SWEET STYLE TREATS AT THE MERCHANT’S SPRING FASHION TEAS

The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas return this March, serving up the sweetest spring trends from a selection of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques.

On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March, The Merchant’s opulent Rita Duffy Suite with four stunning spring Fashion Teas from independent boutiques, Red Ruby Rouge, Edge Emporium, Rio & Brazil and The Boudoir.  In a Fashion Teas first, a children’s collection will also take to the catwalk, as Little Citizens Boutique in Holywood join Red Ruby Rouge to create a show that’s sure to please yummy mummies.

During the decadent round table event, guests will indulge in a luxury afternoon tea including Moet et Chandon champagne and melt in the mouth patisseries, whilst Style Academy models sashay through the room in the season’s hottest new looks, with stunning hair by Andrew Mulvenna and spring make-up looks from Lancôme.

The stylish spring series of Fashion Teas kick off on Saturday March 22nd with Holywood boutiques, Red Ruby Rouge and Little Citizens Boutique at 12.30pm, followed by Dungannon boutique, Edge Emporium at 3.30pm.  On Sunday March 23rd, stunning designs from The Boudoir, Dungannon will take to the catwalk 1pm, with and Belfast boutiques Rio & Brazil bringing the spring event to a close with its stunning spring collection at 3pm.

Following each show, guests will have the opportunity to shop the collections, hot off the catwalk with pop-up boutiques for each retailer taking up residence in The Merchant for the weekend.

Look out for ice cream brights, simple separates and sports luxe looks from Red Ruby Rouge. With statement oceana-inspired jewellery from Martha’s Vineyard, abstract leather print clutches, totes from Israel and hand painted menswear inspired silks from Brooklyn, Red Ruby Rouge will showcase beautifully unique and globally inspired collections.

The award-winning Little Citizens Boutique will present a spring collection full of bright and fun colours such as sherbet yellow, berry pinks and clover greens.  Styled with chambray neutrals, the look embodies easy living.  The print on print trend seen on the international catwalks will be evident in their Fashion Teas show, with a range of unusual colour combinations such as camel, neon green and black, as well as white chequered prints and paisley.

Exclusive Dungannon boutique, Edge Emporium will show a stunning selection of key spring/summer looks with a focus on new season colours and prints, including bold brights, sweet pastels and monochrome, all combined with striking prints such as graphic florals and other eye-catching patterns.

The Boudoir at The Linen Green Designer Village, Dungannon, specialises in occasion and casual ladies fashion and accessories.  Its Fashion Teas show will feature an array of the latest trends, with punchy spring brights such as pink, lime green and yellow creating on-trend looks for both mother and daughter.  With over 30 labels in-store, this show will be packed with must-have pieces, perfect for creating a capsule spring wardrobe.

Belfast’s Rio & Brazil will present a fashion-forward collection of candy coloured oversized outerwear alongside sports luxe and sophisticated tailoring from By Malene Birger, as well as metallic weave fabrics in shift blouses with printed silks and American heritage pastels and stripes from Gant.  Except to see the best of this year’s spring/summer trends.

Tickets to The Merchant’s Fashion Teas cost £35 per person and include an exclusive fashion show, champagne afternoon tea and a luxury goody bag.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel on 028 9026 2717.  Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to the hotel’s 2014 charity partner Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.