BORN AND RAISED IN BRISTOL – 
FASHION EVENT TO CELEBRATE SOUTH WEST STYLE

Tickets are now on sale for the biggest, most dynamic fashion and style event outside of London – the Hobbs Show 2004, to be held at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum on 19^th/20^th March.

In its sixth year, the Show this year is being specially designed to prove that you don’t have to be based in London to have a unique sense of style, with the theme of ‘Born and Raised in Bristol’ being woven into the entire show - alongside a special opportunity for would-be designers to participate alongside the professionals.

Nowt2Do.Com went along for breakfast with models at the 2004 Hobbs Show Launch, and are delighted to see that this Bristol Tradition is back for another year. The sumptuous surrounds of The River, on Canons Marsh played host to the morning's events as we heard all about the 2004 show, theme and got a sneak peek! 

Over 60 models, 20 dancers and 30 crew will help make up the largest fashion show Bristol has ever seen, London no longer has the monopoly of talent...Bristol is the new home of British designers and thanks to Hobbs they now have one amazing platform on which to showcase their skills.

The show is on over two days this year, and will allow visitors the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before and after the show, with a well stocked bar, and live entertainment. Doug Hobbs said to us that "Bristol us one of the best places in Britain to live and I'm proud to be a part of this fantastic city." "I'm giving new designers a chance to get their items on the catwalk this year in our competition which is being run on February 23rd in the Salon on Park Row, and can't wait to see what they come up with." "This year's show is going to be better than any of the others, it's bigger, the team behind it are more experience. It has a real sense of fun and community about it, we don't have anyone on board who has an ego, everyone pulls together to make the show as good as it possibly can be." He carried on by saying, "I couldn't do this anywhere else but in Bristol, it is one hell of a city." "When I started the show in 1997 I never expected it to be this big, or popular, and I'm delighted to have seen it grow." 

We were then treated to a small fashion show, showcasing the designers and shops who'll be taking part in this years event. Judging by the little glimpse we got this year is going to be unbelievable! An unique blend of different ideas and styles will make the show one that you'll never forget.

(Want to see these pictures in their full glory? Just click on them!)

Alterior	Annabel Harrison	The Yard
Jaqui Jones	John Anthony	Justice
La Freak Boutique	Trendy Kids	Trendy Kids
Fresh Nation	Flowers Inc	Karen Reilly

Last year's event was like no other, one hell of an enjoyable evening out, a real feast for the eyes, ears and soul. What are you waiting for? Buy that ticket!

Wana know more? Well keep on reading!

“So often the focus for ‘new talent’ is on London that you’d think that the regions were incapable of producing anything of any worth,” explains show organiser Doug Hobbs who has successfully ‘born and raised’ what is now the largest show of its type outside of the capital.  “This year we’re determined to prove the establishment wrong and are launching a special design competition offering would-be designers a chance to show their designs on the catwalk in front of an audience of thousands – and maybe even to get ‘spotted’.

Born and raised in Bristol himself, Doug is a firm believer that style comes from within and that everyone has it.  “Everyone has their own style – the challenge is really how to find it.  Too often there’s a slavish following of fashion without a recognition of individual style.  While the Hobbs Show is all about style, we’ve specially designed it to illustrate that real style is all about the person – clothes simply bring out the character or help create a new persona.  I’ve no doubt that fashion should be fun and that style should be individual and in Bristol there’s a growing sense of style among all ages – just take a look around.”

A real show – and more!

Offering a unique chance to see some of the region’s hottest design talent alongside collections from Bristol’s leading independent retailers, the show is anything but a boring catwalk clothes-hanging exercise, with audiences advised to ‘expect the unexpected’.  Professional dancers and musicians are just some of the ‘performers’ included in the show, alongside models hand-picked for their distinct style.

“This is a real ‘show’ fit to rival anything any of the big London shows”, explains show producer Andy Oswin of Bristol-based Bright Event Management.  “With over 60 models, 15 dancers, 16 ‘sets’, the Show itself is a big production with real impact.  If you’ve ever thought that fashion shows were boring then think again – this show literally sets the standard for dance, theatre and style – not to mention an after-show party that’s the talk of the town – it’s an event not to be missed!”

Sponsors of this year’s show include Bristol City Council, GWR FM Bristol, Venue Magazine, Elizabeth Shaw, Michelob Ultra, Moet Chandon and Matrix – all of whom are providing a range of support from promotion to dancers to drinks!

Fashion designers opportunity

The ‘Born and Raised in Bristol’ Hobbs design competition is open to all would-be fashion designers – fashion students, home-based seamstresses, even amateurs with a passion for fashion.  Anyone interested in entering the competition should be able to present their designs either on paper or in made-up at a judging session to take place on 23^rd February at the Hobbs salon.  A judging panel comprising Doug Hobbs, Adrian Granden fashion lecturer at Bower Ashton and professional costume designer Jacqui Jones will all review the designs, with three selected to take part in the Show.  “What we’re looking for is creativity and flair”, explains Doug.  “Designs can be hand drawn on paper or made-up in full, all we ask is that of the designs submitted four can be made up by the person submitting them in time for the show on 19^th March.”   

Check out our other Hobbs Pages:

2004 Preview

2003 Review

Ticket and Show Details:

Tickets cost £19.50 of which £1 will be donated to Spencer Dayman Meningitis UK.

Tickets are available by calling 0117 929 1635 or visiting Hobbs on Park Row, Bristol Ticket Show in The Arcade or from Annabel Harrison in Shires Yard Bath.

The doors and bar opens at 7.45pm, the show begins at 9pm. There will be an after show bar featuring special guests Mo Funk and DJs.

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