Harvey Nichols MCR Fashion Show

I was really excited to attend the Harvey Nichols autumn/winter 2011 fashion show last night, held in the Victorian-built Manchester Town Hall.

A harpist played as fashionistas gathered in reception and sipped on champagne (yours truly managed to drink three glasses in forty-five minutes). The stylish crowd were bedecked in their finest fair: I spotted a Stella McCartney autumn/winter 2011 dress, Charlotte Olympia platforms, and YSL Tribtoo shoes, amongst other luxurious accessories.

Invitations stated the show would begin at 8.30pm prompt, so around quarter past we were ushered into the amazing Great Hall. We found the Neo-gothic hall had been transformed into a spooky forest, complete with stuffed owls watching us, and a furry-masked DJ.

The show started with men's fashion, following the format of four men's outfits and six women's throughout the show. I loved seeing the Givenchy intarsia rottweiler jumper, and the model who came out wearing a harness but no top - clearly a styling malfunction as that wasn't what he was billed as wearing. Not that I'm complaining!

Trends showcased for women were New Androgyny (oversized tailoring, slouchy cuts), Collage Prints (rich winter florals, animal prints, laser cutting, embellishment), Fetish Dressing (latex, PVC, leather, lace, perfect grooming), Autumn Berries (burgundy, plum, rust, scarlet), and Femme Fatale (jewel-toned high-wattage glamour). Standout pieces included Alaia dalmatian print hiking boots, a Vionnet orange, black and teal print dress, an outfit comprising of a Pucci lace top and a Nicole Farhi parachute skirt, and the finale piece, an Alexander McQueen fuchsia chiffon dress.

I was sat on the back row so only managed to get a couple of half-decent pictures, although my camera did manage to focus rather well on a front row ballerina bun, as you will see..!

Alexander McQueen blazer & top, Amanda Wakeley maxi skirt

Mary Katrantzou dress

Vionnet printed dress

BCBG top, Alexander McQueen leggings, Lara Bohnic necklace, Givenchy clutch

Peter Pilotto dress

Amanda Wakeley top, Joseph leather pants

Joseph shearling coat

3.1 Philip Lim tunic, Joseph leggings

Amanda Wakeley peplum dress

Nicole Farhi dress, Chloe bag

Alexander McQueen dress

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and thought everything from the styling, make-up and hair to the seating staff were professional and to a very high standard. I'll definitely be attending again next season.

I feel this is enough photos for one post, so stay tuned for my pictures from the shopping event held after the show at Harvey Nicks!