You can’t beat a fashion and beauty event to spot all the hottest trends and that’s exactly what myself and ESP’s health and beauty columnist, Rachael Clarke did at Backstage Live – a fabulous behind the scenes fashion event held at Queensgate Shopping Centre on Saturday April 9.
It appears that whilst us ladies want to look our best and maintaining that often requires maximum effort; I discovered that the theme for this year’s warmer months is ‘less is more’.
You can still look great but without being head to toe in accessories and whilst carefully putting together statement items, you can guarantee you’ll be on trend in 2016.
Rachel Cheshire, events manager, model and stylist, told us: “It’s all about pairing up items that you could wear casually or for a wedding – mix and matching key items to look great. Less is more this year and consumers need to keep their eyes open for the nautical look which is really big for the up and coming spring and summer seasons.”
From free hair styling advice and tips to makeup masterclasses, hundreds of people visited the event to find out what’s hot and what’s not for this year’s spring/summer wardrobe. Queensgate’s shops and concessions brought in their resident experts to offer free demonstrations and samples, including; P.kai hair, Michael John, The Body Shop, Lush, Benefit and Yves Saint Laurent.
Fashion giant, John Lewis held masterclasses throughout the day with advice on colour matching, how to combine old with new and the must-have items for Spring/Summer 2016.
“Backstage Live has been really well received by our customers and has given us a great chance to showcase what Queensgate’s fashion and beauty has to offer,” said event organiser and marketing manager at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Laura Sayer.
She adds: “We have some of the biggest brands in fashion as well as local award-winning independent businesses; together we are creating a brilliant leisure experience for our visitors.”
During the day, Queensgate’s spotters were on the lookout to find the next Q Style Icon. The top 20 candidates chosen will be available on Queensgate’s Facebook page for people to vote for their favourite. The person voted for as the 2016 Q Style Icon will star in the AW16 edition of the centre’s Q Style magazine. So get voting at www.facebook.com/queensgate.
Rachael and I loved the event and we were both more than happy to have some much needed pampering! I loved my Dutch plaits and Rachael was given a stunning makeover by freelance makeup artist Fiona Florczak for her Saturday night out in Stamford and may I say, Rachael, you looked fab! Two happy ESP ladies indeed!
Rest assured we’ll keep you in the loop for the next Queensgate fashion event as let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a little pampering and the odd freebie, not to mention, style tips and fashion hints.
You can also read more health and beauty tips from the event in Rachael’s column in the May issue of ESP.
For more info on future events visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk and for more pictures of the event, visit and like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/espmagazine.
Anna Ruggiero
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