Harrogate retailers showed off their collections today in a fashion show designed to celebrate what the town has to offer.
Hundreds of shoppers watched in glorious weather as models walked an open-air catwalk as part of The Harrogate Fashion Show.
The event was organised by the Harrogate BID and sponsored by The Victoria Shopping Centre. The Stray Ferret has been the media partner.
The day was divided up into different fashion themes – the summer season, upcycling, wedding wear, Harrogate on the high street, activewear and children’s celebration.
Behind the scenes in the shopping centre, dozens of models both professional and volunteers were changing outfits, having their hair styled by Baroque and their make up touched up to make sure they looked absolutely fabulous.
On stage, personal stylist, Anna Spreckley, who works with Hoopers, (below in the red dress) provided the audience with fashion insights and tips.
The catwalk, chairs and big screen were outside the Victoria Shopping Centre
BID manager, Matthew Chapman said he was pleased so many retailers had taken part:
“I think it’s been really, really positive. It’s been twelve weeks in the planning so we’ve delivered it in quite a short space of time. You can see by the numbers today it’s been very positive. There’s lots to celebrate in retail even though the high street is changing.
“It is tough with the cost of living. We at the BID need to support businesses and I feel today’s done that.”
Behind the scenes -Selina and Darcy Skinner get ready to model for Elite Bridal UK
Independent stores such as Hoopers, Bias, Morgan Clare, Infinity & Co and Sophie Likes were joined by high street stores such as M&S, Specsavers, Lush, Sweaty Betty and LK Bennett.
Nick Hubbert, general manager of Hoopers said the store was keen to take part:
“We want to be involved in the community and work with the other retailers to promote the town. Commercially, I want to show all the fabulous products we have in the store and bring in new customers.
“Events like this show people what we’re good at. I think we need to work with our competitors and if people visit Harrogate, see great stores and great customer service, then it will bring them back.”
The Upcycling models above all wore outfits found in Harrogate charity stores. Hannah Shackleton from Estate Agents Nicholls Tyreman, wearing the long, gold, sequin dress won the prize for finding the most fabulous outfit.
A women’s clothes shop has moved to bigger premises in Boroughbridge after customers flocked to support independents in the town during coronavirus.
Espada Boutique, which opened its flagship store on St James Square around nine years ago, has now relocated to a new unit on Fishergate next to G Craggs Ltd.
The independent clothes shop, which is owned by Wendy Hepworth, also has a branch in Wetherby.
Alison Auckland, manager at Espada Boutique, told the Stray Ferret the move had been planned for a while but the extra customer support during coronavirus helped move it along.
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She added:
“We have just outgrown the old shop. Everyone has supported us and Boroughbridge on a whole during the coronavirus lockdowns.
“At the old shop we had lots of new brands coming in but they were going straight off the shelves. We could not stock enough.
“Already we have a lot more stock coming in. It is heaven here. We have plenty of room but I am sure we will soon fill it.”
Espada Boutique Boroughbridge reopened yesterday but it will hold a big launch on Saturday with prizes and prosecco up for grabs.
More pictures from inside the shop:
The shop has moved to a bigger unit.
A customer browsing the new shelves.