Designer honours our war dead with amazing ballgown
SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS ADORN IT AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY
THIS stunning gown took 250 hours to make and has 117 handmade poppies with black Swarovski crystal beads.
Dress designer Leigh Hetherington, of Forest Hall, Newcastle, and her team created the outfit to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
The dress is made from black taffeta and black tulle and each poppy is individually handmade from red silk tulle, with black Swarovski crystal beaded centres.
The poppies swirl around the body to give the effect of a poppy wreath.
Leigh, who runs a wedding boutique in Newcastle’s Old Eldon Square, said: “We decided we wanted to do something as it is 100 years to commemorate the end of the First World War and we wanted to do something really nice to help.
“We wanted to give something back and remember what they gave up for us.”
Leigh and her team started working on the gown in February.
“It was all done in our spare time,” she said. “We made 200 poppies in total that are all hand stitched.”
The dress is now on display in the MetroCentre and is being sold at auction, with all money donated to the Royal British Legion.
And, it has had celebrity support from The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley, who modelled the dress after hearing about Leigh’s project through a mutual friend.
Tanya said: “Two years ago my dad, Steve Robinson, received an MBE for services to injured soldiers, so helping our Armed Forces community is very close to my heart.
“When I heard that Leigh was designing a poppy dress, I was delighted to get involved and help to raise money for this year’s Poppy Appeal.”My dad joined the Army when he was just 16 years old and rose to the rank of major.
“From supporting veterans and their families in debt or emergency situations, to providing breaks for service families, the Legion provides vital support for our Armed Forces.”
Rachel Hardwick, the Royal British Legion’s Community Fundraiser for Northumberland & Tyneside, said they expect interest in the dress to be high because it is unique and stunning. She added: “This is a wonderful gesture from Leigh and we’re also grateful to Tanya for modelling the dress.
“It will be displayed in the intu Metro Centre for the next couple of weeks and we are running an online auction to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. “We had no idea that this was winging its way to us – Leigh has completely surprised us, it’s a fantastic gesture.”
To bid for the dress visit https://www. charitystars.com/ product/ remembrancepoppydress?preview