16th December, 2008
Article: Riana Thakrar (Yr 9)
Photos: RK and Zoe Ilivitzky (Yr 9)
 |
| The Finale... |
We can now announce that the Show raised in excess of £7000 - easily a record amount. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.
The School’s annual Fantasy Fashion took place on Tuesday 9th December in aid of the charity KSDP, which was set up by the late Stephanie Lee (ONL).
Prior to the event, the models involved had the chance to be professionally made up by some of award-winning make-up artist Daniel Sandler’s best make-up artists. The girls were thrilled at having this opportunity.
Hosted by the TV fashion guru Mary Portas, as seen on the BBC series Mary Queen of Shops, this year’s event proved to be the biggest yet. The show was a celebration of design, innovation and collaboration and the girls exhibited some outstanding creations keeping within the theme “Welcome to Wonderland”. With designs ranging from a human carousel to a glittering snow globe, it was a truly magnificent evening.
We were honoured to welcome such a prestigious panel of judges consisting of Melanie Rickie the fashion editor of Grazia magazine; Brix Smith-Start the co-founder and owner of “The Start Boutique” and co-presenter on Gok’s Fashion fix; and Andrea Galer, a costume designer who has worked on films and series including Miss Austen Regrets and Bleak House. fAndrea also founded the Power of Hands Charity which helps Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.
Girls competed in three categories: Yrs 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13. Once again the bar had been raised and this year the prizes at stake were bigger and better than ever before. They ranged from £100 Topshop, Oasis and Warehouse vouchers to work experience with a top fashion stylist and the girls competing were enthusiastic and eager to win.
 |
Beryl Lee, mother of Stephanie Lee, gave an inspirational and moving speech about the money raised and the brilliant work KSDP has been able to and hopes to achieve with the help of North London’s Fantasy Fashion show. Following this, Moe Bue, a Karenni refugee, spoke to the audience about the recreation of fantasy fashion that took place back home in the refugee camps. She also emphasised the importance of raising awareness and the true difference it can make to these young people’s lives.
As an extra boost to raise money, this year a raffle took place with some amazing chances to win designer prizes by the likes of Giles Deacon and Louis Vuitton. Whilst the judges discussed the final winners, the evening rounded off with the draw of the winners of the raffle. Mrs Tracy Rose won the Louis Vuitton dress! As a surprise, a slight twist was added to the programme when several of the designer outfits were auctioned off. This proved to be a real success with over £1300 being raised.
Although such a high standard had been set, the judges eventually came to a decision and were able to award first and second prizes to each individual category.
Prizes were awarded to:
Jemma Paek in Yr 8, who created an outfit which incorporated the classic Alice In Wonderland whilst adding a modern twist
Devika Chatwani and Jessica Rogers in Yr 9, who designed an outfit resembling a human carousel
Raquel Cruickshank, Anna Grey and Hannah Walker from the Yr 11-13 category.
A big thank you to all who helped the show such a success this year. The total amount raised will be known shortly.
 |
 |
| Mary Portas congratulates the senior prize-winner |
 |
| Mary Portas and family |
 |
 |
| Beryl Lee with her husband and son |
 |
 |
| Old North Londoners who organised Fantasy Fashion whilst at school |