Glamour with a capital G hit Liverpool as clothes belonging to Beyoncé, Daniel Craig and Madonna were auctioned in aid of Alder Hey’s Imagine Appeal.
But Fashion students and graduates from Liverpool John Moores University were the stars of the event as they showcased their work in a fashion show in Liverpool One’s Palm Sugar bar.
The young designers showed off their work in a series of runway shows at a packed venue. Other fashion students were getting involved with the event by filming the shows and even asking if they could film JMU Journalism’s interviews to show the event from a reporter’s point of view.
Clare Rogerson, who works for USP Creative, told JMU Journalism that the University was invaluable when it came to helping with the event: “Everyone was just fantastic, the students and staff helped backstage, they were creative and they offered their support because it was such long days and long hours. In the Graduate Throw, we were able to show new talent and what Liverpool has to offer.”
She added: “Obviously it is for Alder Hey, which is an amazing hospital and is central to Liverpool life. It’s a great city and with the help of the University and the students we showcased the young new designers and showed that in the city everyone is friendly and that’s what Liverpool is all about.”
The Clothes Throw, which ran for five days and is in its third year, is a way to raise money to improve the lives of patients treated at Alder Hey Hospital. Celebrities donate clothing to be auctioned off and members of the public hold their own Clothes Throw parties to exchange and swap clothes to raisemoney.
Rachel Donohoe, the Fundraising Executive for the ImagineAppeal, told JMU Journalism that as the years have gone on, the bigger the event has become: “The Clothes Throw started three years ago and a parent Helen Ainscough came up with the idea after Alder Hey successfully treated her little girl Molly for meningitis. The initial idea was to have a get together similar to ‘swishing’ but guests would pay a donation to Alder Hey Imagine Appeal instead of swapping their clothes and accessories.
She added: “Since then it has grown and we’re delighted with the level of support we’ve received from celebrities, designers, retailers and the public.”
Such a fashionable event is ideal for a city as stylish as Liverpool, as organiser Rachel said the event offers something to men and women across the city: “We think there is something for everyone to get involved with at the Clothes Throw. At our Style Council event we showcased the latest trends from established British designers. Our Graduate Throw will see the designers of tomorrow showcasing their talent and it’s not just for the girls as we also have a men’s event, ‘The Boys Club’.”