Fashionable way to help homeless

A SWANSEA fashion show has helped a homelessness charity add more than £10,000 to its funds.

Rock the Catwalk, held last Sunday, saw more than 1,000 people help raise the cash for homeless charity Shelter Cymru.

The event — held at Oceana on The Kingsway — was a follow-up to last year's Fashion Rocks, and combined they have racked up the cash for the charity.

This year's bash saw an hour-long fashion show, hosted by Real Radio breakfast presenters Tony Wright and Angela Jay, showcase a host of big-name labels.

It was the first public outing for the new Vivienne Westwood collection, while the audience were also treated to clothes by Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana.

Richard Jones, of Moda on The Kingsway, teamed up with Paul Jackson and Chris Berry from city salon The Hair Business to stage the event.

He told the Post: "We are thrilled to have raised so much money for Shelter Cymru. It was a massive event to put on, but so many people got involved to make it a massive success.

"The success of Fashion Rocks meant we had a lot to follow, but it looks like we managed it. It was a great night for the city, which will also make a big difference for homeless people in Wales."

Models

More than 30 models took part in the show, including Evening Post fitness expert Tara Hammett and former beauty queen Lisa Lazarus.

TV choir Only Men Aloud opened the show, followed soon after by singing schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi.

And there was also a competition for models to compete to be the face of Moda.

TV presenter Liz Fuller was head judge alongside model Jo- Emma Larvin, Victoria Williams and stage school boss Mark Jermin.

Richard said: "Liz was instrumental in helping make this year's event so brilliant. She sparked a lot of national interest and brought along her friend Jo-Emma, who has recently split from boxer Joe Calzaghe."

The model competition was won by Emma Grattidge who won a make-over and £1,000.

Richard added there are already plans to stage a similar event next October to raise even more cash for charity.

He said: "We've had two successful years, so there's no doubt that we'll want to do it all again next year."

Fashion TV was filming the event, with the footage set to air within a few weeks.

A host of famous faces were also at the event including Swans stars Lee Trundle and Leon Britton.

Visit: www.sheltercymru. co.uk to donate