HullBID Fashion Week kicked off in style today with former London Fashion Week model and local girl Sophie Allen surprising shoppers with ‘flash-mob’ style catwalks around Hull city centre.
Sophie was joined by identical twins, Sophia and Olivia Daly, sporting outfits from city centre retailers including Thieving Harry’s and Topshop. They strutted their stuff outside Hull City Hall, the venue of next weekend’s ultimate catwalk finale, followed by a gaggle of 30 Hull Fashion Week models, age from seven to 57, all dressed in black.
These quirky catwalks continued through the city’s three shopping centres to mark the start of Hull’s most stylish week. Events are being held throughout the next seven days to celebrate all things fashion and encourage shoppers to visit the city centre to explore some of the fantastic shops on offer, from high street chains to small independent retailers.
Sophie, who hails from Hull, but has modelled across the country, including for Vogue and London Fashion Week, is delighted to be involved with Fashion Week in her home town, she said:
“I’m proud to be from Hull and will support it forever, so I was delighted to get involved with Fashion Week. Hull has had it tough for many years, but now people are starting to take notice and I was ecstatic that we won City of Culture; it's just what's needed.
“There is so much talent hidden away in every corner of this city, such a rich history and Hull people are so down to earth and welcoming. For me, Hull is where the heart is!”
16 year-old identical twins, Sophia and Olivia Daly, from Swanland are hoping to break into the modelling world and made their debut today.
Sophia said: “We’re so happy to be part of Fashion Week and can’t wait for the finale event next weekend. We’re from Hull and we’re proud to be representing the city, especially with City of Culture coming up.”
Olivia added: “There’s a real diversity of fashion in Hull, which people don’t always realise. We shop in Hull because there’s such a great range of shops and I hope that Fashion Week attracts more people into the city to find out what’s on offer.”
Hull Fashion Week sees the city centre’s high-street chains, independent boutiques, hairdressers, beauty parlours and more come together to showcase their products across a week long style extravaganza.
One of Hull’s most iconic venues, Hull City Hall, plays host to The Ultimate Catwalk Finale on Saturday 3 May, which includes four major catwalk shows, a vintage market, plenty of FREE fashion and beauty activities and live music and performances. Hosted by BBC Radio Humberside presenter, Lizzie Rose, and up-and-coming northern rapper, Luke ‘Nineties Boy’ Chambers, it’s set to be a stylish-affair.
The full event will also be streamed live in Queen Victoria Square on our superior high quality LED digital screen, sponsored by Hugh Rice the Jewellers.
Along with plenty of style advice and special offers, some of the highlights of the week’s free events are:
Prom Dress Fashion Show/Benefit Product Make-Over
Saturday 26 April, 11am – 12pm & 1 – 2pm
House of Fraser, Ground Floor
Paper Jewellery Workshop
Sunday 27 April, 1 – 3pm
Oresome Gallery & Jewellery Workshops, Humber Street
Beauty Festival and Evening Lock-in, in aid of Dove House
Wednesday 30 April, 6 – 8pm
Debenhams
£5 per ticket (tickets to be purchased in advance from Debenhams or Dove House, Chamberlain Road)
Make Fashion Your Business (Business Breakfast Networking Event)
Thursday 1 May, 7.30 - 8.30am
House of Fraser, in-store cafe
Plus, there is lots happening at each of the city’s shopping centres – Princes Quay, Prospect Centre and St Stephen’s. Not to mention three unique vintage markets during the week, the Hull School of Art and Design Pop Up Shop in Prospect Centre, special offers, rewards and fashion advice. There really is something for everyone. Phew!
For the full programme, go to www.hullfashion.co.uk and for all the latest updates, follow us on Facebook /HullFashionWeek or Twitter @HullFashionWeek
House of Fraser website: www.houseoffraser.co.uk
