FREE FASHION SHOWS BRING FABULOUS SPRING STYLE TO THE HEART OF THE CITY
Fashionistas from Bristol and beyond will be heading to Cabot Circus this April for a series of free fashion shows presenting the hottest trends for Spring and Summer.
Taking place under the Cabot Circus glass roof on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April, the ‘Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Show’ will feature the latest looks from the new collections available from stores in the centre.
And, with outfits from high-street to high-end, the catwalk will showcase something for every budget and taste – whether you want to indulge your feminine side with pretty florals, grab attention with this season’s acid brights or spice it up a bit with the latest Miami trends.
As the weekend of free fashion shows begins, savvy shoppers will be able to enjoy some fantastic discounts and offers at many of Cabot Circus’ stores and restaurants.
Visitors can also indulge in free treatments at the ‘pamper lounges’, where experts from House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Sanctuary Spa, Seanhanna and the Body Shop will be on-hand to treat shoppers and talk through the latest hair and beauty trends.
Shoppers can also get inspiration from fabulous clothes and brilliant beauty buys that will be showcased in glass display cases dotted around Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars.
Retailers that will be featured in the Fashion Show include House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, French Connection, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Next, River Island, Bank, New Look, Reiss and Warehouse – and many more.
Local street dance company Hype – which has previously won awards including the World Street Dance Championships and worked with artists Neyo and Sean Paul – will be participating in the fashion show this year for the first time. Young members from the Bristol-based dance crew will be turning their hand to modeling for the day as they strut their stuff on the catwalk for a special childrenswear show at 5pm on Saturday.
The Cabot Circus Fashion Show are being presented by JP, one of London’s hottest stylists, who will give even the most fashion reluctant a nudge in the right direction to fulfil their style potential.
SHOWTIMES:
SATURDAY 21 APRIL
Cabot Circus (level 1, outside House of Fraser)
11.30am / 12:30pm / 1:30pm / 2:30pm / 3:30pm / 4:30pm
Children’s Fashion Show with Hype: 5pm
SUNDAY 22 APRIL
Cabot Circus (level 1, outside House of Fraser)
12pm / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm / 4pm
Spring / Summer trends 2012
ELECTRIC ECLECTIC
If you want to make a bold statement, vibrant, acid bright colours are huge this year. This is a trend that you can’t tone down so it’s all about mixing colours together – not for shrinking violets. Put together pinks, blues, yellows and greens for a new take on last year’s colour blocking trend. If clashing isn’t your thing but you still like this look, try it with denim, which will give you a flavour of the trend.
FLEUR-TY PRINTS
Spring is when nature comes alive, and this is reflected this season. Summer is looking hot with colour prints – from vintage-inspired florals, to luscious paradise islands and tropical flowers. Whether you go for floaty, structured or somewhere in between, achieve this look by embracing the traditional and injecting it with the right amount of attitude. There is only one rule with this trend – the bigger and bolder the print the better!
Oscars 2012: Red carpet trends
The lives of Hollywood stars are full of glitzy awards and glamorous premiers, but nothing compares to the biggest awards show on earth – The Oscars.
The Oscars are the chance for stars to firmly place themselves at the forefront of red carpet fashion, or in some cases create a little stir with a flamboyant take on Oscars attire – we all remember the Bjork ensemble circa 2001 (eeek!).
We have trawled through the unending amount of opulent gowns and sultry suits of the 2012 Oscars to bring you some of the hottest trends directly from the red carpet, and this year the stars haven’t failed to disappoint!
Ladies in red
Women of the Oscars were not afraid of matching their dress to the red carpet at the awards this year, with a number of red dresses gracing the ceremony – our favourites were Michelle Williams in a strapless tulle Louis Vuitton gown, and Natalie Portman in a vintage dress from the Dior archives (1954).
Walking Oscars
You need to have a lot of gusto to don a gold frock – but the starlets who braved the image did it in style, including lady of the awards Meryl Streep in Lanvin, and Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain.
