Our first ever Emmaus Village Carlton Fashion Show proved to be a resounding success last Wednesday (19 November).
Held at The Carlton Club in Olney – who generously provided the venue free of charge – the event brought together supporters, volunteers, companions, customers and staff for an unforgettable evening of community, creativity and sustainable fashion.
The night exceeded all expectations. With 100 tickets sold, we were officially a sell-out event, raising an incredible £2,360 to support our work providing a warm home, meaningful work experience opportunities and long-term support for people after homelessness.
The runway came alive with an inspiring display of second-hand fashion, with every outfit curated from clothing kindly donated to our charity. From laid-back casual looks to festive Boxing Day outfits and glamorous New Year’s Eve styles, the show demonstrated that pre-loved clothing can be every bit as stylish, creative and exciting as buying new.
Guests were able to purchase clothing during the event and the models’ outfits were made available for sale at the end of the night, giving attendees the chance to take home their favourite looks straight off the catwalk.
To make the evening even more special, we set up a jewellery stand and a Christmas gift display, giving visitors a glimpse of the fantastic festive finds available at Emmaus Village Carlton. The stands were a great hit and showcased the variety and quality of items our shops have to offer.
Lynn Reeves, our Operations Manager, said: “The event was made possible thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of around 20 people, including companions, volunteers, staff and even some customers who stepped forward to model on the night.
“Their dedication and teamwork made the show a warm, welcoming and joyful celebration of what Emmaus is all about – community, dignity and second chances.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Carlton Club and to everyone who attended, supported, modelled or helped make this event a reality. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people we support, helping us continue to provide a home, support and purpose for those who need it most.”
We can’t wait to build on this success and bring even more community-focused events to Emmaus Village Carlton in the future.
Sustainable fashion, community spirit, and life-changing support – thank you for helping us make it happen.