The Launch of Leeds Fashion Initiative

This post was meant to have gone live ages ago, but Blogmas came in the way and so did Christmas, the January blues and all that. Anyway, late November last year I was invited to the launch of Leeds Fashion Initiative, including a runway show at The Leeds Museeum. I love a good runway show, as someone walking it or just to sit back and enjoy inspiring fashion so I accepted the invite straight away.

Drinks Reception

On arrival we were shown to the downstairs area of the museum where reception drinks were waiting to be drunk and canapés to be eaten. I didn’t have a clue who all these people were and most of them seemed to already know each other and also looked too important for me to approach. Luckily, Bee from QueenBeady was also there so we kept each other company, having a good catchup. 

I had time for two glasses of champagne (don’t mind if I do) but to be honest, anyone would have, it was so hot in there! The mingle session went on for what seemed like forever, I was eager to see what the runway had to offer and learn more about the incentive and I guess you are now too so let’s swiftly move on.

Leeds Fashion Initiative Launch

The main event was held in the upstairs hall, where each chair was accompanied by massive goodie bags, put together by all sponsors, supporters and brands taking part. What struck me as we entered was the massive screens hanging down from the ceiling. They worked really well throughout the speeches and the actual runway show.

To start off, Judith Blake (Leader of Leeds City Council), Ishwari Thopte (Centre for Fashion Enterprise, CFE) and Adam Jagger (Leeds Fashion Initiative, LFI) talked to us about their passion and reason behind working so hard to bring fashion back to Leeds. It’s time for Leeds to flourish and be seen as a big player in the industry.

London would naturally be the go to city but with Leeds Fashion Initiative and Burberry setting up camp here, I’m confident Leeds will be a big UK player from now on. There’s room for new designers, established brands and independent retailers. All speeches were really inspirational so I’m very proud to have been invited to witness the launch.

LFI Runway Show

On the night, so many brands showed off their creativity and fabulous designs. Established brands such as J.Lindeberg, Sunspel, local brands such as Able Elba, Blue Rinse and many more. The models kept coming out, for what seemed like a high paced and non-stop runway show, with amazing, fun and colourful designs.

The male models were wearing a mix of fun tailored suits as well as more subtle and all around wearable designs. There was a great mix of the women’s fashion too, some clothes I would never wear myself (like the lace) but still fell in love with.

I love how everything on a catwalk work so incredibly well, but wonder how it would actually work in real life. The fringed gold skirt was an instant hit with everyone and I loved the olive green and mustard yellow dress as much! I was snap happy but have collected the best images and my favourite designs. Enjoy!

Brands and designers involved

Did you attend the Leeds Fashion Initiative Launch? What do you think about Leeds becoming a more prominent city when it comes to fashion? I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and I can’t wait to see what else LFI has planned for the future. Thank you for the invite!

Jennie xx