HUNDREDS of Islanders queued at the Royal Yacht Hotel on Sunday for the chance to model on the catwalk during the first Jersey Fashion Week later this month.
After nine hours of auditions which attracted people of all ages, from toddlers to grandmothers, fashion journalist and TV presenter Julian Bennett – who only came up with the idea for the event seven weeks ago – said that 360 models had been chosen.
‘There will be no size-zero models on the catwalk at Jersey Fashion Week,’ he said.
‘This is all about giving Jersey people the chance they have never had before.
‘It will be the first time that a fashion week is using real people as models – but they are all super models because they were brave enough to come along to the castings.’
The lucky Islanders were selected by a panel of fashion experts from the UK, including Clair Campbell of young British designer Zaeen Jamal; the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft; and Emily Moore of Voisin’s Department Store.
Mr Bennett reports on fashion for the BBC and Sky News and has presented television programmes for 12 years, including Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
He has also worked as a stylist for Paris Hilton, Daniel Craig, Victoria Beckham and Hugh Jackman.
He also founded Liverpool Fashion Week, which six years on ranks alongside London Fashion Week in industry reputation.
He said: ‘I have never been this thrilled or excited to launch a fashion week before as I am in Jersey.
‘People are being absolutely fantastic and I want to thank everyone involved.’
The show is due to take place at the Royal Yacht on 26 and 27 October and will feature clothes that are available in local stores and fashion houses.
