Clothes Show Live 2008

Myself being a fashion admirer and lover for bargains, I went to the Clothes show live at the NEC in Birmingham, of course (to catch the bargains) on the last day. Although I found the shopping zones a bit too

crowded and too much like an Eastenders market and for my liking, I found the College Catwalk and Style Show truly spectacular.

College Catwalk

Fashion students from colleges around the UK put together a catwalk show of their newly created attire. I have to say, most of these looked like they were top designs. From puff ball checked Alice in Wonderland dresses to Feather crowned hats and enormous fur coats; they had it all. It’s hard to believe that these weird and wonderful designs have been created by our very own British textile students, who will someday become the next Vivienne Westwood or Donna Karen.

From Japanese inspired dress suits to sleek dresses, I think that the College Catwalk was a real success. I really enjoying viewing the designs made by young upcoming designers.

The bright colours swept across the stage, each model strutting in beat down the runway to Calvin Harris in their 6 inch stilettos and beautifully made clothing. Out of the fifty odd designs I viewed, I have to admit that this one is my favourite. The chunky knit dress is very ideal for this time of year, with its thick texture and grey hue which is easy to contrast well with other colours. It still remains very chic as it is above the knee, and I love the contrast between the grey and emerald green which give a modern, fashionable feel to the outfit, finishing it off with a pair of vintage knee-high boots. I'm not too sure if i'd wear the feather head piece though..!

Style Show

Music, fashion, half naked men, whats not to love? The outfits are amazing. Music pounding through the speakers, you can feel the bass buzzing through the floor boards. Bright colours; red, green, blue and yellow flashing around the arena like crazy traffic lights. There is a rush of excitement. And this rush remained throughout the entire 45 minutes that the show lasted.

It was like a theatre production. Characters, music, dancing; it was a fashion performance. I particularly liked the desperate housewives themed runway. The theme tune playing in the background whilst three female models and one male strutted themselves down the catwalk in gorgeously designed fifties inspired floral dresses and beads, cute pink ankle socks with Mary Janes, finished with a pair of cats eyes glasses. I really liked this girly, fifties inspired look, but would dress it down a bit with a chunky knit cardian and vintage boots. That's the beauty of floral dresses; they can be used to create so many different styles yet still remain very chic.

A collection of beautiful cream dresses made their way down the catwalk, each one more beautiful than the last, individually featuring fur, feathers and lace. They reminded me of Valentino' Couture Spring 2007 bridal look collection. Each of the dresses were astonishingly beautiful. I wouldn't mind one as my wedding dress..

Overall, I have to admit that the Clothes Show Live was an inspiring and influential experience. The show was amazing, as were the models and clothing. It was not just a fashion show, but also a great performance. I am looking forward to next years show, which is meant to be held in London! So London 2009, here I come.