Brighton Fashion Week hits the catwalk

It’s that time of year again, when forward-thinking

fashionistas will head to the South coast city of Brighton to celebrate Brighton Fashion Week. Launched back in 2005 as Brighton Frocks, the leading alternative fashion event for the South is back in full effect this year, bringing you more theatre, drama, cutting edge design and even more fabulous designers.

Taking place from 31st
May to 5th June, marking the end of the legendary Brighton Fringe Festival, BFW 2011 will transform venues across the city into fashionable havens showcasing visionary delights. Highlights of the week include three catwalk shows: The Couture Show, Brighton Frocks Show and Ready to Wear, as well as live fashion installations, gigs, Fashion Emporium and more. Plans are also afoot to create the world’s largest pompom made from recycled wool. Re-use it, don’t lose it! is helping with the construction – taking place from Friday 22nd April until Wednesday 4th May at the Open Market, London Road, Brighton – and everyone is invited to join in the record-breaking attempt.

It has just been confirmed that Central Saint Martin’s graduate Masato Jones will be showcasing his new collection at the Couture Show on 3rd June. Currently working as a designer and pattern cutter for Giles Deacon, as well as heading his own label, his eagerly anticipated collection is one to watch. Edward Finney is also confirmed for the Couture Show. He has gained invaluable experience working on Saville Row and in the studios of Alexander McQueen. His collections have also been shot by Rankin and modelled by fashion darling Lily Cole. Other up and coming designers taking part include Brighton designer Alexei Ismaylov, Hayley Lai and Tim Rhys Evans. Tim caused a stir in the fashion press after Elle featured his BA collection, which won the British Fashion Council Creative Cutting Award at Graduate Fashion Week in 2008. He has also worked as an intern for Gareth Pugh and more recently as a pattern cutter for Jaeger.

And it’s not just designers who’ll get the chance to shine at this year’s event. Aspiring models can also get involved, treading the catwalk in front of Brighton’s fashion elite. Model casting auditions are taking place at a secret Brighton location on 27th April. To be considered, models need to email pictures – natural, full length and side profile – to models@brightonfashionweeek.com.

Liz Bishop founder and director of Brighton
Fashion Week says, ‘We are anticipating great things for 2011 – the success of previous years has allowed us to grow from a weekend into a whole week of events, turning Brighton Fashion Week into a highly regarded alternative fashion event.’

She continues, ‘Brighton is a city with a sure sense of itself; its residents are discerning, with a cool, alternative approach to fashion. Brighton Fashion Week is reflective of this and is a real showcase of innovative, edgy design.’

For more information about BFW 2011 go to www.brightonfashionweek.com. ends Notes to Editors:When: Tuesday 31st May to Saturday 5th June 2011Where: Various venues throughout the cityPrice: TBC depending on eventTime: TBC depending on event: facebook.com/BrightonfashionWeekT: twitter.com/BFW2011Website: www.brightonfashionweek.com For more information, including hi res images and designer interviews, please email Jo Reeder on joreeder113@ntlworld.com or call 07767 069468.