DERBY CONFERENCE CENTRE PROVES IT IS THE PERFECT VENUE TO HOST FASHION SHOWS

Guests at a fashion show at the Derby Conference Centre have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the Tom McGonigal Trust for underprivileged children in Derbyshire. Half the proceeds from the night went to the charity, set up in memory of the popula

Guests at a fashion show at the Derby Conference Centre have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the Tom McGonigal Trust for underprivileged children in Derbyshire.


Half the proceeds from the night went to the charity, set up in memory of the popular 21-year-old joiner and cricketer from Belper who collapsed and suddenly died in 2006.

A range of young designers, local boutiques, established brands and on-line retailers joined together for the show which was organised by rising new Derby events and promotions company Liquid Two Four.

Models shimmied down the catwalk in collections from West One, retro clothing online retailer Princes Vintage, Moss Bros, Kezia Boutique of Derby and Sharlene Lewis’ fashionable knitwear shop in Belper.

Former Derby County footballer Marvin Robinson’s range of clothing on his Accidental Genius label also helped to wow the crowd of more than 100 people who enjoyed the show.

Recent Derby University graduate Fazane Malik (c) launched her first collection at the show – and immediately won new business, after catching the attention of Kezia (c) Boutique, of Green Lane, Derby.

Simon Llanos, founder of Liquid Two Four, said: “The show was a great success and it was marvellous to be able to give hundreds of pounds to such a good cause as the Tom McGonigal Trust.

“The sunken lounge at the Derby Conference Centre had a very special atmosphere – we looked at other venues but it had a different vibe. It’s quite Art Deco and its ambience was just right.

“We were looking for somewhere special to launch our new website www.liquidtwofour.com with a memorable event – and it was the ideal venue.

“They even rewired the lounge for us so it could accommodate our large sound and lighting systems – the staff couldn’t have been more helpful.”

The Tom McGonigal Trust, set up by his family, helps underprivileged children across the whole of Derbyshire.

Former nightclub promoter and soldier Mr Llanos, who saw action in Afghanistan, set up Liquid Two Four seven months ago and it now employs seven people.

He is now promoting a new members’ section on the liquidtwofour website, which gives people who sign up a chance to be invited to special events, giveaways and promotions in return for feedback on products.

The Derby Conference Centre, a Grade II listed Art Deco building, is under a dynamic new management team who are able to cater for a range of events, from lectures to weddings, and including fashion shows, corporate events, and training sessions.