Last November saw Bristol Mind’s first fashion extravaganza, which brought something unique to the city of Bristol: shows of this magnitude are normally reserved for the bright lights of London.
What was the line-up last year?
Bristol Mind’s first “Fashion in Mind” took place on Friday 27th November 2009 in the form of a fashion show, yet it was much more than just a fashion show. Our aim was to raise funds but equally as important awareness around mental health and the stigma experienced by people today.It was also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Bristol, the local community and the wealth of talent in dance, fashion and theatrical performance we have. Local designers from Bristol and Bath showcased their individual designs some of which were made from recycled materials and fair trade suppliers. The show took place at Bristol City’s football stadium at Ashton Gate, the spacious room meant there was plenty of space for the 45 foot long cat walk and stage, as well an area for the designers to set up their stalls clothes and accessories.
On arrival guests were met to the soulful, uplifting sounds from “Vocal Works” choir, performing a number of Motown and RnB songs. Whilst listening, guests were invited to have a free hand, arm or neck massage or even a totally relaxing Indian head massage all courtesy of the City of Bristol College students. Having been soothed by music and massage if you then felt hungry an extensive food and bar facility offered a variety of sumptuous dishes from all over the globe to fill you up.
The evening’s performance started at 8 o’clock with a laser show followed by Salsa Montuno a Bristol based Salsa performance group demonstrating spin technique, styling and partnering technique. Next on stage was the young and dynamic young beat box artist Ciara Daniel, known also as “XLR8” Beat box covers a range of sound effects including vocal echo, vocal base and wind technique. Ciara writes her own music and performed a song “depression” to send out a message that mental health is often misinterpreted through ignorance. It was an amazing, powerful song!
The act that followed was street dancers, Anonymous, whose founder and choreographer Rebecca Watts trained in classical ballet, they took to the floor with flare and style. Pole fitness is the up and coming way to have fun and stay fit! Our next performers was a dance troupe and burlesque troupe from “Spin City”
They amazed the audience with their agility and strength as they appeared effortlessly to spin around the pole along with other acrobatic moves. Meanwhile the ladies from burlesque troupe with top hats and twizzling canes in hand, danced like they could have come from the West End! What a fantastic way to keep fit!
Our final performer in the first half was Rod Laver an entertaining and innovative world renowned juggler. He delighted the audience with his ability to juggle 8 ping pong balls with his mouth, and play the piano using a ping pong ball – have a look at the amazing things Rod does, on U Tube!
The second part of the evenings show was dedicated to the Fashion Show, glamorous boys and girls from Bristol’s prestigious modelling agency Gingersnap, walked, glided and strutted the catwalk. The fashion designs Joy, Motel, Rag Trade, Shop Dutty, Bibico, Nicola Marie, Toohoi and Enamore were divided up into day, evening wear and lingerie showing the flexibility and variety of styles, as well as vibrant colours. Hair to match! Top Bristol hair salon Gaudi Hair Designs supplied all the hairdressers and inspiration for the models hair on the night, whilst the Beauty Therapy students from City of Bristol College did a splendid job of the make-up. So many talented people offering so much support!
This was the first time Bristol Mind had put on such an event of this size, and it was well supported with an audience of just over 500 people, the warmth and support for the event, the charity and its work was very apparent. During the course of the evening short films were shown where people talked about their own personal experiences of mental health, three of these were by an animated film company and were very moving and poignant. Many MindLine volunteers who already contribute so much attended the evening helping with the information stall and selling raffle tickets and programmes. A Big Thank You to all the acts and sponsors for participating and donating so much of your time leading up to the show.
Liz Sorapure, Mindline Coordinator.
Where and why?
This awesome show took place at The Dolman Exhibition Hall, Bristol City Grounds at Ashton Gate. All proceeds went to local Bristol charity, MIND.
