The Fashion Event is a small but impacted event comprising of, up coming as well as established designers who may not be too well known in the British fashion industry but hope to achieve some recognition by taking part in the more affordable events that boost their profile on social media whilst supporting a well-deserved charitable cause.
A cold March morning, with blue skies, a chilly breeze and the sound of a river running swiftly in the distance greeted each Model as they arrived and were welcomed into a beautiful oak beamed foyer at The Voco Thames Hotel Oxford.
From there they made their way to the Old Barn which was to be their ‘home’ for the next few hours.
They settled in to do their makeup and hair and eat from a well-prepared buffet as they needed.
Organiser Julie Morris insists that each one of the models, designers, entertainers and photographers eat and drink throughout their time at any one of her fashion events. She values them and their time and feels it’s just part of her duty that they are provided food for the day.
Designers arrived and placed their clothes on the rails and fitted their chosen models.
There was a steady flow of models and designers followed by the entertainers throughout the morning.
When everyone had arrived it was time for a quick rehearsal in the event hall with excitement building as anticipation of THE RED CARPET EVENT approached.
NB Executive Cars Oxford provided their 4×4 Mercedes to ferry the cast of THE FASHION EVENT from the rear of the hotel to the front reception area where an array of photographers were waiting as each model, designer and entertainer exited the car.
First to ‘arrive’ was the stunning Deborah Jay Kelly, best-selling author and guest presenter for the evening. Having had surgery within the past two weeks she was accompanied by Simon Brown who gallantly helped her from the car and onto the carpet! She then took her place in the foyer where she waited to interview guests as they arrived.
Everyone took advantage of the beautiful area in front of the hotel to get some images in their finery that will make great portfolio content!
Following the RED CARPET EVENT and interviews it was now time for THE FASHION EVENT to begin.
The Fashion Event Oxford is raising money and awareness for STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE!
Julie spoke a little about Domestic Abuse and also asked Robin Findlay of the National Union of Foster Carers to say a few words; often children from domestic abuse situations are taken from their homes and put into foster care so the two go hand in hand from this perspective.
Deborah and Julie announced a slight change to the programme and continued to introduce the designers and entertainers. Their banter was amusing and entertaining.
At the event we did see some Beauty Pageant Queens making guest appearances. Ms Susan Humphrey and Ms. Sarah Jane Carmelita.
Designers on the evening were…
The Jessica Louise Collection by Richard James Dalton
Girls4Girls Designs By Inez Strzelecka
The Sophie Alexandra Summer and Evening Collection
CeeTee Bespoke Clothing Designs by Carole Thompson Artist
CLC Couture by Crina and Larisa Stan
Rainbow & Spoons Bedroom Collection. Local Independent Retailer
Photography credits
Darrel Mccalla
Mike Smith
Nigel wood
Christine DeOliviera
Euan Mikkel Schaub
Andrea Santoni
Danyal Akinyede
Lukasz Popek
Mansoor Ali
Steve Knight
Kasia Cendal
Entertainers…
Laura Leigh
Hayden Leigh
Two by Two
Anteek
Susan Lovejoy
Wonder Woman In The Flesh
Katie B.
Noticeably missing from the event was Julie’s daughter Internationally published Model Sophie Alexandra.
Sophie has been very ill this year and was still in hospital at the time of the event hence Julie introduced her summer and evening collection. The Sophie Alexandra Collection.