Mayor of Derry, Brenda Stevenson at the launch of Fashion Fest with Deirdre Wilde, Jacqui O’Hara, Christopher Reid, Tara Nicholas, Derry City Council and Helen Quigley, Inner City Trust.
Derry businesses are being urged to get involved in one of the major highlights of the city’s autumn events programme, as plans for the city’s first ever Fashion Fest being staged next month get underway.
Traders from right across the industry have the opportunity to sign up, open their doors and showcase their products and services at one of the many exciting events taking place during the four day festival, which runs from November 20 – 23.
Shops, restaurants, hair and beauty salons, crafters, designers and even local butchers have already registered to be a part of the exciting range of events, and limited space is still available to a wide variety of retailers.
Business Opportunities Officer with Derry City Council, Tara Nicholas, said have been delighted with the response from local businesses who have “really grasped” the concept of Fashion Fest and come up with some innovative and creative ways to get involved.
She added: “The festival is a fantastic opportunity for retailers to get together with those working in the creative industries in the city to showcase their products to new audiences, and collectively boost the profile of the city as a thriving and exciting destination for shoppers and visitors.
“The programme has opened up a number of creative new opportunities for retailers to get involved.
“For example, we are delighted to announce that in collaboration with the City Centre Initiative we will be opening up the bottom floor of the Ulster Bank building in Shipquay Street, which will be used to accommodate pop up shops, exhibition stands, demonstrations and even catwalk shows.
“I would encourage any local business interested in signing up for this exciting event to check out the information on-line and fill out a form.”
Kular Fashions is just one of the local businesses who have registered to take part in the Wedding Showcase event in St Columb’s Cathedral on 21 November.
Rachael Hutchman, from the store, said they were “very excited” to be a part of the Fashion Fest.
She added: “There will be a great buzz around the city and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the small independents and designers to come together for one big event. With such an array of activities in store it will be a wonderful weekend for the people of Derry.”
Kular is taking part in a number of the planned showcases including the wedding showcase at St Columb’s Cathedral and High Tea and Fancy Frocks at Prehen House.
Rachael added: “We will also be offering exclusive discounts on our new and exclusive brands including Ted Baker, Barbour, Hugo Boss and Hunter to name a few. Our customers can enjoy cocktails and nibbles on arrival and receive a VIP goodie bag.”
As well as the Vintage Fair and workshops, Fashion Fest will also feature top designers, an industry focus day and exclusive fashion shows.
Friday November 21 will also see a special Creative Communities Fair event where each of the city’s community areas will present their community group work as well as sell gift items made by each of the organisations including knitwear, jewellery and hairpieces.
Tags:
