HIDDEN charity shop gems took centre stage as models paraded their treasures of the catwalk.

Oxford Brookes University’s Fashion Society hosted its first clothing extravaganza at the John Henry Brookes Building.

Students strutted their stuff along the runway, donning the finest attire from Headington charity shops CLIC Sargent, Sue Ryder and Helen and Douglas House.

Prouducer and director Anh Nguyen, from Headington, said: “I’m still really overwhelmed from everything. It was stressful but the show turned out really, really good.

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“I wanted to show people charity shops are not as bad as you think.

“They’re actually really good. People were saying they could not believe the things were from charity shops.”

About 29 students modelled the charity shop finds during the fashion show on Friday.

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  • Rahul Daswani takes to the catwalk

Menswear was found at Helen and Douglas House’s store and about 20 evening dresses came from the Sue Ryder shop, both in Windmill Road.

Another 21 bridal wear pieces were loaned to students by Clic Sargent’s London Road shop. Models were joined by 12 photographers, four make-up artists and five hair stylists from Jericho’s Walton and Giles hair salon, as well as Bicester hat designer Jayne Elizabeth.

Miss Nguyen, a third year economics and finance student, was inspired to host the university’s first charity fashion show after discovering an array of fine clothing available in charity shops.

Oxford Mail:

  • Anh Nguyen

The 21-year-old added: “I really love fashion. I have grown up with a really fashionable family. Producing a fashion show is something I have wanted to do.

"The charity shops have really good clothes and dresses. I thought why not put on a fashion show which I also wantetd to do by using local charity shops. It’s really useful for people to know what good things are around them.”

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  • Bea Gresa models Rena Coh (£245)

The show, which took three months to organise, raised about £90 for the three charities through ticket sales.

CLIC Sargent looks after youngsters suffering with cancer and their familes, while East Oxford’s Helen and Douglas House provides palliative and respite care to children and young people.

Sue Ryder supports people with end of life and long-term needs.

BRIDAL WEAR

  • BRIDES-to-be have been trawling through CLIC Sargent’s bridal wear in the search for exquisite gowns for the last two years. 
  • The nearly-new dresses, priced between £50 and £395, feature in fashion shows and photoshoots before they make their way to the Headington charity shop. 
  • Manager of CLIC Sargent’s Headington shop Sharon Walton said: “You can get some gems. Our loyal supporters give us loads of lovely stuff. The charity shop is very important for people who are on a budget.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Natasha Chick models an Amanda Wyatt dress (£199)

SHOPPING TIPS

RUMMAGING around charity shops for buried fashion treasure might be daunting for some but not for Anh Nguyen. 

The student said fashion-hunters should always pop by nearby charity stores when on shopping sprees. 
Miss Nguyen added: “It’s always worth going to all of them. You can mix it up from one to another. 

“It’s always worth going in and having a look at the clothes and trying them on. “I don’t think the clothes will attract you if they are just on a hanger on the rails, so try them on.” 

And Miss Nguyen said no outfit would be complete without fitting shoes, jewellery and a bag. 

She added: “When you put on your make-up, jewellery on your neck and put shoes on, everything put together it makes a perfect outift. 

“Instead of following trends you can make your own trend.”


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