The Imagine Appeal Clothes Throw 2011 - Event 4 - Friday

So after three days of cocktails, catwalk, and catfights (okay, furious bidding!), The Clothes Throw 2011 has almost come to an end.

But this year's main events were seen off in style with tonight's 'Graduate Throw', where five LJMU graduates each showed 6 looks, available to purchase, with all proceeds going to the worthy cause that is The Imagine Appeal.

It's hard, I know, to envisage the looks of a collection without pictures, so you'll have to see the pics in His and Hers mag soon, but for now, let me give you a taste of what our city's designers had to offer...

First up was Laura Wallace who sent out a stripped back collection; models swathed in  neutral muslin. A bold move, but one that paid off thanks to delicate button detailing, intelligent draping, and interesting shapes. Wallace said after the show that her inspiration had come from old letters and photographs.

Jodie Wood was next with bold navy and ecru prints on simply shaped pieces. It wasn't all simple though, there was some great unexpected and experimental shoulder detailing and sharp tailoring. The collection was meant to show personalities, to which people will all respond differently.

The third designer was Lauren Schofield who created a sculptural collection with lots of movement. Taking the idea of a crinoline, jersey, sportswear-esque shapes were transformed with giant rigilene collars and frills. I wasn't able to speak to Lauren as she's currently in New York working for Diane Von Furstenberg - alright for some!

Louise Boarder went for cosy ski chalet chic, with fur, felt and textural knitted pieces in a palette of burgundy, biscuit and black. Inspired by animals and child evacuees, layering was key to the theme of 'protecting yourself', topped off with hats and hoods.

Finally Gemma Howarth showed her collection inspired by old memorabilia, such as her grandad's stamp collection. She said she looked at the idea that certain things mean something to someone, yet are worthless to others, and came up with a classic collection in black and dove grey, featuring intricate beading and flowing silks.

So that's it for 2011's events! The one day pop-up shop launches on Manesty's Lane in Liverpool One tomorrow, so do go and gave a look at that as it's another great way to give to the Imagine Appeal.

 I'm not sure quite yet exactly how much has been raised, but as soon as I find out I shall let you know.

In the meantime, if you've missed either Wednesday or Thursday's event reviews, you can read them by clicking on the relevant day...

Also look out for more coverage and pictures of The Clothes Throw in next months His and Hers Magazine.

The Imagine Appeal Clothes Throw 2011 - Event 2&3 - Thursday

Today saw two more events in the calendar of this years Clothes Throw.

This afternoon was the 'Afternoon Tea Party', complete with cake and bubbly, where guests could bid for offerings from famous faces including Carol Vorderman, Joan Collins and Brix Smith-Start. These offerings being, among others, Temperley and Halston Heritage, ensured that this was certainly an event not to be missed.

But The Clothes Throw fun didn't stop there, with the 'Finale Auction' held tonight.

The Palm Sugar Mojitos and canapes were delicious once again (ooh the perks of reporting three nights on the run!) and were demolished before the serious bidding commenced. Those auctioneers don't half speak fast, their speedy hum I think was along the lines of "at a hundred pound I’m bid now one hundred one hundred one hundred at a hundred pound now..."

Amongst the lots tonight was a stunning buttery leather jacket from Sienna Miller's Label Twenty8Twelve, an all expenses paid trip to New York, a stunning replica of Lady Gaga's Mobo dress from Philip and Tony Armstrong and Alex Gerrard's leopard print Lanvin Dress. It was beautiful, Lanvin's my favourite, it took some willpower to keep my hands firmly on the keyboard and not in the air...

This was the last of the auction events, the online auction will go live tomorrow.

Tomorrow will also feature the last of this years Clothes Throw events, 'The Graduate Throw'. Look out for my coverage!

Also see next months issue of His & Hers Magazine for more coverage of the event...

The Imagine Appeal Clothes Throw 2011 - Event 1 - Wednesday

It's proved a huge success in previous years, so it's back this year:  The Clothes Throw 2011, in aid of of Alder Hey's Imagine Appeal.

I've just got home from Palm Sugar in Liverpool One, which hosted the launch of what is quite possibly the most stylish charity fundraiser Liverpool has to offer.

After being treated to Mojitos and tasty canapes (yes, fashionistas do eat!), tonight's first catwalk show featured forties style looks from Wade Smith, where tweed two pieces and sheer pussy bow blouses in bright jewel tones were paired with classic black and charcoal. 

Then came a hair and make up tutorial from Liz and Andrew Collinge, where the forties theme continued with an elegant two minute updo, and striking hollywood make up.

Next was Bullet Vintage; full skirted maxi dresses in sweet shop candy colours with sparkling embellishment, and a particularly fabulous cobalt blue number.

It was then the turn of acclaimed Liverpool designer, Kirsty Doyle, showing her trademark sculptural shapes and clean lines in a palette of purple hues.

The fabulous jewellery throughout, from Mawi, Erickson Beamon and Kenneth Jay Lane was courtesy of Benna at benna.co.uk.

Finally was the first celebrity auction of the event, where bidders fought for Chloe and Mulberry arm candy, a cuff designed by Karl Lagerfeld and a Temperley dress, to name but a few of the celebrity offerings.

Tomorrow and Friday's events will see two more auctions before the online auction goes live, so keep checking back this week for more about The Clothes Throw events as they happen!

Also see the next issue of His and Hers Magazine for more coverage of the event...

PFW - Louis Vuitton

Anyone who knows me well will know I've got a bit of a thing for merry-go-rounds and on finding one, I generally will go on it... Yes, at my age.

So imagine how much I love the set for the Louis Vuitton S/S12 show at Paris Fashion Week complete with perfect, white as snow, merry-go-round.

And doesn't Kate Moss look all beautiful closing the show.