Adage Events were proud to have managed on behalf of Retail Birmingham this years celebration of the cities best Independents stores.
The Historic Great Western Arcade Birmingham was the backdrop for the evening. With attention to detail and grandeur the center piece was the dramatic 40 meter black runway surrounded by elegant silver orchestra seating interspersed by dramatic floral displays from Petals of Piccadilly and Margaret Tregoning. To complete the look the atrium of the arcade had been colour washed with purple lighting for the evening which all created a truly fantastic setting for the show.
Over 200 specially invited guests were treated to the red carpet treatment on entrance, with
delicious nibbles courtesy of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop, and champagne from Harvey Nichols.
ITV Central presenter Lucy Kite was the glamorous host for the evening as guests took their seats to the sound of a string quartet and choir from the aclaimed Birmingham Conservatoire. After a speech by Independent retailer Helen Hulston, the Independents Champion for Retail Birmingham, the fashion spectacle began.
Unique fashion retailer Disorder opened the show with an edgy collection of their signature fashion style, which has been championed by retail expert Mary Portas and Vogue Magazine.
Guest enjoyed an enviable display of independent retailer talent with collections from fashion stores including Uber, located in the Burlington Arcade, Bullring-based Sonique and top retailer Metsuki. All of the models gorgeous footwear was provided by Sims Footwear and Silk Step.
Independent fashion store Briena, which has been based at Great Western Arcade for over thirty years, joined its fellow arcade retailer Eve, to display their stunning collections.
The models were all styled by Benjamin Ryan hairdressers based at the Great Western Arcade with their beautiful make-up done by Bobbi Brown at House of Fraser.

Following our success at Style In The City 2009, we are proud to announce that we have been chosen to create the Catwalk Show for this years Style Birmingham Live 2010, which will be held between 24th – 26th September.
We had the priviledge to be invited along to the launch to announce that uber-cool George Lamb will be the host of the Catwalk Show at the Town Hall. Across the three days, the Big Brother’s Little Brother presenter will host 14 stunning catwalk shows featuring the best of the city’s shops. Taking time away from his TV schedule, George Lamb attended the launch of Style Birmingham Live at the Town Hall.
“I get to travel around a lot in my job and I always love coming to different cities to see what they have and how stylish they are. I’m a man that loves fashion so it’s great to go to different places and find hidden treasures, and Birmingham is definitely a place for doing that… it has something for everyone,” said George at the launch.
“I’m really excited about hosting the show, not just for the models but to meet the very stylish people of Birmingham. The catwalk shows will have something for everyone; male or female, young or old, you’re guaranteed to walk away inspired this Autumn. See you back here in September.”

Throughout the three days, the city will become host not only to the Town Hall catwalk shows but also live fashion events at Bullring, The Mailbox and Pavilions. There will also be in-store shopping and beauty events across the city’s best stores, including designer labels, high street brands and unique independents.
Speaking at the launch Alan Chatham, Chair of Retail Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for the city centre retail area, said:
“We all know that Birmingham is a very stylish city; with over 1000 shops in the city centre and a thriving independent sector, it really does stand out as a shopping destination. Style Birmingham Live will help to confirm Birmingham’s reputation as a leading retail destination and support retailers by attracting even more shoppers to our fantastic city.”
Tickets for Style Birmingham Live are £10 for a Standard Ticket, which includes entry into the catwalk show and access to all supporting events or a Front Row Gold Ticket for £30, which includes a front row seat at the catwalk show, VIP access to events and special treats. Tickets are on sale now and are available from www.theticketfactory.com.
NEW COLLECTIONS ON THE CATWALK
Style studded event showcases new collections
The most eagerly-anticipated event in Birmingham’s style calendar, the Harvey Nichols Fashion Show returned in March hosted by British singer songwriter and model Jamelia– and this season they highlighted a host of new collections that have been introduced at the luxury store.
First launched five years ago, the shows have established the award-winning store at the very forefront of style in the region – and SS10 was no different.
Over the past few weeks brand new lines – many exclusive to Birmingham – have been introduced, including Markus Lupfer, Polo Ralph Lauren, Wildfox, Elizabeth & James, Paul & Joe Sister and Amanda Wakeley. These were showcased alongside designer favourites from Gucci, D&G and Donna Karan.
The Fashion Show staged at the Mailbox store on Tuesday March 2, with a Champagne reception from 6.30pm. Tickets were £15 including a luxury goody bag and the chance for some after-show retail therapy.
“Since our first fashion show five years ago, we have attracted hundreds of fashionistas, VIPs, celebrities and sporting stars to ensure the most fashionable front row in the region,” explains Kevin Breese, general manager of Harvey Nichols Birmingham.
”This season, the event was the perfect way to introduce our customers to a new range of fantastic labels that we have welcomed to the store recently. I’m sure they were impressed with our even wider selection of must-have brands.”

On Thursday 22nd October we saw the red carpet rolled out for Birmingham’s glitterati when the Style Awards took place together with a surprise performance from with soul diva Beverley Knight. The superstar wowed the 300-strong audience at the city’s Town Hall with a three-song set after picking up the Most Stylish Celebrity award from the host for the evening GQ editor Dylan Jones.
Other celebrity surprises during the night included a short video from Birmingham’s Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon who told the crowd they were “sorry they couldn’t be at the event”. Ex-Busted singer Matt Willis and his TV presenter wife Emma, along with X Factor’s Niki Evans and Kerrang! DJ and Big Brother contestant Kate Lawler.
16 awards were handed out, including gongs which recognised the most stylish high street stores, bars, restaurants and hotels. The winners were decided by 12,000 of the city’s shoppers who voted online at stylebirmingham.com.
The winners of Style Awards 2009 were:
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Most Stylish High Street Retailer- Topshop
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Most Stylish Shopping Destination - Bullring
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Most Stylish Jewellery & Accessories Retailer - Harvey Nichols
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Most Stylish Shoe Retailer (Large Store) – Selfridges
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Most Stylish Shoe Retailer (Standalone Store) – Kurt Geiger
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Most Stylish Department Store - Selfridges
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Most Stylish Place to Drink – Malmaison
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Most Stylish Eatery – Hotel du Vin
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Most Stylish Place to Stay – Malmaison
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Most Stylish Designer Retailer – Harvey Nichols
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Best Value Retailer – Primark
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Birmingham’s Most Stylish Celebrity – Beverley Knight
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Birmingham’s Most Stylish Sports Personality – Ashley Young
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Birmingham’s Most Stylish Independent Retailer - Disorder
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Birmingham’s Most Stylish Hair & Beauty Retailer – Benjamin Ryan Hair