15 young fashionistas from Harpurhey and Moston took to the catwalk last week in a unique fashion show that saw them modelling their own stylish creations, in a special event at North City Library.
The Catwalk Queens fashion show was the culmination of a 2-month clothing embellishment and accessorizing course for girls aged 13 to 16, and all their hard work paid off when they put on a tremendous display for 70 proud parents, family and friends.
The audience were loud and enthusiastic in their praise for what they described as a wonderful project and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Funded by the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) and organised by North City Library, the Catwalk Queens tackled issues around appearance, self-esteem and society's perception of young people.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Assistant Member for Arts & Leisure said: "It is important we engage with our young people and The Catwalk Queens project is just one way that we are achieving this. It has been held in direct response to feedback from young girls in the area, and has been a real success in terms of the skills the girls have learnt, the useful discussion they have been involved in, and the sheer enjoyment that both they and their audience have experienced."
As well as strutting their stuff on the catwalk, the girls were taught hand-sewn and embellishment techniques to personalise their items, they worked on mood boards to help express their individuality and designed and created their own fashions with matching accessories.
They selected music for the show and worked with an artist and dancer to develop and coordinate their runway moves, before casting aside their nerves and storming the catwalk to show off their creations.
The project has been supported by MANCAT and the North Manchester Regeneration Partnership and all the girls signed-up following adverts displayed in North City Library.
Media contact:
Claire Keegan, tel 0161 234 4014