The highlight of many a fashion victim's diary, Clotheshow Live returns to the NEC from December 3-8 with the usual blend of catwalk shows, designer stalls and the chance to be spotted by model scouts touring the floor. This year the Clotheshow Live creative team will be headed up by world-famous supermodel Erin OConnor, who was actually discovered at Clotheshow Live and made her catwalk debut there the following year. CityLiving spoke to the Midlands-born model in a rare five minute break from her Clotheshow preparations. What has your role in this years Clotheshow entailed? As Creative Director, overseeing stage design, lighting, sound and overall styling How stressful has it been? What have been the best/worst bits? On a scale of 1-10, 152. Best bits are the trust Clotheshow Live have placed in me.
Worst - doing a modelling casting where the word no was used. The shoe was definitely on the other foot, quite literally. Will you be appearing on the catwalk as well as behind the scenes? I will be appearing on the catwalk to introduce the show and too busy backstage organising everyone else to model. What new ideas or attractions are you introducing at the show? Couture and new styling concept, bringing high fashion to street. What are you favourite looks/clothes for winter and spring? Clement Ribeiro, tweed coats with metallic linings and anything by Gaultier. What are you favourite items of clothing? The show has a couple of numbers by McQueen that are interesting and hopefully well received.
This is a new show after all and I want to push boundaries. How often do you get to come back to the Midlands? As often as my mum and dad will have me. What do you make of how Birmingham has changed in the last few years? Birminghams very cosmopolitan. It has all the makings of a great city without the ego. Favourite places to shop/go out when you are back here? Treatments at Obsession in The Mailbox and also Malmaison, who have housed me and taken very good care of me. | 
