Pic: Grant Muir
It was a charity fundraising event with a local twist. Thursday’s (October 13) fashion show at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in aid of the British Red Cross brought together an eclectic mix of local and national emerging designers.
Organised by a group of fundraisers called the Young Tiffany Circle, the Good Look Fashion Show event saw hundreds of partygoers see work from designers including Samuel Dougal, Topshop Unique, Edeline Lee, Kelly Simpkin, Sadie Williams and Waven on the catwalk.
One of the designers showcasing her collection was Hackney’s Vanessa Blythe. Blythe, a recovering alcoholic, uses her mother’s name for her clothing label – Nina Baker – as a tribute to her for never giving up on her.
She said: “I can’t believe I am here, from where I was years ago, drinking my life away, to standing here with models wearing, my name, my clothes, it’s totally humbling”.
“I only employee people who have been through recovery, who are trying to turn their lives around. I have been to rehab several times, and have been sober for a while now, I am trying to help people who have no one there for them, as there was once a time when I was alone, so I know how it feels. This is why I am working with the Red Cross, as they don’t ignore anyone alone in a crisis”.
Blythe donated 10 per cent of everything she sold on the evening to The British Red Cross.
Pic: Grant Muir
As the models – from Space model management – took to the catwalk, a spokesperson for the Young Tiffany Circle revealed that the event had raised £4000, with more proceeds due. He said: “I turn the TV on and the world is a dark place. We are here tonight to make money to make the world a better place.”
Pic: Grant Muir
Malaika Carr of Chalk Jewellery said: “I got into the British Red Cross through my friend Yemi Aladerun. I have always been involved with charity with my work but never felt I was giving back which is why I am here, I want to give something back to society.” Carr donated a piece of her jewellery to the charity raffle.
Pic: Grant Muir
The London School of Beauty and Makeup were also in attendance with their students, offering treatments with all proceeds going to the British Red Cross.
Marketing Executive of the beauty school, Hayley Jones said: “It’s nice to do local events, meet local people and feel like we are contributing. The students are six weeks into their intense course, and this is a good thing to do as they are getting help and practise with their training while doing something for a good cause”.
Others at the event were also donating their time, with bar staff from Good Deed Dating, a company which uses social events to get people involved in volunteering while meeting likeminded companions.
James Cooper of Good Deed Dating said: “It feels good to give our free time to get involved in volunteering and support local charities”.
Pic: Grant Muir
Throughout the evening music was in full swing with a DJ set performance from Carly Wilford. There were also pop-up vintage stalls selling vintage Tommy Hilfiger and Hunter clothing for a fraction of retailed prices. Food stalls sold cuisine from around the world including Korean and Argentinian.
The Young Tiffany Circle fundraises for the Red Cross and comprises young business women, who organise the events themselves to raise money and awareness for humanitarian work.
Yemi Aladerun a member of the Young Tiffany Circle said: “This is all about giving back, we are all fortunate and we want to give something back to the world.”
Pic: Grant Muir
