Merseyside has been in a fashion frenzy thanks to the first ever Celebration of Style event, which drew to a close On Saturday (15th November).

During the three day extravaganza, organised to celebrate the worlds of fashion, beauty, art, photography and architecture, top British fashion designer Matthew Williamson hosted a dinner at Knowsley Hall, Abbey Clancy launched her new collection for Matalan at the Venue at the Royal Liver Building and Cricket held a fashion night out at the Cunard Building.

As part of the event, there was also an Influence of Style expo at the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse that saw leading industry names and celebrities join forces to show off their latest collections, giving visitors a glimpse of cutting edge, hot-off-the-catwalk trends.

Experts from the fashion world gave talks and advice on how to break into the industry, including Celebration of Style’s own Lorraine McCulloch.

Lorraine, celebrity stylist, who was an integral driving force behind the three day event, said:

“As a stylist working all over the world it became apparent to me that Liverpool as a city is blessed with an abundance of style and class of people who are not afraid to be cutting edge in their fashion choice and display their individuality and creativity.

“The problem I felt was ‘perception’ in the wider regions. It became acceptable for our fashion to bear the brunt of satirical commentary and overlook the amazing amount of style.

“Celebration of Style was born from a desire from me and founders Justine Mills and Denise Harris to be able to showcase Liverpool as a fashionable, chic, creative hub with a personality that was not afraid to be expressive. It is clear after the last three days that this is an event that will be able to travel the world and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

The expo was also jam packed with pop up stall from designer fashion and beauty lines, all brimming with goodies to try and buy. Illamasqua, Benefit, Nails Inc, Kiehl’s and Oasis were just some of the exciting brands that showcased their latest collections and products alongside local independent boutiques.

Matalan teamed up with celebrities like Jessie J, Wayne Rooney and Pixie Lott to show off their Alphabet scarf collection, the perfect would be Christmas gift with the added incentive that 100% of the profits go to local Liverpool children’s hospital Alder Hey.

Presented by Jenny Frost, the fashion, beauty and style expo featured an integrated programme of seminars, with key style influencers giving their own insight into the fashion industry to an audience of hundreds of ambitious fashionistas. Seminars were presented by star guests, including celebrity stylist Lorraine McCulloch, British Hairdresser of the Year Andrew Collinge and international make-up artist Cassie Lomas.

Andrew Collinge said:

“Succeeding in anything is achievable, make yourself known. Be passionate. Be keen and get involved.”

The brainchild of Justine Mills, co-owner of Cricket, and Denise Harris, managing director at SK Events, Celebration of Style also included in-store activities across the city, including Matalan, Marks & Spencer, Nook & Cranny, Keihl’s and Cadenzza. There was also a Diamonds and Decadence event at Boodles and personal hair consultations with Andrew Collinge at his Castle Street salon.

In addition, there was a special exhibition of work by hugely talented fashion photographer Tim Bret Day at the iconic Liver Building and special architectural tours of the city by RIBA Liverpool.

Denise Harris, managing director of SK Events and co-founder of Celebration of Style, said:

“We have had the pleasure of utilising some of the most iconic buildings in the city which have made for the most amazing backdrops.

“It has been fantastic to see the city buzzing with such a fabulous programme of events over the three days and we’re absolutely delighted with the success of Celebration of Style.”

Justine Mills, co-owner of Cricket and co-founder of Celebration of Style, added:

“Celebration of Style has been amazing. It’s been a real ambition of mine to give Liverpool a high calibre fashion event to rival those in London, Paris and Milan and I truly believe we have achieved what we sent out to do!

“Attracting support from the likes of Matthew Williamson, Boodles, Andrew Collinge, Matalan and Abbey Clancy in year one has been excellent.”

Check out images from event at @C_of_Style on Twitter and CELEBRATIONOFSTYLE on Instagram.

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Words: Peter Cribley