Tag: fashion

Sunderland Bridges Hosts Fashion Weekend

By on 3rd April 2016in Lifestyle

Top trends from leading retailers will be on show this month as Sunderland’s leading shopping centre hosts its Fashion Weekend…

From April 21 – 24 the Bridges will be holding daily fashion shows, showcasing the exciting new looks being offered in a range of the centre’s shops.

Already a whole host of major names have signed up to participate including Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, New Look, Next and Primark.

Also taking part in the shows are Roman Originals, Select, Swarovksi, Topman, Topshop and TX Maxx, with the promise of others signing up to showcase their latest looks on the catwalk.

“We have a wide variety of retailers at the Bridges with clothes for both men and women and for all ages,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director.

“The Fashion Weekend gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer in what promises to be a number of fun and exciting shows.

“We are delighted to see so many of our leading retailers getting behind the event and we look forward to welcoming lots of fashion conscious visitors.”

Daytime shows will run at various times throughout the Fashion Weekend (April 21-24).

A fashion show will also feature as part of the Retail and Style Awards being held at the Bridges on Saturday April 23, in an evening which includes a black tie dinner and performances by top musical acts Lawson, Izzy Bizu and the Lake Poets.

Lawson To Perform At Sunderland Style Awards

By on 27th February 2016in Entertainment

One of the UK’s most exciting pop rock bands will be heading to Sunderland to appear at a major awards event…

Lawson, whose hits include Taking Over Me, Juliet and When She Was Mine, are to headline at the city’s Retail and Style Awards, which will take place at the Bridges shopping centre on April 23rd.

The event, organised by Sun FM and the Bridges, and supported by Sunderland BID, will celebrate the city’s top businesses and individuals across sixteen categories. The appearance by the band is part of a full evening of entertainment, which includes a three course dinner, fashion show and the awards ceremonies.

Plus, there is still time for nominations for the awards to be made before the closing date on February 29th.

“It’s a massive coup for us to get a band with the status of Lawson at our awards, and shows what progress the city is making,” said Julian Carter, MD of Sun FM.

“It will make what already promises to be a fantastic night even more spectacular.”

Other acts are already lined up to appear at the event, with further announcements to be made in the near future. Tickets are on sale for the night at £39, and are available from customer service at the Bridges, from the reception at Sun FM and via Eventbrite.

Andy Brown, lead singer of Lawson, said: “When we played the Stadium of Light a couple of summers ago, it was one of those gigs you never forget, and we can’t wait to come back to Sunderland to perform at the Retail and Style Awards.”

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID and the main sponsors for the awards, said attracting a top band to appear showed the calibre of these awards.

He said: “The appearance by Lawson won’t just add another dimension to the night, but it will also turn the spotlight on Sunderland to a national audience, and showcase what an exciting and dynamic city it is.”

This the first year that the city’s Retail and Style Awards have joined forces, with businesses and individuals able to enter in a range of categories. Nominations are still being accepted via the Sun FM website at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business, and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

“We’ve already seen a fantastic number of entries for the awards, which is what we would expect given the excellent year 2015 was for the retail sector,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“And now, with an amazing band providing the entertainment on the night, it will be a memorable evening for a whole host of reasons.”

Handbag Clinic Expands Workshop Following Major Success

By on 18th February 2016in Local Biz

Handbag Clinic has significantly expanded its repair workshop to cope with demand for its high-end restoration services, after cleaning and restoring designer bags worth more than half a million pounds over the last 12 months…

The firm, which cleans and repairs handbags and accessories from the world’s most prestigious designers, has expanded the floor space of its handbag repair centre in Burnopfield, County Durham, by 15% to 3,800 sq ft.

Additional space is necessary because of steady growth at Handbag Clinic, which has recently opened a store in Mosley Street, Newcastle, following an earlier launch on King’s Road, Chelsea.

Over the past 12 months, the firm’s restoration experts have brought 6,500 handbags back to their former glory. Alongside this, Handbag Clinic runs a service to restore red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes. There has also been investment in high-level security facilities, including a cage that staff entering the repair centre must walk through, to protect customers’ designer accessories.

Handbag Clinic has also taken on new handbag buyer Charlotte Staerck, along with three new apprentices in the past few weeks, as part of a recruitment drive to employ two new members of staff every month to ensure it has the skills needed to deal with designer accessories from the likes of Chanel, Hermés and Celine.

