Verandah Magazine loved Lismore’s inaugural Thread – it’s a fashion thing in the graffiti-decorated Back Alley. Put music, fashion, Tommy Franklin, Gretel Killeen and a funky setting altogether and what have you got? Lights…camera…action, writes Candida Baker.
It seems that more and more these days people who care about their communities are supporting like-minded charities, and that’s got to be a good thing. The idea of ‘sharing’ has spread like topsy and it was well in evidence at the Thread fashion show, part of the Come to the Heart of Lismore push, which is helping Lismore claim its rightful place as the largest (and funkiest) city in the Northern Rivers.
This show, as well show-casing the best of Lismore fashion retailers, the graduating students from Lismore Tafe and an exclusive collection of featured designers, also supported the charity Under the Red Dress.
If pink is generally more associated with cancer causes (at least, breast cancer anyway), Beth Whaanga, the head of philanthropy and creator of Under the Red Dress, has taken visibility to a whole new level, both colourfully and courageously.
When the 32-year-old underwent a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy last year, instead of retreating into a world of pain and isolation, Whaanga shed her clothes, and posed naked for a series of emotionally confronting, inspirational and beautiful – in my opinion – photographs.
Talking to the night’s MC, Gretel Killeen, Whangaa told the crowd: “When I first put the photos up on Facebook I was ‘unfriended’ by around 100 people, and that really made me think about how people see scars as something ugly, but cancer survivors know that scars mean they’re alive.”
Nadia Mascot and Beth Whangaa (centre) talk with MC Gretel Killeen about Under the Red Dress.
When the photos began to find their way to media outlets and the word spread, the photos suddenly went viral – all around the world people could either identify with her journey or simply couldn’t believe her courage. Since then Under the Red Dress has began a world-wide commitment to photograph and talk to survivors of cancer.
Sitting in the Back Alley with a drink and canapés as part of the ticket experience, on a beautifully clear, cool night as models strutted their down the catwalk, was a great way to spend a Saturday night, and Verandah Magazine was doubly proud to be there since our Style Director Sam Drewe was also in the show with part of his latest collection from his Samson & Bronc label. (Proud publisher-slash-mother-moment there.) Samson & Bronc and the newly created House of Tailors (brainchild of William Katunga – ex Project Runway) were the only two indie labels showcasing male fashion which allowed both of them to stand out from the crowd.
Samson & Bronc black and white shirt and shorts.
The women’s fashion had a broad age-range to it, which was a relief since there were clothes in there that if you were older than 30 (even a decade or two more) you could actually wear. Miss Mildred, for instance, Bodypeace Bamboo, Kay Lee Williams Designs all showed wearable individuality. There was, of course, plenty for those younger and skinnier types…the dreamy, fairy-tale designs of Chip the Teacup and the slightly 50’s inspired nautical flavoured Siren & Sailor both struck the fancy of my teenage companions. And with Melbourne Cup fever fast approaching there were plenty of fascinating fascinators from the ever-imaginative Julie Casey.
Fantasy fairytale clothes from Chip the Teacup.
The programme was cleverly broken-up into half-an-hour sections, and just when we were getting a little chair-sore, who should come along but Byron Bay’s own Tommy Franklin, who bust out his moves. The audience tried to resist, but Tommy, is quite, frankly, or should that be Franklinly, irresistible – to all of us but Gretel Killeen who showed an unusually conservative side and dashed off the catwalk as quickly as she could at very idea of cutting loose. (Some of us weren’t so shy which may or may not have been a good thing.)
Business development officer for Lismore Council, Jason Mumford, and event co-ordinator Libby Lund McDonald couldn’t have been more pleased with the evening. McDonald of GEM events, and Grace School of Deportment and Grooming was particularly proud of the models – many of whom had come through her school, and excited that several have been picked up by some of the largest agencies in the country, including IMG. Mumford also suggested that Lismore would be hosting not only more fashion, but more events in general, particularly in areas in which the region excels. Hmmm. Arts, food, culture, lifestyle – which one of those springs to mind? My guess – food – an obvious connector for everyone in the region.
For more information on Thread and the featured designers go to: thread For more information on what’s happening in Lismore go to Come to the Heart
Photography: Candida Baker
