Grace Cummings
7th November
On Wednesday 7th November, the beautiful All Saints Church in Hove was bursting with fashion enthusiasts, photographers and designers attending this year’s 1920s themed Charity Fashion Show.
Proudly ran by our very own Sussex Fashion Society and RAG, in support of charities ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ and ‘Trekstock’, we were presented with a extravagant array of pieces, ranging from elegant floral underwear, to ritzy eveningwear; further excelled by superb hair-styling by Brighton’s Electric Hair Salon, alongside some outstanding make up additions from our local DFMA make up academy.
The evening was opened with a heartfelt introduction focused around the charitable motives of the show, alongside video appeals from both charities that centre on the battle against cancer for the younger generations. Both ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ and ‘Trekstock’ campaign for donations not only to support these victims of the disease and their families, yet provide an emotional outlet, social activities and a sense of community in which they can admirably fight the battle together.
Locally found vintage and heritage clothing store ‘Bobby and Dandy’, ‘Sows Ear Eco Couture’ and underwear designer ‘Frantic about Frances’ hit the runway with a sophisticated range of casual and formal wear, concluded with a gorgeous selection of ladies undergarments. Alternating between the striking hand-picked models, a selection of chic bralettes, stylish satin, refined tweed and tailback suits, the show was given a surge of modernised vitality as the 1920s risqué dance music echoed in the enormity of the beautifully extravagant church.
Following an exceptional interval performance by ‘Sussex Dance’ crew, it was the vintage-alternative high street’s turn to take the catwalk with nationally familiar labels such as ‘Beyond Retro’ and ‘American Apparel’ perfected by accessories from Sussex Fashion Award winner ‘Union Jewellery’; as the show concluded with a bridal-themed collection from local designer Sarina Poppy.
The variety of the high street collections retained to the ‘Great Gatsby’ inspired theme with their chunky cricketer jumpers, tan coats, rich faux fur and chiffon halter necks, yet offered an modernised edition to the outstanding collection of vintage clothing passing the runway.
In addition to the intriguing selection of intricate, yet bold and original jewellery from ‘Union’, Sarina Poppy’s glitzy and glamorous bridal pieces of gold, lace floating headwear and underwear served a wonderful conclusion to a sophisticated, yet dazzling evening in the stunning venue.
Amy Bellchambers, president of Sussex Fashion Society agreed the night was an infinite success: “we were all extremely pleased with the turnout of guests how smoothly it all went. It was also great to hear how professional people thought it was, as that was our aim of the evening, to replicate the professionalism of Brighton Fashion Week. We are all very proud of what we achieved after the months of hard work and preparation, especially alongside doing our degrees”.
Although the exact amount of money raised is yet to be announced, Sussex Fashion Society and RAG not only raised money for two outstanding charities, however, put on a show that aired stylish sophistication, outstanding professionalism and stunningly presented arts-entertainment.
