Fashion Works – At a Brand Spanking New Creative Quarter

 

Compared to other thriving UK cities the west has been very much left out in the cold when it comes to creative acknowledgment – and not due to lack of talent.

 

Earlier in the year Bristol based accessories designers – Angel Jackson, captured the attention of TopShop’s Brand Director – Jane Shepherdson and renowned designer – Zandra Rhodes and bagged the ‘Topshop New Designer Award’ at Profile 5. The graduate shows soon followed, and once again it was west is best with the top River Island Gold Award and a whopping £20K going to UWE Bristol grad Jesse Noy.

 

 

 

{mosimage}Add this to the evolving buzz of creativity that includes film making, animation, art, photography, graphics, music and more and you begin to get the picture. Taking the scene on board is Paintworks, a brand new 12-acre regeneration site just 10 minutes walk away from Bristol Temple Meads mainline station. Paintworks incorporates studios, offices and live/work spaces specifically aimed at the creative sector and is built around a large exhibition/event area.

 

The project is in its first phase of development and its on-site Bocabar caf̩/bar has already become a regular haunt for art exhibitions and exciting events. This weekend it was the turn of Fashion Works, a three day fashion fix that comprised of displays, shows, market stalls, makeovers, photo shoots Рplus a chance to watch and unleash some creativity of your own.

 

            

 

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On display you could check out Daniela Benson’s latest collection – feminine frills, retro detailing, checks and florals aplenty. Jesse Noy’s winning graduate collection also draped the stands, inspired by Bristol chav’s, the skate scene, James Dean and the jeans & t-shirt look – torn apart and reconstructed a la Jesse. Elsewhere, it was dark, gothic, functionality from Jack Wright and delicate light-as-air frocks from Sarah Neads. Colleges also showed off their latest talents with the likes of St Brendon’s, UWE, Bath Spa, Weston and Filton all taking part.

 

 

 

 

Downstairs and the Fashion Works market gave visitors the chance to indulge in some unique retail therapy. Hand tooled bags, jewellery and one-off hats provided exclusive fashion at affordable prices. Music, photography and do-it-yourself workshops provided more than enough to check out and do. While Doug Hobbs, the brains behind the yearly – Hobbs ‘Born & Raised in Bristol’ fashion show presented a Total Look Challenge, with three teams transforming six models.

 

Of Bristol’s growing creative reputation Doug Hobbs said: “Bristol is very culturally diverse, with a range of cultures and styles coming together to create a unique sense of laid back style. There’s some really exciting young talent in fashion and design here right now.”

 

 

To find out more about Bristol’s developing creative quarter visit www.paintworksbristol.co.uk

 

 

By JoJo Iles