Fabulous fashions fantastic fun!

Local models and fashion fans raised over £1000 in support of George Thomas Hospice Care Appeal.

Fashionistas and supporters of Cardiff’s finest local boys and girls crowded into Oceana on a wet, windy night and were treated to an exciting night of fashion, brilliant prizes and goodies.  With surprise celebrity attendees from the visiting Australian Rugby Team maintaining a low profile and watching the show amongst the public, it was left to local ITV presenter Mariclare Carey-Jones to entertain the crowd during the show’s interval, when she graciously said a few words in support of the Hospice’s work and drew the raffle.

Mariclare with Centre Manager Nick Beckett

The raffle itself raised £370 which has been match-funded by Julian Hodge Bank, great supporters of George Thomas Hospice Care to a terrific £740.  Not bad for an hour’s work from the fantastic hospice volunteer ticket sellers!  Mariclare Carey-Jones said, “The raffle was a real success.  It was wonderful to see so many prizes donated for such a good cause, and there were some very happy winners!”

The show introduced the latest looks and ideas from the Centre’s most fun and funky shops, including three sessions from lingerie retailers Bravissimo, La Senza and Triumph which were real crowd pleasers!

All the models were local guys and girls who had volunteered to strut their stuff in a good cause.  Some were aspiring models and there were many in the crowd who were struck by their confidence, poise and attitudes.  Others were less experienced but were able to strike a pose and show some real attitude as they made their way up and down the catwalk in front of the appreciative and supportive crowd.  There were special cheers from the child models who were also working their moves!

The Centre’s stores and their hardworking staff put on a real fashion extravaganza.  Hannah Hill, overall organiser from Hudson + Hudson said, “The shops pulled out all the stops to ensure that the models were dressed in the latest looks and accessories. The models were absolutely brilliant and worked their looks to perfection even after only a couple of hours of rehearsal!”

Centre Manager Nick Beckett, “We are absolutely delighted with the response from models, tenants and guests, all of whom braved the awful weather to enjoy a thoroughly entertaining show.  As Hannah has said, the stores and their staff worked extremely hard to ensure that guests were treated to the latest looks and ideas in fashion.

“The local boys and girls who modelled for us were superb, especially considering that they are not professionals and they had given up their time for free.  The kids from Cardiff Cougar Allstars cheerleaders were outstanding, thrilling the crowd with their routine, tumbling and cartwheeling across the stage.

“My thanks also go to Oceana for putting on a great evening, providing the complimentary champagne and for their staging, sound and lighting expertise which made the show so spectacular.”

Ruth Fowler speaking on behalf of Oceana Nightclub said, “We were delighted to be able to assist in such a worthy fundraising cause and fun evening.  We thoroughly enjoyed the show and are thrilled that so many people turned out in support of the event.”

Sharon Owen Fundraising and Events Officer at George Thomas Hospice said, “The evening was fantastic and we are all very grateful to Queen’s Arcade Management and all the Shops for arranging the Fashion Show.  A lot of preparation outside shop hours and a lot of team spirit made this evening an enjoyable and successful night, raising valuable funds for the charity!”

All photographs taken by Ogwen Evans - thank you Ogwen!