White isn’t just for Weddings
Romance hit the red carpet this year with a sea of whites and ivories. Floor-length white gowns were hauled out of the wedding stereotype and pushed to the forefront of Hollywood style. Rooney Mara looked positively angelic in a gorgeous gown from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. Our favourite dress award must go to Gwyneth Paltrow, who hit the style nail on the head in a no-fuss Tom Ford caped dress –what a knockout!
Sexy starlets
Effortlessly sexy isn’t something many people have got, but of course Angeline Jolie is an exception to the rule in Atelier Versace.
Hollywood of old
Some dresses are exceptions to style rules, and are beautiful just as they are! Milla Jovovich looked absolutely stunning (and so she should!), and Kate Mara oozed 1920’s couture, both in Elie Saab – doing what he does best.
Here come the boys!
As well as beautiful women in exceptional gowns, our hats go off to the men of Hollywood in their tuxedos - and here are some of our favourite beaus of the ball!
Red Carpet Fashion
So silent film The Artist proved to be one of the winners at the 69th annual Golden Globes Awards, but there were also winners and losers on the red carpet. Kicking off the film awards season, The Golden Globes is THE first chance in the awards season for stars to shine and showcase their style credentials – and last night saw some truly stunning looks, with many opting for bright tones or ivory gowns.
We loved Angelina’s dress – adding her own unique style to the classic nude tone with flashes of scarlett. And the 40′s ruffle detail is bang on trend too.
Michelle Williams flew the flag for colour and neatly incorporated the velvet trend too…
To get the red carpet look on a more realistic budget, Coast – available at House of Fraser in Cabot Circus has some great show-stopping gowns like this ‘Savannah’ maxi dress, £195.
Monsoon also have some great styles, like this ‘Honeysuckle’ dress for £160. Glamorous yet won’t break the bank!
A/W Photoshoot
We’ve been busy over the last few weeks shooting our winter brand campaign – here’s a taster of the photos that will soon be appearing in the magazines, newspapers and outdoor! All items featured are available from Bristol’s Cabot Circus now.
House of Fraser Fashion Show
To kick off the Cabot Circus A/W Fashion Tour, House of Fraser is holding an exclusive fashion evening at the Showcase Cinema De Lux on Thursday, 22nd September.
Guests will be treated to a fashion show of key A/W trends, featuring brands such as Biba, Pied a Terre and Label Lab all presented by top London stylist JP. Style advisors will be on hand to give advice on what to wear for your body shape and guests will also be welcomed with complimentary drinks and canapés, and sent home with a luxury goodie bag.
Tickets cost £5 and are available from House of Fraser (level 1 Buy and Collect desk) and the Cabot Circus Information Desk. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Get your tickets before they all go!
A/W Trend Report
Cabot Circus will be welcoming the new season in stunning style with a weekend of free catwalk shows on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, celebrating the hottest trends from the latest collections.
The ‘Autumn/Winter Fashion Tour’ is being held in association with the British Fashion Council and will bring together the best of the high-street and designer brands to showcase leading looks from the new season.
To give you a taste of what is to come on the catwalk, here are some of the key trends hitting the shops now for the autumn/winter season:
1. Heritage
Ladies it’s time to don your barber jackets, riding boots and cable knits, and embrace the great outdoors… heritage chic is back for autumn winter 2011.
What to wear: Tweed, tartan and herringbone
Where to wear: Weekend in the countryside
Get the look: Venetia Pussy Bow Blouse £45, Harley Hacking Jacket £85, Bea Babycord Short £35, Illinois tote £120, Dallas boots £65, Monsoon
2. Fetish
Thanks to celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, corsets and leather are at the height of fashion and will be hitting the shops this season.
What to wear: The key colour is black, of course
Where to wear: A night out with the girls
Get the look: Black leather top, £120, House of Fraser, black shorts, £75 from House of Fraser. Tan leather clutch, £95 from Pied a Terre at House of Fraser.
3. Boy/girl look
Sick of summer dresses and light floral patterns? If so the ‘borrowed from the boys’ look is one for you this season. The more structured fabrics and cuts will be perfect for the colder weather, and this look is a sure way to be taken seriously and command attention.
