Famous for its beautiful, tailored fashion, L. K. Bennett hosted a charity fashion show in conjunction with lingerie specialists, Rigby & Peller on Thursday, May 8 in support of CoppaFeel! charity. CoppaFeel! is a Breast Cancer awareness charity that focuses on catching and preventing cancer in its early stages and had ‘Boobette’ representatives giving out advice at the event.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with warm smiles and handed raffle tickets for a prize draw at the end of the evening, before being ushered into the beautifully clean and glamorous store. Everyone was quick to mingle and chat over a glass of champagne whilst enjoying some of the most delicious smoked salmon canapés you are ever likely to taste.
After the champagne reception, guests were given a very interesting and enlightening speech by the University of Surrey CoppaFeel! spokesperson, Lauren, who was joined by two highly entertaining students dressed as gigantic, plush boobs (who drew many giggles all round). They gave snippets of information and some surprising facts about breast cancer. Did you know, for example, that men could get breast cancer as well? And to be on the safe side it is important for EVERYONE- men, women and teenagers alike to regularly check their breasts and become familiar with them so they can detect any small changes which could lead to catching cancerous cells in their early stages. So, ladies and gentlemen reading this, cop-a-feel and become familiar with the shape and feel of your breasts and chests, so that any changes, no matter how small, can be picked up and identified quickly.
The heavy topic of breast cancer aside, the CoppaFeel! team left each an all with the uplifting, esteem-boosting note that even if they’re not cancerous, all women should be happy with their breasts. So, if you’re not feeling confident, or you’re feeling unhappy about something boob-wise, everyone has the right to visit a doctor and get some advice.
And then the show began! All of the models were beautiful, local ladies with curves and bodies of all shapes and sizes. There was audible relief and it was refreshing to see that we weren’t confronted with intimidating, six feet tall, size zero, professional models; rather a group of Guildford girls of all ages who looked absolutely radiant. They showed off the gorgeous and luxurious Rigby & Peller lingerie with silky kimonos draped about their shoulders and they all managed to walk with a confident swagger in their step and a smile on their face.
The models also showcased the wonderful and clean-cut look that L. K. Bennett is famous for with a variety of dresses and outfits for all occasions: weddings, work, summer parties and more. There was a seamless transition of daytime to nighttime fashion, bedroom and boudoir lingerie, before the showcase of flattering swimwear had us yearning for the rain to disappear and for the sun to come out.
After the catwalk, everyone made a beeline for the shelves for a second look at the clothes that were modeled and to try them on themselves. Event organizer, Tyna Nezinai (also a Guildford girl) told us she was delighted at the outcome of the evening; the stressful organization was all worth it in the end. She also spoke about how breast cancer awareness in young people is vital and how CoppaFeel! caters for the young market who might falsely believe that they aren’t old enough to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Overall, the evening was a delight. Friendly people all around, champagne, canapés and beautiful fashion for outerwear and underwear; it was a great success for a worthy cause.
Tilly Tasker