I was sat front row at a fashion show being entertained by showcases of three major high street brands, a songstress, make overs and mishaps and get this, it was in Salford!

Salford may not be a fashion capital and the Annual Arcadia Charitable Fashion Show may not have rivalled Christopher Kane AW/10, but the Performing Arts class of All Hallows RC School certainly know how to strut their stuff on the catwalk!
The school, sponsored by Arcadia owner Sir Philip Green, hosts an evening of fashionable frivolity each year to help raise school funds. Arcadia brands Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Miss Selfridges showcased their latest trends with a little help from some wannabe supermodels.

Whilst perched on my seat, sipping warm tap water from a Dorothy Perkins branded bottle, I spotted Aimee Sneddons meandering the crowds. Aimee is the Style Advisor for Manchester Arndale Dorothy Perkins store and the stylist for the entire show, she took me back stage to meet the models and have a sneak peak of the clothes. Back stage turned out to be a sweaty gymnasium and the models turned out to be noisy kids, still, the clothes were nice. Aimee, rather stressed and gulping a McCoffee, told me that the kids were really excited after having “prepared the show themselves”. All the children “researched the brands and have created a script for the show’s Compère that introduces each brand and each individual line”. “All the kids chose the outfits themselves” she continued “I just helped them maintain a certain look”. Most of the models were now busying themselves with hair straighteners and mascara (the boys too) but I managed to pull a clan of 11-13 year old Barbie dolls to one side. The girls were very excited, especially about my camera, and when asked about their fashion icons almost simultaneously blurted out “Cheryl Cole”. Youngest mini diva Amy however, confessed to liking Tyra Banks’ style.

It was time to vacate the area and take my seat as the lights were dimming and the show was about to commence.
A lad with a look of Vernon Kay took to the stage and introduced the show and some brave teachers who would later be transformed by the power of Dorothy Perkins. Next up was Miss Selfridge. An explosion of florals and lace strutted down the catwalk on the backs of some fierce mini models! The collection radiated a summery and bohemian vibe with soft neutral hues and textured fabrics that emitted a natural feel to the entire look.
In direct contrast to this was the first collection by Dorothy Perkins. Their Union City Blues line makes use of bold block colours in reds, blues, creams and blacks. Mini dresses teamed with blazers and chunky pearls gave the look a sophisticated elegance perfect for work and play.

The Burton boys were next to take the walk all in items from the new Denim range. Heavy jeans paired with tight tees, hoodies or lightweight jackets are a classic example of the brand’s focus but nonetheless still made a statement on the catwalk.
A break for fashion and a debut for Eve, a talented but nervous singer, who during her rendition of “She’s a Beautiful Girl” forgot her words and toppled over. Still, she was a beautiful girl.

More from Dorothy Perkins’ Gossip Girl line and Miss Selfridges followed. These both were a frillier, more girly take on young fashion. More mini dresses but in lighter fabrics, beaded jewellery and flat sandals composed a casual spring time look.
Just before the finale, the teachers were carted out to wow the audiences with their catwalk make over. Nervously teetering out the teachers were met with cheers of approval for their new sassy look.

The show was over, and it was time to call it a night. I even managed to catch a lift back to Manchester in Aimee’s car, so long as I helped load it with clothes and rails. C’est la vie!
A free style advisor appointment at Dorothy Perkins Manchester Arndale with Aimee can be made by calling 0161 8324271

Words by Jordan McDowell.

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