Michelle-Claire Styling

An exhilerating annual event on the south coast’s trendy resort, BRIGHTON, England, UK.

Friday, May 22nd The Metropole Hilton Hotel, Brighton BRIGHTON FROCKS THEATRICAL FASHION CATWALK SHOW took place displaying spectacular tremendous creativity including local leading designers VERITY LAMB and SARINA POPPY.

BRIGHTON FROCKS really did manage to capture everything they wanted to and more. This show being its 5th year, starting with just a ‘one-day event’ and last year the ‘weekend event’ took place for the first time - just how long will it be before we see the ‘full fashion week’, I wonder? Anyone who thinks themselves as a fashionista, style addict, trendsetter then keep watch on this site or www.brightonfrocks.com for up-to-date information on more eclectic fashion pieces.

You will really get inspired as you gleam over just some of the most fabulous pieces on the gallery below.
(photos courtesy of Brighton Frocks- www.flickr.com/photos/implantimages)

There is such a diversity of talent displayed here and I hope I’ve incorporated wear for all types of people.

I simply adore her backless evening wear designs.

This would look great as an alternative wedding dress. I love the oriental style satin fabric and if you put on a little bit of weight on your rear end, it doesn’t matter as the extra skirt just glides over. Absolutely femininity. Match with any dainty shoe to compliment the dress and small clutch. Hair, if not short - keep it up to show the full feminity look of the dress.

SUZIE TURNER FACTS:
Based in London. She is passionate about the continuation of the traditional skills of handmade couture and training. Trained herself as a pattern cutter deconstructing antique couture garments gaining a superb reputation with clients ranging from barristers, brides, actresses and famous models offering bespoke services. Her couture dresses have been specially made for the winning Creative Garden @ 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Suzie believes “Making a beautiful garment should be an event to be relished, not stressed over”.

SCHNITT launched “ETERNAL INGENUE” - Luxurious, eclectic collection of day and evening wear.
The camberbund style belt breaks this outfit up. Look how easy it would be to wear this from the office through to the evening. I simply love the tailoring.

SCHNITT BY ALAN ROWE FACTS:
Optimum fashion design and illustration. Alan Rowe, a post graduate soon immersed himself into the fashion industry. He has enjoyed working as a freelance illustrator, designer and stylist for numerous prominent magazines and labels across Europe.
The high grade Japanese bespoke denim label Epoc Alan Rowe was the co-founder and creative force behind the now niche, boutique label.

A classic, feminine, princess like style means it’s a dress to dazzle.
Sarina uses Swarovski crystals, rich silks, pure wools, vintage and recycled materials, giving off an “edgy fashion” creation.

SARINA POPPY FACTS
Sarina graduated from Bournemouth Arts Institute with a BA Hons in Costume Design. Being influenced by Art and Theatre, she has become a unique designer, her inspirations coming from individuality and displaying a non-conformist attitude.

Anyone wishing for a ‘fairy tale’ wedding? A more dramatic theatrical approach in comparison to the other collections seen.

RENAISSANCE FACTS
Based in a Brighton central studio creativing an exclusive and bespoke art in bridal and special occasion wear. Extremely theatrical and contemporary structure displaying heavy draping and beading.

I felt a lot of Paola Galelli’s pieces were for the younger stick-thin girl. The material swished as the model walked due to the wonderful cut and design. Paola Galelli’s cut out at the rear, I adore on this. I think the whole cut out at the front on her other piece is more sophisticated if you’re a teen to 25 age group category.

PAOLA GALELLI FACTS
Final graduate collection for 2009 “SHAKEN AND STIRRED” was displayed.
Original cocktail gowns transform into the ultimate party dresses.
Inspirations from a cocktail menu creating flirtatious, good enough to eat garments.

NOW, FOR INNOVATIVE CONTEMPORARY DESIGNER TAILORING
Gresham Blake specialising in bespoke and made-to-measure suits.

Speaks seduction to me in business or pleasure.
The innovative, contemporary designer-tailor really captures the right blend of tones. I would recommend teaming up the suits with a tan/emerald green pair of shoes.
There’s some great shades out there for the guys this year.

GRESHAM BLAKE FACTS
Gresham Blake at 24 years of age studied at Brighton University, at first making suits for his friends. His hero in the business is innovative PAUL SMITH. After scouring the streets of Brighton he then rented a room and opened his Bond Street, London store in 2000, a welcome relaxed alternative to Saville Row with a consistent level of professional service for his clients wanting quality and personal attention with his skill and flair.

Barristers through to celebrities such as Jonathan Ross Davina McCall and Matt Lucas to name but a few attend his Brighton and Mayfair fitting rooms all enjoy wearing the vibrantly coloured, flamboyant suits.

Very versatile, any bright/metallic belt/bangle would compliment the outfit to keep on trend.

AILSA & AILSA FACTS
Ailsa & Ailsa was founded on the belief that fashion is art and is to be admired, studied and appreciated with not being restrained to seasonal trends.
Inspirations come across from time spent in many continents influenced by historical and cultural design.
Designs have perfect detailing, unusual textures and a vibrancy of colour.
Fabrics used are Italian silks, vintage leather, pure linens and vintage kimonos.

Sheer elegance on-trend assymetrical wedding dress.

JOANNE FLEMING FACTS
Sparkled bespoke bridal and evening gowns for those one-off exclusive occasions using rich luxurious fabrics whether you are a client who enjoys a classical clean line approach or a show stopping wowness.
Joanne previewed her collection “SIDONIE”.

Tom Lipop’s collection titled “BATTLE OF THE SARDINES” inspired by his chaotic London lifestyle, which has been innovatively designed.

LIPOPLONDON - TOM LIPOP
Bred in Brighton - Based in London.
BA Hons in Fashion and Textiles and specialising in menswear, holding a senior design position at House of Holland and releasing his first collection to the world. He is the creative head of LIPOPLONDON aka Dual Tom Lipop has already appeared on Sky One’s PROJECT CATWALK.

FANTASTICALLY FEMININE QUALITY STYLE TO GET YOU NOTICED

GET WAISTED FACTS
Saville Row trained, bespoke corset and dressmaker Toni Pickles - founder and inspiration behind GET WAISTED.
Fabulous handmade casual or formal wear to enhance your figure pulling in at the waist and displaying a beautiful posture.

CALLING ALL FIERCELY PASSIONATE GIRLY GIRLS who would adore owning a quirky yet feminine original piece. Bold prints, bright florals, polka dots and striped patterns are all included in this independent edgy, unique label.

JESSY LOU FACTS
JESSICA LOUISE GOOD is the creative mind behind JESSY LOU.
A unique, aesthetic mismatched collection that visually works for girls who are intensely passionate and playful.

SPLISH SPLASH GLAMOUR BEACH WEAR thats fun and flirty for any figure.

VERITY LAMB FACTS
Attended Brighton University and graduated June 2008.
Her first eclectic collection at Brighton Frocks 2009 included fun beach wear taking inspiration from the 50s and 80s. A unique blend for fashion lovers, which has a modern day twist for all age groups.

I have so enjoyed writing and researching this item, pure and utter bliss. It is so obvious to see that the models, stylists, artistes, organisers and designers have had an absolute ball after concentrating on all their efforts to make them where they are to day and look forward to a bright future through sheer hard work.

I have to be patient and wait to see what’s in store for next year Brighton’s Fashion Weekend.

Many Thanks

Michelle-Claire xx
michelleclaire1@googlemail.com