The firm is bucking the trend in the luxury goods market. A recent global report by consultancy company Bain and Co found that the global luxury goods market is now worth more than £700bn, but demand slowed during 2015 compared to the previous year for personal luxuries including jewellery and handbags.

MD Ben Staerck said: “We needed increased workspace to make sure we have the capacity to deal with a soaring demand for our specialist services.

“We’re finding that while customers may not be buying a new Hermés Kelly or a Celine Phantom, they are either coming to us to source a pre-loved bag or they are giving their existing accessories a bit of TLC.”

Handbag Clinic was launched in 2013 by Ben Staerck. Since then, it has swiftly gained a loyal celebrity following, including many of the Made in Chelsea cast and reality star Imogen Thomas.

It offers cleaning, protection, stain removal, repair and restoration services for handbags, shoes and other leather accessories. Find out more at www.handbagclinic.co.uk.

Wedding Wonder Show Returns To Sunderland This February

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Bride and grooms-to-be can shine a light on their wedding plans at a special event taking place next week…

Sunderland’s largest wedding fair, The Wedding Wonder Show, returns to the Stadium of Light from noon until 3pm on Sunday February 7th.

Guests at the event, which has a Valentine’s Day theme, will have the chance to meet more than 100 exhibitors from across the North East, including top suppliers offering everything from flowers to photography.

There will also be a designer fashion show featuring glamorous gowns, grooms wear and flower girl ideas, as well as a dedicated bridesmaid zone to ensure all members of the wedding party can look their best.

Live entertainment will be running throughout the afternoon, with representatives from 1879 Events Management also on hand to discuss wedding day options at the Stadium of Light and its sister site National Glass Centre.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “The Stadium of Light has become an increasingly popular setting for weddings of all styles and sizes, and 1879 Events Management are delighted to cater for happy couples both here, and at National Glass Centre, as well as at external venues across the North East.

“The Wedding Wonder Show is an ideal opportunity for us to share our expertise with brides and grooms-to-be, as well as offering them a chance to meet key suppliers and plan key aspects of their big day.”

Entry to the Wedding Wonder Show, in association with Belle Bridal, are priced at £2 per person, £1 concessions or £6 for a family of four.

A limited number of VIP goodie bags will also be available, and these can be reserved in advance at www.weddingwondershow.co.uk.

For more information, and full details of the wedding packages available at the Stadium of Light, visit www.safc.com or call 0871 911 1555.

Sunderland Celebrity Hairdresser Joins Northern Youth Fashion Show

By on 25th January 2016in Lifestyle

An award-winning North East hairdresser is set to head up the back stage team at a fashion show with one of the industry’s leading ladies…

Celebrity hair stylist Neville Ramsay, from Sunderland, will be styling the models at the Northern Youth Fashion Show, which will be attended by Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast.

The show, which will take place on January 29th at the University of York’s Central Hall, will showcase the work of some of the best student designers in the North.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a show like this,” said Neville Ramsay, who is also an ambassador for hair brand Milkshake.

“The North often gets overlooked, when really it’s home to some amazing talent. This fashion show will really help to put the North on the map, and show that the future talent of the fashion industry isn’t limited to London.

“We couldn’t be happier to be part of the styling team at such a big event, and we can’t wait to see some of the designers’ work.”

During the event, Anna Wintour will deliver a talk about her career before a Q & A session, led by Katharina Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian News & Media.

There will also be a number of live performances from North Yorkshire folk singer Billie Marten, Friendly Fires and Metronomy, who will be collaborating for the first time especially for the show.

Proceeds from the event will be split between Refugee Action York, which helps to integrate refugees into the local area, and the Xavier Project, which delivers mentoring schemes, offers job opportunities, and runs schools for refugees across the world.

“We’re delighted to have Neville and Milkshake on board to help us with the show,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the organisers of the Northern Youth Fashion Show.

“As well as giving northern talent a platform to showcase their work, we’re working to help some really good causes, so it’s been great to see so many businesses getting involved with the event.”

The event, which is being sponsored by a number of well-known organisations including train company Grand Central, makeup brand Bobbi Brown, and Yorkshire Living Magazine, starts at 5.45pm with a champagne reception.

Tickets to the event now sold out.

Northern Youth Fashion Show Secures Big Name Guests

By on 15th January 2016in Lifestyle

Organisers of a special North East fashion show with one of the industry’s biggest names have announced the entertainment line-up for the event…

The Northern Youth Fashion Show, which will be attended by Anna Wintour, the Editor-in Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Conde Nast, will take place on January 29th.

