Indulge Yourself

"Manchester has everything except a beach", Ian Brown once famously said. Well, since Castlefield solved that problem with a beach on the edge of the Bridgewater last summer, what does that leave? A trade show, perhaps..? With Pure in London and Moda in Birmingham, it's one event our wonderful city is sorely lacking.

Step in Vanessa Mambu. Originally from a merchandising background - working in London for Lambert Howarth, John Lewis and Radley - a run of bad luck brought Vanessa back home to Manchester. A fresh start was needed, and realising the gap in the market for a trade show in Manchester (further to that an occasionwear show) Vanessa set her brain to work; thus the Indulgent Show was born.





I had the pleasure of chatting to Vanessa (pictured with the Indulgent Show's choreographer, Sam) at a recent networking event hosted by the trade show. She has a real love for fashion having decided she would work in the industry aged eight, and progressed to study fashion design at De Montfort University. As many will agree, her passion lies in beholding the inspiration for a product, seeing it through to actualisation, and finally getting a glimpse of it being worn by the consumer on the street. This is a process that clearly rings true with the trade show, too, with Ms Mambu working her socks off to prepare the show for its January 23rd launch. In a dream world, Vanessa would love Jenny Packham and Temperley London to exhibit at her show (so if you're reading, Ms Packham, you know what to do..) and wishes for Anna Wintour, Franca Sozzani and Katie Grand to browse the exhibition stands for fashion shoot ideas.


Also busy networking were some pretty superb outfits; and their owners, of course..




Indulgent Show marketer Lauren need not ask "who stole my Litas?" - they're firmly attached to her feet.


Fashion design student Roberta is super chic, and looks like Mariacarla Boscono here, don't you think?


Fashion marketing student Katie makes these potentially wacky floral trousers look chic with the addition of a casual grey marl sweater and nude clutch.


I am so utterly crazy about this jacket; Textiles student Susanna reuses and recycles a vintage puffa.


Finally Rynae wows in a mixture of neon lace, florals, and leopard. These Manchester Metropolitan University students sure like to mix their prints!


The Indulgent Show, scheduled for the 23rd January at Manchester Conference Centre, is free to register and is aimed primarily at buyers, but all fashion professionals are welcome including designers, stylists, journalists, students, and bloggers. Register at indulgentshow.co.uk, alternatively if you're an occasionwear designer or supplier interesting in exhibiting contact vanessa@indulgentshow.com.