Fashion shows to be an annual event (From Malvern Gazette)

Fashion shows to be an annual event

3:23pm Wednesday 19th March 2008

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OVERWHELMING popular acclaim means that Ledbury Fashion Week is certain to be a major new annual festival for the town.

Impressed audiences are already demanding even more fashion shows in 2009.

These will take place during the day but also on the evening too, for fashion lovers who cannot make the action during working hours.

Event organiser Margaret Stark, of "In Stark Contrast" had the idea of a fashion extravaganza for Ledbury when she visited the capital during London Fashion Week.

She also realised that trade in Ledbury and the general morale of residents needed a boost in a town centre struggling with a temporary one-way system.

That was in February.

At least 24 volunteers came forward to assist Mrs Stark.

On Wednesday, at the height of Ledbury's reply to London and Milan, 100 clothes connoisseurs came to the Feathers Hotel to admire the latest spring fashions.

They also came to raise funds for Fashion Week's chosen charity, The Children's Society.

Mrs Stark said: "The tickets had sold out by Saturday, at £7.50 each. We could have sold twice as many.

"It's gone very well, people seem happy and I think we'll be back next year.

"People have been saying there haven't been enough fashion shows, so we'll do more in 2009."

Fashion enthusiast, Mary Every of Mabels's Furlong made a point of attending both the fashion show at the Feathers and the earlier one, on Monday at Cafe Sez, which she described as a lovely, relaxed occasion.

Speaking at the Feathers she said: "People ought to support events like this in town, especially as it's for charity, and it will really help to bring visitors in."

Judy Conway of the Deer Park said: "It is so nice to see the clothes being worn, instead of just on a hanger. Everybody has had such a nice time."

Beryl O' Farrell from Castle Frome said the fashion week could really help to put Ledbury firmly back on the map.

At least 20 local businesses actively supported Ledbury Fashion Week.

On Wednesday, the models sported clothes from Kitten Boutique, In Stark Contrast and Bride of Ledbury.

Deep Pinks, whites, creams and pale greens all battled it out as this season's colour.

A subtle hint of the seventies, perhaps, could be seen in some of the designs, including bell sleeves, high waisted slacks and long, floaty, semi-translucent fabrics.

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