Harvey Nichols Blogger Event pt. 1

Harvey Nichols is a brand that can strike fear into the hearts of thrifty fashion hunters. It stocks designers and premium brands that I dream of owning one day; Stella McCartney, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem – swoon! – but although the clothes might be out of my reach, I’m a frequent visitor to the ground floor, which stocks make-up, skincare, accessories and plays home to a Nails Inc Champagne Bar and Strip Wax Bar.

On Saturday I was lucky enough to be invited to the fashion and beauty blogger event at Bristol’s very own Harvey Nichols, and along with 11 other bloggers, I enjoyed a very pampering morning.

The Quakers Friars store is much smaller than its London counterpart and as a result the brands it stocks have been tailored to fit West Country folk. After taking a seat with the other bloggers in the Personal Shopping area we were treated to a presentation on the latest S/S13 trends by Daniel Pollock, head of Womenswear at the Bristol store.

My favourite trend was the OTT prints, closely followed by the colour pop look, but I think my skin is a little too pale for neon yellow right now!

Having come from a position at Selfridges in London, I was eager to hear Daniel’s opinions on fashion in the South West, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Which S/S13 trends do you think will prove most popular with Bristol customers?

Colour Pop is the easiest trend to buy into this season – I say that as it can be as easy as carrying a hot neon pink clutch bag with your normal denim look, It also translates to all demographics as it is as easy to find something on the high street that is bang on trend as it is to buy into the higher end pieces such as Stella McCartney.

Print pants are also going to be one of the favourites this season, as most brands have done their own version, whether it be printed floral denim, or all over print elastic bottom hareem style pants – it’s the obvious way of saying ‘Im buying into all-over print this season!’

What brands are most popular with Bristol customers?

My most popular brand is Helmut Lang – easy relaxed pieces that are intricately cut in the best fabrics, appealing to ladies of all ages and styles. Christian Louboutin are by far the most desired shoe brand in store and we continue to have waiting lists for key styles of the season.

Various different areas around the country are known for having a particular ‘look’- London residents particular are known for having a strong sense of style – how do you think Bristol compares to that?

Bristol, like most cities outside of London, is slower to adopt the key trends and new designers, normally 12-18 months behind what is happening in London. Having said that, with more people travelling socially and with work, as well as greater access to online shopping and style information, the Bristol lady is becoming far more fashion savvy and closing that gap more and more.

Thanks Daniel! The day didn’t end with fashion – pop back tomorrow to read about the second half of the day, and why I heart Space.NK….

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