People

The idea to host a charity fashion show for the college was provided by my good friend Lana Parker, one lunchtime.

She had a million and one ideas about what it could look like, how it could help the college, how it could be huge. She knew exactly what she wanted, and exactly how everything would be, in this imaginary fashion show.

And from then it has been all systems go. It has been a frantic past month, arranging clothes fittings here, and scouring the college campus for willing models.

We also had some drama with arranging the correct insurance; neither of us knowing where to start or who to go to. We eventually found someone who could help us, and were able to show the shops the insurance the college had. This was our main concern, just incase our insurance didn't cover any damage that could occur.

But despite all the chaos, it has been hugely rewarding. Seeing five beautiful upper sixth girls standing in stunning one-of-a-kind ball gowns reminded us that among the frenzied organising, it will be more than worth it.

Helping tsunami victims

The charity the show is in aid of is Help Lanka, a charity that helps the community of Sri Lanka put their lives back together after the tsunami.

This is especially important to Lana, as last year she went on the college trip to Sri Lanka and took part in this project. She was touched by the charity’s commitment, and is even planning to return to the same place in Sri Lanka and further help the charity this summer with some friends. The charity is in conjunction with the college, and all the profits will go straight to them.

Tsunami damage in Patong, Thailand

Lana is the chief organiser, one minute on the phone to shop managers, the next minute sprinting around town, darting in and out of shops.

I’ve been assisting Lana in her organising, accompanying her to shop fittings and trying to help bring things together. Our good friend Beth deserves a huge mention and thank you too, as she has always been there with us in the shops, writing the press release and choreographing dance routines for the catwalk.

We managed to get a lot of people and shops involved in our project. Successful stores such as River Island, Frox, Wavegames, New Look, D2 and Fat Face have offered us their clothes to put on the catwalk.

The art textiles students are also modelling their own creations on the catwalk, which will give them a chance to present their work. We also found various male and female models, and lots of friends and fellow students have offered to help backstage with organising everything on the night.

The fashion show takes place at 19.30 BST on 2 May at Richard Huish College.