On Saturday I went along to Bonbar, Newcastle for the blogger preview event, kicking off Newcastle Fashion Week 2014! Prepare yourself for a little overload of photos, I did try to narrow down which ones to use, but the decor inside Bonbar is just too nice, it would be rude to leave it out!
Danielle, from DDCA, the official sponsor for NFW this year, kicked off the event, welcoming all the bloggers and told us a little about what we could expect, before handing over to Sandra who walked us through the programme of events - all very exciting! I've already picked up my Company Magazine Catwalk tickets and I'm gonna do my best to get along to as many other events taking place too. It'd be amazing if I could get to every one!
We were told about the three competitions taking place - all very exciting! One blogger will win the official NFW 2014 tee as modelled by Sandra at the event, before it goes on sale on 28th April - being one of the first to own it and of course, whoever gets it will probably be blogging about it!
They're also on the hunt for this year's official blogger, which is the one I'm possibly most excited about. It'd be an incredible opportunity so I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed for that! Last, but by no means least and the most difficult (in my opinion) is naming this cocktail below!
This is the official NFW cocktail, currently without a name and it was down to us to offer names, the best one will be picked and have their own name beside the cocktail on Bonbar's menu. Who knows, if it's such a big hit, they may even keep it there after May! It's pretty tasty, so I think it's gonna be popular.
ND Make-Up were on hand to add a little glamour with false eyelashes. Believe it or not, I've actually never tried false eyelashes - bad blogger, I know! I've always been a bit nervous about putting glue so close to my eyes, but after seeing how easy (and safe) it is, I'll definitely be giving my corner lashes another flutter soon.
That lovely looking pink cocktail is The Novelist. A mix of Tanqueray Gin, sherry, lemon sherbert, red wine and teapot bitters. Inspired by author Catherine Cookson this quirky little number features a perfumed origami bird made with a page from one of her novels!
That piece of Macallan whisky barrel being burnt viciously with the blow-torch above is all part of the preparation for another cocktail, Locomotive. You may have guessed from the railway name, it is indeed inspired by George Stephenson and features a blend of Ron Zacapa 23, Newcastle Brown Ale syrup, Picon Italian aperitif and walnut bitters. It's got a smoky, musky scent from the barrel.
Of course, I had to get my photo taken in front of the stand; I can pretend I'm important and there was a red carpet too, right? I'll be popping up a full outfit post later in the week if you want to see more snaps of what I wore. I wasn't sure how casual to go so went for somewhere in the middle.
I had a great time at the event, it was lovely to meet some new faces and I'll definitely be returning to Bonbar for a date night with my boyfriend, not that I've yet mentioned that to him... Although he'll probably find out when he reads this!
For the full Newcastle Fashion Week programme see here, hopefully I'll see you there!
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