A WEEK of celebrations will take place across the city marking all Hull has to offer in the fashion stakes.
The Hull Bid Fashion Week kicked off in style on Saturday with former London Fashion Week model and Hull girl Sophie Allen surprising shoppers with flash mob-style catwalks around the city centre.
Sophie was joined by identical twins Sophia and Olivia Daly as they strutted their stuff outside Hull City Hall, the venue of Saturday's ultimate catwalk finale, followed by 30 Hull Fashion Week models, ageing from seven to 57 and all dressed in black.
Events are being held throughout this week to celebrate all things fashion and encourage shoppers to visit the city centre to explore the shops on offer.
Sophie, who has previously modelled for Vogue magazine, said: "I'm proud to be from Hull and will support it forever, so I was delighted to get involved with Fashion Week. "Hull has had it tough for many years but now people are starting to take notice. I was ecstatic that we won UK City of Culture 2017, it is just what is needed.
"There is so much talent hidden away in every corner of this city, such a rich history and Hull people are so down-to-earth and welcoming. For me, Hull is where the heart is."
Identical twins Sophia and Olivia Daly, of Swanland, are hoping to break into the modelling world and made their debut at the launch on Saturday.
Sophia, 16, said: "We're so happy to be part of Fashion Week and can't wait for the finale event."
Olivia said: "There's a real diversity of fashion in Hull, which people don't always realise.
"We shop in Hull because there's such a great range of shops and I hope Fashion Week attracts more people into the city to find out what's on offer."
Hull Fashion Week sees the city centre's high-street chains, independent boutiques, hairdressers and beauty parlours come together to showcase their products across a week-long style extravaganza.
Hull City Hall will play host to the Ultimate Catwalk Finale on Saturday, which includes four major catwalk shows, a vintage market, plenty of free fashion and beauty activities and live music and performances.
The show will be hosted by BBC Radio Humberside presenter Lizzie Rose and up-and-coming northern rapper Luke "Nineties Boy" Chambers.
The full event will also be streamed live in Queen Victoria Square on an LED digital screen, sponsored by Hugh Rice the Jewellers.