What to wear: Oversized blazers, ankle grazing trouser and loafers
Where to wear: Shopping or in the office
Get the look: shirt, £28, cerise trousers, £38, shoes, £55, Topshop
4. Swinging sixties
The sixties look is going to be huge this season, from graphic printed shifts to jewel coloured tunics and mod coats. All you need now is big hair and a scooter.
What to wear: A-line shift dress
Where to wear: A night out or to dinner
Get the look: Dress, £70, leopard clutch, £45, leather gloves, £28, Warehouse
5. Jewel box colours
This summer we saw an explosion of colour enter our wardrobes and as we approach autumn there are no signs of this fading. With fushia, orange, emerald, colbolt and purple leading the colour parade, you will not fail to stand out this winter.
What to wear: Rock a block colour dress, contrast with brights heels to accentuate a plain outfit, or easiest of all, throw on a coat in a bright shade
Where to wear: Christmas party or to work
Get the look: Dress, £14.99, H&M
He’s back!
Gok Wan and his Channel 4 team will be bringing ’Gok’s Clothes Roadshow’ to Cabot Circus in September – he loved it so much in January that he’s coming back already! Last time thousands of shoppers came to show their support as he filmed the ‘high-street / designer catwalk face off’ and he was so impressed that he’s coming back for more.
As part of the new series, Gok is currently looking for a group of three women that feel that they are in need of a wardrobe re-vamp – you don’t have to be clueless about fashion, you might just be stuck in a rut or feel that you wear the same outfits all the time. If you fancy being made over by the nation’s favourite fashionista get in touch with the production team asap!
If you’re keen to be involved in the show but feel you’re already savvy in the style stakes, the team would also love to hear from you – they are looking for groups of six friends to become ‘road testers’ and put the latest trends to the test on the show.
Contact the production team asap for an application form on gokmakeover@endemoluk.com or call 0333 577 7776 if you fancy finding out more…
The show will be filmed at Cabot Circus on 7 September and everyone is invited to attend.
New stores for Cabot Circus
We’re delighted to welcome two new stores to Cabot Circus – firstly Pandora, which has just opened on Brigstowe Street (near Next) and the soon-to-be-open Mango, which will also be located on Brigstowe Street.
Pandora’s modular designs offer easily interchangable part and allow you to select charms, bracelets, necklaces or beads for a variable look - giving you a classic option or tailored to your own personal style.
Pandora charm bracelet
Also coming soon is Mango, which like Zara is a Spanish fashion giant and a shop that we love. Until the store opens at the end of August, here’s an image from one of their recent campaigns…
MyStreetChic sets World Record at Cabot Circus!
At Cabot Circus, we were delighted to host an event to mark the launch of new street-style inspired website MyStreetChic.com recently, and even more pleased that the team managed to set the World Record for the highest number of topknot hairstyles in one day!
The MyStreetChic team made fashion history with a little help from our experts at Cabot Circus, with Robin James Salon stylists on hand to create the hair, alongside make up artists from Bobbi Brown (both brands are based at House of Fraser). Sanctuary Spa - based in Quakers Friars - also provided shoppers with mini manicures and feel-good treats to ensure they went away feeling glam and relaxed.
Have a look at highlights from the day here – and check out the MyStreetChic website soon, it contains heaps of fashion and beauty advice and features and shows how real people are interpreting the latest trends around the country.
Festival Fashion
Festival season is almost upon us, with the mother of all festivals, Glastonbury, set to kick things off in style next week!
However festival fashion can be tricky – especially when the weather is sunny one minute and pouring on us the next! What to pack eh? Our advice is to take lots of layers so you can wrap up warm when you need to and then strip off to make the most of the sunshine when the sun comes out. And make sure you pack both wellies and flip flops, of course.
Here’s our tips to help you stay looking stylish, come rain or shine…
Feathers and Playsuits!
Want to stand out in a crowd? You certainly won’t get lost in this feature headdress by Bitching and Junkfood at Urban Outfitters! Guaranteed to brighten up any outfit.
Playsuits look fab with tights or leggings and wellies, making sure you still look great even if it is muddy. We love this printed number from Ted Baker, which is now reduced to £60, from £119.
