With local vendors, thoughtful conversation, and a stylish crowd, the Conscious Fashion Show was a standout moment of the festival,
EastSide Arts Festival, delivered by EastSide Partnership, has returned with a vibrant and thoughtful programme celebrating creativity, culture and community across East Belfast.
Running from 24 July to 2 August, this year’s festival features over 60 events across 10 days; from music and theatre to workshops, visual arts, walks, and local showcases rooted in the area’s unique spirit.
One such showcase was the Step into Style Conscious Fashion Show, held in the newly restored Templemore Baths and supported by Titanic Distillers. Set against the backdrop of this beautifully preserved heritage site, and quite literally on top of the old baths themselves, the event brought together style and substance, offering a fresh look at what fashion can be when approached with care.
Hosted with warmth and true Girls Groupchat energy by Jordan Arnold, the show celebrated sustainability in every sense: featuring a runway of pre-loved consignment pieces, rental looks, and original designs by local designers committed to more responsible fashion practices. As someone who sources around 97% of my wardrobe from Northern Ireland charity shops, it was exciting to see this ethos front and centre, and extra exciting to hear MC Jordan mention that she’s also a big fan of N.I charity shops for unique looks and finds.
The show also offered practical advice for everyday style, with tips from Suzanne Robinson on personal styling and how people shop more intentionally and get the most from their wardrobes.
But the most powerful and unexpected moment for me, came during a mid-show Q&A. Three local women; the founders of Dollypond Makeup, Storybox, and The Wardrobe, took to the stage to speak candidly about the inspiration behind their businesses. And it wasn’t just about reducing waste or encouraging more mindful consumer habits(though both were part of the conversation).
They spoke passionately about why they do what they do: the desire to create meaningful work, the communities that fuel their creativity, and the values that guide their journey. And gave advice on women starting their own businesses that hit deeply in a surprising moment of sisterhood.
What began as a fashion show quickly evolved into a genuine celebration of purpose, resilience, and empowerment. Their message to others, especially women thinking about starting their own ventures was clear: just go for it.
With local vendors, thoughtful conversation, and a stylish crowd, the Conscious Fashion Show was a standout moment of the festival, one that proved Northern Ireland fashion can be both stylish and meaningful.
The EastSide Arts Festival runs until 2 August, and if this event is any indication, there’s still plenty to be inspired by this summer 2025.
For more fashion and lifestyle content, you an follow Kerry on her Instagram.
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