Mystical Lotus Fashion Show 2009 for St. Vincent de Paul

Mystical Lotus Saree Production 2009 was a total blast. The show's MC, Tania Jeyamohan, the parade, mid show entertainment and the closure of the show were all seamless. When Asha Selvendra first contacted me to promote the show I took it as just one of those fashion events. I did know it was a charity show. That could usually mean a sub standard show. I was totally wrong there. It turned out Mystical Lotus have been going on for many years in support of St. Vincent de Paul and Asha works as a professional event coordinator! Aha.. no wonder.

The hair and make up was spectacular. It was great to see that each model's look was different.

There were 23 saree productions by WA Institute of Fashion & Design (Swan TAFE). To see every piece I suggest looking through the slide show at the bottom of the post or visit the Facebook album (vol 1 and vol 2). Designers were given 6 yards piece of Indian fabric to give a little twist to traditional Indian Saree.

The show wasn't only there to present pretty saree modified garments but also to ask the audience to choose their favourite while a judging panel was looking out for two of the best designs from 23 designs. In between, there was a sight and sound show provided by Laliya as well. Laliya's sound was perfect for the occasion.

The Audience award went to the elegant design by Serena Howard. The runner-up went to Henriette Truscett with her 'Melbourne Cup appropriate' outfit. The winner was none other than Cynthia Chong with her three piece evening outfit. She was one of the WA finalist and took away the national runner-up for Do it with Demin 2009 earlier this year.

It was fantastic catching up with the girls from Swan TAEF as well. I spotted Saschy Singh with her mega cool partner. Nicola Potter with her new hair-do (No 20). Erin with her lace dress and Jeremie Liew (in red, third photo in the top row) whom I've been meaning to meet but never managed until the show. :)

Most importantly, the event was able to raise $20,000 for St. Vinnie's school support program. Amazing considering only last year they raised 12k. On top of that, the designers donated their prize money for the cause making all the more special and heart warming for those who attended the show.

It was an honour to have met Asha Selvendra after having just email contacts until last night. She did such an amazing job of putting this show together and I'm grateful to be part of the amazing group of volunteers. I cannot wait for the next year's show. Asha and I were already talking about possible venues and a layout for the next parade. Can't help ourselves really.

I'll be seeing more of Swan TAFE guys work on December 1. Watch this space for more fashion and festivities for the end of the year.