St Albans Fashion Week 2016: Herts Ad preview

A week of fashion-fuelled events will grace the district again this autumn as St Albans Fashion Week (SAFW) returns for the fourth year running.

From October 24-30 the city will welcome flurries of fashionistas hoping to make the best of what the style scene has to offer.

Fashion lovers are gearing up for the six days of events tailored to suit every kind of enthusiast, with tickets set to go on sale from September 16.

More than 100 local businesses are to take part and the trend-setting St Albans Cathedral Catwalk will feature not once, but twice for the second year in a row.

Angela Buttolph, editor at large at Grazia magazine, was in the front row last year. She said: “St Albans Fashion Week could teach the world’s fashion capitals a thing or two about diversity - it was great to see models of all sizes and ages on the catwalk. A seriously fun night out.”

The show, which features the longest indoor catwalk in the UK, will take place on the Thursday (27) and Friday (28) and host a variety of independent and high street fashion retailers.

The team at SAFW have also teamed up with Hertford Regional College as part of their ‘Creative Next Generation’ scheme, and the catwalk will showcase pieces created by students.

Student Karnell Murray, 19, took part last year and will be again this year. He said: “Last year was the most amazing experience of my life; I was so happy to be a part of St Albans Fashion Week and I hope to slay the stage this year.”

Super Shopping Saturday (29) will be returning once again where retailers from across the district will be offering a host of discounts and special perks for shoppers. Vicky Taylor, SAFW events director, said: “It is a great time to pick up any looks which you fell in love with at the Cathedral Catwalk show the nights before, with many retailers set to see a staggering surge in sales as a result of showcasing at the Cathedral.”

Other events to keep an eye out for include in-store styling masterclasses and shopping parties, and a showing of fashion flick The First Monday in May at the Odyssey Cinema.

This year SAFW organisers have chosen cerebral palsy charity Starscope to benefit from the week.

There will be a charity luncheon at Brasserie Blanc, giving people the chance to donate while they dine.

Ellena Ophira, SAFW founder and organiser, said: “We’re so excited to be back for our fourth year. Each year the demand gets greater, so we want to give as many people a chance to take part.”

She continued: “The whole journey’s been a dream for me and we’re thrilled so many people love taking part and attending. It’s been a real pleasure so far and we’re continually overwhelmed by people’s continued support and enthusiasm for SAFW, in particular our supportive sponsors.”

A host of local sponsors supporting this year’s SAFW include The Skin to Love Clinic, legal firm Debenhams Ottaway, Poggenpohl Kitchens, Total Care Fitness and beauty sponsors Bare Minerals, The Alternative Barbering Co. and Steve Lupton Hairdressing.

For more information and tickets click here.