Article by ManchesterFashion.com
Art and fashion stood side-by-side at this Season’s most talked about event, the Harvey Nichols S/S’11 catwalk show hosted at the magnificent Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street.
Guests arrived at the iconic landmark and were ushered for a drinks reception in the 18th century wing of the fine art gallery. Masterpieces like Ellis’ The Sirens and Ulysses and dramatic Pre-Raphaelic works caught the gaze the fashionable collection of guests as they wandered through to their seats. In the temporary exhibition room Harvey Nichols had taken over and would give the Manchester Art Gallery a dose of a different kind of artist.
Elaine Willcox of Granada Television presented the show wearing stunning Lanvin drapery and coiffed to perfection by the Hairstylists of the night, Barn//It of Harvey Nichols’ Urban Retreat Spa. The lights went low and DJ Xander turned on the tunes as Rupert, wearing Gucci and D&G, stepped onto the catwalk. TFN have rounded up the best of the twelve trend showcases for your eyesight’s pleasure.
D&G shorts (£125), Umbro jacket (£120), Umbro t-shirt (£40), Paul Smith bag (£120), Alexander McQueen trainers (£145), Casio watch (£110)
Menswear Sports Luxe was among the favourites. A casual style that does exactly what is says on the tin without seeming in any way non-trend. An interesting addition to the trend collection was Umbro’s latest line designed by Peter Saville formerly of Factory Records. Saville’s reinterpretation of the England Football Kit has inspired a whole sportswear collection, based on a graphical depiction of the St. George’s Flag.
Caffe Bikini (£250), Nicole Fahri bag (£295), YSL Tribute (£540)
Ladies Swimwear got a few of the Manchester Confidential male team members a little hot under the collar and for good reason with gorgeous bikinis from Emamo and a Batik straight out of Sex And The City II from Mathew Williamson. Big bags and bigger shades were a predictable accessory choice, but one no audience member could fault.
Jacket (£1375), trousers (£390), shirt (£250), shoes (£225), belt (£240), sunglasses (£188)
An entire set was dedicated to the Italian Stallions Dolce & Gabanna, a brand already heavily represented elsewhere in the show. The D&G trend set saw timeless smart casuals in dusty camel leathers and simplistic denims. A tamed depiction of the outrageous Sicilians but one that inspired every guest we talked to.
BCBG runway amber lace dress (£580), Christian Louboutin dark platform wedge (£425)
The 70s are back and were a key part of the Harvey Nichols S/S’11 show. Full length maxi dresses in tie-dye hues of emerald greens and sheer caftans in busy prints reminiscent of 1970s cafe wallpaper. Roberto Cavalli was represented well, accessorised by Louboutin wedges and gorgeous clutches from Michael Kors and Tory Burch.
The show was over and guests were invited to shop the show with a glass of bubbly whilst VIP guests were ferried to the store on London Red Bus and treated to a meal in the Second Floor Restaurant.
£10 of every ticket sold went to Manchester Art Gallery to help support their varied and valuable Art Projects. You can support the Arts in Manchester too here.
Words by Jordan McDowell, images courtesy of Harvey Nichols.
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