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The Clothes Show Live in Birmingham, UK

by Terri Potratz | December 19, 2008 at 10:47 am

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Written by Tom Bracewell

The Clothes Show Live has recently hit Birmingham again for another year. The Clothes Show has been delivering its unique blend of catwalk shows, celebrity appearance, models, music and a ridiculously large shopping experience under one roof for 20 years. With people such as MC Hammer and Madonna performing in the past, the Clothes Show is more of an extravagant performance than a serious fashion show.

While it projects itself as the ‘world’s largest fashion and beauty event’ it is more of a case of quantity not quality. The event now attracts over 185,000 visitors over the extended six-day show, the majority who seem to be teenage girls hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity, and possibly pick up a hoody on sale.

The highlight of the day was the catwalk show, which takes place in the 6500 seater Fashion Theatre. It was over the top to say the least and had a huge focus on entertainment, but was still very enjoyable. There was too much dancing included which detracted from the show as much as it added, and the overly eccentric male models were a joke. There were so many pieces, so many colours, and so many different styles shown that it was impossible to take much of anything from the event trends wise. The event is aimed at the younger audience, and any things I don’t like about the event are done very purposefully for the audience they are aiming for, and for what they want to achieve.

With over 500 brands under one roof, an entertaining show and the smattering of celebrities, they will continue to attract the huge numbers of people that showed up at the NEC. It is a mass appeal event, with little to none exclusivity factor attached to it. It is accessible to all and is run immaculately, and for that they deserve credit. For those seeking the serious fashion events, this isn’t for you, for those wanting some sale items from highstreet clothing and beauty brands, don’t miss it.

The Clothes Show London will debut at the ExCeL Arena in London for the first time in May 2009.

Published to NowPublic.com with permission by the author.