Unify Fashion Showcase to shine spotlight on human trafficking!
Wednesday, May 07, 2014It's only one week to go until the 2014 Unify Fashion Showcase and I'm very pleased to announce that A21 has been chosen as their nominated charity! Taking place in the Titanic Drawing Offices on 15th and 16th May, the two-night showcase of Northern Ireland’s leading design talent, aims to raise funds and awareness of the horrors of human trafficking.
(L-R) Unify NI designer Kiera Ann Marie Philips; local designer and Unify NI Manager David Henderson and Gemma Managh from A21.
The A21 Campaign fights human trafficking both locally and globally through awareness and education, and equips young people with information and strategies to avoid becoming victims of this 21st century injustice.
Helen Cupples, Ambassador for The A21 Campaign, said, “We aim to strengthen every aspect of anti-trafficking efforts so that together we can see injustice abolished. Having Unify support us is fantastic as there is so little understanding about the horrific reality of human trafficking in the UK, Ireland and globally. Vitally, support from organisations like this helps us to raise more awareness.
“Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing criminal industry with some 27 million people enslaved today. Men, women and children are being exploited for manual and sexual labour against their will and only 1-2% of victims are rescued. Through our work we hope to not only increase awareness, but to change this statistic and ensure that more victims are freed.”
“Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing criminal industry with some 27 million people enslaved today. Men, women and children are being exploited for manual and sexual labour against their will and only 1-2% of victims are rescued. Through our work we hope to not only increase awareness, but to change this statistic and ensure that more victims are freed.”
Local designer and manager of Unify NI, David Henderson said, “We recognise the great work that A21 does locally and as a collective we are committed to helping them raise awareness of human trafficking. We have worked with A21 on other events including Frocks for Freedom, which was a great success and are delighted to be working with the charity again on what is our biggest night of the year.”
The Unify Fashion Showcase was one of my highlights of last year, and this year is set to be the best yet, with not one, but two shows, over two nights, showcasing the hottest trends of the season! Leading model Nuala Meenehan will host the event on Thursday 15th May and guests can look forward to seeing stunning designs from Goddess and Swift by Larissa Watson, John Paul Couture, RUEDI by Ruedi Maguire, Attune with NewU@92, Honey, Lisburn Road, Belfast, The Yellowest Diamonds collection, Diamond Dolls of Banbridge, Art on Fashion by Celine Magill, Tamsin Blackbourn, Gordon Donaldson and the “One to Watch” winning junior designer and runners up!
Sarah Travers will host the event on Friday 16th May which will feature the latest bespoke creations from highly-acclaimed local designers including occasion wear from David Henderson, Shauna Fay, KAM by Kiera Ann Marie, Attune ladieswear, Surreal Fashion by Jessica Edlin and A K A N I by Diana Mukushii as well as jewellery designers Alison McIlkenny of Rustic Dove Designs, Melanie Bond, Joanna Ritchie of Aura, and Stephanie Cheshire of B’Jewelled Bridal. Outstanding milliner Marie Claire Ferguson of Marie Claire Millinery will also take centre stage, while Kelly Black Bridal promises to stop the show. Guests will also be treated to a roaming fashion show on arrival by costume designer MT Connolly who will be showcasing her stunning flamenco designs!
The event is sponsored by Charles Hurst Specialist Cars brands Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati and Ferrari; North Financial Management, In-Spires, Ground Espresso Bars, Massive PR, Honey, Titanic Foundation, Belfast Met, Vita Coco, Revel (Lashes), Conet Web Design, LSFX, Laverys, Joanne Ashley Gray, Shelley Rodgers Photography & Our Events NI and local fashion admirers and collectors of bespoke designer fashions will find something to enjoy at the Unify Fashion Showcase.
I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Unify nearly two years ago, and since then I have seen their collective grow from strength to strength, I for one cannot wait to see what lies in store for all us fashionistas at next week's shows!
Pictured at the announcement is (L-R) Unify NI designer Kiera Ann Marie Philips; local designer and Unify NI Manager David Henderson and Gemma Managh from A21.
Tickets for the event cost £20 or £25 VIP and includes goodie bag and drinks reception on arrival. For more information visit www.unifyni.com or follow Unify at http://www.facebook.com/Unifystudio or Twitter @UnifyNI / #UnifyisComing.
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