Hat & Sunglasses
You’ll definitely need a hat and some sunglasses if the weather is kind to us. Just how cute are this pair from Urban Outfitters? And at £16, they won’t break the bank either…
This year it’s all about the oversized hat, and this cream one from Warehouse will go with everything.
Shorts and Waistcoat
Take inspiration from Kate Moss and invest in a tasseled waistcoat for an on-trend rock-chick look, and wear with a great pair of denim shorts. If there’s one ‘must have’ festival fashion item, denim shorts are probably it! Ideal with a flowery top and sandals in the heat, equally as good with wellies.
Now only £20, this waistcoat is a steal from Label Lab at House of Fraser:
Coral is one of our favourite colours this year - love these shorts from Topshop!
Wellies!
Wellies are a must – thankfully the fashion world has cottoned on to this in recent years and you can now get them in a myriad of colours and styles, meaning you can be practical yet stylish. Perfect! We’re in love with this cobalt blue pair from Hunter, available in Topshop.
Matthew Williamson teams up with Accessorize
Iconic British designer Matthew Williamson has created a bracelet with Accessorize to raise money for charity.
50% of the profit will be donated to The Monsoon Accessorize Trust, helping disadvantaged women and children in Asia, with the other 50% going to Too Many Women, which aids Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
The bracelet will retail in Accessorize for £15 and we love the colourful threads and ten golden charms. Cute, quirky and all in aid of a great cause!
The Big Student Takeover!
Students from across Bristol are set to descend on Cabot Circus on Thursday (12 May) for the Big Student Takeover – a one-off shopping event with over 50 retailers offering discounts of up to 20%.
As well as getting money off, there will be lots of freebies incuding goodie bags, drinks and competitions in many of the stores.
Over 50 retailers throughout Cabot Circus will be hosting exclusive discounts for students, with price reductions in selected shops and restaurants ranging from 10 to 50%. Urban Outfitters and Schuh will be offering students a 15% discount, while American Apparel, Cult Clothing, French Connection, Republic and River Island will be slashing prices by 20% just for the night. There will also be lots of in-store entertainment on offer with DJ’s and bands performing.
Students need to register in Quakers Friars where they will receive an all-access pass that will enable them to take advantage of the offers available in store. To ensure registration students will need to bring their student ID.
For further information and to see a full list of the retailers taking part, visit www.cabotcircus.com.
Summer workwear
Getting ready for work can be tricky in the summer – how to you prepare for all weather scenarios and look stylish yet professional in the office?
Tapered trousers are versatile and work on most body types and the loose fit means you’ll be comfortable and cool at work. The cropped length allows you to show off a fantastic pair of shoes too – sounds like a bonus to us! This coral pair from Topshop are perfect for the summer and the colour is right on trend too.
This ruched blouse from All Saints is a great choice for the office and looks fab tucked into tapered or tailored trousers or a fitted skirt. Everyone should have a good blouse in their summer wardrobe and this All Saints number will look perfect with this seasons nude tones.
Sometimes you need a killer dress and one of our favourites is this fitted style from L.K. Bennett – smart, stylish and flattering. We love the tan colour and think it would look fabulous with nude or tan heels.
Finally, offering the perfect slouch factor, this Warehouse drapped jacket is smart enough for the office, but perfect for the weekend too. Wear over light or dark tones; either way you’ll look great.
New Heights
This season, statement heels are bigger, brighter and better than ever before! As most of you will know, 70′s inspired pieces are huge for the spring, and that includes shoes. This season, expect to find lots of earthy-toned wooden platforms (and sliver gladiator-style heels) in stores. We love chunky heels because they can be easily dressed up or down, making them a versatile investment.
As seen on the catwalk at our Fashion Weekender, colour blocking is officially one of the biggest trends in town this year. But don’t just think about opting for dresses and blouses – colour is available from top to toe! Whether you opt for full colour blocking or add bright heels to a neutral outfit to add an eye catching element, there are plenty of options in the shops right now. And this summer, don’t be afraid to team colours that you have been traditionally told will clash!
