Events Coverage.

The BSB team are always on the prowl for fashion events and shows to attend as a way of not only raising the profile of British Style Bloggers but also to seek out new and upcoming designers, photogrpahers, stylists etc.

Check out what the BSB team have been getting up to here..................

Retail Birmingham Awards

Celebrating retail in Brum - By Press BSB - March 17, 2011

Bagged myself tickets to this year's Retail Birmingham Awards and boy was I excited. A chance to see just how great shopping can be in my city and a chance to mingle of course.

There were a total of 22 awards covering categories from technology and entertainment to beauty and health. This year more than 40,000 votes were cast by the likes of me and you proving that people do value their favourite shopping destinations. Hosted by the ever stylish Suzanne Virdee and with special guests like Jamelia I knew we were in for a treat.

As there was a long list of awards I won't bore you with the entire list of winners - instead I have picked out my highlights from the evening. (Full list of winners can be viewed at www.stylebirmingham.com)

Jewellery and accessories retailer of the year

Winner: Accessorize

New retailer of the year

Winner: Forever 21

Fashion retailer of the year - womenswear

Winner: Harvey Nichols

Shopping destination of the year

Winner: Bullring

Independent reatailer of the year

Winner: Autograph

As well as the awards there were some great performances from both 'Only men allowed' and girl group 'Parade'. Particularly enjoyed the performance by 'Only men allowed' it gave a real element of drama to the proceedings.

As a born and bred Birmingham chick it was great to see a video of Birmingham back in the 1980's and how it has grown and developed in terms of retail. Even though I was born in the late 1980's I felt like I could really appreciate how far the city had come.

There was also a great video of all the new and unique boutique's, hair salons and stores open in the city including Disorder, Wysteria Lane, I wrap couture and one I will definitely be looking up shoe store Silk step.

Before the awards I guess I never fully appreciated the diversity of shopping and retail in Birmingham and believe me, on my next shopping trip I won't leave a stone unturned. Don't worry I will fill you in on any great finds and of course picture evidence.

On a final note I was delighted to hear 'Style in the City will be returning for another year in September, of course I'll be there!

Fashion Mavericks

BSB on front row By polkadotstripes · March 3, 2011

For three London Fashion Week seasons now, Fashion Mavericks has taken place at the Strand Palace Hotel for two days.

The event showcases new, up and coming and below the radar designers through exhibitions and catwalk shows. As it was a lot more intimate than the massive bustle of LFW, though still vibrant, it felt as though the designers really wanted to speak to us and there were no massive egos.

Myself, editor Amy and features editor Susie on front row. Photo taken by PR head Nicole.

BSB have supported Fashion Mavericks since the very beginning so we were thrilled that the organisers went the extra mile to look after us including getting us on front row for every show- something which made us feel very important and like part of the Fash Pack! We all attended on the first day (including our new photographer Sophie; who’s mac is broken trapping the photos!), but it was left in mine and Nicole’s hands on the Monday, hence why I’m writing this now.

Our Favourites

Kiki Kamanu

Vibrant patterns in greens and oranges teamed with blacks and metalics to give a warrior like feel which was still elegant and feminine. We also received a patterned fabric bag with a convertible plain and printed and almost concertina folded scarf inside, I know Susie was very envious that she arrived late and missed out on this!

Obscure Couture (jewellery by Bonnie Bling)

By mixing items, styles and materials which don’t traditionally make great bedfellows the Glaswegian duo have created a streetwear collection with a theatrical edge. Teamed with striking knuckledusters and glow in the dark cameo necklaces by fellow Glaswegian jewellery maker Bonnie Bling. The girls were down to earth and a joy to get to know too! We just wanted to thank Jacqueline from Fashion Mavericks for looking after us and being a joy to work with, here's to next season!

Image Credits- Gavin Thorn