The two-day feast of fashion got under way last night under the banner 'Hit The High Street', with models strutting their stuff in collections from well-known retailers like Marks and Spencer, a/wear and Vero Moda.

The floor of the historic market place was covered in leaves in keeping with the autumn theme, as hundreds of trend setters and trend followers turned out for the first night of the event.

The show got off to an eye-catching start with models wearing little more than leaves and jewellery, sashaying down the catwalk to the live tunes of local dance rock band Kharma 45.

In Belfast's own version of the recent Fashion Rocks event, which saw some of the world's top designers team up with acts like Razorlight, Lily Allen and The Gossip, the four-piece, who hail from Londonderry and Strabane, belted out tracks like Ecstasy and Where's Your Spirit Man, as the models quickly changed backstage into the latest looks from the High Street.

Also showing last night were Vila, Jack Jones, Benetton, CastleCourt, Evans and Newtownards boutique Exquisite, as well as bridal wear from Gabriella Doory. Making their debut on the catwalk was Ulster's first gay rugby team, the Titans, who went down a storm with the crowd.

The Marx Red Fall for Fashion event was organised by PR guru Michelle McTernan and model boss Tracey Hall of Style Academy.

Following the show, Michelle said they had both been delighted with the turn-out and particularly the performance by Kharma 45.

Michelle said: "It was overwhelming for us to get such great support for the first ever Fall for Fashion and we had such a brilliant night we're planning to do it twice a year now.

"The venue was amazing, the models did a great job but the highlight for many people was the band, who put on a superb performance.

"It was great for us to have them after playing this year's Glastonbury, Oxegen and Tennents ViTal."

The models will be back on the catwalk tonight for Deadly Designers, wearing collections from designer frames specialist Jonathan Keyes, Nine Chichester Street, Emporio and Designers at Debenhams.

Music will be provided by Belfast up-and-coming singer Conor, who has been compared to George Michael.

Tickets for the event are priced £10.