Return of charity fashion show is in the bag

Alexandra Riding for Disabled member Keely Fowler holds a selection of the handbags that will be...
Alexandra Riding for Disabled member Keely Fowler holds a selection of the handbags that will be sold at an It’s in the Bag-style auction at the fashion show this weekend. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Fashion will fund fun for disabled people on Saturday.

Riding for Disabled parent Denise Fowler has organised a fashion show following the success of last year’s event.

There will be a wide range of fashion on show from wedding gowns to Steampunk and upcycled thrift store garments.

The wedding display will include bridesmaids’ dresses from the musical theatre wardrobe.

One young model would be wearing her late mother’s wedding dress.

Formal dresses will have another moment in the limelight and the Hospice Shop is lending outfits.

Alexandra fashion upcycler Joanne Russell will show her creations along with the latest styles from retailers Lily and Esther, Flying with Birds and Cooneys.

A highlight will be the handbag auction run along the lines of the radio and television show It’s in the Bag.

A variety of donated handbags will be offered, with each containing a mystery prize. The top bidder at each auction will select a bag and then discover what they have won.

Mrs Fowler said there were some big prizes on offer and some that were more entertaining.

There would be two shows on Saturday — one at 2.30pm and another at 7.30pm, which would feature platters and a cash bar, she said.

Mrs Fowler’s daughter Keely, 21, has been riding horses since she was 6.

"It’s just been life-changing for her. As parents we are just so grateful to the volunteers, they are invaluable."

Horses were expensive to keep and a lot of work but to see the children blossom was amazing, she said.

"We’ve been around so long. To see children go from touching the horse’s nose to riding ... We can’t thank them enough for the confidence and skills and community it has given our daughter."

Keely would be one of the models on the catwalk on Saturday and could not wait, Mrs Fowler said.

"She’s a princess. She lives for this.

"These kids don’t get the opportunity to do things like this.

"We grieve for the opportunities she doesn’t get to do but she gets to do this."

  • Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.co.nz. Door sales will be available for the afternoon show only.