Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Fashion show to help gorillas
Gorillas will come under the spotlight at a fashion show this weekend.
They may not be taking to the catwalk themselves, but the mighty animals are an integral part of the show at Port Lympne Reserve.
The Gorillas & Gowns Charity Fashion Show on Friday, September 29, will raise funds for the Aspinall Foundations work with gorillas in the Congo. The foundation has been working with gorillas in Congo since 1989, when they built the first gorilla orphanage in CongoBrazzaville.
Since then more 100 gorillas orphaned by the bush meat trade and poaching have been rescued, with some 60 being reintroduced to the wild, including 22 who have travelled from the foundation’s parks in Kent. Many have gone on to form new family groups and produced young. By the end of last year more than 30 babies had been born in the wild across the Aspinall Foundation’s projects in Congo and Gabon. Amanda Flanders of Butterflies & Dreams Events is working with local businesses to put on Gorillas & Gowns with two Kent designers, Caroline Bruce and child star designer, 12-year-old, Josh Bartfeld Birch Jones. Josh’s inspiration for designing women’s clothing came from his mother’s wardrobe, which was filled with gorgeous dresses and he has designed glamorous evening gowns.
The main part of his collection is the skirt, trousers and jacket, key pieces women can take from a normal working day to a formal function or night out. Caroline Bruce is creative director of the new luxury evening wear label, Caroline Bruce, designed and hand made in England, a demi couture brand boasting limited edition evening and cocktail dresses. The show will be held at Port Lympne Hotel, where guests will be welcomed with a glass