Charity fashion show a success

A FASHION show has raised money for young people with cancer and those who need help paying for their education.
Art and Textiles students from Priestley College created a range of clothing resembling everything from Miss Haversham’s wedding dress to costumes for the theatre.
The fashion show, which attracted an enthusiastic audience of parents, governors and friends, raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Priestley Education and Training Trust.
“Those who bought a ticket or donated have made a real difference so we have to thank them for their support,” said Textiles Tutor Emma Lingard.
“Everyone worked really hard to put on a show that fully showed off the skill and talent of our students and it proved a great showcase for their work.”
It is the seventh year Priestley College has staged the fashion show. Once again volunteers stepped up to model the clothes and a creative catwalk that included handmade trees, old books and clever lighting provided an interesting set.
The models walked on to classical music and displayed an array of creative designs inspired by organic structures and the urban environment.
Designs by Priestley’s A Level Textile and BTEC Art and Design students were on show and hair and makeup was done by Mc2 in Stockton Heath.
The students’ creations used traditional methods and materials as well as some more unusual ones such as plastic, wood, wire and paper.
“Every year the students come up with designs that are completely different to the last and impressed us again with their creativity,” said Emma.
Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer’ and the Teenage Cancer Trust is the only charity dedicated to making this happen.
Priestley’s education fund supports young people who need help paying for their education including former students who have gone on to university.
Emma said: “Supporting these charities adds a different depth to what we were trying to achieve at the fashion shows and helps make it an even more special occasion.”
Picture by Bradley Jinks