Customers, shop volunteers and students came together in spectacular fashion (on Friday 5th June) to transform Birmingham Hospice’s Reloved Brum charity superstore into an unexpected runway – stepping out from behind the rails themselves to model the clothing on show.
The diverse group, many of whom had never walked a catwalk before, showcased donated clothing, some of which had been creatively reworked by students from Cadbury Sixth Form College in Kings Norton and Birmingham City University’s Department of Fashion and Jewellery.
Racks of clothing were cleared to one side and the ground floor was dressed with lighting and seating to create a catwalk that drew applause and more than a few cheers from a packed audience.
Store manager Ed Blackwell, who organised the event along with deputy manager Suzanne Livesey said: “What a fantastic evening to celebrate the amazing donations we have received. Embracing the community we work in is so important for me and my team and welcoming them in last night for a real show, was amazing.
“Being able to showcase some re-worked donations, which were originally unsellable was the icing on the cake and it’s so pleasing that we raised more than £1000 towards helping our amazing hospice and the 670 patients we care for each day. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Twenty models took part in the event sponsored by Redditch’s VIP Eyewear, with two capsules on show, day and evening wear.
Sophie Ebury-Large, Work Experience Lead at Cadbury College said: “It was a fantastic experience and project to be part of. We had some touchpoint sessions with Ed and team where the students got insight into the retail industry and more information about the hospice.
“They were definitely motivated by knowing their creations would be raising money for charity.”
Reloved Brum volunteer Karen Findlay was a model on the night. She said: “Before you start you’re really nervous but once you’re walking down the catwalk and everyone’s clapping, all the nerves go and you just enjoy the moment.”
Zoe Hillyard, Senior Lecturer in Textile Design at BCU, said: “It has been so enjoyable seeing how customisation and repair skills have built a strong bond between each textile design student and their salvaged garment. The outcomes are joyful and unique celebrations of technical and creative experimentation!”
Many garments sold on the night but some of the reworked items are now on show in the store where they can be purchased.
This year alone, Birmingham Hospice shops have either sold or recycled 581 tonnes of textiles, saving 7.8million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
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