Silver celebrations for designer Edel McBride

The knitwear maestro is just one of four top designers lined up for an exclusive Fashion Show on Saturday, November 22, alongside Northern Ireland Designer of the Year, Una Rodden, Oliver Doherty and Tamsin Blackbourn - all of whom will be visiting the city for this prestigious event.

The Fashion Show is just one of many events lined up for the city’s first ever Fashion Fest, which is organised by Derry City Council’s Business Opportunities team, with support from Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund.

Be warned, this is no ordinary fashion show. Revellers should bring their dancing shoes, as the evening will conclude on the dance-floor thanks to global club superstars Horse Meat Disco, who will then take to the turntables for some unforgettable dance-floor magic.

One of the city’s best-loved fashion designers, Edel MacBride has become an integral part of the city’s fashion fabric and she is thrilled to be a part of its first dedicated fashion festival.

“It’s something of a silver celebration for us, having opened my first door to the world in 1989 at the Craft Village on Shipquay street, 25 years ago,” Edel said.

“We’ve never stopped creating and making fashion since, it’s been up and down, but there’s an incredible buzz now and it’s great to be part of it.”

Renowned for her stunning, signature designs using traditional craft methods, the modest designer is looking forward to unveiling her latest collection here in the city.

“As a designer I feel at a strong stage of brand evolution and hope I can make it dance on the catwalk on November 22,” Edel said. “Nothing beats a challenge!”

This spectacular Fashion Show at St Columb’s Hall looks set to be one of the hottest tickets in town and fashion fans are urged to book tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Fashion Fest will not only bring top designers to the city, but offers a whole host of event over four days guaranteed to put the city back on the fashion map. There really is something for everyone.

A fascinating Industry Focus Workshop on November 20 will feature industry experts and designers sharing their experience and knowledge.

This daylong workshop includes a local talent trade showcase and offers designers and buyers a valuable insight into the industry. Guests include Wayne Hemingway – Co-founder of Red or Dead and Hemingway Design; Sonya Lennon – Designer, Broadcaster & Tech Start Up Co-Founder; Judith Tolley – CEO, Centre for Fashion Enterprise; Naomh McElhatton RUA Digital; Shalina Alabaksh – Skillsmaze; DANI: Marketing in the Digital Age; Simon Hunter, Hunters Apparel and a Fashion Trends Master class with Janet Holbrook, Peclers Paris.

The city’s historic Cathedral Quarter will play host to dozens of eclectic stalls, pop-up shops and exhibitions during its quirky Vintage Fair over the weekend of November 22-23 – Portobello Road-style.

An Irish Wedding Fashion Showcase will also take place under the spectacular backdrop of St Columb’s Cathedral on Friday, November 21 featuring some of Ireland’s best designers and the latest wedding designs.

Besides all this, a rich programme of workshops, fashion demos and exhibitions will also have the fashion conscious and curious flocking to the city to be part of Fashion Fest.

Our exclusive Fashion Show, featuring Edel MacBride, Una Rodden, Oliver Doherty and Tamsin Blackbourn takes place at St Columb’s Hall on November 22, and admission is £12.00.

To register your interest, apply to take part in Designer Showrooms or book your pitch for the Vintage Fair, please contact: Tara Nicholas on: 028 7136 5151, ext. 6980, or email:[email protected]. For more information on the various events and opportunities arising for Fashion Fest 2014, see: www.derrycity.gov.uk/fashionfest.