Here’s some of our favourites:
Spring in the air at the Fashion Weekender
First of all – a huge thank you to everyone that came to our Fashion Weekender last week! And what a fabulous few days it was, with retailers from across Cabot Circus showcasing the best of the new season.
2011 really does seem to be the year of colour – the brighter the better - with colour blocking shown all over the designer catwalks and now hitting the high street with gusto.
Zara nailed the trend during its scene at the Fashion Weekender – the perfect clashing of colours. All items are available at Cabot Circus.
Nudes were another key trend shown on the catwalk, with both Harvey Nichols and LK Bennett dedicating a scene to the look. We loved the slinky fabrics and tailoring, paired with minimal accessories for a chic and flattering look. Gorgeous clothes from Harvey Nichols during the last show of the day on Saturday:
Gypsy and seventies – and plenty of denim – were also shown by several of the retailers including Next, Dorothy Perkins and Warehouse. We particularly loved Dorothy Perkins take on Spring / Summer – wide legged flattering trousers, chiffon blouses and wide brimmed hats at the ready.
For anyone that missed the Fashion Weekender, here’s a video of Sunday’s shows for extra style inspiration…
Shades of Spring
Spring has officially sprung and after a cold and long winter, we’ve been really excited to see all of the new styles appearing in the shops. It’s now time to forget functional fashion and embrace the new season trends – and with our Fashion Weekender taking place on Saturday and Sunday (which is free for all to attend) there will be plenty of inspiration on offer. Here’s a sneak preview of some of the key trends that will appear on the catwalk this weekend…
Colour Block
Stunning neon and jewel hues dazzled on the catwalk this season. Our tip is to wear it in bold designs and make sure it’s eye-poppingly bright. Here’s a few of our favourites:
70s Glamour
Vintage has been a key theme over the past few years and this season 1970′s is making fashion waves. Key looks? Flowing jumpsuits, flared jeans and must-have platforms.
Neutrals
Whether it’s soft off-white, creamy beige, or rich biscuit, the new neutral fashions use strong textures and structure to add sophisticated style.
Don’t forget the Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender this coming weekend – Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April – where you can see these trends and much more on the catwalk. Discounts of up to 20% also available in our stores and lots of free beauty treatments on offer frmo Sanctuary Spa, Seanhannah, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser beauty. See you there!
Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender
Cabot Circus will be stepping into the new season in style with a series of free catwalk shows celebrating the best of spring and summer on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April.
Taking place in the centre of Cabot Circus under the glass roof, the catwalk shows will showcase the hottest trends from the new season collections, bringing together the best of the high-street and designer brands.
After a cold winter, it’s time to forget functional fashion as the new season will welcome the revival of colour in 2011 – pop and vibrant block colours were seen all over the catwalks and the look is set to be one of the key trends on the high street.
Vintage has been a key theme over the past few years and spring/summer will see 70’s glamour making fashion waves. Cabot Circus will show you how to create unstructured gypsy-like silhouettes and work shimmering fabrics, chunky heels, wide-leg trousers and figure-hugging waistbands, whatever your style or budget.
The Fashion Weekender will also celebrate the return of good old-fashioned glamour, nudes and muted tones and the rock-and-roll inspired ‘cool rider’ look.
Each show will be created by stylist JP, who has worked with a host of celebrities and recording artists and currently runs his own London-based fashion consultancy.
Visitors will also be able to seek out the latest hair and beauty trends with experts from Sanctuary Spa, Seanhanna and other beauty brands on-hand to give demonstrations and free taster sessions to shoppers.
Discounts of up to 20 per cent will also be on offer at many of Cabot Circus’ iconic fashion stores and restaurants over the course of the Fashion Weekender and all those attending will be invited to enter a competition to win £1,000 worth of fashion.
Cabot Circus retailers that will be featured in the Fashion Weekender include Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, French Connection, Next, Monsoon, New Look, Reiss, Dorothy Perkins, River island, Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters, Warehouse and Zara. See you there!
