Madame Geisha, 28 October 2009
Brighton was haunted on the evening of the 28th with fearsome fashionistas, stylish skeletons and gorgeous ghosts, and all in aid of four demonic designers. The finalists of the Halloween Fashion Ball were, Olivia Grace Bassett, Jessy Lou, Kevin David Bragg and Cherry Gemma. Each showcased a range of their creepy couture creations to a large and enthusiastic audience. Cobwebs and pumpkins a plenty, Madame Geishas was decorated with every manor of Halloween adornment. The evening began with punch and canapés, amidst circus performers who roamed the two main floors.
Trudi Styles hosted the evening, curtly introducing the three judges; Dean Cleary-Patterson (d1models), Jo Fleming (director, www.joannefleming design.com) and Jules and Tracey (from Jell-O Boutique). Fantastic and outrageous outfits bewitched the audience, but Jessy Lou’s collection ‘Skeletorian’, caught the judges’ eye and won the competition. Jessy received a devilish £200 cash prize, a week’s work experience at top London fashion house; Ashley Isham Design, and the opportunity to show her summer 2010 collection with Jell-O Boutique.
As well as celebrating these truly talented designers, the event also focused on promoting the work of The Rockinghorse Charity, which provides vital equipment and improves life for children in hospitals across Sussex. A raffle for the audience raised money for the charity, with prizes such as a weekend in Devon for two and an eight week pilates course, which were donated by local business.
DJ Ziz got everyone into the dancing spirit and the party went on into the early hours, finishing before sunrise so all the ghouls and un-dead could return safely to their crypts.
Words by Talia French
