A Travelling Trends fashion show was held on Friday October 20, to raise funds for Family Support Work, the Sussex Charity for Children. Organised by Mrs Chris Emson, about 130 ladies, and two brave men, came to the catwalk to see for themselves clothes from major high-street stores, and to buy afterwards at reductions of between 30% and 60%, with the occasional 80%-off bargain.
All garments had their labels cut or removed, for trading standards purposes and were either returns to manufacturer on the advent of new season’s ranges or first-grade seconds. Travelling Trends fashion shows have an all-female team and set up, run and take down each show themselves.
The money for Family Support Work was raised through ticket sales, holding a raffle and selling refreshments. A commission was paid if the audience reached a certain number. The organiser had to provide a venue and sales of 40 tickets, easily outstripped on Friday.
Rye Community Centre had been set up with a catwalk in a cross shape, so that all members of the large and enthusiastic audience could see the models. There were two models from the Travelling Trends team, Mary and Angela, and four willing if rather nervous volunteers, Gill, Judy, Carol and Hannah.
The four novice models did a wonderful job, supported by the audience and nobly marched up, down, across and round just like the professionals, heads up, firm steps, and constant smiles. In fact, one of them told me that was almost the hardest part, as it felt so unnatural and became a fixed grin instead!
The garments themselves were actually of good high-street quality, with quite a variety of styles sizes and designs, from casual to evening wear, shown off really well by the different sizes, shapes and heights of the six models.
Elaine from Travelling Trends did a smooth and well-informed commentary, encouraging Carol, Gill, Hannah and Judy as they made their way through the audience, stopping to show off the clothes and letting people feel the materials and sizes of shawls and gloves, for example.
At the end, an eager stream of customers sorted through the well-organised rails, carrying off their favourite items to try on and buy if they were suitable. Travelling Trends does not refund on any item, unless it is found to be damaged, so there were a lot of ladies struggling into tops, trousers and dresses behind the stage.
Elaine and one of her team set up a table to wrap and take the money, whilst others helped people find what they were looking for, and tidied up the inevitable mayhem left behind.
It was all great fun and made an enjoyable and successful evening for everyone who was there. Thanks to Chris Emson and her team for thinking of it and making it happen for Family Support Work and to Travelling Trends.
Photos: Gillian Roder