Inspired 2011

In October 2011 we teamed up with our creative partners Slaves of the Extraordinary, an imaginative and forward thinking design group, to showcase some emerging fashion and ground breaking musical performances at the Kensington Rood Gardens. 
More than 300 gathered to enjoy the spectacle of the Inspired fashion show in one of the city’s most beautiful locations. The night was a successful symbiosis of charity, ethical fashion, music and dance promoting the works of Mayamiko Trust, raising funds in support of such works and showcasing the amazing talents of fantastic designers, dancers, artists and musicians.
Catwalks on the night included ASOS Africa, Offset Warehouse – styled by ethical stylist Lucy Harvey, Lauren Solomon of Slaves of the Extraordinary, Christi Jacobs with Fashion Compassion and African Fashion Week rising stars Mia Nisbet, Kenema and Bestow Elan. Other entertainment on the night included performance from BatuSamba and EIC Dance theatre as well as a DJ set by Michelle Cade.
Among guests were BBC Apprentice and sustainable fashion entrepreneur, Paloma Vivanco who later tweeted ‘[I’m] very inspired with the work you are doing in Malawi. You should be very proud.’
The funds raised from the event went towards sourcing the materials for our sustainable skills and production center in Lilongwe, Malawi. There were plenty of opportunities for guests to support the Charity, one of them being a fabulous raffle that raised over £400. Prizes included donated pieces from the designers collections as well as wonderful prizes from ASOS, QVC, Lush, Made, Hit Entertainment, The Ethical Fashion Forum, Ethical Stylist, Divine Chocolate and Kazan Restaurant.  
In her closing speech, Paola Masperi told the audience: ‘We wanted everyone to walk away with the knowledge that however small, change is possible and it affects people’s lives in a very real way.’
The event may be over, but you can still help the charity by text donations with Vodafone and Just Giving.  Just is text Maya11 followed by the amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070.