Instead of letting the current uncertainty spoil all the fun for the Richmond Fashion Festival, the organisers adapted it and made it into a series of photo shoots around town, a virtual fashion show on social media which will lead up to a Richmond Fashion Spotlight in December – a great countdown to Christmas and the winter sales.
The festival is also supporting a great cause – Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust. The families of fashion workers has been hit especially hard by this pandemic and they deserve our support. You can do your bit and also bid yourself a great price at the charity auction. See further down for full details and fabulous prices including a luxury safari in South Africa.
COVID-19 has hit everyone for six (a cricketing term) and not just on the fashion industry. But Richmond Fashion Festival refused to lie down and allow itself to be defeated.
To support local businesses, this photo shoot and social media campaign has been offered free by EKO Marketing and, several exclusive boutiques were fast to take up the offer. These include, RawLuxe, Kaminee, Tit fer Tat, Habibe, Reale Camiceria, Nova Fortuny in Teddington, and mounting a charge for menswear, Heroes of Richmond. Some of these will be giving a charity donation on selected fashion wear sold through Richmond Fashion Festival.
Photos by Jon Daly Photography
Eddie Ottmann from EKO said, “When we were forced to pull the plug on the Festival’s fashion shows, we spoke to some of the Town’s smaller retailers who said that any help would be welcomed because Richmond businesses weren’t getting any from anyone else. Although, time hasn’t been on our side, what we are doing makes for a credible start and, if we work together, we can build on it especially if residents show their support by shopping local.”
Fashion and beauty events
COVID-19 allowing, and government regulations permitting, Richmond Fashion Festival is planning a number of future live events including ‘Beautiful-Statues’ with a series of beauty talks running along static fashion shows. And, in Spring 2021, the Richmond Fashion Show will hopefully be taking place at an iconic venue, which in itself will draw in the crowds from far and wide.
Competition time – LOVE Fashion and WIN great prizes
In the meantime, to lift your spirits, there are a number of competitions to enter with the highlight being LOVE Fashion and a chance to win
- fabulous outfit from one Richmond’s favourite fashion retailers
- overnight accommodation at the elegant 4-star Petersham Hotel with its stunning views of the Thames,
- free hairstyle and cut courtesy of Ozzie Rizzo who is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in Richmond,
- professional photo shoot with the winner as the model
Stay tuned for further details soon
Details on this will follow on our Darling website and countdown competitions will run on Richmond Fashion Festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages. There are already three competition on @richmondfashionfest on Facebook and others being added @richmondfashionfestival
Photos by Jon Daly Photography
Get bidding in our Christmas Charity Auction to win fabulous prizes!
Richmond Fashion Festival is supporting the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust and a Christmas Charity Auction will be running from 1 November to 11 December.
To help put things into perspective, this charity provides grants to families in desperate need for basic things that we take for granted, such as a proper bed to sleep in, a working cooker for hot meals, a washing machine for clean clothes or a school uniform that fits. It also funds mobility equipment, sensory toys or educational support for children with a disability or additional needs.
Bidding starts November 1st for these amazing auction prizes
- South African safari holiday: for 2 people at the beautiful wildlife Game Lodge called Zulu Nyala (excludes flights and transfers). Full board, three delicious meals per day, two game viewing activities per day guided. Valued at £3950 per person. Available for 24 months from the date of purchase, subject to availability.
- 5-star spa break: two days in the award-winning luxury 5-star Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa
- dinner for two at The Ivy Cafe Richmond
- original lithograph by Marc Chagall
- painting by SW London artist Judith Brenner
- illustration by Lucy Deaner
- fabulous fashion prizes donated by these independent boutiques: RawLuxe Boutique, Kaminee, Nova Fortuny, Habibe London, Reale Camiceria, Tit fer Tat and Heroes of London
The auction runs from November 1st for six weeks. To place your bids and for futher information
www.richmondfashionfestival.co.uk/charity-auction
By giving one off- grants for children’s essentials like clothing, bedding and household appliances the charity enables parents who are struggling financially to provide their children with things that they need in life to feel safe, comfortable and confident.
The pandemic continues to hit the fashion and textile industry hard and grant requests to the charity have tripled in the last six months. With a small and dedicated team of staff, the charity is determined to support families in need, as Director, Anna Pangbourne explains.
“The pandemic has brought to light the crucial role of fashion and textile employees, from shop workers, delivery drivers, garment manufacturers and many others.”
“Throughout this pandemic we have seen how quickly families who are already financially stretched can be swept under by significant drops in income, high rents and growing bills.”
“Children and parents are at the heart of everything we do and we believe no fashion or textile family should struggle to meet their child’s basic needs. Our grants can be a vital lifeline helping many fashion and textile families weather this storm.”
“The service we offer is completely free for families to access. Our grants are gifts from our charity to the families who need them and never need to be repaid. “
“We need to keep looking out for each other and are strengthened by those in our community who support us with donations. Their generosity allows us to continue our work and helping fashion and textile families through these tough times.”
Eddie Ottmann, of EKO Marketing who organised the auction set ambitious objectives and, although fashion-wise national retailers were already supporting their charities, independent boutiques stepped up to the plate.
‘Buy & Donate’ Shop will raise even more funds
Retailers taking part will make a ‘Buy & Shop’ donation on any online purchases made on their site when the buyer quotes FTCT.
As Eddie Ottmann says, “This means it’s Win-Win. You know that you will be buying something very special from an exclusive boutique while doing some social good. AND the charity will be receiving vital funds that allow them to provide their beneficiaries the funds to purchase essential requirements.
You will find the shop at www.richmondfasdionfestival.co.uk.
Please bid generously and help make it a Christmas these children will remember.
