LOVERS of vintage and preloved clothes came away from a fashion show with a difference in Tamworth this weekend.
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With 300 ladies and the odd fashion-conscious gent, on the lookout for spring season inspiration, the Lifeline One Of a Kind Spring fashion parade transformed the back room of the Longyard Hotel into catwalk central last night.
Guests piled in early in their best dresses and heels to sit in the sought after front row seats and seek out goodie bags before the show began, fashionably late at 7.10pm
Organiser Emily Honess said the show had built of the success of last year's parade and the making of a few future catwalk stars.
"Everyone just smashed it on the night and judging by the audience reaction, I think some of our models may have uncovered some hidden talents," she said.
Specially selected to reflect all shapes and sizes, the 14 everyday models showed the audience that price doesn't have to be a factor in your wardrobe for those who love to shop.
Up-cycling is all the rage for the budget-conscious, which sees a garment transformed into something "new" with a little embellishment or re-style.
Labels Lynda Ann, GAB and Villi Villette showed collections on the night along with a special selection of the best off-the-racks styles of Tamworth charity store Lifeline.
Thousands of preloved garments are donated each year to the charity, the parade proving that one person's trash is another's eclectic treasure.
Ms Honess said the show's purpose was also to engage people about environmental issues surrounding the clothing industry and prove that second hand doesn't need to be second class.
Markets from Lifeline and Tamworth designer Lynda Ann gave bargain hunters the opportunity to take their inspiration straight from the catwalk with guests taking advantage of the show interval to stock up on "new" bargains.
Looks ranged from summer floral dresses to sailor inspired jackets, lace layered skirts to bright block print men's shirts.
A cream bridal inspired layered dress by Tamworth designer Lynda Ann was the show standout, drawing the most appreciation from the front row fashion mavens.
Recycled designs from Peel High School students also took to the floor, with forms of media including newsprint and cassette tapes becoming part of the fashion.
Special guest and National Retail Manager for Lifeline Joe Magro sitting amongst the crowd said he and his wife enjoyed the show immensely and he was in awe of his young Lifeline merchandiser's talent.
"I'm really proud of what Emily has done with the Tamworth store and with the show. I also think I'll find it hard to pull my wife away from the dance floor tonight too," Mr Magro said.
Finishing with a round of applause for the models, volunteers and organisers, the crowd was invited up on stage for an impromptu rendition of dance classic Gangnam Style spun by former Tamworth DJ Amy Manning.