Clifftop fashion: photo by Ally Carmichael

The White Cliffs of Dover have been turned into a fashion catwalk to mark the launch of a major advertising campaign at the port.

The event, hosted by McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet, also celebrated the centre’s growing international fan base.

Latest figures reveal the number of international and domestic tourists - arriving by group travel – has risen by 52% year-on-year with tourists from France and Germany among the top territories.

As tourists and locals looked on, catwalk models paraded up and down the cliff-top runway showcasing the centre’s current designer collections against the backdrop of the White Cliffs.

More international shoppers are said to be flocking to the designer outlet in search of classic British attire from brands including Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger and Jaeger.

Shoppers from Holland to Luxemburg are among those travelling to the centre via the Eurostar, ferry and Channel tunnel.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, said: "The London 2012 Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations present magnificent opportunities for Kent.

"We are expecting a substantial increase in the number of visitors to the county this summer, with an extra quarter of a million tourists forecast to pass through the county’s international transport links for the London Olympics alone.

"Kent’s prime location, home to one of the country’s busiest ports, makes it easily accessible to tourists from across the Channel and thus a vital area from which to showcase the best-of British values and culture, making visitors fully aware of the treasures right here in the county."

Deborah Eastlake, style consultant at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet, said they styled the photo shoot to emulate the look overseas shoppers were seeking.

"Many of them are in search of the distinctive British style associated with modern fashion icons such as Kate Middleton, Emma Watson and Ed Westwick. They’re keen to emulate a look that’s preppy and on-trend, seeking out classic sportswear, tailored coats and the Middleton-esque nude high heels – products that will add an element of je ne sais quoi to their existing wardrobe," she said.

Visit: www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com