I’ve been banging on about the FAB awards for a few weeks now as not only was I attending in an official capacity (I’m a proper journo now) but also because I’d agreed to walk the catwalk just five days before the event and I was absolutely bricking it.
In the blink of an eye it felt like it was all over, when in actual fact the evening consisted of 9 hours of non-stop laughing, applauding, cheering, catwalking, eating, prosecco swigging fun.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, this is what the BMD:Law Liverpool Fashion & Beauty Awards are all about. The science bit….
The Liverpool Fashion & Beauty Awards is an extension of the hugely popular Liverpool Lifestyle Award which was set up 8 years ago to support small and independent businesses within the region.
Since then it has grown so big that a separate ceremony was required to cope with the demand of the fashion and beauty industry in which Liverpool is widely recognised as the UK leader.
The awards took place at The Function Suite and Fusion nightclub, Fleet street last night, as over 200 guests and nominees attended to claim one of the 19 awards on offer.
With categories such as: Best Beauty Blogger, Best Small Beauty Clinic, Best Fashion Designer, Best Independent Hair Salon and Best Training Provider, competition has been fierce.
As you might expect, those working in the fashion and beauty industry, don’t do things by half and the stunning array of jewelled gowns and high end outfits on display wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Oscars.
Event organiser, Amanda Moss began proceedings in the first of three outfits (a fabulous princess style dress in deep purple, sweetheart neckline and an endless organza underskirt) as hosts, Amanda Harrington ( wearing a floor length white and silver gown) and Reggie Phillips announced the first of the evenings winners.
Backstage, local designer Love Laura began prepping models for their swimwear catwalk show, and Relish catering staff took to the floor with pretty plated starters.
The evening entertainment came courtesy of a live set from Jake Bowness and later Sophia Spencer, plus two spectacular (and really friendly) burlesque style performers and of course the spectacle that was me attempting to strut my stuff in a collection from St Helen’s based boutique, L’avitta. (If I could put a monkey hiding his eyes emoji here, I would)
Luckily the other four girls I was walking with were total pro’s! Bianca, Juliet, Kim and Bev were such a good laugh and shared their experience which helped to settle my nerves. Kudos to the unflappable catwalk manager Natalie, who as part of the Amanda Moss PR fashion family that runs Liverpool and Manchester Fashion Week, was on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Photographer extraordinaire, Ian Williams was a friendly face at the end of the high shine, LED catwalk (which I was convinced I was going to slip on) and when the time came to face the (lets say slightly tipsy ) crowd, I felt more relaxed looking down the camera lens.
As the opening bars of Beyonce’s anthem ‘All The Single Ladies’ rang out (how apt?), it was show time! I put my best foot forward, tried to not laugh, and strutted to the end of the catwalk. Thank you Sophie and Holly, of Move Residential for cheering like full on groupies as I shashayed past, you both really helped calm my nerves.
Within three minutes, it was done! Five days of fretting, and I absolutely loved it!
After wolfing down a filling, three course meal of parma ham, chicken and mango cheesecake, the Corkys and table wines were devoured and the prosecco was free-flowing as more and more winners were announced to huge cheers from the audience.
I have to say huge congrats to Nicole Francis who won Best Beauty Treatment, and was also my best dressed lady of the evening. Fellow table 11 dweller, Nicole is a Director at Lip Couture Liverpool and wore a stunning floor length gown that featured hand-sewn jewels and a kick flare hem line. She looked stunning!
Once dinner was done and we’d belted out a few ballads alongside vocalist Sophia Spencer, I sneaked back into the photo booth for yet more selfies with fellow The Guide Liverpool writer, Dale Roberts as the dj set-up for the after party.
I met some ridiculously talented people, from doctors, athesticians and singers to fashion designers, models and make up artists. Oh and don’t forget the bevvy of local celebs such as the very lovely Claire Simmo from Radio City 2. (My opening line was ” Oooh I stalk you on social media Claire” insert another monkey emoji here!)
Huge congratulations to Amanda Moss and event sponsor Bernadette McDonald of BMD:Law. The evening was a fun-filled celebration of the best our local, independent businesses has to offer.
With an unbeatable, friendly atmosphere it felt like being at a family wedding than a room filled with strangers.
I’ve uploaded all my images from the BMD:Law Liverpool Fashion & Beauty Awards 2016.(Most of which are blurry selfies) to my gallery. The event hashtag is #itsthelawtobefab so check out all the pics from guests on instagram and twitter!
For the official photo’s of the event, head to http://www.liverpoolfashionandbeautyawards.co.uk to check out Ian Williams’ stunning photography.
I’ve also submitted my official article to various regional news outlets too, so keep everything crossed for publishing!
Kate Reilly James 