Fashionistas and supporters of Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery came out in force on Saturday night (January 28) for a fashion fundraiser.

The runway show was the culmination of a month-long focus on wool at Central Stories, where exhibitions, kids’ activities and educational talks all had a woolly theme.

Almost 100 people came along on the night, making it one of the best fundraising turnouts museum manager Paula Stephenson has seen.

“I’m very happy. It’s been a wonderful night and a great fundraiser,” Paula said.

She spent the night rushing around delivering delicious desserts and mocktails to the attendees.

It was a show of two halves. First, Winton-based designer Diane Dynes showcased her hand-made one-off clothing pieces repurposed from old woollen clothing of a high quality.

Shona Bain, one of the organisers of the event, models as designer Diane Dynes explains her garment

Diane was nominated for a Benson and Hedges fashion award and went on to teach fashion at the Southern Institute of Technology. Her “passion for very little waste” led to her scouring op-shops for fabrics with which to create. 

“I used to make a big dreadful mess in my house before I got a sewing room to use,” she said. 

Her items were modelled by audience members who had been ambushed at the entry to the event and persuaded to become models. 

“I had no idea when I woke up this morning that I was going to be modelling in a fashion show,” Jane said. 

She said she found the experience fun thanks to the casual and friendly nature of the event.

Jane was surprised to find herself a runway model

Using amateur models was an inspired touch. 

“It’s nice to see local people modelling,” said Jan Samuel, who along with her companions had a fantastic night and appreciated the creativity on display.

Some of the newly-minted runway models played to the crowd and the relaxed vibe saw many waylaid by audience members who wanted a closer look at garments and to feel the fabrics.

Diane runs two-day workshops on making your own garments, covering cutting, designing, sewing and fitting, and also sells her pieces. Contact Paul at the museum to register interest in attending a workshop.

The second half of the show saw past winners in WoolOn competitions have an airing. The highly structured and artistic garments were a challenge for the models.

“I can’t breathe,” Libby said, to laughter from the audience as she modelled an old hospital blanket that had been repurposed into an elegant and snug-fitting evening gown.

Audience members were reminded that WoolOn is taking entries for this year’s competition.

While the audience was overwhelmingly female, a few men also attended. 

When asked what brought him here, Ross Cowie first joked “my wife,” but then got serious.

“Central Stories is a great asset and we as a community have got to support it.”

Judging by the success of Saturday’s event, many in the community agree.

Diane Dynes’ one-off garments for sale at the end of the night