For Connie O’Toole, fashion is a means used to help people feel confident in themselves.
To promote inclusion, the Wyndham-based hairdresser is organising a size diverse fashion show titled ‘Local Fashion for Work and Play’.
“Fashion can present people in an extraordinary way, I believe it can improve their life and I believe that presentation in this society is important,” Ms O’Toole said.
“It’s an event that promotes fashion which supports and encourages women to reach their true potential by producing a snapshot of informal, professional, and avant garde dressing.”
The intention is to bring women together, Ms O’Toole said, and to promote local businesses.
“It’s not like a normal fashion show. people who might not go to a normal show, the average woman, would feel more comfortable coming to it.”
The models strutting the catwalk will range from size eight to 24 and will promote community brands.
Ms O’Toole believes fashion can be altered to suit all body types and styles.
“As a hairdresser, I can always adapt what’s in fashion to suit people. I’ve seen people transform just by showing them a different look at clothes,“ she said.
“It’s really creative and people can find themselves. For me, I can bring out assets that people don’t even know that they’ve got.”
A percentage of proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Uniting Werribee, a charity organisation that assists people fleeing from domestic violence and those who need assistance.
The fashion show is on March 26 at the Werribee Bowls Club.
Details: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/body-positive-fashion-for-work-and-play-tickets-233987341437
Fatima Halloum
