Clothes Show Live facts for kids

The Clothes Show (once called Clothes Show Live) is a huge event held every December. It takes place in Birmingham, UK, at the National Exhibition Centre. This exciting show is all about the newest trends in fashion, beauty, and music. It's a great place to see what's popular and get inspired!

The Clothes Show Story

Models showing off new styles in the Fashion Theatre.

The first Clothes Show started in London in 1989. It grew from a popular TV show. So many people wanted to visit that by 1990, it moved to the much bigger NEC in Birmingham.

The Clothes Show has always been very popular. Over 165,000 people visit each year. This makes it one of the most visited shows in the UK!

A famous model agency called Select works with the show. They look for new young talent there. Many famous people were discovered at The Clothes Show. These include Holly Willoughby, Cat Deeley, and Erin O'Connor.

Early Years: 1986–1999

The Clothes Show began as a TV show in 1986. It became a live event in 1989. In these early years, many famous bands performed. These included the Spice Girls, 5ive, and Boyzone. Model scouts also found future stars like Holly Willoughby and Cat Deeley at the show.

2000s: Stars and Style

From 2000 to 2002, many celebrities attended. Presenters like Dermot O'Leary and Jamie Theakston were there. Music acts like Liberty X and So Solid Crew performed. The main fashion show, called the British Heart Foundation Fashion Theatre, was a big hit.

In 2003, the show featured stars from Hollyoaks. Music performances came from Sugababes and Duncan James from Blue. Presenters included Brian Dowling and Vernon Kay. That year, a version of the show also went to the Netherlands. It was called "Fashion Victims."

The 2004 show was hosted by June Sarpong and Jeff Brazier. Bands like Phixx and Rooster performed. Famous models such as Jodie Kidd and Elizabeth Jagger walked the stage.

In 2005, William Baker, who styles Kylie Minogue, helped create the fashion show. Designer Julian Macdonald and model Helena Christensen were also involved. Music acts included Simon Webbe and Friday Hill.

The Clothes Show TV programme returned in 2006 after six years away. It was hosted by Brendan Courtney and Louise Redknapp. The fashion theatre featured performances by the late Amy Winehouse and Duncan James.

In 2007, over 160,000 visitors came to the show. Shane Ward from X Factor and actor Jesse Metcalfe were among the guests. The Sugababes were the main music act in the fashion theatre.

The 2008 show saw performances from girl group The Saturdays and Alesha Dixon. A model named Nina Porter was discovered at the show. She later appeared in Burberry campaigns and Vogue magazine.

2009: London and Birmingham Shows

In 2009, The Clothes Show came back to London for a special summer event. It was held at ExCeL London. This show had a "Designer Beach" theme. Later that year, the main Clothes Show Live was held in Birmingham. Hollyoaks star Roxanne McKee was the face of the show. Famous TV personalities Gok Wan and Fearne Cotton also made special appearances.

2010s: Reality Stars and Music

In 2010, stars from TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex) like Lauren and Mark visited the Birmingham show. Music came from Sunday Girl and boybands.

Another London show took place in 2010 at Earl's Court. Gok Wan and Arlene Philips were headliners. Singer Paloma Faith performed live. Boy-band The Wanted also delighted fans with their music.

The 2011 event was promoted as the "ultimate girls day out." It was hosted by George Lamb and Grace Woodward. Music acts included Alexandra Burke and Kimberly Wyatt's Her Majesty and The Wolves. More cast members from TOWIE also made guest appearances. The show also celebrated new fashion talent.

In 2012, the show was linked with Suzuki. Model Daisy Lowe and designer Henry Holland were key figures. Many popular high street brands like Oasis and Miss Selfridge had stands. New designers also got to show their collections.

The year 2013 marked the 25th Anniversary of Clothes Show Live! Jade Thompson, a winner from Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model, was the face of the show. Many stars from The Only Way Is Essex attended. Music performances came from Stooshe and Union J. A special cake was designed to celebrate the 25th year.

Clothes Show London

In 2009, a new event called Clothes Show London started. It happened in May at ExCeL. This meant there were two big Clothes Show events each year.

The London show also started the Clothes Show Style Awards. Experts voted for awards like Fashion Photographer of the Year. The public voted for "Best Dressed Man" and "Best Dressed Woman." George Lamb and Fearne Cotton won these awards.

In 2010, the London show moved to Earl's Court.

Images for kids

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  Models showing off new styles in the Fashion Theatre.