9 September 2013
Controversy Surrounds Aussie Couple in Lesbian Catwalk Wedding at NZ Fashion Weekend
Despite the controversy that surrounded fashion designer, Annah Stretton in the lead up to her Fashion Weekend same sex
wedding fashion show, the marriage went down without a hitch.
The Come on Oz, Say I Do campaign made international headlines as the first show of its kind to legally marry two women
on a catwalk.
Leading into the show Annah received a challenging backlash on social and mainstream media when a photo of her and her
two dogs sitting upon a bear rug was published in the Sunday Star Times accompanied by comments around her love of
taxidermy. Annah, an avid animal rights supporter admitted there were mixed messages in the image but sits comfortably
given the provenance of the bear. In response to the criticism Annah will be auctioning off the bride’s one-of-a-kind
dresses with proceeds going to the SPCA; one of the only animal charities that didn’t enter into the particularly
vitriolic Facebook attacks.
The dresses worn by competition winners, Brooklyn Edwards and Nicole Dean were specially made for the Australian couple
after they won a competition offering an all-expenses paid wedding to be played out at Annah’s catwalk show.
“We can't wait for what lies ahead,” Brooklyn said. “It’s a good feeling knowing you've married your soul mate and are
spending your life with them!”
The designer also dressed each of the brides’ guests and other guests from Annah’s side of the show as part of the
wedding catwalk fashion show – many of whom travelled from Australia to be with the couple on their special day.
“The gay wedding also sent a message around choice, that I have always believed all women should have,” Annah Stretton
explained. “In fact, my third book, Rock the Boat (out this week) is all about encouraging women to find their voice,
stop accepting the status quo and drive towards living a great life. We do and can have great choice as long as we find
our voice and start to make them. Given that we wanted the show to have a message, Australia became a logical target as
they had yet to enact the marriage equality laws and appeared a long way from doing so.”
Annah’s week also included a hugely successful trade fashion show as part of New Zealand Fashion Week. The collection,
Annah in Wonderland, was shown in front of a capacity crowd including celebrities, a former Prime Minister and sponsors
– many of whom said that the show was Annah’s best yet.
Check out the video of the wedding: http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/lifestyle/83727.html
For more information visit www.comeonoz.com
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/comeonozsayido
For more about Annah Stretton visit: www.annahstretton.com
ENDS