Write a commentNewry made its mark on Northern Ireland’s style map by welcoming a week of chic events from 10th to 17th April which celebrated all that is fashionable and glamorous about the city.
The festival of events launched with a catwalk show in popular nightspot Bellini’s on Sunday 10 April where the ‘Style City’ show boast the spring and summer trends from local boutiques and high-street favourites. The fashion frenzy, which set the tone for a truly fabulous week, also incorporated exhibitors from around the city and style advice from expert make up artist Paddy McGurgan, with all hair being fabulously styled by Malachy Weatherall and the team at Hair Traffic. Accessories, designer shoes, handbags, jewellery and clothes were available to be purchased straight from the catwalk. Those lucky enough to snap up one of the hottest tickets in town were treated to cocktails and canapés and left with a fabulous goodie bag in hand.
{igallery id="6956" cid="5" pid="2" type="classic" children="1" showmenu="1" tags="" limit="0"}Following on, Newry continued to ooze style a nd glamour as it hosted various fringe events throughout the week in venues such as SILK Emporium, Canal Court Hotel, Grounded, Bellini’s, The Quays, Buttercrane, Southern Regional College, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Dali, Berling and The Bank.
The marathon of style was rounded off with the pièce de résistance, ‘Newry’s Most Stylish’ Awards. This glitzy awards ceremony was held in the Vault Nightclub at the Bank Bar on Sunday 17 April and recognised Newry’s key style ambassadors – ladies and men from around the city who always look amazing and effortless. The categories covered male and females in all age groups and the competition was hot!
Orla Jackson, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the organisation behind the event said, “The idea for ‘Newry Style City’ came from a desire for local retailers to come together to do something different. This is the very first time we have tried something on this scale and we really were really pleased that the local retailers and people from right across the Greater Newry area supported it. We had significant support from many organisations including our gold level sponsors, Newry & Mourne District Council, SILK Emporium, The Quays, Buttercrane, Bellini’s and The Bank Bar. Also our silver level sponsors, including Jack Murphy Jewellers, Cahill Shoes, Berling, McEvoy’s, Dali, as well as SugahFix.com, Destination Newry, Newry City Centre Management and Impact Sales Solutions. Without this support we couldn’t have possibly run an event on this scale. We would also like to thank all those involved in organising or hosting events. After the success of this year, we really hope that this will become an annual or bi-annual event which will put the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors in Newry on the fashion map.”
Mayor Mick Murphy, Newry and Mourne District Council added, “We were delighted to show our support for ‘Newry Style City’ - an initiative from retailers in the city and the surrounding areas. The event attracted visitors from the north and south to the city and to Newry & Mourne, to experience a real flavour of the strength of the retail and hospitality sectors in the region.”
With so many shows and events on the busy schedule, Newry Style City was a fabulous opportunity for locals and visitors alike to indulge in their passion for fashion. A great success, which will hopefully be replicated next year – watch this space!
