Awards evening will be a stylish affair

Sep 5 2008 by Gil Lightfoot, Chester Chronicle

EXCITEMENT is mounting across Cheshire’s business community as we wait to find out who has won this year’s titles in our Trinity Mirror Cheshire Business Awards.

There are just two weeks to go until the gala presentation evening at Chester’s Crowne Plaza hotel on September 19 so if you would like to be there to share in the celebrations, now is the time to book.

The awards are supported by firms of all sizes from the biggest multi-nationals to the smallest start-ups, so the evening provides the ideal opportunity for networking.

The black tie event also provides the perfect excuse for putting on the glitz.

For men ‘black tie’ means a dress suit with a bow tie. Although the ties are traditionally black, as the dress code suggests, there are many colourful options available. Jewel colours are the most striking and there are matching bright waistcoats available too.

For women, though, the words ‘black tie’ can be daunting. Although it usually implies a full length gown, many women now choose to wear a cocktail dress or even trousers – and the choice can be bewildering.

Fashion expert and colour consultant Mac Tompsett of Color Me Beautiful offers some advice.

“If you receive a 'black tie' invitation, unless you are Liz Hurley, jeans won't do! Neither does black tie mean that have to be head to toe in black.

“Unless you have strong, dramatic colouring,it can be draining, boring or ageing. If you must wear black this season, make sure it’s lace and has some relief with jewellery, textured fabric or accessories. Black tie does mean glamour, grooming, a chance to dress up, make up, and some formality.

“Never have the season’s colours given us more opportunity for glamour and sophistication.

“Go for red – passionate bright reds through to wine, raspberry and berry. If you dare, try bright, clashing colours.

“ Or try purple – from palest lilac to deepest damson, grape and royal purple and even fuchsia. There's emerald and even yellows, along with bronze, gold and silver.

“Fabrics are lurex, multi-tone taffetas, lace (sometimes gothic like) with patent and suede accessories with fringing, large sequins, ruffles and killer heels.

Mac can be contacted on 01978 852 816 or e-mail: mactompsett@fsmail.net