Guildhall to host big fashion show

2:41pm Thursday 10th April 2008

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ONE of the oldest buildings in the city is to get a modern makeover when it stages its first fashion show.

Models are set to take to the catwalk at the Guildhall in aid of the Lord Mayor's charities.

Budding fashion entrepreneur Sarah Ashton, of York, who has designed dresses for Miss York Naomi Smith and Miss England Georgia Horsley, will be showcasing her clothing range and leading retailers around York will be providing the accessories for the event.

All proceeds from the fashion show will benefit the Lord Mayor's charities which, this year, are Martin House Hospice and the York Blind And Partially Sighted Society.

Naomi Smith and the new Miss York, who will be crowned a week before the event on Sunday, April 20, will be modelling Sarah's designs on the catwalk.

The Sheriff's Lady, Karen Hyman, is the chief organiser of the event. She said: "We have never held a fashion show at the Guildhall. It is really going to be something special. Local dress designer Sarah Ashton will be designing all the clothes and we will be using a few local boutiques to help accessorise the outfits, such as hats, bags, shoes and jewellery.

"It is going to be a proper fashion parade; there is no doubt about it. We will have a long catwalk, lots of models, television screens showing the designs and fashion stalls.

"We hope it will be a spectacular event and we hope that people from York will attend and support the cause."

Ms Ashton, owner of Thimbelina Of York, in Walmgate, will be presenting an array of evening and day wear. She said: "I will be showcasing evening dresses, prom wear, bridal wear, bridesmaid's dresses and dressy day wear.

"I am very excited about the event. I have showed my designs in fashion shows before, but nothing as big as this. The show has been in the making since last summer and it has taken a lot of hard work, but I think it will pay off."

Leading retailers from York, including Yves Two Beauty Salon, accessories shop Simply Devine, jewellery designer Jo Bagshaw, hair and beauty specialist Edward Charles, lingerie designer Kathryn Rolfe, shoes and handbags from Karen Millen, bespoke men's shirts and accessories designer Upper 10, bespoke men's suiting by Justin Terr, fine materials from Fletchers, designer home wares from Rebecca Stoner and a personal makeover advisor Linda Saxton will have stalls.

The fashion show will be at the Guildhall on Sunday, April 27. Tickets for the event cost £20 and include a complimentary drink and a buffet. Doors open at 4pm and the show will begin at 5.30pm.

Have your say

Is hosting a fashion show an appropriate use of York's Guildhall?