Student organises big fashion show

Ellie is producing an Alice in Wonderland-themed show with clothes from the School’s textiles department and current designers such as Hiroshi Goto, Joanna Zara Millinery and Molly Coddle Childrenswear.

The show is part of her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an independent piece of work of her own choosing, which she is undertaking in addition to her A level studies.

The whole school from the Prep School to the teachers is involved in modelling, dancing, designing sets, helping back stage or front of house.

Ellie has planned the music and arranged for a local company, Concert Tech Sound and Light, to do the stage production. She has also approached companies to contribute clothes to the event and gained the input of Alicia Sandeman Make-Up Artist to help. Alicia’s company is also offering make-up tutorials for girls in Years 7 to 13.

All 200 members of the audience will receive a gift bag. Ellie has worked very hard to gain sponsorship for these and has received contributions from Tea Pigs, TK Maxx, Mavericks Children’s Books, Day Lewis Pharmacies and Supreme Creations.

Ellie has already gained some experience of the fashion world from working at Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Fashion Fest and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Fashion in Motion shows.

Money from the event will be given to Beat, the eating disorder charity, as one of her aims for the show is to promote positive body image, an area in which the fashion image often falls short. Ellie says, “There are lots of body image pressures on girls and my aim is to use fashion to alleviate this and show people how they can be confident in themselves.”

Ellie comments: “The show has been a huge undertaking, but everyone has been very supportive. It’s great to see everything coming together and I have learnt so much already.”

Louise Higson, Farlington’s Headmistress, says, “Ellie has shown great initiative and enthusiasm for this mammoth undertaking. An EPQ is well regarded by universities as it demonstrates organisation, self-motivation and confidence; Ellie has certainly shown all of these qualities in her work so far. I can’t wait to see the show.”

The show will be held in the New Courtyard Hall, Farlington School at on Wednesday 18th March at 5.00pm Tickets for the show are £5.00 and can be obtained from the School Office (01403 254967).

Report and pictures contributed by Farlington School.