BIB A/W12 Charity Fashion Show

Bristol Independent Boutique finale

Two weeks ago (which feels like such a long time!) I was lucky enough to go the Bristol Independent Boutiques A/W Fashion Show which took place at Bristol Folk House. I think Bristol has such an exciting and creative pool of desingers and boutiques, so when I heard that organiser Andree Latibeaudiere was putting the show on, I knew I had to come along to check it out and support the local talent.

So after meeting up with Beautiful Plumage for a couple of pre-show drinks, I headed up to the Bristol Folk House on Park Street for the show. The hall inside the venue was lined with chairs to form a snaking catwalk. The event was in aid of Labour Behind the Label, a charity organisation dedicated to raising awareness of sweatshop workers and fighting for better working conditions.

As you may have guessed, all the participants were either independent Bristol designers or boutiques. Some I’m well acquainted with, such as 71 QueensCox & Baloney and Fix Up Look Sharp. Other labels were a new discovery for me, such as LaGrace Ekall, fox + feather and twentythree Work/Shop. Once the show got underway there was a huge mix of styles and designs, reflecting the diversity of Bristol’s creative scene, from pretty floral dresses to reworked 90s shirts.

Aside from the clothes, a selection of which you can see below, the most striking thing was the hair styling – all victory rolls and 40s curls. The models were all so different in terms of their shape and personal style but it was their expertly crafted hair that helped to tie the show together.

During the show we got chatting to Phobe of 7th Sea on Cheltenham Road, whose collection included quirky moustache covered shirts and glittering skulls. As well as stocking her own designs, Phobe also sells other artists and designers work for a cut of the price – a great idea for budding boutique owners.

The show felt stilted in parts as the announcer and models weren’t in synch – there were often long pauses between each set, but that’s perhaps to be expected for a brand new show. Andree has plans to put on a Spring/Summer event next year and I’m looking forward to how her vision develops.

If you’re a budding designer or think you have skills that could be an asset to this exciting network then check out their Facebook page for more information.

fox and feather blue floral dress
fox + feather blue floral dress
Jumper from Portobella on Cheltenham Road
Jumper from Portobella on Cheltenham Road
Vintage sportswear from 71 Queens
Vintage sportswear from 71 Queens
The Folk House A/W programme and my boots!
The Folk House A/W programme and my boots!
Glittering skulls from 7th Sea
Glittering skulls from 7th Sea
Bristol Independent Boutiques show finale
Bristol Independent Boutiques show finale
I love this gorgeous Cox & Baloney dress
I love this gorgeous Cox & Baloney dress
Monochrome from Pink Lemons boutique
Monochrome from Pink Lemons boutique
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4 Comments

  1. September 30, 2012 / 3:20 pm

    Thank you so much for your lovely comments regarding the hair styling – the models were amazing and pure pleasure to work with.
    Andree Latibeaudiere and her team are a first class act and had the show organised to a very professional standard.
    It was a brilliant event to support such a worthwhile cause.
    Thanks again – from all at Cohesion Hair Salon

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