SHOWTIMES
Catwalk – level 1, outside House of Fraser
SATURDAY 2 APRIL
11.30am
12.30pm
2pm
3.30pm
4.30pm
SUNDAY 3 APRIL
12pm
1.30pm
2.30pm
3.30pm
Spring/Summer Fashion Shoot
We’ve recently been shooting our Spring / Summer photography featuring some of the best pieces from the high street - here’s one of our favourite shots. The full gallery is on our Facebook fan page. We would love to know what you think…
Top to Bottom:
Model 1
Striped dress,£130, Pied a Terre at House of Fraser, Levels 1,2 & 3
Necklace, £235, Azendi, Level 1
Shoes, £155, L.K. Bennett, Quakers Friars
Model 2
Suit jacket, £59.99, trousers, £29.99, H&M, Level 1
T-shirt, £14, Topman, Level 1
Shoes, £125, Kurt Geiger, Quakers Friars
Model 3
Dress, £159, Reiss, Quakers Friars
Necklace, £18, House of Fraser, Levels 1,2 & 3
Blue pumps, £20, Barratts, Level 1
Red Shoes Evening
In case you haven’t heard, Harvey Nichols is holding a special event this evening showcasing the best in designer accessories with an event to mark the opening of its dedicated Christian Louboutin area.
The “Red Shoes” evening will be staged at the Cabot Circus store tonight (Wednesday March 9), from 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Guests can walk the red carpet and discover the latest trends for shoes and handbags. Tickets cost £10 and include cocktails and canapés, Spring Summer 2011 presentations and a goodie bag. For tickets and further information, contact the store now on 0117 916 8888!
Gok’s Roadshow – Cabot Circus episode on 1st March
As many of you will know, Gok brought his Channel 4 production team to Bristol at the end of January to film an episode of his new series ’Gok’s Roadshow’ in Cabot Circus, where he took on stylist Brix Smith-Start in the high-street versus designer face-off on the catwalk.
The Bristol episode will be aired next Tuesday (1 March) and we can’t wait to see Cabot Circus on the small screen!
As part of the new series, Gok is doing his best to help Britain’s style-starved women and in Bristol he met three lovely ladies – all mental health workers.
Avid cyclers, Becky (32), Tors (33) and Sarah (37) had ditched fashion in favour of bike helmets and high-visibility jackets but all three received a glamorous makeover from Gok and we can’t wait to see them strut their stuff on the catwalk on Tuesday…
The thousands of you that turned up on that freezing Friday night when he filmed will already know who won – Gok or Brix – however the rest of you will just have the wait until Tuesday!
Until then, here’s a clip of Gok in action working his magic to transform a simple nude dress into a show-stopping evening dress…
http://www.channel4.com/4beauty/on-tv/goks-clothes-roadshow/series-1/goks-clothes-roadshow-sheer-look
Gok’s Back!
Gok Wan loved Bristol so much in September he’s back – and this time he’s bringing his entire team with him! On Friday 28 January, we will be hosting Gok Wan’s Channel 4 programme, ‘Gok’s Roadshow’ at Cabot Circus.
As part of the new series, Gok is taking his catwalk show on the road in a bid to help Britain’s style-starved women. Gok will also take on fellow style expert and fashion foe, Brix Smith-Start, in the high street versus designer face-off. Models will be sent down the runway to show off different outfits chosen by Gok, championing the best of the high street, and by Brix, who favours exclusive designers, while members of the audience get to vote on their favourite.
Everyone is invited to this fashion first for Bristol – so don’t miss the catwalk finale outside of House of Fraser under the glass roof at 5pm on Friday 28 January.
Time to Sparkle
The Christmas party season is almost here and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be searching for the perfect party dress this weekend! Here’s some festive fashion inspiration that will carry you through the party season in style…
Glitterati
We love this look from our new Christmas campaign – plenty of sequins and shimmer to get you into the party spirit.
Sequin skirt, £65, Topshop (level 1), Animal print top, £89, Reiss (Quakers Friars), Sequin shall, £35, Topshop (level 1), Bracelet, £45, Guess (level 1), Carvella shoes, £130, Kurt Geiger (Quakers Friars)
