“Report on the first Big Green Fashion Show”-My Comments

Monday, September 29, 2008

Normally, I write about fashion and new style in my blog but here I am writing about Big green Fashion show and that report from this source: http://www.gofurness.com/news/article/report-first-big-green-fashion-show

"The FYPs decided they wanted a fashion show with a difference, not the usual superficial glamour, make-up and latest gear. Fiona Kennedy, owner of Olive came up with the idea of an Eco Fashion Show. Following discussions, we decided to make the event happen in the summer so we could sit on the grass, have a picnic and listen to some local music. Well, that was assuming we were going to get some summer! Ford Park seemed the obvious venue and we decided to donate the ticket money to the restoration of Ford Park House.

Fiona and I are part of an off-the-wall and dynamic group called UCAN, (Ulverston Community Arts Network) who love to organise events with a difference and to support any community art in Ulverston. We ran with the FYP idea and tried to make the event as carbon neutral as possible. Harriet Knowles has been a star this summer, helping with other UCAN events and festivals and came up trumps once again with lots of help before during and de-rigging the event. We were also joined by the hard core FYP Nicola Foster, Kimberley Johnston, Thomas Hart, Becca Smith and Brooke Vanhinsbergh who are mad enough to turn up in all sorts of weather and still manage to have fun. This time we were joined by a new FYP, photographer and BAE recruit, David Lurie of www.fotogenesis.co.uk who kindly took photographs of the event and agreed to post them on Go Furness.

Many of the plans had to be abandoned early in the morning as the weather posed a threat to both health and safety and enjoyment of the event. It was touch and go up until about a couple of hours before we started. Amazingly, the sun shone through for us and the models took to the catwalk on the lawn. Herb Diamante was our MC for the day, and entertained us with a rather unusual outfit that he has sourced entirely from American charity shops where he has a very popular stage show. Geordie Chef Paul did an amazing BBQ and there was a ‘bar’ featuring Ulverston Brewing Company Ale amongst other things.

‘The Olive Girls’ modelled a colourful and funky range of eco fashion either organic or fair trade and there were teenage models but also a number of mature women. The Honeypot Community Group decorated T-shirts and the children modelled them for us. There were a number of vintage outfits and some really creative eco-rags that were designed by locals from discarded materials. Some of the highlights were a tutu made from bubble wrap, a recycled wedding dress and a dress made from ironed and crocheted carrier bags. There was also a dress made from scraps and buttons that I’m sure would look good on any catwalk designed by Emily Martin and an eye turning outfit by Hannah Houghton. George the dog wore his eco poo-bag collecting outfit and in my opinion, stole the show!

The FYPs managed to get round the local charity shops and throw together some interesting outfits including one of Nicola’s mother’s jump suits from the 70s that was on its way to a charity shop. The team really went for it with Sally Broom commentating and explaining where all the gear came from and how much each outfit had set them back (usually under £10). They entered in the Charity Shop Challenge part of the event and emerged the winners! Rumour has it that the winning bottles of wine have gone to Nicola’s house ready for a barbeque!

We were entertained by the local band The Prophets who were absolutely brilliant. They did an acoustic set that was upbeat but chilled at the same time and helped people to really get into the swing of it. I’m going to interview the Prophets, so more on that later.

Well we have a whole year to think about next year’s event and encourage young designers to really go for it. Let’s hope the weather is better, I think we are due a good summer in 09!"

It was published on 20th August of 2008 in above mentioned online article.

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