Sophie (16) has cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, a rare condition that usually affects the heart, facial features and skin. She was the 12th person in the world to be diagnosed with this condition at birth. Sophie is an ambassador for Cure Kids and one of her dreams was to become a model.
She made three trips down the catwalk at the charity fashion show on Saturday night, twice on her own wearing formal dresses and once accompanied by the organisers of the show, Cromwell teenagers Emma Beaumont and Hayley Anderson-Hamlin.
"I loved it all," she said later. "Walking down the catwalk was the best part ... I felt proud."
Although she was a bit nervous beforehand, Sophie said her first experience modelling was great and she would love to do some more fashion shows.
The show's organisers are the only Central Otago entrants in the Cure Kids $10 Queenstown Challenge. During the August event they have to get from Queenstown to Auckland for only $10. They organised the fashion show to raise funds for the cause and were delighted with the evening, which raised about $11,000, and overwhelmed at the generosity of those who helped with the show.
Emma is a year 13 pupil at Cromwell College and Hayley runs Cheri Formal Wear in Cromwell.
The evening showcased garments from designer Christina Perriam's winter collection, as well as gowns and bridal wear from Cheri Formal Wear. Country-rock singer Jody Direen, of Wanaka, performed and an auction concluded the evening.
