FASHION GOES GREEN - North West Evening Mail - UK

Last updated 12:03, Monday, 11 August 2008

SUNSHINE broke through the clouds for Ulverston’s first eco-fashion show yesterday.

GREEN QUEENS: Hannah Armstrong and Bethany Birkett model outfits from Olive in Market Street REF: 0445884

More than 70 people made their way to the town’s Ford Park to watch models stroll on to the lawn wearing a range of environmentally-friendly clothing.

Those with the greenest credentials walked to the show to gain new, planet-friendly fashion ideas, soak up the family atmosphere and enjoy refreshments from the on-site barbecue.

A planned exhibition of eco-clothing and accessories from national and international manufacturers had to be cancelled because of wet weather earlier in the day.

But more than 40 people of all ages became models for the afternoon as MC Herb Diamante introduced a range of recycled, new and vintage fashion collections.

First to emerge from the dressing room was a team from Market Street boutique, Olive, wearing colourful dresses and outfits from the store.

Children and tots from the Honeypot Community Group also showed off clothes they had decorated themselves, while other models posed in outfits made from rags and discarded materials.

Among the highlights were a ballerina tutu made from bubble wrap, a skirt made from patchwork cushion covers, a skirt and a waistcoat made from croched plastic bags and video tape and a revamped jump suit.

There was even an embellished bridal gown decorated with foil and bottle tops.

Visitors to the event then enjoyed a break before an X-factor style fashion contest, named U Factor, got under way.

Organiser Fiona Kennedy, owner of Olive, hailed the eco-event a great success.

“It’s been chaos behind the scenes to get everyone ready for each wave of fashion but it all came together really well for the audience outside,” she said.

“It has been hard work for the last week or so followed by around three hours of choreography today, but it’s all been worth it.”

Funds raised from the £4 entry fee are set to go to the Ford Park Fund.

And Ms Kennedy says she already hopes to organise a second show next year.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people interested in eco-fashion,” she added.

“What everyone has seen today just goes to show that you can create fantastic one-off outfits by going to charity shops, mixing old and new pieces and swapping with friends to be as green as possible.”