With Katie, Irena and Joanne outside Halle St Peters

With the events kicking off an hour later than Friday night, at 7pm (and fashionable later than that!) I arrived at 6ish to have enough time to look around the stalls exhibiting. As well as a couple of beauty demonstrations – anti-aging contraption demos and free eyebrow waxes to those who wanted it –  the stalls were mostly taken up by fashion brands. Brands such as 304# Clothing, Sofia Dourvari, Aftershock and Didi’s Boutique who were showing on the runway also had stalls to let us have a closer look at their garments. Didi’s Boutique had the largest range of collections with four rails full of clothing; the range of their items was also really impressive, starting from basic t-shirts at £15, to going out dresses, to bespoke evening gowns costing hundreds of pounds.

Waiting for the shows to start!

JSKY performing his single

As we still had a little time to kill, it was a fab opportunity to speak to some new faces and also meet up with the other MCRFW “Official Voices” bloggers that had attended on the night. After only myself and Irena attending on the first night, last night there was almost a whole front row full of my blogger friends. It was so good to see them all again, have a chat, and take some street style outfit pictures in the sun before the shows!

Double trouble! Swimwear from Didi’s Boutique

One of my favourite dresses of the night by Didi’s Boutique

Tree dress! A design by Florina

When we took our seats for the shows – front row, of course! – it became apparent how busy Halle St Peters was. It was literally full to the brim with more seats being added, including a couple on the front row for Celeb spot of the night – local lady Denise Welch. Personally, I was hoping her son, heartthrob Matty Healy of the 1975 might have been there, but unfortunately no such luck! Gutted! At least JSKY was there again to present and even perform two songs for us, including his new single, Didn’t Mean To Turn You On.

Luxury leather jackets from Boda Skins

Handmade: 600 flowers hand sewn by Sofia Dourvari

Right, on to the shows! There were honestly so many brands taking part that it’s hard to keep track. I’m going to try and keep things simple as otherwise I could write this blog post alllll day and before I know it, it’ll be time for Day 3 tonight. In fact, there were so many shows that there had to be an interval in between. The most creative pieces being shown were put inbetween more daytime looks – shout out to the grasses dresses and tree bikinis by Florina – there were also some amazing sparkly, glittery handmade pieces, such as the show girl outfits by Clare Baxter and ladylike latex (as Hannah Louise put it!) by Eustrasia.

Slick menswear look by Horsebird

Lily Lulu’s best selling item

Celeb style by OMG Fashion

A celeb favourite

Although I loved watching the more outlandish designs, I also really related to the more wearable designs by brands which I’ve already worked with, such as OMG Fashion and Lily Lulu Fashion. It’s fab to see companies you’ve got a relationship succeeding so I was really happy to support them. OMG Fashion had a ton of summer party looks, with true celeb style cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and little neon dresses; very true to their style. Lily Lulu showed loads of lovely floral items, mostly jumpsuits and playsuits, including a dark floral playsuit with a high neck and long sleeves (but short-shorts!) which they claim to be their best seller.

Stunning evening gown by Aftershock

Different – a casual look by Aftershock after their ball gown

More menswear by Luke 1977

There were also some gorgeous evening gowns, including some girly leather looks by the ever-so-lovely Sofia Dourvari (you’ll have seen her on here before) who opened the show with a combination of floor length fishtail gowns and knee length cocktail dresses. She told me that the black, backless satin dress with textured floral skirt was all handmade, including 600 tiny flowers which she sewed together herself. I also really loved the finale show by Sve, which included a load of sparkly, Asian inspired designs and intricate detail. Absolutely stunning and a fab way to finish the night!

Gorgeous batwing satin dress by Sve

Finale piece by Sve

What stood out to me most last night was the range of designers and collections on show. For ladies, we had swimwear, casual daytime looks, party looks and even ball gowns. For men, casual t-shirts, leather jackets, shirts and bomber jackets. We had online stores, independent boutiques and more commercial shops, as well as really creative and unusual designs featuring latex, leaves and glitter! Gin & Tonic even showed a vintage collection, which was very unusual. There really was something for everyone and the diversity is what made the night so interesting, despite how long the show was.

Designer Eustratia taking a bow with one of her latex designs

Incredible showgirl designs by Clare Baxter

Vintage by Gin & Tonic

Over all, it was an amazing night and the MCRFW team certainly proved they could pull Manchester Fashion Week back from the dead (2013!). If anything, this has proved to the haters that things will continue to get bigger and better for the team and I feel really proud of everyone – the team of hardworking young interns, especially – for pulling off such a huge, sold out show.

With Irena D after the shows – chaos!

30 more seats have now also been added to tonight’s shows due to popular demand, so I’m finalising my next outfit and currently getting ready for take 3. Three’s a charm!

If you’re enjoying my super speedy MCRFW coverage and live updates, please take the time to  nominate me as Best Fashion in the Company Style Blog Awards – thank you.