Bath, the city filled with vintage boutiques and stylish students, is obsessed with fashion. As you wander down its cobbled streets, you’ll no doubt see the fashion savvy women strolling by, or the tourists scouring the boutiques for their next vintage treasure. It makes sense that Bath houses one of the most prolific fashion weeks in England, and takes pride in parading its chic roots to the world.
Last year saw the city bombarded by designer labels that pounded the streets, the ancient Roman Baths acting as one of the stunning backdrops. The edgy exhibition showcased clothing from the Oxfam boutique and utilised Southgate’s car park as an urban runway. This year, Bath in Fashion is bringing together Stephen Jones, a renowned milliner, and the prolific Manolo Blahnik, whose shoe designs are world famous.
The week, spanning from Sunday 25th March until Saturday 31st, will include a variety of showcases, including designer clothing shows and workshops run by Bath Spa University’s textile designer, Karen Nicol. There will also be a cutting workshop with Julian Roberts, an expert in ‘subtraction cutting’, his method of garment making. Other events taking place during the week are a fashion and sportswear exhibition given by the Fashion Museum’s manager, Rosemary Harden, and the announcement of the ‘Dress of the Year’, also direct from the Fashion Museum.
The whole of Bath is actively getting involved in the Fashion Week, from Bath’s independent boutiques to the Little Theatre cinema, which is screening films about Bath’s fashion history. The quaint, independent cinema is in keeping with the unique clothing that will be aired throughout the streets of Bath. However, for those who wince at the price tags of the high fashion garments on offer, there is also a high street fashion show at The Guildhall, styled by London fashion consultant, Rebekah Roy. Her fashion expertise will give us an insight into the Spring/Summer 2012 collections.
The highly esteemed guests, Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik, will surely be the talking point of the week. Stephen Jones has created an exhibition featuring his hat designs especially for Bath’s fashion show this year. He is in conversation with Sarah Mower, a critic for American Vogue, at the Holburne Museum on Friday 30 March; this promises to be an enriching experience. Blahnik, many women’s idol, is in conversation with Iain R Webb, an experienced fashion commentator turned Saint Martin’s lecturer. Blahnik will talk about his distinguished and impressive career spanning from the 1970s, with his designs still being worn today. His talk will take place in the Holborne Museum on Thursday 29th March. Blahnik adores the city of Bath, and actually lives here himself, illustrating the rich culture of the city that inspires so many.
There are many other events taking place during the week, such as ‘Vintage Sunday’, a vintage fashion fair that will take place at Green Park Station and will include an appearance from local designer, Pearl Lowe. If you’re fashion conscious, Bath in Fashion 2012 is something you simply cannot miss.
There are some free events, but mostly, the tickets range from £6 – £45. Tickets can be purchased from the Bath Tourist Information Centre. Bath in Fashion takes place from Sunday 25th March to Sunday 1 April 2012.
Thanks to Katie Amos for this feature.
