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the foundations of reputation. ” the foundations of reputation. ”

www.liverpoollifestyleawards.co.uk

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Amanda

CAPTAIN PETER KENNY

Peter Kenny is not just a maritime expert, he is a living bridge between Liverpool’s rich seafaring past and its present- day community.

As the owner of The Floating Grace, the original floating barge is moored on the city’s iconic waterfront and operates in Class V waters, ie inland waterways. Peter has created more than a restaurant. He has built an enthusiastic platform and entertianment venue for storytelling, remembrance and connection. Liverpool’s identity has always been tied to the sea and Peter has made it his mission to keep that heritage alive. Through engaging talks on the city’s maritime history, he brings to life the stories of sailors, dock workers and the vessels that once made Liverpool one of the most important ports in the world. His knowledge isn’t academic in a distant sense, it is passionate, accessible and deeply routed in respect for the people who shaped the city.

For Peter the pull of the sea is deeply personal. He started working on boats as a child with his father. He said, “There’s something about the open water that never leaves you. Its freedom, its history, it is a connection to something bigger than yourself. Once it is in your blood it stays there.”

It’s this passion that underpins everything he does, from his animated talks to the atmosphere he has created on board the Floating Grace. But what truly sets Peter apart is how he uses his work to give back. A strong advocate for veterans, he actively supports ex-service personnel. He offers them opportunities.

FashionDesigner FashionDesigner

I’m Quwiyat Olashile Lawal, the creative director behind SiSi Sewing I’m originally from Nigeria, but now based in the UK.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

It started quite naturally for me I’ve always been drawn to fashion and how people express themselves through what they wear. Growing up around Nigerian culture, fabrics, and celebrations played a big part in that

At some point, I realised it was more than just an interest, it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue and build into something meaningful

Can you walk me through your typical design process, from idea to finished garment?

It usually starts with a feeling or a story I don’t design randomly, there’s always a concept behind each piece.

From there, I sketch and think about structure, silhouette, and how the piece should sit on the body

Fabric selection is a big part of the process for me because that’s what really brings the idea to life.

Then I move into sampling, refining details, and making adjustments until everything feels right After that, we go into production and finishing, making sure the final piece reflects the original vision.

Tell us about the textiles you use

I work a lot with African fabrics like Ankara, Adire, and Aso-Oke For me, it’s about preserving that cultural identity while presenting it in a more modern and refined way.

I like to experiment with structure and tailoring so the pieces feel current, versatile, and not limited to traditional settings

What’s your favourite part of creating a piece?

Seeing everything come together is my favourite part. Taking something from an idea in your head and turning it into a finished piece is always a good feeling

I also really value the moment someone wears my design and feels confident in it, that’s what makes it all worth it.

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a fashion designer?

One of the biggest challenges is balancing creativity with the reality of running a business, managing production, costs, and timelines while still maintaining quality.

That challenge also connects to others, like building visibility in the UK’s competitive fashion industry and making sure the brand is seen and recognised Working with African textiles while being based here also adds another layer, especially around sourcing, logistics, and maintaining authenticity, which is something I’m very particular about

As a growing brand, scaling production and accessing the right level of funding can be limiting at times, but overall it’s all part of the process It’s made me more intentional and focused on how I grow and position the brand.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I’d describe it as structured, expressive, and detailfocused. I like clean silhouettes with a bit of edge, pieces that stand out in a subtle but confident way.

What makes your brand unique compared to others?

For me, it’s the storytelling behind each piece It’s not just about creating clothes, it’s about creating something that has meaning and connects with people. The way I blend African heritage with modern design also gives the brand a distinct identity

Who is your ideal customer?

