End Of Summer Fashion Show

I had the opportunity to attend the End Of Summer Fashion Show, now in its third year, and having not been to this event before I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been to a few fashion events before, and whilst they’re often entertaining and intriguing, they’re not always an event that would fully engage anyone other than a fashion and design enthusiast.
Well, this event was much more than a parading of clothes. This year it was set in the beautiful location of Left Bank Leeds, a church converted into an event space, and there couldn’t be a grander setting than that. With subtle fairy lighting about the building, a beautiful arrangement of stalls, and the seating arranged so that the show would be promenaded in the centre of the space, it was beautifully set up for the evening. Special mention has to go to the wonderful violinist whose talent had every guest, and photographer, enthralled as she played a medley of tunes whilst the crowd gathered.
As well as the show there were many stalls to peruse, which guests were able to browse before the proceedings began, all of which were of the highest quality. My Mother Said were selling beautiful reclaimed vintage jewellery items, including pocket watch necklaces. One Friday had a gorgeous selection of handbags, Sophie Likes an arrangement of kitsch clothing, hair accessories and books, Cross Culture a number of fantastic print t-​shirts and Pom Pom a hoard of gorgeous knit pieces. There were a few other fantastic stalls as well, selling all things vintage and hand made, so there was plenty to take in before the show.
Pop Boutique were first u, with a funky collection of clothes, including casual knits, leather short-​shorts and a truly gorgeous pair of red harim style pants. Following their debut, Victoria Rosso’s collection was next, mixing striking colourful, bold and floral prints to create some truly unique pieces, some well suited to day wear and some a glamorous evening out. Gwen Reid followed on with an incredible asymmetric piece, something I’m not usually a fan of, but the stand out tailoring on this dress was divine. Her collection included bold prints, in fluorescent tones, some lulled with deft creams and browns, others simply stand out colour.
The fourth collection, and my personal favourite of the night, was Helen Barran’s. Her Victoriana influence on the tailoring of the clothes was simply breathtaking. Each piece was not only gorgeously created but incredibly wearable for such a vintage look. The collection was in perfect autumn/​winter tones, burgandies and greys, and included both day wear and evening attire. Special mention has to go to the beautiful grey dress, long sleeved and high-​necked, which floated out from the waist and was a delight to watch in motion.
Jamilia Designs followed with a simply divine collection of knitwear, most in hugely bright warm tones, and all incredibly flattering. Particular favourites included the long cardigans, delightfully knittted in a rather seventies zig zag pattern, complete with flared sleeves. Loela was the next collection, again a very unique set, with a kitsch patchwork theme to the pieces. Her dresses came in a number of shades and patterns, my stand out piece being the loose patchwork t-​shirt with draped sleeving, under a long black skirt. Cross Culture Project followed with a fabulous urban style collection of prints, all with unique designs. Each print took on a personality of its own and the quality of the shirts and hoodies used was evident.
Crystal Padmore was first in the second half, whose demure tones stood out against the previous collections. Again there was a mix of print with block colour, this time following the structure of the body, which gave a striking look to the flowing loose design. Kee Boutique followed on with her gorgeous vintage inspired lace and velvet collection. I feel as though the lace topped dress is a signature piece, and one that could be worn more casually during the day and yet glammed up in the evening. Either way the collection was delightful. Naomi Ding’s penultimate collection was tailored to finesse, with special mention to the incredible jump suit in khaki green, which moved beautifully and was finished off with rustic chain detail. Roc and Doll finished the show with a fantastic collection, including a beautifully striking cloak, a daring ‘ripped’ look dress and a divine maxi dress in black, lined with red. These last two collections were certainly among the most daring, mixing high-​end fashion looks with beautifully wearable clothes.
Over all I have to say I was enthralled with the show. The collections were wonderfully designed, each with something unique to offer, all showcasing pieces that you could easily take home and wear with pride. The whole set up of the show itself was incredibly well managed and contributed to creating a truly remarkable event. It was more than a parading of clothes; it was a showcase of talent and passion. Go next year!