Chester hits the Catwalk
Models, designers and retailers will hit the catwalk as Chester Fashion Fortnight kicks off this week. More than 50 Chester retailers will be offering special fashion offers across the city from Saturday September 13. The search has also begun for the Face of Chester 2008, which is being held at The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel for the second year running.
The event will at the St John Street based Hotel on Wednesday September 17 at 7pm, where the winning male and female will win a one year contract with international modelling agency Boss Model Management, including a makeover and professional photography for their portfolios worth £300.
Twenty finalists will be shortlisted from hundreds of entrants for the Face of Chester 2008, where finalists will take part in a catwalk show and model clothes from the best fashion retailers in the city. Hair styling on the night will be by Soul Hair, of Watergate Row, Chester.
Last year’s winners of the Face of Chester were Katriona Vowles, 19, and Tom Hill, 23, who have gone on to glittering international careers, taking Chester to the world as they jet set across the globe. The 2006 winners were Liam Collins, 28, and Jess Miller, 16; Liam appeared in a TV commercial for Sky Sports and Jess has had interest from agencies in Japan.
Stephen Wundke, Chester City Coordinator, said:
“The atmosphere at The Face of Chester is electric, as a packed crowd sees models of the future hit the catwalk, as well as seeing haute couture up close from the next generation of fashion designers.
Winning this title really sets these young models on their way; we would encourage anyone who is interested and would like to pursue a career in modelling to enter.
It is fantastic that the people of Chester can enjoy the latest catwalk chic coupled with the profusion of participating small boutiques and high street stores in the city at this year”s Chester Fashion fortnight."
The Chester Young Photographer of the Year will also be crowned at the Face of Chester event. Each finalist will get the chance to display their entries. Competitors should have less than two years of experience within the industry, as the judges are hoping to find new and creative talent. The winner will get the opportunity to work on a professional photo shoot with models under the supervision of a top professional photographer.
Chester’s Fashion 2008 forms an important part of Chester Festivals and is organised on behalf of Chester City Management and CHARISMA, with support from Visit Chester & Cheshire, Creative Industries Support Project (CRISP), The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, The Forum Shopping Centre, HSBC, Marketing Projects PR and Chester Festivals.
Tickets for the Face of Chester cost £10, including a welcome drink and canapés; goody bags will be supplied by Debenhams. Booking is essential. For tickets or to enter The Face of Chester 2008 or the Chester Young Photographer of the Year, call: 01244 350233 or alternatively for tickets email: paula.bullock@macdonald-hotels.co.uk
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PHOTOS (300dpi plus), PRESS OFFICE & REGULAR UPDATES at
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/chester-fashion-2008 last year"s photos & highlights http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/chester-fashion-2007
In its third year, the Chester Fashion Fortnight now spans from 13th to the 27th September and coincides with London"s Fashion Week, which Chester will complement with equally prestigious events and some famous faces.
Chester Fashion Fortnight 2008 main events:
- Sat. 13th September – Chester Retail Offers Start – more than 50 special Fashion offers will be available throughout this fortnight.
- Wed. 17th September – The Face of Chester @ The MacDonald New Blossoms Hotel, St John Street, Chester CH1 1HL, 7:30pm. Tickets £10. The search has already begun. Boss Model Management judge the evening where 20 finalists model clothes from Chester fashion retailers. The professionals then award one female and one male The Face of Chester 2008. The winners receive a one year contract with Boss and their very own haircut, makeover and photo shoot to create their own portfolio worth £300! Young Photographer of the Year is also awarded.
- Thurs. 18th September – Two Woman Fashion Show @ Forum Shopping Centre, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm.
- Thurs. 18th September – Fashion Show @ Eaton Hall, Eccleston, 7pm. Tickets £25. Includes a champagne reception and canapes.
- Fri. 19th September – Two Woman Fashion Show @ Forum Shopping Centre, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm.
- Sat. 20th September & Sun. 21st September – Fashion for All. Chester Fashion delivers fashion to the streets of Chester! 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
Featuring the retailers that make this city and showing the very best we have on offer. Many different ranges to suit all ages and personalities, this will create an exhilarating atmosphere on the streets of Chester.
- Mon. 22nd – Wed. 24th Sept. – A Model in the Making, Grosvenor Shopping Centre
A competition for models other than the Fashion Industry"s standard size 8. Organisers are looking for a model who is representative of real people, wearing real clothes.
- Tue. 23rd September – Young Designer of the Year @ Cruise Nightclub, 7:30pm. Ticket £10 includes canapés and wine reception. The battle is on between Mid Cheshire and West Cheshire Colleges to find the Young Designer of the Year.
- Thurs. 25th September – Perfect Pins @ Castle Galleries, 6 – 8pm. Sponsor: Cruise Handbags, Upper Bridge Street, Chester.
Professional artist Simon Claridge is to paint a live model whilst you watch and unveil the finished painting at the Castle Gallery where guests can enjoy a champagne, canapé reception and fashion show.
- Friday 26 September – Live Windows. Grosvenor Shopping Centre
Back by popular demand and making fashion fun, models around the city will replace mannequins in shop windows to show off the hottest seasonal looks with a difference!
- Sat. 27th September – Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fashion Show
Three shows featuring labels from the Centre. Each will demonstrate how to wear the chosen garments and display inspirational ideas to accessorise them.
This is only a snapshot of key events – more information available.
London Fashion Week was established in 1993 and runs from September 14 to 19, 2008.
For more information on Chester Fashion Fortnight please visit: www.visitchester.com/festivals
Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705
Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370
MARKETING PROJECTS Tel: 01244 330000
Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk
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