On a beautiful bright, sunny morning last week I took the train to York to take part in York Fashion Week 2023 (Part two). I first heard about York Fashion Week last year but didn’t manage to get to it, so this year I was adamant that I was going to make the most of it given I only live half an hour away! The event took place between 28.09.2023 - 02.10.2023 and consisted of a multitude of workshops, fashion shows, pop ups, masterclasses and more across the city. All aimed at showcasing York as a focal point for fashion, design, retail and creative expression in the North of England.
My first stop, and really my base for the rest of that day, was Browns department store on Davygate in the centre of town. If you don’t know it, Browns is an independent, family-owned shop which, amazingly, dates back to 1890! It sells everything from men’s and women’s fashion to beauty to lovely items for the home.
Following a quick look round and being tempted by a gorgeous handbag in the accessories section, I found the first workshop I had booked onto which was on bra fitting on the first floor. After settling down with a cup of tea and pastries, Paulene Leese, of the lingerie brand Wacoal (owner of Fantasie, Freya, etc) took us through a really informative talk on everything to do with bras. Its so important to wear the correct size as it can affect your back, your posture, your shoulders and neck and ultimately your confidence. Paulene talked through lots of tips and techniques from how to get the perfect fit, how different types of fabrics and designs help with support, to how to wash and dry your bra (PS don’t put it in the washing machine and hang it up from the middle between the cups and not by the straps!). We were then given the opportunity to have a free bra fitting and shop the lingerie section of Browns with a 10% discount!
I had a quick lunch in town and then wondered around the shops searching out some of the ‘Live Mannequins’ that were installed in store windows as part of another York Fashion Week installation. I managed to get a picture of some in Browns and another one in Hobbs.
The next stop was a YSL makeup masterclass with Helen Shaw who was winner of the YSL Consultant of the Year 2023. This was a lovely, relaxed session where we were treated to a glass of bubbly, macarons and an insight into some of the gorgeous YSL products including the Lash Clash mascara, the Blur Primer and the Lip and Cheek Balmy Tint. Helen did the make up for a very willing volunteer whilst talking us through the techniques she was using and answering questions. I was sorely tempted to completely update my make up bag with lots of shiny new products but restricted myself to just a mascara!
The last event of my day was the Browns Autumn / Winter Fashion show. Taking place on the first floor of the store, we were all able to sit in the ‘FROW’ (😉)and watch an edit of A/W pieces from various brands such as Ralph Lauren, Whistles, First Avenue, Ted Baker, Joe Brown and Gant. It was great to see the clothes modelled on a range of different body types and also to get ideas on how they could all be styled. Its so much better to see a garment on an actual body rather than a mannequin or just a hanger, as you get more of an appreciation about how it moves and hangs or drapes around the figure. I really enjoyed the show and it gave me lots of ideas and inspiration for my new season dressmaking plans. One of my favourite pieces was a forest green trench coat and that was closely followed by a scarlet shirt dress. There were definitely some trends emerging to take note of: beautiful embriodery, sheer fabrics, satin and the colour red.
The next day I returned to York and visited the York Fashion Week Pop-Up at Spark. Held in one of their upstairs units, there was a collection of stalls from independent brands showing their clothes and accessories. From handmade garments made with beautiful, repurposed fabrics to vintage pieces, brightly coloured clothes in African wax prints, to official YFW apparel and handmade jewellery. It was a great opportunity for these indie designers to present their work and highlight their businesses. On the way back through town I managed to spot another ‘live mannequin’ in Hobbs shop window in a smart green tartan dress which drew York Fashion Week to a close for me!
All in all, I really enjoyed the events I went to, I met some lovely people and it was great to get involved and feel part of the week. Sadly there were several fashion shows that I wasn’t able to get to like the Student and Graduate Show at York Art Gallery and the Contemporary Fashion Show at Jalou but I hope to be able to visit these next year. York Fashion Week runs twice a year and I’ve already got my eye out for the YFW Announcements for 2024!
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