Following a very successful Health Conference held in Bodmin Community College in July 1999, the sixth form had identified two local charities that they wished to support. To raise funds, we decided to produce a fashion show.  Rachel Devine, deputy head of sixth form, and a small group of students started planning and organising back in November.  From that point, all normal stereotypes of fashion shows went out of the window.

It was our aim to involve the local community and students from all years. Many people donated clothes from their childhood for the History of Fashion section – an ambitious look back through the twentieth century from a fashion point of view.

Students were given the opportunity to design and make their own creations. Students were also able to choreograph some of the local retailer contributions.  Included in this was a dance extravaganza promoting the Flying Dodo Clothing Company.  Other retailers included, Dorothy Perkins, Brewers, Martin and Budge, Madhouse, Fourteen ’92 and the Constantine Bay Surf Shop.

The evening was divided into three sections starting with the History of fashion contribution and then followed the local retailers and the student’s own work.  The final section concentrated on evening and occasion wear. A presentation by Pams People, an eveningwear company based in Truro showed over 40 stunning evening dresses for all shapes and sizes.  Following this was the Jo Hayduk Collection and then the finale. This was in the form of a wedding! Wedding dresses and a groom’s outfit were provided by County Cream and Pronuptia from Truro.  We even had the local vicar involved who despite his nerves had a great time! Just who did our deputy head, Mr Ballance, marry?….

The evening was a great success with stalls, refreshments and a fantastic raffle with over 40 prizes!  A great time was had by all and will supply some very proud memories for a long time to come.  The enjoyment was increased by learning that we had raised over £1000 for charity.

A video of the Fashion Show is available.  Contact Rachel Devine at Bodmin Community College for more details. Telephone: 01208 72114.