Well, this is LONG overdue, but hey-ho!

So Cambridge Style Week 2016 was back in March. The fourth year of the event, and my third year participation as a model.

Over the years there has been overhauls, changes and rules brought in. However all of it lead to easily the most outstanding show this year.

Now naturally, a new venue lead to teething problems, and not everything was hunky-dory - I’m not one to leave out the gritty details, so bear with me! A lot happened in three days!!!

To begin with I arrived on the 17th March and began helping with set-up, so separating goodies into their bags (provided by Triumph, which by the way were GORGEOUS!), to setting up the seating plan and putting out chairs. It’s always good fun I think to get involved in this side because you never realise how important the smaller jobs are (and just how many of them there are!).

The on the 18th the fun began, again I was there earlier with Director Nicky Shephard and everyone else who was there woking hard to help out with some last minute arrangements! We had a couple of run-throughs once all the models arrived at around 12pm, and had some last minute fittings with designers later in the day!

The first night was insanely packed for us models - a total of 18 collections were shown (I believe) and there just were not enough dressers backstage! However, as most of us were seasoned CSW models those who had some time or were already dressed very quickly jumped in to help those with quick/complicated changes! We even had one or two of the Top to Toe LTD hair stylists who jumped in to help! We also this year had a much longer trip to get back stage to where the clothes were being stored, and we hadn’t anticipated the extra time we would need! However, we all really pulled together and as a result, everyone managed to get on the stage on time, fully dressed and rocked it down the catwalk! I must say I felt like a bit of a celeb when I reached the end and the lovely Francis Pullen and Mark Peers were on the press stage calling my name for me to look towards their cameras! :) Thanks Guys!

The second night was a little more chilled for everyone - except me… I was super clever and accepted a job in London that morning so was extremely rushed getting back! That aside though Saturday 19th was much more relaxed and there was less pressure as there was much less in terms of clothing for us to faff around with backstage! Hair was done on time, Makeup was ready and we were raring to go! The stage was incredible this year and so much easier for us all to walk on. I think if I had to give prizes for best improvement this would come absolutely screaming in at first place! Backstage was great, we had enough room to chill and store our possessions safely. Also, access to toilets and shops, local amenities was fabulous given the central location!!

I said I would be honest, so here’s the gritty bits. Backstage was a little understaffed in all senses so it got a little uncomfortable running around in next to nothing with some gawking eyes… it was pretty easy to access and despite all the commotion I am sure at times there were a couple of people back there who shouldn’t have been… But I for one certainly didn’t let that deter me. If you really get your kicks from something like that, I feel sorry for you! The request to not wear heels during the Triumph walk was extremely nerve-wracking and, lead to the first year I didn’t feel comfortable sharing photos from the lingerie walk. I felt really vulnerable on the stage in lingerie and bare feet. I think it’s easy to forget, we aren’t ‘real’ catwalk models. We are your every day ladies in all shapes and sizes, and even just a small heel would’ve gone a long way I think. The Lingerie walk is usually my absolute favourite. This year however it really wasn’t. My only other concern was the makeup.. I’m not sure if the lights has a play, but for sure I wasn’t that happy with a lot of the photos of me - nothing to do with the photos themselves. I have been in the business one enough to know that so many other factors come into play! Also, maybe my lack of sleep in the week or two run up didn’t help either.. who knows!

All in all a great third year though, and I am super looking forward to seeing where it goes from here!!!