New York? Paris? Try BELFAST for your FASHIONWEEK needs!

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The West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK entered its 20th season to showcase A/W collections from local designers to high-end couture labels. Twitter pal Leah won tickets to the Saturday night event, the Excel Clothing runway show and kindly offered her spare one to me.

I am not a fashionista, but I am ashamed to say that I did not know who or what Excel Clothing were until the night of the show. They are Ireland’s largest retailer selling collections from top brands (my favourite is Ted Baker) for men, women and children. Many collections were showcased on the runway.

Before the event kicked off, there was time to mingle with others and browse the stands in the holding area. I did not miss out on the opportunity to have my nails filed and polished by one of the spa therapists at Galgorm Resort & Spa (I immediately chipped a nail tucking into the popcorn that was in my goodie bag).

As we took selfies of ourselves, we realised we could pass ourselves as a Kardashian/Jenner duo. Leah found herself to be quite the Momager as Kris. I decided I looked most like Kendall (yes, I realise I chose the supermodel) and kept my best pout on all evening.

My first fashion show was certainly eye opening. I was not expecting male models at all (a very pleasant surprise). As always, my favourite brand was Ted Baker; I could not help but pine for one of this season’s coats. They are always beautiful! My favourite part of the show was when the children were modelling clothing. They were all adorable and the clothes could not have been cuter.

Attending Belfast FASHIONWEEK is not your average evening. It was interesting to see how a large event comes together. I enjoyed a girlie night with Leah. We may or may not have finished the night eating cake and drinking tea at 1 am in Miel et Moi.

A special note to Leah’s beautiful pre-show shoes: