Newcastle Fashion Week 2013...

Last years Newcastle Fashion Week left me wanting more; so much more that I decided to apply to be a team member for Newcastle Fashion Week 2013!

After a successful interview I was welcomed onto the main team and as soon as the programmes and call sheets were sent out I began to get very excited for the actual week.

Newcastle Fashion Week 2013 took place between May 10th - May 18th.

Day 1

The first event of the week was a VIP invite only event - Mercedes Benz Car Bootique.

The event was held at the Mercedes Benz of Newcastle Showroom, where car boots were opened and filled with products from a range of luxury brands. The highlight of the night was a Cruise Fashion Show which showcased key looks and trends to celebrate the arrival of the Spring Summer 2013 season.

Guests were treated to drinks and canapes by luxury bar Livello and music by Metro Radio.

I was lucky enough to start my week with Newcastle Fashion Week 2013 at this event; I was given various tasks throughout the day, such as organizing and arranging the layout and arrangement of the different stalls or 'Bootiques', I was also responsible for greeting stall holders and showing them there 'Bootique' space and issuing them their stall holder passes. I also helped with the unloading of products and clothing for some of the brands. 
After all the stall holders were happy and no longer needed any assistance; I moved onto packing goody bags. Before I could start though I had to go around all of the brands and gather anything extra they had brought with them which they wanted to be put in the bags, I also collected any raffle prices at the same time.  I started packing the bags with another team member, we quickly worked out a system that made the process simple and quicker. 
 With the goody bags nearly all filled; I was quickly pulled away and asked if I would be a dresser for the Cruise catwalk show. I was then introduced to the model I would be dressing for the event and given a brief run through of the garments and running order.

Doors opened 7pm... Officially marking the start of Newcastle Fashion Week 2013!
The atmosphere seemed great and the fashion show went really well; it wasn't until the very end of the night when we were tidying up and packing things away that I realised how expensive the clothes I had been handling were! 

The guests were then chauffeur driven to Livello where the after party was being held. Although I was invited; I decided it would be best to go straight home and get as much sleep as possible for the very busy week ahead.

Day 2 & 3
Newcastle Fashion Weekend...
The 2 day event was held at Northumbria Student Union and was a fusion of catwalk shows, clothes, stalls, talks, demonstrations, celebrities, and so much more!

It was an early 7am start for team in the morning; we all met in the main event space before being delegated  
jobs for the day. I was taken outside with a small group and given the task of greeting and guiding brands, stores, stalls holders, etc. to the loading bay and explaining the process they would have to follow to unload efficiently. With different methods of how to go about doing so being told to us being thrown about, we had to make a decision and do it the way we thought was most efficient. I must say as a small team we did quite well at this task, out in the cold, wet weather for many hours! 
After everyone had arrived and all the loading was done, I made my way up to the 'backstage' area where all the clothing for the catwalk shows were kept, it was also where the models got their hair and make up done; and just a general space for organizing the day. I walked in to find that MY Little Black Dress that I made at college was being tried on! I then asked if it would be possible to dress the model who would be wearing my outfit and was pleased to be given the task of dressing the lovely model for the rest of the day. 

The first catwalk show was the Newcastle College Fashion show and it of course featured the work of fashion students from the college - my classmates!  =) It was exciting to think that all our work would be the first show of the weekend but when we went downstairs, backstage ready to start the catwalk show; it got a bit hectic, the lights went off and we had to dress the models in the dark and do so very quickly! After the catwalk show, I went out front to see what my classmates thought of it and they all said it looked really good, If it looked good on the catwalk thats all that matters!

The rest of the weekend ran smoothly and although backstage was chaotic at times, the event was successful and the crowds loved it!

Poppy Dinsey 

Caryn Franklin

Lauren Pop & Ollie Locke

Nikki Lissoi

Day 4
Martini Manicure Monday...

This event  was hosted at Fat Buddha and featured a catwalk and sample sale from Van Mildert. There was also pampering, manicures and manicures - hence the event name! 
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this event as I was working all day with Love Niche who hosted a Fringe event on the same evening (i'll more than likely blog about this at some point).
 However I have seen photographs from the event and have heard it was a great event.

Day 5
Northumbria University: Fashion...

The annual fashion event showcasing Northumbria University Fashion students work was held at The Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art.
 The event didn't call for any work experience team and was a ticketed event; therefore I didn't attend the event but again seeing the photos and feedback proved the event was a success.

Day 6
Fashion Front Row...

