I wanted to share with you a small blog about an event i feel honoured to be part of each year.  The Breast Cancer Care London Fashion Show at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London.  This fashion show is where 22 women and 2 men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will take the nerve racking chance to be a “model for a day”  These inspirational people have the chance to go take part on a catwalk for the first time which has been styled by the talented Hilary Alexander and show co-ordinator Lesley Goring.  The make-up for the event is supplied and sponsored by Estee Lauder and hair styled by Sassoon Salon.   The atmosphere backstage is like a large family unit, as the same sponsors and volunteers are the same each year, which is just wonderful to catch up with each other.

The day begins early with a large cup of tea and a pastry at 8am..the models all come slowly in one by one to begin make-up and hair.  The make-up team is headed up by Ariane Poole and there is myself and a small chosen few of Estee Lauder cosmetic staff from the large department stores.    The look for catwalk is all about drama, glamour, strong colours, focus on the cheeks and lips to make-up sure the models look 100% gorgeous on the catwalk.

The show scenes styled by Hilary Alexander were Rock Chick, Dr Zhivago, Jubilee Blue, With this Ring, C’est Chic Afrique, Tango Time and Rainbow Finale,   Contributors clothing ranged from brands, George, New Look, Debenhams to Vivienne Westwood, Temperley, Stella McCartney with a huge array of other brands.

The two shows were held in one day, the first show began in the afternoon with a champagne reception and an Afternoon Tea concept which was hosted by Denise Lewis OBE.  The models were all feeling nervous but equally excited about the prospect of going on the catwalk.  The music began and the show was spectacular.  The second show was held late in the evening with a dinner dance with live and silent auctions, music and entertainment.

I would like to mention all the models who were amazing. I feel honoured to have met everyone and what an inspirational day.

I must mention the two men first who were cracking jokes all day long Chris Jackson and Doug Harper.

The gorgeous female models:

Theresa Buckley, Michelle Ross, Dee Momi, Frances Dean, Selina John, Clare Lewis, Diana Walker, Henrietta Lovell, Ismena Clout, Fiona Gunn, Mandy Meeks, Sarah Turner, Deborah Godfrey, Alison Keenan, Lily Hollingsworth, Clare Rayner, Kelly Short, Andrea Hull, Leonie Welss, Claire Jordon, Susan Cliff, Sylvia Maharaj.

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BREAST CANCER CARE: HELPLINE NUMBER 0808 800 6000

OR VISIT www.breastcancercare.org.uk