The event, which will be held at the University of York’s Central Hall, will include a live performance from 17-year-old Billie Marten from North Yorkshire.

The folk singer, who will open the show with an acoustic set, has been nominated for BBC’s Sound of 2016, a competition designed to identify the music industry’s rising stars, which has previously been won by Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, HAIM and Years & Years.

The fashion show will give fashion students from across the UK the chance to showcase their designs in front of Anna Wintour, who will give a talk on the evening.

There will also be a Q&A session with Ms. Wintour led by Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian News & Media.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Billie on board for the fashion show,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the event organisers.

“It’s fantastic to have such a rising northern star showcase their talent whilst also raising money for some really important causes too.

“So far, the event has been unbelievably popular. We only have one last batch of student tickets. We’re just beginning to see all the students’ designs. It’s incredibly exciting”

Friendly Fires and Metronomy, who have never collaborated together before, are creating a piece of music especially for the show. The piece will be placed during the final section of the show, which is based on the incredible future of northern talent.

Proceeds from the event will be split between Refugee Action York, which helps to integrate refugees into the local area, and the Xavier Project, which delivers mentoring schemes, offers job opportunities and runs schools for refugees across the world.

The show will include designs by students from the University of York, Leeds College of Art, Newcastle College, Hull College, University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University and Leeds Beckett University.

Tickets to the event, which is being sponsored by a number of well-known organisations including train company Grand Central, makeup brand Bobbi Brown, and Yorkshire Living Magazine, are £30 per person.

The Students have also secured the hair brand Milkshake to sponsor the event. Milkshake will be leading a team of stylists backstage.

There is also a “Ticket And A Tin” option, which has now sold out. The tickets include a donation of a tin of food to go to York foodbank.

To buy tickets, visit www.yusu.org/tickets.

Voting Opens For Sunderland Retail And Style Awards

By on 7th January 2016in Local Biz

Sunderland’s booming retail sector and the city’s most stylish individuals and outlets are set to be celebrated, with the combining of two major award ceremonies…

For the first time, Sunderland’s Retail and Style Awards are joining forces to honour businesses, events and people who have helped put the city on the map.

The event is being jointly organised by the Bridges shopping centre and radio station Sun FM, with nominations for the 17 categories open today (January 7th).

Sponsored by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, the awards will give shops, restaurants, bars, hairdressers and beauty salons the opportunity to be recognised.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons, and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

Nominations can be made online at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016 and will close at the end of March, with the awards evening taking place at the Bridges on April 23rd.

Attendees at the glitzy ceremony – which will include live music, dinner and a fashion show – will also get the opportunity to come away with an award on the night, with a Red Carpet honour being given out to the best dressed.

“2015 was an excellent year for the retail sector in the city, and we welcomed a number of new businesses with some exciting plans going forward,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“These awards give retailers of all sizes – from leading high street names to our impressive range of independents – the opportunity to be recognised for the great service they offer.”

Julian Carter, Managing Director of Sun FM, added that the style section of the awards gave both individuals and leisure outlets the opportunity to shine.

“With the current regeneration and positive momentum, there has never been a better time to unite the already successful style awards into an even bigger retail and style event,” said Julian.

“We’ve put together a range of exciting categories which not only gives the city’s leading restaurants, bars and salons a showcase, but also there’s a chance for our most stylish individuals to be publicly acknowledged.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase businesses of all types and sizes, including the city burgeoning restaurant and café scene and to recognise their innovation and hard work,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of main sponsor, Sunderland BID.

A shortlist for each category will be drawn up by a judging panel, which will then be put to a public vote.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for the night, and further information is available by contacting Harry Collinson at harrycollinson@aol.com.

Hardwick Hall Charity Lobster Ball Reveals Star-Studded Lineup

By on 7th January 2016in Entertainment, Events

One of the most anticipated charity balls on the North East calendar will be returning this spring – with a 90s diva heading up the entertainment…

The annual Lobster Charity Ball will be taking place at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday April 22nd, which will include a performance by Heather Small, the voice of M People.

The singer, whose many hits include One Night In Heaven, Moving On Up and Search For the Hero, will be taking to the stage at the glitzy event in aid of autism charity Daisy Chain.

