Cunard Prepares for Debut Transatlantic Fashion Week

With just over a week to go preparation is underway for seven days of runway shows, inspiring talks, glamorous dinners and exclusive unveilings on board the iconic ocean liner Queen Mary 2. The crossing will leave Southampton on the 1st September arriving in to New York on the 8thSeptember at the beginning of New York Fashion Week 2016.

Pioneering British Designer Dame Zandra Rhodes CBE, known for dressing some of the world’s best-known style icons including Freddie Mercury and former Cunard passenger Elizabeth Taylor, will showcase her latest collection on board Queen Mary 2.

The celebrated fashion designer will also be joined by highly respected fashion historian and style commentator Colin McDowell MBE and New York Fashion Week Founder Fern Mallis for a series of inspirational talks during the voyage.

Passengers will attend exclusive first look runway shows featuring collections from the world’s most famous fashion college, the Royal College of Art’s 2016 graduates who are taking an artistic focus on everything from Anthroposophy to science and technology to cultural heritage. As well as embracing new design talents, the first ever fashion show at sea will introduce emerging new faces from of one London’s revolutionary modelling agencies, Storm.

Following a recent remastering in the region of £90 million, Queen Mary 2 marks 176 years of heritage, echoing the height of British elegance and luxury associated with Cunard’s iconic fleet. Cunard’s ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ will provide a rare and exclusive experience for guests set within an art deco inspired interior.

Dame Zandra Rhodes CBE commented: “Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the world of fashion in an iconic and timeless venue. I’m incredibly excited to showcase my work alongside some amazing up and coming designers from the Royal College of Art – it is so important to encourage new talent and what a fabulous environment to launch what are sure to be some very bright futures in the world of fashion!”

Angus Struthers, Director, Cunard said: “We are delighted to host Transatlantic Fashion Week on board, especially as it follows the recent remastering of Queen Mary 2. This crossing will be the first of its kind offering guests a unique chance to meet and dine with some of the most celebrated names in the fashion industry.

"Queen Mary 2 has always been synonymous with glamour and style so inviting fashion royalty onboard is an exciting move for Cunard and one we expect to carry into the future.”