Funk Soul Fashion & Fundraising For Simon

The Funk Soul Fashion Lounge I'm very excited to announce the live music fashion show taking place in April. The band is called the DC10's and the show is in aid of the Simon Community

Disclaimer: The article below has been contributed by the event promoter or somebody representing the event promoter. As such we take no responsibility for accuracy of the content and any views expressed are not necessarily those of Skiddle or our staff.

Date published: 25th Mar 2015

I got involved with the simon community because they work to help people who are in danger of becoming homeless. Homelessness isn't acceptable, we see it so often that we sort of fool ourselves into thinking its normal, but for a human to be without being, or a sanctuary, a safe place of their own to call home... Thats one of the most horrible feelings I could imagine, and I want to fight this crisis in whatever way I can. I'm an everyday activist and I toured with Freedom Acts for a couple of seasons doing plays and protests raising awareness of Human Trafficking. Homelessness is something I began realising and helping with when I was a bout 14, I had just got my contract for the agency down in Dublin and was stepping out into a brave new world. I got off the train and began to walk to the dress rehearsal about a mile into the heart of the city. It was my first show so of course I had arrived into the city a full three hours before I even needed to be there haha.

At first glance the city was beautiful, the amazing architecture, great coffee, huge modern statues and bronze horse fountains. I was soaking it all in with a smile, it looked great, but then I seen a homeless woman in the corner of my eye as I was walking by. She was at the age meant for the peak of her youth, she was cold and exhausted looking. She was sat in the entrance of a closed down pub, with nothing but a few rags that barely even covered her skin. I felt such a sickening in my stomach, how could something like that happen to a person in a city decorated in such wonder and grandeur? Was it all a big illusion? Clothes shops like kingdoms, fancy cars parked up, bridges lit up, music playing, yet in the shadows people are curled up barely taking up a square metre of space. A square metre of nothing, just coldness. I slowed down and I saw that everyone else was walking past with their sights fixed firmly ahead so as not to make eye contact with her. I couldn't do it, my foot felt heavy with guilt as I went to walk on with them, it just didn't feel right. Although I didn't have much to offer her, I could still help her.

From then on I've been handing out food, money when I can and donating clothing. I realised that it's not enough, they needed support for what happened to them long before they ever landed out on the streets, and a phone call to the simon community could have prevented them from ever being out there in the urban wilderness. I think that the arts has a way of bringing everyone together and make us feel good about raising awareness and funds for a much needed cause! I was modelling in a few charity shows for causes such as RESPECT, Outreach Moldova, Bernardo's and blossom Ireland so I'm no stranger to a show. I've just decided to step off the catwalk and into the details, the organising and fundraising of the show. My mentors at college were the most inspirational and helpful people and from my performing arts course I learnt how versatile shows can be, and how original creativity can really speak out to an audience.

At 7pm sharp we will begin the "Funk Soul Fashion Lounge". Our models will walk the catwalk to the live music of the DC10's. The models will be featuring the most edgy, urban style with a highstreet segment from Tempest, Rushmere. We have a bag feature segment from Cecil & Agnes and then Gasp Boutique will feature the gorgeous new designs they have in! Then we have a dancer closing the show and wrapping up the performances for the night. Last but not least we will do the charity raffle, tickets can be bought on the night 1 for £1 or 10 for £5. Prizes generously donated by our sponsors Nigel O'Hara Jewellery, Charlie Mallon Butchers, studio2recording. There is after-show food and refreshments in the main hall.

Fashion-wise I'm glad such a great highstreet store has gotten on board, Menarys have blossomed Tempest into the classy, stylish yet affordable place it is today. It stocks brands such as Quiz, Miss Selfridge, A Wear etc, so it really has that bang on style look we wanted to add to the show. They've been very good in the past too reaching out and getting involved with these types of events, it's great to see a business that supports it's community! Cecil & Agnes is a very nice shop in Tandragee. The people who work in this boutique are the type of people that you're glad to have met in life, kind, funny and full of great chat! We're very grateful to have them on board! Gasp Boutique Armagh has this air of sophistication and sheer style so I can't wait to see those outfits sparkle on the catwalk!

The Funk Soul Fashion Lounge is on Saturday the 11th April @ 7pm in Portadown Town Hall. Tickets are £8, under 14's £5. Can be bought at Hairport Hair salon portadown, on the night of the show at the doors, via email request-: courtneywilson110@gmail.com leave your message regarding tickets, your name and number and a time that suits me to call you back! Please be aware that we have only 250 tickets so it would be advisable to call into Hairport on the Garvaghy Road and get them before the night of the show. Thankyou