After a 3 year hiatus, Cardiff Fashion Week came back bigger than ever, taking Cardiff by storm last month.
Taking place from 22nd to 29th October, CFW was a week long celebration of fashion, design and style. Celebrating Cardiff as a gateway to the fashion product of the designed, and the manufactured, sold across Wales and honing on local talents.
Especially keen on showing off the fashion scene in Wales, CFW were promoting designers, students, retail, hair and beauty and health and wellbeing. Unlike the fashion week top dogs of New York and London, Cardiff’s strategy was to be inclusive to all and be welcoming to the public.
As well as a fashion showcase offering the best of emerging and student design, a number of fringe events took place across the city including charity fundraising fashion initiatives, champagne receptions, style workshops and PR stunts. This included the Model March across the city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Kicking off with an invitation only, a VIP launch on Penarth Road, in collaboration with sponsors Maserati was held on Monday 24th October. In a awe-inspiring car lovers heaven, designers and hosts came together to proudly give the attendees a glimpse of their collection and hard work.
Working in partnership with Love Your Clothes, a non-for-profit organization, several workshops were set up to encourage mindfulness while using and disposing clothing. Love Your Clothes aims to reduce the environmental impact of clothing by raising awareness of the value of clothes and encouraging people to think about the way they buy, use and dispose of their clothing. The Castle Emporium, Capitol Shopping Centre and Plasnewydd Community Centre were some of the many locations where commitment and cost-free classes were held. Learn more about their goals and successes through our interview with Love Your Clothes Campaign Manager, Jamie Perry, in our November print issue.
Finishing CFW in a grand fashion at the iconic Masonic Hall on Saturday 29th October , the catwalk shows were a successful full house hosted by Capital FM presenter Polly James. Welsh designer Kai Steward of Jaxxon House, Miss World first runner up Sophie Moulds, House of Fraser and genderless fashion designs ‘SELF’ by students at University of South Wales, were just a few names on show.
Post catwalk shows, guest tickets included access to the exclusive designer village with masterclasses on shirt upcycling and fixing fashion tips available at no extra cost.
28th Oct-4th Nov – Save the date for Cardiff Fashion Week 2017.