The Charity Fashion Auction, held on October 1 at the Rye Studio School, was in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and it was a project for the students’ National Citizen Service (NCS) social action.
NCS is for 15-17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland and promotes “extraordinary friendships”, the learning of skills not taught in class and the creation of “unforgettable memories” – and “It all starts with Yes!”
The Studio School team decided to raise money for the Hospice, whose premises have recently been partly destroyed by a devastating fire, by holding the auction. Lots were donated, most notably by Dame Vivienne Westwood (a green hat and a brown handbag). She was persuaded to do so by one of the students, following a recent spell of work experience at the company.
Cosmopolitan magazine’s Fashion and Style Director gave a number of lots, including two Corto Moltedo purses, necklaces and shoes. Julie Tucker Williams, a Hastings jewellery maker, donated items for the raffle, and local Rye companies like Siren and Pearl also helped. A list of donors is available on the Studio School Facebook page.
According to the night’s Twitter feed, bids went through the roof as the auction proceeded. Though yet to be confirmed, over £ 1,000 had been raised. The official report is still to follow.
Photo: Gillian Roder