British Plus Size Fashion Weekend – Part 1 – Brands, Networking & Marketplace
Remi Ray & Rianne Ward – Founders of #BPSFW
I attended British Plus Size Fashion Weekend (BPSFW) this year and I have to say I had a fantastic time. I had never been before and this year I was lucky enough to attend the press day as a blogger and the general event day helping out MS.SVG on the marketplace. It was quite exciting helping out as not only are the clothes amazing but I got to wear a gorgeous Caberia dress! (I now own this!) As MS.SVG is stocking the new Anna Scholz range it was only right that when she popped by I grabbed a quick picture with Anna herself along with Michaela (plus size blogger and Anna Scholz team member!). As the event was so busy, I wanted to focus on 2 parts, the networking and marketplace side of things and tomorrow I’ll share with you the amazing catwalk and what I captured people wearing on the day!
Generally speaking the weather was pants and it was a shame that so many trains were cancelled meaning it was quieter than planned. But there was still plenty of buzz over the weekend. The volunteers were really helpful and had everything from the wifi password to spare blue tack! Starting off in the market place there were some great brands representing some of the best in plus size fashion. The main sponsors were Evans who had the ‘Cut For Evans’ pieces well and truly on show. They also showcased their other brands and I have to say, Evans look as though they are under new management with the stuff that they are popping out.
The market place in general had colours popping out all over the place. Fitted clothing and block colour. Bright patterns and quality materials. It definitely showcased the change in plus size fashion. We don’t have to hide behind grey waterfall cardigans anymore!!
Some of the best plus size brands were there including Simply Be, Syreeta Badu, Topsy Curvy (who I bought a great top from), Slink, Taking Shape, Live Unlimited, Tutti Rouge, Apples & Pears and the list goes on! There was plenty of space so hopefully next year some more brands will get on board and there will be lots more for sale.
I did like that there was plenty of space for people to mingle and view the clothing. Everyone had their own personal space which is great. There was a large changing room and toilets with a full length mirror which soon became the place to swap and try on the stuff that caught your eye! There wasn’t just clothing either! There was some amazing statement jewellery from Habbibis Jewellery Box (I bought an epic ring which I almost want to display) and pretty stunning bespoke bamboo sunglasses from Colin Leslie which I did a shameless selfie with below. Tutti Rouge also had some beautiful underwear on display. This stuff was straight out of my imagination. Pretty, feminine but still sexy. I can’t wait to get my hands on some.
The highlight of the event was the catwalk. It was amazing to see so many gorgeous models. The diversity was great from size, shape, height, skin colour and age. The catwalk catered for everyone and showed that ANYONE can look and feel great. I felt quite proud to be plus size. It was refreshing to see and the models looked gorgeous and rocked some fantastic clothes. their confidence just boomed from the catwalk and they were all so inspiring. It was a completely professional runway and great to watch. You’ll find out tomorrow but all those models had stunning figures.
I did bump into some other bloggers who I hadn’t met before and we hit it off instantly. This event for me was definitely a networkers dream. I got to meet the stunning Hayley Hasselhoff (yes, the Hoff’s daughter!) who was a pro in person and on the runway. There were also some other famous faces popping in and out including fashion guru Caryn Franklin, Berlin plus size model Silvana Denker, Nina Blakemore and the radio 4 team were interviewing for women’s hour. Talk about variety!
It was great to talk to so many people, feel relaxed in a friendly atmosphere and things ran pretty smoothly. I know the second catwalk show had some technical hitches but the one I went to the first one and it was a smooth as nutella. I would say that it could have been a little busier and with a few more people selling in the market place but you can’t control the weather! There was also another section to get your nails done and have little beauty treatments. I didn’t get a chance to treat myself but I’m sure many did.
Oh and on the Friday press day… I was measured by the gorgeous Dove ladies (Who put a little something in the goody bag that people got too). I am officially size perfect! I love this tape measure!
Catch tomorrows Part 2 -The catwalk run down and my BPSFW street style faves!
Did you go to BPSFW? What did you think?
