Fashion event shows the way for charity
JOBURG – Fashionistas and foodies flocked to the Walking Tall charity fashion show hosted by Black Coffee and Compass Community Provision & Social Services at Arts on Main on 7 May.
It was all lights, cameras … action as guests took their seats alongside the runway as the show began with a welcoming warm-up from Shelton Forbez, local Vuzu TV presenter and MC for the evening.
Shawn Francis, a fundraiser for Compass, had a few words to say before the festivities began. “Once again, I’ve lost a lot of hair building up to this event, but it has come together nicely. I wanted to thank you all for coming out this evening, without you it wouldn’t be possible.”
The event was held to raise funds for the fifth house that Compass plans to open. Compass Community Provision & Social Services house and feed abused and abandoned women, children and babies.
“We put our women through upliftment programmes. We try to give them basic training skills, we try to give them a second chance in life. It’s a small charity doing big things,” Francis added.
Once all the formalities were attended to, the night started off with a stellar performance by the Compass Dancers, who wowed the crowd with a mix of contemporary dance.
The first local designer to show her stuff was Somerset Jane, whose ready to wear women’s clothing showcased incredible vintage-chic work wear.
“The inspiration was the people and street wear I see around me. In every collection I like to portray an ease of movement, a touch of androgyny and sleek modern shapes,” said Melissa Somerset.
The models from Chrome Modelling Agency strutted hot fashion items from local designers like Mustard Vintage and newcomers Retro Mortal before performances by Boko, Beronice and Chezelle – who got the crowd in the groove with their amazing singing.
Somerset said, “The event was fabulous, from the fashion to the performances, it was clearly well received with the shrieks of excitement and appreciation from the audience. It is always wonderful to be able to showcase local design and promote local business and programmes while highlighting and supporting a wonderful charity. We need more of these initiatives and even more support for them.”
Details: 011 087 6900; denise@compass.org.za
