Sometimes, writing Noisy! can take you to some unusual places, and now we can officially cross ‘fashion show’ off that list. Sure, we’ve listened to the David Bowie number on repeat and dedicated the odd column inch to local designers, but this was the first (and probably only) time we took a seat yards away from a catwalk and passed comment on clothes rather than bands!

Southend is now home to a charity shop with a twist – the newly opened YMCA etc. in the town centre not only sells second-hand clothing, records and books but is also home to a cupcake shop, allows young designers to sell their fashions and offers courses for young people on a range of topics ranging from fashion and design to arts and customer service. Tonight’s event is designed to publicise the shop and showcase the work of some local designers involved with the project.

Hosted by BBC Essex Introducing’s Mike & Ollie and boasting guests including a local MP and the mayor and mayoress of Southend, the shop was packed out for this exciting fashion show featuring designers in and around the Southend area as well as a school fashion club.

Starting off with an eye-popping array of top hats and almost bridal-like dresses the standard of clothing is certainly very high, and the strong looks continued with some superb London Underground-themed dress and beret combos. Stealing the show was a collection of recycled outfits that utilised everything from jay cloths, rubber gloves, kitchen sponges, carrier bags, rubbish sacks, magazines and even drink cartons to create skirts and dresses. Other garments included a nod to disco in the form of a sparkly hat and jacket accompanied by some Michael Jackson dance moves, an excellent collection of tote bags and the show ended with a stunning collection of ladies wear from young designer Joey Bevan including a beautiful knitted cape and high-waisted skirt. After a raffle draw and a big round of applause for all involved at the end of the evening, we make a mental note to return to this excellent little shop to spend some pennies asap! Tonight’s event definitely proved that recycling and customising garments can be every bit as exciting as buying new and yields beautiful results!
Think all charity shops are the same? Go to YMCA Etc. and prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Visit the shop at 4A Southchurch Road, Southend-on-sea, SS1 2NE.

The shop is also holding their first ever Gallery Get Down event on Saturday 7th November 2009, which features illustration and live music from 10am - 5pm and is free entry. Bands performing include The Dirty Fairies, Scratch Infected and a SWITCHMUSIC showcase.