Age UK hosts exclusive catwalk show

Age UK hosts exclusive ‘Make & Mend' catwalk show in Brighton on 23rd April 2011

Age UK is hosting an exciting new Spring / Summer 2011 catwalk show in Brighton, featuring exclusive pieces made from second-hand garments that have been re-cut and completely transformed to tie into this season's key looks.

Leading designer Lianne Gordon - who formerly worked with world-famous London designer BEN de LISI - has teamed up with the Age UK shop in Brighton (St. James Street) to create a stunning new collection which will be auctioned at the show for the Charity, using the war-time slogan ‘Mend and Make Do to Save Buying New' as their inspiration.

The ‘Make & Mend' catwalk show will be held on Easter Saturday (23 April) from 1.30pm at the Friends Meeting House in Brighton's Lanes, raising much-needed funds to support Age UK's vital work for people in later life. Tickets will be available from the Age UK shop at 16 St. James Street, or by calling 01273 679 217, and will cost £5 each.

Brighton's Age UK Shop Manager and vintage queen, Pam Lyons, is behind the partnership with Gordon. Passionate about recycling and the planet, this is not the first time that this creative duo have collaborated: Lianne designed and made Pam's wedding dress in August last year out of old materials including a piece of fabric from an unused silk curtain and a dressing gown.

Age UK Shop Manager and retired art teacher Pam said:

'The aim is to show everyone that you can be stylish, sexy and ethical, without spending too much cash. Many people have had to reassess their spending in recent times with the job cuts, rising taxes and increasing living costs that people of all ages are facing. We will demonstrate how old, boring, skirts and jumpers can be cut into bespoke dresses for everyday and special occasions that are completely unique - no two garments are ever exactly the same. We hope this catwalk show will attract a large local audience and raise much-needed funds to support Age UK's important work. We can't wait - we're already planning the next collection!'

Mark Lanahan, West End singer and National Theatre actor, who volunteers at the Age UK shop whenever he is not working, will be opening this much anticipated show. The doors will open at 1.30pm so that shoppers can browse through Pam's private vintage collection and recycled accessories designed by Brighton's art students, as well as pose for instant Hollywood style photographs. There will also be a tea room, where high tea in vintage fashion will be served by another friend of the shop, Mark Boyce, former Body Building champion and owner of the BB2 shakes café in Queens Road.

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Notes to editors:

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Katie Rispin
Telephone: 020 8765 7452
Out-of-office-hours: 07071 243 243