Luna boutique hits catwalk for charity fashion show at Newbury Rugby Club

A charity fashion show brought some glitz and glamour to Newbury – while raising some much needed funds for a small charity close to the heart of the organiser.

The event was the brainchild of Caroline Dallas, who runs Luna, a women’s clothing store on Northbrook Street in Newbury and was in aid of charity that is carrying out research into a rare genetic condition called Wolfram Syndrome.

Those with the disorder – including Mrs Dallas’ 11-year-old son – can suffer with diabetes, optic atrophy and deafness.

The event, which saw more than 150 people coming together to enjoy the night, was held at Newbury Rugby Club, which Luna is a sponsor of this season.

“We thought it would be nice to do something a bit different,” said Mrs Dallas. “It was a fleeting idea that just stuck and it all happened really quickly.

“It was about getting the party started in Newbury again and getting to know other independents [businesses in Newbury].

“Local businesses donated raffle prizes, Parkway kindly sponsored the event, DJ Kit.com gave us the lights and Pageant did all the balloons for us.

“Emma from Thermomix was a star helper and is a real force of good for Newbury.”

Everyone was greeted with a glass of fizz on the way in and there was a pop up Luna shop to browse in.

So far Mrs Dallas has been able to donate £2,500 - 15 per cent of profits from the shop on the night, as well as all proceeds from the event - to Wolfram Syndrome UK.

“The best thing about the event – apart from the fundraising – was that it brought people together,” she added.

“The feedback we’ve had has been how much people feel part of something happening in town, somewhere they belong.

“A lot of people are quite lonely, they work from home and there isn’t anywhere else where they can feel they belong.

“People who had never met before became friends and there’s been a lot of collaboration since.

“Everyone is really keen to do it again in the future.”

The fashion show itself last around 30 minutes and there were 10 models taking part, ranging in age from 16 to 60s and from a size 6 to a size 22.

“It was really amazing,” said Karen, a Luna customer who went along to the fashion show.

“It was fabulous to see normal women, of all shapes, all sizes, all ages, all wearing the clothes beautifully.

“They set it up really, really well; it was a great night.”

Mrs Dallas added: “You never know which pound is going to tip over and make that breakthrough, so every pound always counts.”

Some of the pictures above are by Capture My Aperture.