St Albans proved its style credentials with its first ever fashion extravaganza last week, as the event’s director revealed next year’s stylish seven-day event will be even bigger and better.

Fashion week founder Ellie Ophira said of the epic cathedral fashion show: “There are no words to describe how I felt watching the show on Friday. I have been thinking about, planning, working on the detail individually for months and months, but when it all came together, in our magnificent cathedral, I thought my heart would burst with pride. It looked spectacular, just as I had dreamed it would and it ran so beautifully, thanks to my incredible team.”

The glamorous St Albans resident added: “All the hard work was worth it, to see the community coming together, working together, to produce something collectively that we could all be so proud of. I feel honoured that so many people believed in my project, trusted me wholeheartedly and are already asking me about next year. I can’t believe it’s over, I miss it already.

“I have got to know amazing volunteers, models, creatives, retailers and the team at the Abbey more closely and now I look at my city through completely different eyes. It’s bursting with great people who are ambitious and gifted, something to really be proud of.

The successful week looks as though it will have more shows and events next year, as Ellie explained: “I’d like a street style catwalk show, a bigger children’s show and a whole show dedicated to promoting up and coming local talent for sure. Much larger pop ups too are on the cards, as well as more masterclasses from pros!

Patron of the fashion week , the Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Annie Brewster, said: “The experience of St Albans Fashion Week certainly changed my own perceptions of shopping choice by demonstrating the vast range of designers, independent boutiques and impressive fashion chain stores we have in St Albans City and District.

“I am also very proud of the exceptional standard of fashion design being produced by local students at Oaklands College and the University of Hertfordshire.

“Reflecting our theme ‘Heritage to High Street’, the stunning Fashion Week events spectacularly celebrated our contemporary and historic assets by being held in the, generously donated, Old Town Hall and St Albans Cathedral.

“Both these magnificent buildings are bidding to win Heritage Lottery Funding for much needed improvements and I am thrilled our own fabulous beauty and fashion industry have got behind these vital St Albans projects.”