Scousewives stars attack Liverpool Fashion Week ban
- Published
Fans of Liverpool's 'Scouse' style have hit back after the look was banned from the city's catwalks.
The founder of Liverpool Fashion Week has banished over the top fake lashes, hair extensions and tan from the runway.
But the stars of Desperate Scousewives say they're proud of their style and that they'll boycott the event.
"If it's Liverpool Fashion Week you should be supporting the Scouse look," said Amanda Harrington.
'Donkey lashes'
Kerry Katona and Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe are among the celebrities who have taken to the catwalk at Liverpool Fashion Week in the past.
But Amanda Moss, who set up the showcase four years ago, said the extreme glamour made famous by the television show Desperate Scousewives would not be welcome this year.
She said designers did not want models wearing fake tan and fake eyelashes and that they should conform to other fashion weeks around the world.
"In a way you aren't taken seriously when you have those huge eye lashes that look like donkeys lashes and these completely over the top orange glows," she said.
'Role models'
"That's more like a beauty pageant and glamour model type of look and that detracts from the seriousness of what Liverpool fashion is.
"I want to send the message out to girls that it's not a good role model to be spending £500 or £600 on high maintenance when it should be about going out there and enjoying themselves."
But at a glitzy party in Liverpool, Desperate Scousewives' Amanda said her style should be taken seriously.
"How can someone not take someone seriously who puts so much time and effort into their appearance?
"I think we should be taken more seriously than the people who go out in a pair of tracky bottoms and their hair slapped up in a bun."
Her co-star Debbie O'Toole said the Scousewives were good role models for younger girls because glamour gave them confidence.
On the streets of Liverpool, 18-year-old James McCarty and 23-year-old Lauren Rice said they thought the ban was "ridiculous".
"Regardless of whether it's a Scouse look, it's a fashion show and you shouldn't be able to ban any look from a fashion show," said Lauren.
But Sarah Alexander said: "I think it's a good thing because it might help Liverpool get back to being about individuality."