This was the day and event I was most excited for! Hosted at As You Like It in Jesmond; the event showcases a wide selection of design talent from the North East of England. Again I was working all day for Love Niche so I was unable to work with the Newcastle Fashion Week team, however alongside Love Niche's intern, I was sent to represent the brand for the event throughout the day! 
I have to say it was rather strange being with a brand and not the NFW team that day; but it was a great experience and the responsibility was almost overwhelming. After we arrived and set up our area backstage we had a fitting with the available models to check the fit of garments, we only had one problem -  one of the dresses didn't fit a model but we just took it back to the Love Niche Studio and replaced it with a suitable alternative for the catwalk show.

Love Niche space before we had a rail!

 Once again we arrived back at As You Like It and prepared for the showcase to begin; we were all given a running order that featured all of the brands that were showcasing that night, we (Love Niche) were on after the interval and therefore were able to go upstairs and view the first half.
 Backstage again after the interval, and we were ready to begin the stressful role of being a dresser. Once the show was over, we packed up all our things and loaded them into the car; then went back to As You Like It for celebratory drinks to end a successful (but stressful) day!

Love Niche

Day 7
Eldon Square Spring/Summer Catwalk...

Eldon Square hosted various catwalk shows throughout the day featuring looks and outfits from some of the impressive list of over 150 retailers.
This was another day that the NFW work experience team wasn't needed which was good as I had two college modules to hand in this day!

Day 8
The Royal Wedding...

Hosted at the incredible venue Newcastle's Theatre Royal, the event was a showcase of beautiful wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and suits for groomsmen, all from North East designers and retailers. 

The first task of the day was to set up the areas where the models would get their hair and make up done and then the area where we would be dressing the models. We had to transport tables and chairs up stairs and set them up ready for the hair and make up artists to use. I then had to source jugs of water and glasses for everyone to drink throughout the day - its unreal how much water is needed during an event day! The next task was to sort the dresses that were arriving and place them on rails. I then met the model I would be dressing that day and took her to the lovely Leigh Hetherington who was showcasing three stunning wedding dresses that day; I was shown how to put the dress on the model correctly and what accessories went with the dress.

After all the brands eventually turned up and sorted their garments and outfits; it was time for the catwalk show. The models swept down the staircases and walked the 'catwalk' before rushing backstage to change into the next outfit. 
After the catwalk show most of the NFW team went home but a few of us stayed to help with the photoshoots. The photoshoots were to help promote the Theatre Royal as a wedding venue' various arrangements of outfits were taken at different locations in and around the venue. My favourite moment of the day was being on the stage looking out to the amazing seating area, the models were photographed from this viewpoint and the shots look incredible.

Day 9
Official Closing Party...

The official closing party was held at Tiger Tiger Newcastle this year and featured DJ sets by Lauren Pope - the face of Newcastle Fashion Week 2013 official sponsor Nikki Lissoni, and The X factors' Diana Vickers. 
 Unfortunately I decided to stay at home and rest after a very busy and stressful week.



Newcastle Fashion Week 2013 was simply amazing! Being part of the main NFW team was incredible and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing fashion filled event. The amount of experience gained and the people I met really was phenomenal. I would recommend taken part to anyone who is interested in fashion, events, PR, Whatever really it is such an invaluable experience and I hope I get the same chance to take part next year! 

Already looking forward to Newcastle Fashion Week 2014!



Check out the Facebook page for photos and comments...

https://www.facebook.com/nclfshnwk


And check out Nikki Lissoni official sponsor of Newcastle Fashion Week 2013...


http://www.nikkilissoni.com/

And Finally some of the participants from the week...

http://www.cruisefashion.co.uk/

http://www.leighhetherington.co.uk/

https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/annie-and-the-mannequins

http://www.barlivello.co.uk/


http://www.newcastlene1ltd.com/

http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/

Material Remains...

By Diana Winkfield.

Diana Winkfield is an artist specialising in drawing and painting with mixed Media. In this exhibition she has explored the idea of memory evoked by concealed, worn and tattered clothing found whilst restoring a 17^th Century farmhouse in rural France.

Diana Winkfield has carefully studied the items discovered and has focused on the analysis of the colour, fabric, shape, texture, condition and origins of the objects to reveal a concoction of both real and supposed memories and stories.

Her work, which considers the cultural ideal embedded in French society and expresses life and loss through depictions of found garments; was also inspired by items from The Bowes Museum; whose founder Joséphine was French.  Joséphine was a contemporary of the Empress Eugénie whose collection of costume in the museum inspired Diana Winkfield to create a magnificent painting for the exhibition; titled ‘EMPRESS  EUGENIE’S WARDROBE’ – painted on an old French linen sheet which was dyed in blue and brown and then bleached by the sun. The painting has been stored folded for the last 6 months to represent the clothes, some of which designed by Charles Worth, which were packed up hurriedly in trunks in 1870 and taken to exile in England, where they stayed until their auction in 1923. They lay for a further 30 years until they were donated to The Bowes Museum by Miss Edleston in 1953. Personally this is my favourite piece of the exhibition; not only is it steeped in history and detail but it beautifully depicts garments that can actually be seen around the museums own permanent collection. It such a stunningly evocative piece of artwork, even the way it hangs with the creases from folds still visible is enticing. The soft blur like detailing adds a whimsical dreamlike quality.

