The annual Fashioned for Freedom event held by House of Beth

There was an incredible buzz in the air when we walked into St Mary’s church for the 2^nd annual Fashioned for Freedom event held by vintage lovers House of Beth. An array of talented ethical designers all donated a wonderful piece of clothing for a silent auction that hung magnificently on a tree art installation by Marco Marangoni. Designers included Ada Zanditon, Zoe Boomer and Shadowplay NYC.

All the money raised in the silent auction, and 50% of the sales made that night from House of Beth’s beautiful array of vintage inspired pre loved clothes is going to the charities Red Light and The International Organisation for Migration who are fighting against human trafficking. Both are incredible charities, helping to stop human trafficking and offering help and support to the victims of human trafficking. This modern day slavery is still alive around the world with an estimated 27 million people living in slavery. Events and donations like this are vital for the work to go on, and what better way to raise money then with fashion!

Rails of beautiful clothing by House of Beth covered the room, which intrigued everyone, make-shift dressing rooms allowed you to try things on, including the auctioned pieces while music by Digital Farm Animals echoed wonderfully through the church. Art by Becca Gore draped the room superbly as everyone from House of Beth mingled and offered as much help as possible.

TV’s Olivia Godfrey and Nelufar Hedayat presented the evening and introduced the marketing manager for Ecover UK, Clare Allmen, who gave a speech about the evening, followed by The Rt Hon Baroness Butler-Sloss, GBE who spoke strongly about the human trafficking problem, and with her passion she got everyone in the room to really think about the horrific lives these people lead.

After the heroic speech, the premiering film Flight was shown, which equally put across passion through its breathtaking art. After that wonderful show, everyone dug deep into their purses and pockets and started the silent auction (including The Upcoming!) Everyone in the room was either buying or bidding, which was heartwarming to see. Talking to the directors of House of Beth Talia Chain and Sarah Kendal about the evening, both said: “The night has gone very well, we’ve raised a lot of money!”

ColourBlind took over on the decks and the night partied on until the announcement that the silent auction was finished. Money raised, guests walked out with dazzling fashion items and the evening was a huge success. We can’t praise House of Beth enough for organising this magnificent event. Using fashion, pre-loved clothes and ethical designers to raise money for such an incredible cause, The Upcoming cannot wait to shop next year for the third annual event.

 Holly Ashe

You can shop and still raise money for House of Beth here.

Or donate to Red Light here and IOM here.