Saturday morning was another cloudy, chilly October day in Exeter, but passing shoppers in Princesshay braced the cold to take peek at some of the Autumn/Winter 16 looks that the local retailers had to offer. Centred on the Exeter shopping experience, large fashion juggernauts and small independent brands alike compiled this year’s Style in Exeter fashion show line up. The overall feel of the show was one of grown-up style with a quirky Exeter twist, featuring sleek work wear, chic blouses and demure party dresses.
The 11am kick-off was graced with the likes of Oasis, Hobbs, Gap, Cath Kidston and The White Company. Oasis’s catwalk was infused with Oriental blossoms and florals, paired with thigh-high boots (A-La Kylie Jenner) to create an on-trend work look.
The White Company erred on the side of casual, but featured classic Autumn/Winter staples of high necks and cable knits. Hobbs, a go-to for the professional woman, prides itself on its classic pieces and it certainly delivered: on display was gorgeous beige trench coats, A-line skirts, and a nod to military trend with a heavy-woollen coat with metallic buttons. A particular favourite was the wide-leg pinstripe trousers that perfectly merged masculine power-dressing and a chic femininity. Cath Kidston, the queen of kitsch, of course featured florals and high-wasted midi skirts a-plenty. A cardigan with vintage telephone decals on the pockets was a particular highlight. Lastly John Lewis displayed some show-stopping formal wear, complete with a sleek floor-length black dress.
the event was made with exeter in mind, and it shows
The star of the entire event, however, was the 12.30 show featuring Fore Street’s own independent stores. The likes of The Real McCoy, Velveteen, Sanchos Dress, and SHOP! By Theresa Green graced the catwalk. The Real McCoy, a vintage-lover’s haven, made a tribute to the roaring twenties: The models were adorned with stunning beaded flapper dresses, elbow-length gloves, and one of the male models even dressed in full tuxedo (complete with top hat). Though a gorgeous display, it wasn’t exactly wearable fashion for the everyday shopper.
though a gorgeous display, it wasn’t exactly wearable fashion for the everyday shopper
Velveteen was the real surprise. Very gothic and very apt for the Halloween season, the clothes were decadent and vampiric, yet surprisingly wearable. Ruffles, bell-sleeved shirts and lace detailing are all very on-trend right now, and they were all featured here. I absolutely fell in love with a floor-length lace-detailed overcoat. A final highlight was No Guts No Glory, a brand focused on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly processes. The Exeter-based label showed off its slogan sweatshirts for the men and its soft, layered knits for the women.
The event was made with Exeter in mind, and it shows. All of the pieces displayed were available to buy from stores around Exeter city centre, and it was the perfect platform to showcase some of the less well-known brands alongside the larger ones. Classic and very adult, this show was built for someone who wants longevity out of their Autumn/Winter wardrobe.