EMPRESS  EUGENIE’S WARDROBE – La garde robe de l’impératice Eugénie

Mixed media on linen sheet 2012

Close up.

Of course there are other pieces on display such as ragged children’s dresses, interpretations of half a corset found in the attic; which had such intricacy for a rural area that it suggest it may have been for bridal wear. The fragments of china found on the site also represent the ‘wedding list’ china which follows brides through their married life. These items were used together to create 3 pieces of artwork named ‘WEDDING LIST I, II, & III’. 

Diana Winkfield also drew inspiration from 18^th Century underwear from The Bowes collection to create two painting; ‘WORN, DARNED, PATCHED & MENDED I & II’. These paintings signify the class divide of the time – one depicts a fine patterned, embroidered silk corset, and the other is made of coarse brown twilled cotton, with desperate mending visible. The two items were viewed by Diana Winkfield as one for fantasy for ‘ornamental women’ and the other for practicality for keeping peasant women wrapped up in layers to keep warm. Again I found these paintings very evocative and a sense of history is invoked; the difference in the two items is evidently reflected in the artwork.

c.1750

This decorative example has its original wooden busk in place down the centre front to give a straight rigid line to the fashionable cone-shape.

‘WORN, DARNED, PATCHED & MENDED I & II’ - Usé, rapiécé, reprise et réparé

Mixed media on canvas 2012

c.1750

Discovered in an old property in Whitby, this is a very worn example of a homemade corset. Fully boned, it has a heavier curved piece of whalebone around the top front, which has had a section added. The worn areas reveal the canvas interlining, the whalebone and wool padding.

The exhibition as a whole conjures an emotional reaction as you find yourself delving into the garments past; creating your own personal thoughts and supposed stories and memories from which they could reside. I would definitely recommend the exhibition to anyone with an interest in fashion history and the decompositions of fabrics and materials.

The exhibition is currently on display within The Fashion & Textile Gallery at The Bowes Museum until 8^th September 2013.

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is located in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. It was purpose built in the 19^th Century by John and Joséphine Bowes; as a way of introducing the wider world of art to the local people. John met his wife Joséphine whilst exploring his interest in the arts on a trip to Paris; they had the idea of creating the museum and started plans for the building and collecting treasures to been held within it. With various galleries over three floors and frequently changing exhibitions of both nationally and internationally renowned works of art; there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. 

I was particularly interested in what the First Floor of the museum had to offer: European Decorative Art, John and Joséphine Story Galleries and of course the award winning Fashion & Textile Gallery. The John and Joséphine Story Galleries hosts memorabilia from the couples personal lives as well as video presentations; all of which tell the story of how the remarkable couple met, their lives whilst in Paris and what led them to embark upon their amazing museum project.

The part I found most interesting – probably because of its fashion connection – was the re-creation of the dress Joséphine Bowes is wearing in her portrait (above the mantle mirror).  

 Overmantel mirror with portrait of Joséphine Bowes; 1882-1887

The ball gown was re-created by an internationally celebrated theatrical and historical costumier, Luca Costigliolo. Having dedicated his life to the study of historical clothing and the original techniques used in their cut and construction; he made Joséphine’s dress in the museum in front of the visitors, between 25^th June and 6^th July 2012. This process was also filmed and can be viewed on a television within the room. 

The re-created ball gown by Luca Costigliolo. 

I found this really interesting and thought it was such a lovely idea; not only have they managed to re-create the outfit but you can actually watch the process in which it was made.

Moving on the best part of the museum (well in my opinion at least!) The Fashion & Textile Gallery.

The gallery houses a permanent collection of garments arranged in chronological order. This arrangement works well as it enable you to ‘walk through’ the centuries and decades and easily see the changes in silhouettes and styles.

The garments are displayed on invisible mannequins in glass boxes, giving the audience a 360° view of each and every garment.

Highlights of the include bodices, jackets and shoes that once belonged to the Empress  Eugenie, consort of Napoleon III; who was also known as ‘The Countess of Crinoline’, she was a leader of fashion and was dressed by leading couturier Charles Worth.

Below are a few of my favourite finds:

 Matching Day & Evening Bodices

C. 1855 

 Wedding Dress

 C.1880 

 Evening Coat

 1919-1925

There were so many items of interest at the museum that quite simply I can’t write about them all. It was the first time that I had visited The Bowes Museum and I would definitely recommend it to any with an interest in historical treasures; particularly those interested in historical costume.

Visit their website for more information and to plan a visit:

http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/