The highly anticipated collaboration between Horrockses Fashions x Joanie Clothing has finally arrived, and last night we had the pleasure of hosting the official launch event at one of Manchester’s finest venues, the International Anthony Burgess Foundation.
In celebration of the collaboration between the history-defining North West fashion house and rising star of the sustainable-yet-affordable clothing market, Joanie Clothing, we invited a variety of guests, from local creatives to select press, fashion tastemakers and digital creators, who were given the exclusive first-look of the brand-new collection.
We were absolutely thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive reaction from attendees who were highly complementary of the range, deservingly so!
All 10 show-stopping dresses – which feature some of the most kitsch and interesting Horrockses prints, painstakingly reproduced by Joanie’s female-led design team to replicate the look and feel of original vintage Horrockses dresses – were presented within our exclusive Horrockses Fashions exhibit, which took centre stage at the launch.
Guests were given the opportunity to soak up the inspiration behind each piece, as the exhibition illustrated how each dress was developed, detailing the history behind the unique, stylish Horrockses prints. First launched in the 1940s, Horrockses original collections, known for their high-quality fabrics and vibrant, playful prints, were worn by various members of the royal family and notable film stars. The exhibition featured historical images of timeless figures wearing the prestigious dresses, including Joan Collins, Princess Margaret, and HRH Queen Elizabeth II, who selected several dresses for her Royal Tour of the Commonwealth.
We were delighted to welcome original Horrockses designer Wendy Simpson and author of Horrockses Fashions:Off-the-Peg Style in the ’40s and ’50s, design historian Dr. Christine Boydell to the event. Wendy was able to give attendees a real insight into working with the esteemed label, expressing how excited she was to see her designs featured all over the world.
Guests who attended the launch modelling one of the exclusive dresses from the new collection were given the opportunity to have their portrait drawn by ultra-talented illustrator Jess Williams. Attendees were also entertained throughout the event as the brilliant pianist Liam Morson provided live musical entertainment.
Daytime guests were also treated to afternoon tea, courtesy of Prestwich’s finest Italian cafe Lupo, and the feel-good atmosphere from the afternoon continued through into the evening, as attendees enjoyed our spring-themed gin bar and delectable canapés.
The event has generated brilliant support from press, with features so far from the likes of Manchester’s Finest, Fashion Monitor and About Manchester and a Facebook live with the Manchester Evening News’ Dianne Bourne, with much more to come.
We also welcomed North West Tonight down to preview the event, who filmed an exclusive segment, in which Joanie Clothing brand director Lucy Gledhill and original Horrockses designer Wendy Simpson spoke with BBC reporter Kelly Foran, and appeared on the Evening News and across all of their digital platforms.
The influencers in attendance shared some lovely content across their social channels during and after the event, including these fab IG reels from Bethany Cookson and Bethany Jane Davies this IG post from Yana Prendergast.
The Horrockses Fashions x Joanie collection is now live! Check out the range here
