Examination Schools supports Oxford Fashion Week
Date added: Thursday 17th March, 2011
With over 40 handbags, 30 + pairs of shoes, and three wardrobes worth of clothes, I always have been, I’m currently and always will be a fashion lover. So when Oxford Fashion week approached me to run their Haute Couture show in March 2011 at the University of Oxford’s Examination Schools I was delighted!
The Examination Schools can be let out to conference organisers for day meetings, exhibitions, trade shows, dinners and other events. As a Grade II listed Victorian building with sweeping marble staircases, highly decorative plasterwork ceilings and oak panelled rooms, the venue provides an exquisite backdrop for all sorts of events but it was the first time that the Schools in its 130 year history has ever hosted a fashion show.
Over 200 guests arrived in glamorous black and white tie to be greeted by an abundance of free flowing champagne and canapés before the show began. Atmospheric mood lighting, enchanting music, striking models and a 20ft runway provided the right setting to show off the range of designers which included, amongst others, Valentin Yudashkin, Raakesh Agarvwal, Nina Jovanovic, Nicole Farhi, Matthew Williamson, Ashley Isham, Belle Sauvage, Pierre Garroudi, Dar Sara Fashion, Fahad Hussain, Viv Whelan. Post the show, an auction was held where a number of items were sold including an Alexander McQueen clutch bag and a beautiful couture dress. Proceeds from the couture show went to the Oxford Thinking Campaign which seeks to raise funds to support the next generation of students.
Carl Anglim, Executive Producer of Oxford Fashion Week commented:
"The Couture Show is the highest profile event of Oxford Fashion Week and requires a spectacular venue. The Examination Schools provided the perfect setting for a breathtaking show. The rooms and spaces are truly exquisite and the Events team did everything they could to make the event as successful as possible. We were delighted to support the Oxford Thinking Campaign with the event and we hope to continue the event at the Examination Schools in 2012."
Kay Hogg, Events Manager
