Picture by Tamsin Keeney
Refugee Women Connect, a Merseyside-based charity, recently hosted a fashion show titled Strike A Pose.
Strike a Pose was a night of music and fashion, hosted at Liverpool’s Camp and Furnace. The entire show, from planning the night to the models on the runway, was put together by volunteers.
This was the second show they have hosted, after their first took place last year.
Refugee Women Connect works to support women in the area who are refugees, asylum-seekers and trafficking survivors. Services they offer include accompanying women to appointments, drop-ins with staff, and self-esteem support groups. They also offer their support to the women’s children.
Statistics from a resident survey in Liverpool City Council’s refugee and migration plan found that 49% of respondents had an issue with understanding the asylum/immigration system. More than half (52%) responded that they had felt ‘lonely with no one to help’. 58% responded that they had felt ‘depressed or anxious’.
Bex Satchwell, from the charity, said: “Everyone involved in Strike a Pose volunteered their time and efforts. From designers to models, photographers and make-up artists, to our backstage crew and hair stylists, there are over 100 people involved in creating the magic of Strike a Pose!”
Strike a Pose
She continued: “Every event and raffle ticket is a 100% donation to Refugee Women Connect, and makes such a tangible difference to how we can operate especially in the challenging fundraising climate that we are in today.”
The night opened with a musical performance by Child of Sowo – offering a mix of both original songs, and covering classics for the crowd to sing along to.
Following this was the main event: new, bold designs from ten female designers. Each designer offered something different. They were all were met with cheers and applause from the crowd when they joined the models on stage.
One model, Tyler Da Claire, said: “All ticket sales go to Refugee Women Connect. It’s helping asylum seekers that are coming over and need just that little bit of help. That’s what a gorgeous event like this is, showcasing creativity and all for a gorgeous cause.”
The event attracted a large crowd, who sang along with Child of Sowo showed true appreciation for the fashion show. Outside in the bar area, there was also a raffle to raise money.
As well as a fun night for all involved, it gave the opportunity for many people to see a fashion show and support a local charity.
