With more than 600 people attending it, the Dame Trelise Cooper’s fashion show held in Wanaka in September has raised $41,500 for Wanaka’s planned hospice, becoming its major fundraiser this year.
A live performance featuring installations and a catwalk, Theatre of Fashion won many Wanaka hearts thanks to its iconic, 1950s-inspired setting, perfect for the showcase of Cooper’s Summer 15/16 assortment.
“The collection is equally regal and rebellious, inspired by my recent visit to the Palace of Versailles,” Cooper explained, describing her show as “a daydream of angelic filigrees, weightless lace and broderie anglaise.”
The internationally renowned fashion designer praised co-organiser Lucy Lucas and Upper Clutha Hospice Trust members for the event. “I was blown away by the huge support for the Hospice. My appreciation and gratitude go to Lucy Lucas for her passion and her amazing team of volunteers, who all contributed to make this spectacularly successful,” she said.
In fact, the show was sell out; the organisers estimate that ticket sales brought in $25,000, with other $16,500 being raised through an auction of donated big-ticket items. The palliative and respite care facility is set to be ready within a year.
