NE1's NFW 2014: Company Magazine VIP Show

Yesterday Newcastle's Assembly Rooms were transformed into the setting for the first day of NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week. Company Magazine's fashion features writer, Alexxsia Elizabeth and senior features writer, Carlene Thomas-Bailey played host for the day's shows, presenting looks from countless designers, high street favourites and Newcastle's own vintage stores. The fabulous British fashion designer, Julien Macdonald OBE was also an honoured guest, hosting alongside Alexxsia and Carlene throughout the day. Sadly the library had me chained to my desk and essay-writing was my priority for the daytime shows, however I was lucky enough to be invited to the VIP evening show, an invite I gladly accepted.

I brought along two of my flatmates to the show, where we were given glasses of Champagne on arrival and shown to our front-row seats. The Assembly Rooms looked fantastic, with the huge chandeliers and high ceilings suiting the catwalk brilliantly. After an introduction by NE1's Marketing and Events Manager, Sandra Tang, Alexxsia and Carlene from Company Magazine took to the stage to kick off the night. Julien Macdonald OBE was introduced (with many cheers to be heard from backstage as he appeared) and he presented the show, with looks from Vivienne Westwood and Diane von Furstenberg for Cruise. 

The official afterparty was held at Newcastle's exclusive Bonbar, where we indulged in some fantastic cocktails. We sipped NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week's official cocktail, 'Pink Lady', and sampled the elegant 'Parisian' cocktail, both of which were delicious! We all had a brilliant evening and it has certainly made me feel very excited for the events I'll be going to throughout the week. 

A Very Fashionable Affair...

This Saturday saw the elegant surroundings of Newcastle's BonBar transformed, as the venue played host to the Blogger's Preview Event for NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week. Hosted by DDCA The Creative Agency, the day was as glamourous as expected, with glasses of Prosecco on arrival and plenty of cocktails circulating throughout the afternoon. BonBar, opened in March 2014, is certainly as alluring as it is decadent, with stunning interiors and fantastic cocktails.

The event kicked off with introductions by Danielle Dunn, of DDCA, and Sandra Tang, NE1 Marketing and Events Manager. We were then left to work our way around the room, socialising, sampling cupcakes and sipping the official NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week cocktail created by the mixologists at BonBar. The cocktail was unnamed at the beginning of the event and it was our challenge to be as creative as possible and think up a worthy title. The cocktail, made from rhubarb vodka, nettle cordial and pink cloudy lemonade, would be the perfect accompaniment for garden parties and lazy summer afternoons.

In addition to the indulgent consuming of cocktails and Prosecco, we also had the opportunity to be seriously pampered. ND Makeup and HD Brows were treating us to false eyelash applications and brow shaping. I have never worn false eyelashes before and I was feeling slightly apprehensive as I was seated in the makeup artist's chair. I suggested a natural look, however the lovely makeup artist told me that because I have large eyes I can pull off a more dramatic eyelash. The 'Marilyn' was apparently the one for me, a bold and flirty lash, which will be perfect for a night out worn with flicked eyeliner. 

As for my outfit, I wore a nearly all Topshop, with the exceptions being my River Island shoes and I borrowed my friend's Mulberry. 

As we left, feeling rather overindulged, we were handed goodie bags provided by Fenwick Newcastle containing perfumes, Loreal Eyeliner, Molton Brown hand cream and tea bags. 

I had such a brilliant day, and even though I felt like a bit of a newbie to the blogging world and slightly intimidated by the bloggers who knew a lot more about JPEGs and BB creams than I do, I was welcomed into the North East blogging family with open arms. I was surprised to see how much of a family the bloggers seemed to be, with most of them having met at previous bloggers' events. I felt very lucky to be there and one thing is for certain, I'm not giving up blogging any time soon. 

Follow me on Twitter @MariaFCase (I can be quite funny sometimes) and I Instagram occasionally, too.

NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week 2014

I'm feeling pretty excited. It's all because this weekend I've been invited to the Blogger's Preview Event for NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week. Held at Bonbar at The Assembly Rooms, there's going to be false eyelashes and Prosecco aplenty - I wouldn't want to miss it for the world! Not only does the day itself sound impressive, but at the event the organisers will be choosing this year's official blogger for NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week. (The pressure's on!)

(Source: image from NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week)

The run-up to NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week began today with the launch of the search for the city's Most Stylish. Fashion photographers are set to be camera-ready every Thursday and Saturday on Northumberland Street and inside intu Eldon Square as they attempt to find the most fashionable people in Newcastle. Head to www.facebook.com/nclfshnwk to view those photographed - the favourites which receive the most 'likes' will be judged by fashion industry experts. The winner, crowned Newcastle's Most Stylish, wins a £500 VIP shopping experience at designer boutique, Cruise. If this prize isn't enough to entice you to throw on your most fashionable frock and head to Northumberland Street, the winner will also be given a weekend hire of a Mercedes Benz convertible from event sponsors Mercedes Benz Newcastle.

 

Today NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week organisers have also revealed that the designer for this year's NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week T-Shirt is Dr. Martens Newcastle. All profits from their sale will go to the charity, Cash for Kids - on sale from the 28th April in Fenwick Newcastle.

 

The week itself is set to be bigger and better than previous years with catwalks and parties looking especially glamourous - more details soon! Expect a blog post this weekend with pictures from the Blogger's Preview Event!

Welcome

I am really quite new to this, so bear with me.  I should probably introduce myself - my name is Maria Case and I am currently in my second year at Newcastle University studying English Literature.

I am an aspiring journalist and so I want to start blogging about the things I love and the things that interest me. Expect bits about art, culture and student life in the North East of the UK and reviews of coffee shops and bars that I've been to. (The above photograph of me was taken at my favourite cocktail bar in Newcastle, but more about that later...) I love to explore new places and try new things so I'm hoping my blog will prove to be an entertaining and compelling read! 

While you're here, please take a look at my archived articles written for The Courier and the videos that I have helped to produce, film and edit on The Courier's YouTube channel, TCTV... (Found in the tab on the right-hand side of the page!)