Someone confident, expressive, and comfortable in themselves

Someone who isn’t afraid to stand out but still appreciates quality and detail. They don’t just wear clothes, they connect with what they’re wearing

Designer slots £750

Designer

WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE PART IN LIVERPOOL FASHION WEEK

In an industry where visibility is everything, opportunities that genuinely move the needle are rare. Liverpool Fashion Week is one of them. For over a decade, it has quietly built a reputation not just as a regional showcase, but as a serious platform with international reach. This is about opening doors. We’ve launched hundreds of designers. Not just given them a moment on the runway, but helped position them in front of the right people: buyers, press, stylists and industry insiders who matter. Many have gone on to secure stockists, media coverage and collaborations that simply wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

fashion_week_liverpool

What makes it different is its global connection. Through established links with Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, Liverpool Fashion Week doesn’t operate in isolation. It sits within a wider international fashion conversation. Designers aren’t just showcasing to a local audience — they are being seen as part of a global pipeline of emerging talent. And that visibility is real

Beyond the headlines and the runway, there’s something else — credibility. Being selected for Liverpool Fashion Week signals that you are ready to be seen, and ready to take your brand seriously. It places you in a curated environment alongside other ambitious designers, creating not just exposure, but alignment.

For emerging designers, it’s a launchpad. For established brands, it’s a powerful visibility tool. Because in fashion, it’s not just about being good. It’s about being seen in the right places, by the right people, at the right time. And Liverpool Fashion Week delivers exactly that.

Stellar line up of artists set to appear in three nights of fantastic live music this month

Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May

Music fans are in for a treat with three themed evenings of brilliant live performances from a whole host of talented artists and covering some of the best-loved decades of pop, rock and disco. Live at Arley opens on the evening of Friday, 15 May when concertgoers are invited to return to the early ‘noughties’, with actor, heartthrob and pop star Adam Rickitt headlining the fantastic Mega Y2K concert.

He will be supported in the night of millennium magic and high-octane pop by a selection of top tribute artists including January Butler, the world’s number one tribute to Canadian singing star Celine Dion, and Boyz Beyond who celebrate and recreate the chart-topping music of some of the world’s best boy bands including Backstreet Boys, Blue and Five. Then Saturday, 16 May sees the return of the hugely popular Back to Boogie, a

azzling celebration of disco, funk and soul headlined by Imagination featuring Leee John.The line-up of iconic 70s and 80s superstars also includes Deniece Pearson of 5 Star, Liverpool legends The Real Thing, singer-songwriter Jaki Graham, Italian dance-house group Livin’ Joy and Romina Johnson.

Finally, a Glam 70s Revival will bring the weekend to a close in platform bootstomping style.

The concert on Sunday, 17 May will be headed by the Bay City Rollers featuring Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood and Mud ft Ray Stiles and Rob Davis

And the Seventies superstars will be supported by a trio of top tribute acts –Total Rex, leading David Bowie tribute Paul Henderson and ABBA Revival – to make it a glittering, fun-filled night to remember www.arleyconcerts.com

Beyond Boundaries Reads Awards 2025

1 month’s PR for £795: includes month’s PR for £795: includes outreach to 3 media outlets, 1 outreach to 3 media outlets, 1 press release, 1 feature in press release, 1 feature in Lifestyle magazine & Lifestyle magazine & 30 day 30 day content plan for socials content plan for socials

You invest time and energy into so many things that matter to you. Your love life deserves the same.

The Group Programme: 3 live sessions of 90 mins £197pp

Session recordings available for 30 days Option to upgrade to 1-1 at any point Circology® app — full early access included on launch, so your compatibility companion is always with you between sessions and long after.

andreas@circology.life.

You invest time and energy into so many

matter to you. Your love life deserves the same.

There’s a Lot More Skill Involved Than People Realise

Having Someone in Your Corner Makes All the Difference

Dating can be genuinely exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, confusing and occasionally a bit souldestroying. You put yourself out there, things don’t work out, and before long you’re starting to wonder if it’s you. If you keep meeting the wrong people, repeating the same frustrating experiences, or just feeling completely lost with the whole thing; you’re absolutely not alone. And this is exactly why getting expert help can be such a game changer.

Sometimes You Can’t See Your Own Patterns

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Feeling Good About Yourself Is Everything

A few bad experiences can knock your confidence more than you’d expect, even when you’re putting on a brave face. Working with a mentor gives you a safe, honest space to process things properly, get clear on what you want, and step back into dating feeling grounded and genuinely ready rather than just going through the motions.

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