PARIS, London, New York and Milan are just a few of the names that roll off the tongue when it comes to fashion.

But now it is Southampton’s turn in the limelight as the city hosts its first fashion week from May 20 to 24.

It has been organised by final-year students at Southampton Solent University who are studying Fashion Management and Marketing in collaboration with other fashionrelated degrees.

The week will have a range of glitzy events that aim to bring not only dazzling outfits to wow crowds on the catwalk, but also to bring together the university with businesses and the community.

With four catwalk shows and a series of launch events throughout the city – as well as fashion conferences, pop-up shops and even Harbour Lights Picturehouse showing a range of fashion films – the week will have something for everyone who takes an interest in what to wear and what not to wear.

Not only will the week put Southampton on the fashion map, it will also raise money for the Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

The head of fashion for Southampton Solent University Suzie Norris, said: “Southampton Fashion Week will be a valuable opportunity to showcase the work of our fashion students and to bring fashion to a wider audience.”

“In the past our fashion events have involved students, parents and local schools and colleges, but now we are also reaching out to the region’s business community and to local people, who will be able to attend.”

What's Going On

HERE are just a few of the events taking place throughout the week.

• Monday, May 20, Harbour Lights Picture House Ocean Village, 7pm: Opening Night drinks with a 1920s fashion twist with a live photoshoot going on as well.

• Tuesday, May 21, Oxford Street 12pm: Business networking event designed to inspire retailers, which will have figures from the fashion world including the CEO of T.M. Lewin Geoff Quinn, CEO of mystylesearch.com Jason Kemp and many more.

• Tuesday, May 21 Oxford Street,7.30pm: Contemporary Fashion show – The highlight of the week will take people through the history of fashion and culture. It will be hosted by CapitalFM South. Tickets cost £10.

• Wednesday, May 22: Oxford Street, 7pm: Southampton Solent Graduate Fashion Show – 22 graduate fashion design students will be showcasing their work at this glitzy event. Tickets cost £10.