AFTER raising over a quarter of a million pounds over the last eleven years, one of the country’s most successful charity fashion shows has chosen to support an Edinburgh based children’s charity for 2012.
One of the biggest events in the charity calendar, the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show (ECFS), organised by students at Edinburgh University, is hoping to raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland (CHAS).
The fashion show which has featured in high fashion magazines such as Vogue has over the last few years, been instrumental in raising money for the likes of Break Through Breast Cancer, Poppy Scotland and Marie Curie.
Stefania Ottelli Zoletti will take to the catwalk in aid of CHAS
Sponsored by Citylets, the UK’s top property lettings portal, this year’s show is themed around decadence and rock ‘n’ roll with the students taking inspiration from rebellious figures in history such as the sex pistols and Marie Antoinette.
The main focus of the show is to capture the attitude that is found in difficult times and celebrate the outrageous, unapologetic and inexorable attitude of Rock and Royalty.
Caroline Welles, Chairwoman of the EFCS committee said: “The Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show is back with a bang this year and the chosen theme very much sets it apart from previous shows we’ve done.
“The theme for this year came from the idea of what fashion looks like in a recession. This then evolved into us thinking about the different eras and figures that experienced difficulties. We immediately thought of the likes of the eighties; a particular decade that was hit with difficulties yet this era is probably more famous for its outrageous statement fashion.
“This is what is great about fashion. No matter what the problems, it still remains as important and becomes a real statement of the times.”
Fashion collections from the likes of Calvin Klein Menswear, Reiss, Goodstead and Mark Fast will feature on this year’s catwalk. Previous years has seen models walk in designs from UK designers Vivienne Westwood and Luella.
Caroline continued: “We are delighted to have such a great variety of designers featuring in this year’s fashion show. Every year we surprised with the amount of support we receive from the fashion community and this year has been no different.
“We are proud to be able to say that the show is purely organised by the students and it’s amazing the amount of preparation and organisation which goes into it every year from the initial theme to things such as arranging models to co-ordinating light and effects on the night.
“There is definitely a different dimension to this year’s show and for the first time we have incorporated the element of movement, as guests will be able to move around the venue and experience a range of different art and culture elements, ending with the fashion show itself.
“It’s a real opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic work of the ECA students as well as performances from some of the university bands – celebrating student talent.”
This year’s event will take place on Thursday March 29 to Saturday March 31 at Edinburgh University’s Summerhall venue at the former Royal Dick Veterinary School and tickets are available from £25.
A VIP night will be held on Friday March 30 and guests will be treated to champagne reception and banquet along with musical entertainment and an art exhibition. There will also be a live auction, to bid for a range of prizes including a four night stay at the W Hotel in New York and signed artwork from band Radiohead, with all proceeds being donated to CHAS.
Caroline continued: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the charity fashion show and we are humbled at the generosity of local businesses and individuals who have donated their time and money for such a great cause.
“We are especially thankful of the continued support of our sponsors Citylets, who have helped to build the success of the Edinburgh Charity fashion show.”
Thomas Ashdown, the entrepreneur behind the Citylets network said: “We are delighted to be offering our continued support to the Edinburgh charity fashion show. It’s great to see a student run operation continue to flourish in this way and the fact it is a well recognised event in the Edinburgh social calendar is a real credit to those involved over the years.
“Citylets itself started in the Edinburgh student community around the same time as ECFS so we feel a certain connection to this event. The team work, initiative, and effort required by ECFS have all the hallmarks of entrepreneurship and it’s great to see the spirit being passed down through the years. We have been extremely impressed by the standard of the shows and very much looking forward to this year’s event at Summerhall.”
Tickets for all the events are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://xtspro.com/-/ecfs-2012/.
Tickets for the opening night start at £25 for the catwalk show and go up to £40 for decadence tickets. VIP tickets are £70 and special Grey Goose Packages can also be bought for larger parties.
