More than £1,500 was raised during the fashion and beauty packed evening which took place on Sunday (November 23) at Easington Welfare Centre.
The autumn/w inter fashion catwalk was arranged to help two young North East boys who are both battling life threatening illnesses. All of the money raised will go straight to the boy’s families.
Three North East pageant models took part in the catwalk, including Miss Junior Teen County Durham, Britney Leather. The events organiser, Amy McKenna, from Peterlee, said: “Britney was suggested to us as someone who may be interested in modelling so we contacted her and she jumped straight on board. As the event promotion began, Savanna and Harriotte, also pageant models, kindly volunteered to help. They were all absolutely amazing and I will definitely call upon them again in the future.”
All of the clothes showcased were from Boldon based store Chique Unique, and were available to buy on the night. The make-up and beauty products used on the modes were all Arbonne International, whom Amy is an independent consultant for.
The 27-year-old, who is also a healthcare worker, praised local businesses for their generosity, saying: “It wouldn’t have been possible without the support from local businesses.”
Local entertainers, volunteers, and businesses helped by sponsoring tables for the event, providing decorations, entertainment, cupcakes and prizes for the raffle and tombola, and providing their services— which included, hair styling, makeup artists, and sound technicians— free of charge.
The long list of prizes donated for the raffle included: make-up, jewellery, artwork, a wine tasting session, a voucher for car valeting services, a £50 piercing voucher, a £100 tattoo voucher and £30 beauty treatment voucher— both of which our very own features editor, Kelly Hepworth won— plus loads more.
In addition, elite make-up artist, Amanda Bell, donated a one-on-one make-up session which has a list price of £250. Amy explains: “I met Amanda over a year ago when I introduced her to the Arbonne Cosmetics, which she then went on to use on Jessica Biel. Amanda is amazing.”
Amanda is one of the UK’s leading MUA’s; she’s been head make-up artist at many LFW shows, has an impressive client list which includes Sienna Miller and Jessica Biel, and has written about make up for Elle, Marie Claire and Vogue.
The evening was an undeniable success, despite the last-minute crises: “In true event style, I had three models drop out on Saturday, so we had to replace them last-minute which completely messed up the pre arranged training. And two make-up artists dropped out on the day” Amy explains, before continuing, “But we managed.”
So, would she put on another fashion show? “Definitely! It was hard work, and quite stressful at times, but it was a fun evening. I would love to do a spring/summer catwalk event to showcase summer wear and swimwear, as well as wedding and race day outfits. I think that would be fantastic!”
