AN ambitious fashion-lover is celebrating promotion by holding a fashion show at one of St Annes' top stores.

Rachel Wood has been appointed separates buyer for ladies fashions at JR Taylor, a position the 24-year-old has had designs on for some time.

She said: "I have always loved fashion and it has been my lifelong ambition to become a fashion buyer."

Rachel has worked for the company for two-and-a-half years, becoming assistant buyer a year ago.

Her new position involves making the final decisions on matters which crop up in the department.

She also gets the chance to go down to London, take in the fashion shows and decide which outfits to order.

"I went down at the end of January and thoroughly enjoyed every moment," she said.

"The stock arrives in July and August and hopefully everything will be right."

And she is full of enthusiasm for her first season, saying: "The clothes this season are much brighter and dynamic than previously, with an exciting variety of styles to suit everyone."

Rachel is further proving her skills for her new role by organising a show for customers today (April 18).

A Flair for Fashion will take place between 10am and 4pm and will involve four models showing off a range of outfits from such fashion houses as Armani, Escada Spprt and Jaques Vert.

The event is free and customers will be able to sip champagne as well as talk to staff and the models about the clothes on offer.

Rachel said: "Our aim is to show there is something for everyone and that the range suits people of all ages.

"We will have casuals, mother of the bride outfits - something for all occasions.

"Hopefully it will bring in people who wouldn't normally come to the store as well as our regular customers.

"A lot of people, especially the younger ones, think they would not be able to afford to buy clothes from here but the store is not as pricey as it has been in the past.

"We held a similar event in another department in March and hopefully this will be just as successful."

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