as an intimate dinner with Matthew Williamson at Knowsley Hall – and a Cricket fashion show at the Cunard Building – to more accessible activities like Influence of Style at the Rum Warehouse. There will also be in-store activity across participating retailers across Liverpool city centre, from Diamonds and Decadence at Boodles to personal hair consultations with Andrew Collinge at his Castle Street salon.

The event hub at the stylish Titanic Hotel at Stanley Dock will be the first port of call for Celebration of Style visitors and it will also be the place to go to pick up information and event guides.

Tickets for Celebration of Style events – including the Influence of Style exhibition and seminars at the Titanic Hotel and the Cricket Fashion Show at the Cunard Building – are now on sale at www.celebrationofstyle.co.uk