By community correspondent Cathryn Basden

 

DESIGNERS and style fans spent a networking to mark the launch of this year’s Brighton Fashion Week.

Around 70 guests gathered for a night of networking at The Funfair Club, King's Road, Brighton.

Event organiser Lizzy Bishop had the idea for the event when she was at runway Gibraltar in May, as a judge at the young designer competition.

She said: "It gives them a bit of a preparation time before seeing them in the shows. It’s a really nice thing and everyone gets to meet each other and put names to face. People have flown all over the world to be here.”

Winner of the young designer competition, Paul Perez, was then invited to showcase his collection as part of Brighton’s Zeitgeist Catwalk which opens tonight.

He said: "I'm nothing special in fashion, but locally I'm the only one doing what I do."

He added that his collection is bohemian and takes inspiration from tribal cults and nomadic lifestyle.

Deborah Simpson - Boston, a fashion public relations company director, said: "This year is very organised, has a lot of new talent, brilliant designers and a lot of really fun packed events."

The event – which focuses on sustainable fashion - continues until Sunday.