St Albans’ style stakes were raised high at the start of the month as Fashion Week made a glamorous entrance into the city, with all ticketed events swiftly selling out.

On Monday event director Ellena Ophira released around 200 bright pink balloons to kick off the inaugural event along with the Mayor of St Albans Cllr Annie Brewster and a selection of retailers taking part.

Then the district’s men scored the first taste of the fashion extravaganza with a wet shave seminar at the Alternative Barber shop on George Street in the evening.

Thift-seekers and bargain-hunters got their fix the following day at a charity Swap Shop in the Town Hall, where one garment could be switched for another to ensure residents were looking their best for the seven-day celebration.

Putting clothes aside, beauty demonstrations peppered the heart of the city with free skincare advice on offer at The Skin Clinic and hair master-classes at Sarah Iovane throughout the afternoon and evening.

Wednesday brought the night-time alive with side-splitting stories of time spent working at a fashion agency as local author of Confessions of a Fashionista Angela Clarke hosted a dinner and reading of her book at Darcy’s restaurant in Hatfield Road.

The packed event set the tone for the rest of the week as Angela wowed fans and glamazons alike with her candid tales of supermodels, champagne parties, and world-famous designers.

Today, tomorrow’s stars of the catwalk take to Christopher Place to showcase the latest in childrenswear at a street-style fashion show, while the evening heralds city-wide discounts in participating stores.

Friday welcomes a John Lewis style guru to the city for a master-class and lunch at Brasserie Blanc, before the pinnacle of the week – the sold out Cathedral Fashion Show.

Director Ellena said: “I am so proud of the week so far. Everyone has thrown themselves into it and that is all I could have hoped for. Ticketed events have all sold out and those lucky enough to have a ticket for the show were in for a real treat. The models have all been practising hard and are ready to strut the longest catwalk in the country.

“The staging, lighting and sound elements are coming together and people will not be prepared for how magnificent the Abbey will look. And, the goodie bags have some amazing treats inside!”

Those who have missed out on attending the fashion show need not worry, as a few tickets for the Gatsby Glamour-inspired St Albans Fashion and Beauty awards and closing ceremony are still available.

For more information on the events or to purchase remaining tickets visit Allaboutstalbans.com or http://stalbansfashionweek.com