Fashionistas stepped out in style last month at a fashion show at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, which raised more than £11,000 for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
16 models, both amateur and professional, took to the catwalk on 28th May, in outfits created by Isle of Wight couture designer, Sue Bonham. Among those to strut their stuff were the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Nigel Hartley, MBE, and Mountbatten vice chairman, Michael Acland.
A variety of Island boutiques, including Yarmouth’s Blue by the Sea, Newport’s Visual Impact and Cowes’ Live Like This, were featured alongside some of the Island’s most popular, well-known brands such as Musto, Helly Hansen, and Ratsey and Lapthorne, as well as some hand-picked vintage items, selected from Mountbatten’s network of charity shops.
The models also displayed a selection of marine-themed silver and gold jewellery made by Thomas P Cochran at Arreton Barns.
Hampshire-based ‘At Last’ completed the line-up, displaying some of its beautiful dresses, while Tony Martin provided the soundtrack to the catwalk and harpist, Bella Brown, performed the incidental music.
With donations still coming in, over £11,000 was raised for Mountbatten Isle of Wight, from ticket sales, an auction, a raffle and advertising in the event programme.
Chair of the fashion show, Sue Bonham, said:
“This is my thank you.
Article continues below this advertisement “When my father died, in 2023, he benefitted enormously from the Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s care. It transformed the quality of his final years. This is my thank you to the hospice charity.
“I have wanted to stage a fashion show for some time. My background in couture design and production, in London, over the last 30 years and for many clients, some of them household names, has given me the experience I needed to make this a success. I am so pleased it has raised such a large amount of money.”
Becky McGregor, Mountbatten CEO, said:
“This was a really exciting event with lots of energy and star quality. Everyone had a great evening and we are absolutely delighted over £11,000 has been raised.
“Mountbatten relies on donations — including through events like this one and our charity shops, where you will find fashionable items at a fraction of their original price.
“It is how our expert staff can continue to offer a wide range of 24/7 end-of-life services to Islanders and their families, in people’s homes, on our inpatient unit, and to outpatients, though day, rehabilitation and bereavement services.”
