Essex Fashion Week - Not just Fake Bake and TOWIE

As a girl who's never used a tanning product of any kind in her life, you have to wonder whether a fashion show, that many people are thinking is merely an extension of the hit show 'The Only Way is Essex' or TOWIE for short, is going to be your kind of thing. On the other hand, as a naturalised Essex Girl I felt something of a duty to go and check it out. Adding the fact that it was being held in a tent - OK Marquee, at the once gravel works, now nature park, activity centre and golf course - only recently handed back into the control of the local council after years under a different management, who fought to put a racecourse there - which is Fairlop Waters -  I found the whole thing rather intriguing.  Well a girls just got to go see what's going on.

First up organisers Adam and Simon Ryan introduce the show:

Explaining that Essex isn't only about fake tans and white stilettos - their ambition, to put Essex on the Fashion map!

And indeed the first models out for New Look were refreshingly pale:

I really liked seeing this seasons orange lips looking good on pale skin, wasn't so convinced when it came out

 on the fake tans:

The TOWIE connection was obvious from the cheers that erupted at this point.

Back with the Ryan Twins and their own label: 

Inspired by life as twins dressed identically in childhood - They seek to create single unique pieces because there is only one you.

A few more ranges and then just when you're not expecting it there's this one:

Described as being like Marmite!

This was about the time I had intended to leave, but I got chatting with a few people and I am so glad I did, because the next 3 designers made my day, turning it from intriguing spectacle into something special.....

Normal Beauty Blogging service will resume after a second post from Essex Fashion Week - full of some pretty gorgeous clothes ;)