On Wednesday evening, April 10 a splendid fashion show organised by Niche, the boutique on Cinque Ports Street, took place at the town hall, courtesy of Councillor Andi Rivett, mayor of Rye. The aim of this much-loved event was to raise funds for the Rye Foodbank and the community transport bus.
Lesley and Peter Farrow, who own the fashion boutique and jewellery shop, enthusiastically master-minded the event with help from Jane Conlin, Sarah, Leila and Pol. Peter generously supplied the wine and generally did so much behind the scenes.
Jane Conlin opened the show to much applause: sadly, this was to be her last such event. The clothes were cleverly chosen, offering a choice for all ages and shapes and sizes. Many people afterwards commented that that they would be shopping at Niche in the future as the variety and quality were outstanding. Some of the clothing brands modelled were Marella, Oska, Sahara, Elemente Clemente and bags The Jacksons and Depeche.
Lesley sources her clothes with an emphasis on ethically-produced fashion brands. She believes in supporting companies which really care about sustainability and she wants to encourage those who care about the impact they have on the environment. She understands her clientele and what works. She matches outfits with stunning accessories and puts colours together that perhaps one would not have naturally chosen but the effect is sublime. Retro dresses, chic cropped shirts, trousers that were baggy but looked stunning and linen dresses that were casually smart all graced the catwalk. Jane Conlin made the audience laugh by naming the manufacturer of the shoes she was wearing.
You could see that she just loved modelling the clothes and engaged very well with the crowd: if this was to be her last performance, it was certainly going to be a good one. She made her final foray up the catwalk arm-in-arm with the outgoing mayor as this, too, would be his final show in post.
There was a raffle with generous prizes from Niche and the Rye Retreat and the event raised over £1,100.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Thank you ryenews! As well as the Niche team could I please say a big thank you to our models… Jane Conlin, Sarah Jempson, Sally White and Leila Jenkinson. You were all amazing!
Lesley/Niche
Oops and our new friend, who modelled for the first time Karen, you will definitely be invited again next year to walk the catwalk! Lesley