OFW 2011 - The Article

Here's the article I wrote for the Oxford Journal, a cut down version will appear in the paper and online at http://www.oxfordjournal.co.uk/

Last Monday, the events for the third Oxford Fashion Week (OFW) kicked off with exclusive late night shopping at some of the best high street retailers including Gap, French Connection and Reiss.

Guest were treated to a taster of what the rest of the week had in store, which included fashion debates, boutiques, a photography exhibition and a whole host of glamorous shows including the renowned Couture show, drawing guests and press from all over Oxford and the country. This year’s fashion celebrations have been the biggest and best yet, with the week still in it’s infancy, it seems to expand and excel each year.

The face of OFW 2011, stunning 19 year old Emma Appleton, from Witney, told the Journal how excited she was to be a part of the week: “I got cast for the lingerie show last year and loved it,” so naturally she was thrilled when she was chosen out of hundreds of hopefuls to front the whole week.

The events took place in a range of landmark venues around the city including The Regal, the O3 Gallery, and The Living Room, concluding on Saturday at the prestigious Oxford Examination Schools, which was the perfect backdrop for the theatrical Couture Show. Models swayed down the run way in breath-taking gowns and striking Cruella-like black lipstick, all to a fitting dark and moody soundtrack. Hair and makeup for the week was provided by London Muse Makeup and Mahogany Hair.

Designer Emelia Penny, who showcased pieces from her feminine, vintage inspired range La La Loula, in the lingerie show at Malmaison said: “I think it’s a really good platform for young designers, I’m only 20 myself. It’s really good for Oxford and the community here, and anyone interested in fashion.”

Although the main body of the week is over, any fashionistas still hungry for a taste of the action, will be pleased to know that there are 2 more events due to take place over the coming weeks, in the form of The Ethical Fashion Gig  on March 17th and The Oxford Style Show on March 19th. For more information visit the official website at this address: http://www.oxfordfashionweek.co.uk/home

The creative director and co-founder of the week Carl Anglim, who announced that this year would be his final, has been key part of OFWs phenomenal growth since the start of the project in 2009; it can now boast 18 events, 25 partners and thousands of attendees. “Creating and leading Oxford Fashion Week has been an incredible experience. I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of fantastically passionate and hard-working people.” Carl feels humbled by the amount of support that OFW has received and has no doubt that the week will continue to flourish, “I will be setting up the team that will take Oxford Fashion Week forward and there is still so much space for it to grow; what is clear is that Oxford Fashion Week has really only just begun."