The Awards 2011!

It only seems like yesterday when we had our first team meeting about the Midlands Fashion Designer Awards. Within a blink of an eye, we suddenly found ourselves fast forward to six months later, sponsored by Claire’s and with many other sponsors getting on board all supporting what we do. It all finally came together on a Friday night at the beautiful venue at Fazeley Studios. In a past life, the venue was a church and now a creative hub but for one night only, it was transformed into the MFDA Fashion Show venue, filled to the brim with eager fashion lovers awaiting the talent to emerge down the runway.

It may have appeared calm at the surface but backstage was bustling with models, designers, hair and make up teams, all frantically busy perfecting and prepping the models. Before long, our presenters Adele and Jamie started the show and the models swiftly took to the runway.

 

 As a team all based in Birmingham, we are all aware of the budding talent that exists in the Midlands and we all know that great fashion design is not solely confined to London. Our yearly event proves that the Midlands has a lot to offer and we could not be prouder seeing all the designers, who are all at different stages in their fashion careers, take to the stage showcasing their hard work and hopefully gain the exposure that they all deserve.

Our fabulous judges who made the hard decision on the winners were Viv Whelan, Bespoke Fashion Designer and finalist of Project Catwalk (that show needs to come back!), the always friendly, Alan Sharman from The Alan Sharman Model Agency, the lovely Holly Bracciale, Fashion Editor at 69 Magazine and Hind Hadj, Claire’s Head of Marketing. Congratulations to everyone but also to our winners, Jade Hope (Ready to wear), Charlotte Fortescue (Haute Couture), Ryan Kailla (Evening Wear) and Yatri Pabari (Emerging Designers).

 

The evening was a wild success and we are over the moon at how well it all went. It’s easy to over look the fact that the event is volunteer led, so a big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make the event happen and to Jenny Eason whose is the ultra organised woman behind the shows. One thing is for sure, the event is getting bigger and a larger venue is most definitely needed for next year! Bring it on 2012!