Also featured on the line-up is party band Shakedown, and North East 20 piece big band Musicians Unlimited, with the evening hosted by comedian Brendan Healy.

The black tie event will give guests the chance to sample a four course gourmet lobster surf and turf meal prepared by the award-winning chefs from The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.

This year’s event also includes a cocktails and canapés reception, along with a Taittinger Champagne bar and complimentary wine, lager and beer for guests all evening.

“We are delighted to have been able to book a singer of the calibre of Heather Small for this year’s ball,” said John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel.

“The Lobster Charity Ball has a reputation of putting on brilliant performers, and this year will be no exception.

“It’s such a fantastic evening where everyone likes to dress up and come along and have a great time, while supporting an amazing charity.

“We are also grateful to our sponsors, including LA Taxis, Heineken and Bidvest, along with jobhunter.co.uk who are coming on board as our main sponsor for the first time.”

The evening will also feature a fashion show, with clothes from award-winning menswear store Woven, recently voted the Durham Retailer of the Decade.

Tickets for the evening, which will run from 7pm until 1am, are priced at £140 plus VAT, and can be purchased by contacting the venue’s events team on 01740 620253, or by emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

Over the past 13 years, Hardwick Hall has raised more than £520,000 for local charities by hosting both the Lobster Ball and the North East Oyster Festival.

Durham Fashion Shop Wins Retailer Of The Year Award

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East designer menswear store is celebrating in style – after being named Retailer of the Decade…

Woven, at The Gates Shopping Centre, Durham, took the accolade at the city’s retail awards along with two other awards on the night –  Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Person of the Year.

And for owner Chris Hayes, there was an added bonus in the latter award – as it went to his son, Oliver.

This is the latest in a long line of successes for the independent menswear store, which launched in Durham five years ago.

Chris, originally from Teesside, launched Woven after decades in the clothing trade, having launched top designer store Van Mildert in 1995 with two friends.

Struggling initially to get anyone to finance the plan, Chris and his colleagues eventually got a loan from Durham Miners’ Pension Fund for £25,000, and created a business which – at its height – had a £7m turnover.

The company was sold in 2010, and Chris decided to concentrate on opening a dedicated menswear store.

“It’s a fantastic honour to have been given this award,” he said.

“Everyone at Woven is dedicated to providing great levels of service and offering our customers the best in men’s designer wear, and it’s very gratifying to see this recognised in this way.”

Northern Students To Showcase Work In Support Of Refugees

By on 2nd December 2015in In & Around

Students from across Northern England are being given the chance to showcase their work before two leading figures in international media, as part of a unique fundraising event…

On January 29th, the University of York’s Central Hall will be hosting a charity fashion show featuring the designs of young people from a number of regional colleges and universities.

The Northern Youth Fashion Show, in aid of two refugee charities, will be attended by Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast.

The event has been organised by HARD Magazine, a fashion publication at the University of York, and will not only showcase the designs of students from universities across the region, but will also raise vital funds to support refugees.

Students from the University of York, the University of Sunderland, Leeds College of Art, Newcastle College, Hull College, the University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University, and Leeds Beckett University will all be taking part.

It will also include a talk with Ms. Wintour, followed by a question and answer session led by Ms. Viner.

Proceeds from The Northern Youth Fashion Show will be split between the Xavier Project, which runs schools, creates jobs, and offers mentoring schemes to some of the biggest refugee communities in the world and Refugee Action York, which plays a pivotal role in integrating refugees in the local area.

“We wanted to host an event that would highlight the creative talent of students and support the community by fundraising for local charities,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the event organisers.

“It’s fantastic to have Anna and Katharine on board to help make it a success. We are pleased with the positive response we’ve had so far. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

The event is being sponsored by train company Grand Central, and a spokesman said they were delighted to be on board.

“At Grand Central, we take pride in supporting young people – whether that is through hosting art competitions for emerging talent or by making student travel experience more enjoyable through our free Wi-Fi offer, and affordable with our unique discount,” he said.

“The Northern Youth Show is an opportunity for us to once again demonstrate our commitment to young people, as well as their colleges and universities that are based along our routes.”

Tickets for the event cost £30 (or £15 for students) and are available at http://www.yusu.org/tickets. A champagne reception and live music performances are included in the evening’s programme.

A “Ticket And A Tin” option is also available, with tickets priced at £10, but purchasers must include the donation of a tin of food to go to a York foodbank.

The evening will also include a champagne reception and live music performances.

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