Dame Trelise Cooper to visit Wanaka for fashion show fundraiser
New Zealand fashion identity Dame Trelise Cooper is to hold a fashion show in Wanaka for the first time as a fundraiser
for the town's planned hospice.
Wanaka boutique women's fashion store Escape Clothing and the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust are organising the inaugural
Theatre of Fashion event featuring Trelise Cooper, with tickets going on sale this Friday (July 17, 2015).
Held at the Glendhu Woolshed in Glendhu Bay on September 30, Theatre of Fashion is a unique showcase of the Trelise
Cooper Summer 2015/16 collection. Guests will be greeted by three Trelise Cooper live installations set in a spectacular
1950s-inspired space before watching the catwalk show. There will also be an auction of donated big-ticket items, with
all proceeds going to the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust.
The idea was sparked by Escape Clothing owner Lucy Lucas and Upper Clutha Hospice Trust fundraising committee member Bev
Rudkin. Lucas, who stocks Trelise Cooper in her shop, made the approach to Dame Trelise to see if she was interested.
"Dame Trelise is incredibly generous with her time - she does a lot for community causes. Wanaka is so lucky to have her
agree to holding this event, and for her to attend is even better. Guests are in for a treat - Trelise Cooper shows are
always fantastic, with plenty of 'wow' factor," Lucas says.
Dame Trelise says she's only too happy to help for the cause: “Giving back to the community is something I have always
believed in. It means a lot to me that my passion and the work that I do can be put towards something that really makes
a difference.
“The Theatre of Fashion is like a live performance. It’s a chance to showcase the stories behind my collections on stage
with music, makeup, lighting and everything that brings it to life. I have some very loyal customers in the South Island
who have supported my label right from the beginning, and it feels great to be able to bring an event like this to
them,” Dame Trelise adds.
Lucas and Rudkin hope to raise about $25,000-$30,000 for the Upper Clutha Hospice. Construction of the hospice is
expected to commence at its Wanaka Lakes Health Centre site in August.
Lucas, who lost her mother to cancer two years ago, says the hospice facility is especially important for the local
community. Wanaka cancer patients and their families must currently travel either to Clyde's Dunstan Hospital or Dunedin
Hospital to receive hospice care.
Rudkin adds: "The trust can't thank Lucy and Dame Trelise enough for what they have done to organise this event. It's
such a coup for Wanaka – Wanaka hasn't had anything like this before and we know Theatre of Fashion will be an exciting
event."
Tickets are available from Escape Clothing, Ardmore Street, or the Upper Clutha Hospice Shop on Ballantyne Road.
Details:
What: Theatre of Fashion featuring special guest Dame Trelise Cooper
When: 6.30pm, Wednesday September 30, 2015
Where: Glendhu Station Woolshed, Glendhu Bay
Cost: Tickets are $65 per person or $75 for front row seats. Tickets available from Escape Clothing, Ardmore Street,
Wanaka, or the Upper Clutha Hospice Shop, Ballantyne Road.
All proceeds go to the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust.
ENDS