Zeynep Kartal Debut Collection Launch

Hey kittens, hope you’re all good! Time to catch up on the world of fashion events in Manchester at the mo, so seems the purrfect time to tell y’all that I was recently invited to the debut collection launch of Zeynep Kartal. The night was held at Room, a restaurant just off the very swanky King Street, Manchester – an unusual choice for a fashion event, but upon asking I was told that Kartal’s studio is in the office above, n’aww. Despite never eating at the restaurant myself, I have attended events there before, such as the Crystal Clear: Lift Away The Years launch which was held in a function room behind the bar. However, this event was very different.

Instead of simply displaying the collection on mannequins or hangers – which many designers find sufficient – Kartal decided to showcase the collection via catwalk. Always one to enjoy a good gander at some gorgeous dresses (and models!) I was keen to see how this would work in a restaurant setting. But I was not disappointed!

Upon arrival, it became clear that this was not gonna be your usual fashion show. Instead of centre stage with chairs either side, we were greeted with a drink and asked to gather around the main staircase. Then, as the show began, Kartal’s models began making their way down from the stairs before us, until reaching level with us to strike a pose (or two, or three) and making their way back up. A staircase runway – very different indeed, but it worked.

The traditional setting and the sweeping staircase certainly complimented Kartal’s designs – all highly feminine, flattering and figure-excentuating. Kartal’s debut the collection was for next year’s Spring/Summer and as expected, there were plenty of pastel shades and chiffon. However, there were also some more festive looking dresses; my favourite of which were the deep green, silk numbers and deep jewel shades. I have my eyes on a few, but with a £400 starting point for her ready to wear range (going up to a whopping £3 grand for her bespoke pieces) I have some saving up to do.

Aside from the gorgeous Nemeis models, there were a couple of local celebs walking in the show too, including Hollyoaks stars Gemma Merna and Nikki Sanderson who both looked stunning, walking in a couple of changes. After the show, we were invited to stay around for a drink and mingle with some of the other celebs in attendance, including Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews and Josh Coombs. Eeek – as a MIC I was pretty excited by this!

So kittens, which is your favourite frock? Leave me a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page and subscribe to my Youtube channel to keep up to date with all things fashion!