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RE:Fashion Awards night - an insider's story
Posted by: Cathy Gray
It's 6pm and I'm in Shoreditch Town Hall, the spectacular venue hosting the much awaited RE:Fashion Awards. It's manic. Guests will be arriving in half an hour and I am running around like a headless chicken, frantically trying to co ordinate ushers whilst attempting to operate the world's slowest printer for some very vital documents (ahem guestlists). Meeschk!
It's 7.29pm and whilst the guests have been enjoying delicious canapés by botanical restaurant Saf and organic rose champagne, I've been seeking refuge in the quiet office. Every one of my fingers and toes is crossed that the activities 'out there' are running smoothly. I am keen to check out the fashionistas (and celebs of course)…so better late than never I discover the art of delegation, and I gather a small team of superstar volunteers who obey my every command! They assure me there is a good vibe going on 'out there' and so with a new air of confidence I put on my Terra Plana heels (the dress code was 'eco-fabulous' after all), knock back some champagne and with a deep breath...I am calm and collected Cathy...
It's 7.55pm and the candle-lit entrance and stairs set the mood as I make my way up to the main hall, which has been decorated like a glamorous version of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party (tea has been replaced with wine and a lethal cocktail concoction mind)! I can spot Jo Wood, Pearl Lowe, Bora Aksu and Jane Shepherdson! With the show about to begin it will be a challenge to settle this buzzing crowd of eco-gurus and creative entrepreneurs...
It's 9.35pm and how is ethical fashion shaping up this evening? It's great to see such a range of eye-candy both on and off the catwalk. From the scantily clad Pants to Poverty models who bring a roaring cheer from the audience, to the monochrome elegance of Mark Liu’s sculptural designs on the New RE:Designer of the Year Award catwalk, there really is a piece of ethical fashion for everyone. My favourite look was worn by the eccentric Orsolo of award-winning From Somewhere who looked fantastic in her own label black and cream panel dress teamed with green tights - very eco chic!
It's 9.49pm and if there was still the misconception that ethical fashion was dowdy, the Iconic Catwalk disproved so, with some avant-garde designs from leading British fashion designers. Zandra Rhodes' fiery orange, tribal-printed poncho made from bark cloth sourced from a Ugandan ficus tree, for example, was evidence that ethical fashion need not mean compromise on creativity.
It's 10pm, time has flown by and the show is coming to an end. The fabulous founders of RE:Fashion who were – in our Lucy's words - 'crazy enough' to organise such an event, say a few words about the journey of RE:Fashion; from the idea born nearly 2 years ago, to the hope it will have a monumental impact on the fashion industry over the next 10 years. And tonight has proved that we are certainly on the road to hitting that target. To hear the inspiring stories of the shortlisters working in the key areas of the fashion industry, and to see the fruit of their efforts in such innovative designs, projects and business models, is what RE:Fashion is all about! These individuals and businesses are changing the face of the fashion industry and I for one want to congratulate them all.
A lasting thought... as she presented the award for RE:Designer of the Year, leading fashion journalist Hilary Alexander spoke about the progressive state of ethical fashion and claimed that 'eco really can be eternal'. A big cheer spread across the room and I have a big smile on my face! Now, I'm excited about seeing more eco-fabulous achievements at next year's RE:Fashion Awards, are you?
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