Published Friday, 16 March 2012
I got my best fashion-spotter hat on and picked a top spot by the pink sparkly runway to earmark my Spring/Summer 2012 wardrobe.
From haute couture to ready to wear well-known local names Una Rodden and Grainne Maher mixed with newcomers including NorLisa and The Fairest of Them All.
Lizzie Agnew gave a nod to Belfast's most famous ship with her stunning Titanica dress the perfect opening for the evening.
And if someone liked it enough to put a ring on it, as Beyonce would say, and you're searching for something unique, Lizzie's starlet-inspired wedding dresses and the elegant form-fitting designs from Belfast-based Cara Couture are most definitely worth a look.
Florals ruled the runway at each fashion week this year and at Belfast Zoe Boomer put her own touch on it.
A casual summer dress mixed coral solids with a blue-based flower print, which echoed the sport-luxe feel also seen at Alexander Wang and Lanvin.
For me, the Zoe Boomer flower print scarf is an affordable, chic way of updating my wardrobe to reflect the coming season's trends and supporting our local talents.
My family is going through somewhat of a knitting revival at the moment, but Mary Callan's pencil skirts and grown-up tank tops in ice-cream shades are a world away from the hooded cardigans being conjured up in the Neill household.
Oh and Mary's designs say horizontal stripes are back ladies, so shake off your fears and embrace those curves.
NorLisa's bright prints have been causing a stir across NI, and I know I'm not the only one who gasped when the Statement Backless dress with Petal Floral Sleeve appeared.
It flows beautifully and if shrinking violets aren't your thing, wearing this dress will definitely get you noticed.
Grainne Maher has been making big waves with her millinery range and her newest venture, Pluck and Devour, did not fail to impress.
(The Pink Butterfly Statement headpiece is striking especially coupled with the P&D butterfly necklace.)
Fashion favourite Una Rodden's pieces ended the evening and the girl did Northern Ireland proud.
The navy drape evening dress has my name all over it, while the embellished organza dresses shimmered their way down the catwalk.
So after Thursday evening's event, I've picked up some great thoughts for what to wear this summer and made a rather extensive wish-list and uncovered some great names in Northern Ireland fashion.
Images: ©Pacemaker