Melissa Young, the designer behind Lissa Mjy Couture, put together a designer runway show and a night of live entertainment in a bid to raise money for the spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Shine.
The 33-year-old from Derker said she was inspired to raise money for the cause as it is “close to my heart”, as it has supporting her five-year-old son, Jacob, and her family since discovering he had spinal bifida and hydrocephalus in utero.
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The show raised hundreds of pounds for the charity, Shine (Image: Melissa Young)
She added: “This is my way of giving back.
“As a fashion designer, I have ample knowledge of executing a successful fashion show, so I have used my expertise in event organising to help raise money and awareness for this amazing cause all whilst promoting local and national designers, entertainment and businesses.”
Held on Saturday, April 27, Melissa said the Sacred Lotus Fashion Show was a “great success”, not only pooling in £800 for the charity but creating a platform for aspiring and professional creatives within the industry to “express their beauty and creativity”.
Melissa said it was a great night (Image: Melissa Young)
Designer runway shows, live entertainment and pop-up stalls filled the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham – as did special guests from the deputy mayor councillor, Eddie Moores and his wife to the current Mrs Galaxy UK, who is due to compete in the Galaxy Internationals this October in Orlando, Florida.
Oldham’s own popular brother duo, The Two Connors, also provided entertainment alongside other local singers, Abrish Khan.
Fashion designers from all over the UK also lent their support, including Debbie Lyn Apparel, Laura Tailoring, Ammagi, Veronica James, MZ Leopard print, Daisy amour, Jonah a lily, Couture Kids Studio and Teilo fashion house.
Some of the runway models (Image: Andrea Santoni Photographer)
Some of the stalls also championed Oldham businesses, including Annegelic Bliss, Cake o’ Clock Oldham, Beetle Bits and Brooms, Moonlite with Love and Sarah Yates Illustrations.
She continued: “My guests had a fabulous evening browsing the pop-up stalls.
“I had the pleasure of showcasing the students of NKH School of Dance who came from Hull to perform.”
Derker brothers, Callum and Danny Connor, also provided the entertainment (Image: Melissa Young)
Meanwhile, a team of models from all over the world brought the catwalk to life, including Kyle Maurice who flew in especially from New York for the event, and former Ms Galaxy INternational, Rubie Bari, who joined the show as the model’s runway coach to provide guidance and tips on walking the runway and posing for the camera.
Backstage, Melissa’s hand-picked team of assistants, photographers, makeup and hair stylists and DJ Shaun Duffy worked diligently under her guidance to “keep the day and evening working like clockwork”.
She added: “Each one helped the show become the success it was.”
Models showcasing Lissa Mjy Couture (Image: Melissa Young)
Now, the mother has hopes the show will trigger a regular fashion week in Oldham, with two fashion shows per year in the town.
She continued: “[This will] bring the local community together and showcase the talent from our town alongside others around the UK and overseas.
“These shows will coincide and support hydrocephalus and Spina bifida awareness weeks in March and October, bringing Oldham an event that embodies inclusivity and inspires all that is involved.”
Speaking about her own fashion business, Melissa said her work as a designer is to create garments that “make the wearer feel beautiful and confident”.
She added: “Now I want to use the Sacred Lotus Fashion Show to give everyone the opportunity to burn their creative fires and drive them to fulfil their dreams and desires.”
The next show is pencilled in around October this year which Melissa said she is “excited” to start planning already with returning designers and businesses – as well as a few secret additions up her sleeves.
She added: “To conclude, I want to say a massive thank you to Narindas at Singh’s Super Save for sponsoring my event and being a continued support for me and my events.”
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