Smart Works Reading has raised a staggering £8,500 at a recent fashion brunch fundraiser, held at Badgemore Park in Henley.
Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, a Smart Works Reading Ambassador and one of the country’s most respected fashion stylists and writers, hosted a panel discussion – in association with Royal Ascot – with two leading female fashion founders. Virginia (known as Ginnie), worked at British Vogue for 12 years and now is a regular contributor to Sky News alongside writing a weekly column in the Sunday Telegraph, as well working as a stylist to private clients.
Fabulous prizes and fashion-focussed chat
Over 80 guests were treated to a morning of shopping followed by brunch and a lively Q&A session. Ginnie was in conversation with Scamp & Dude founder Jo Tutchener-Sharp and Pip Durell, founder of With Nothing Underneath.
A lunchtime live charity auction, expertly hosted by Smart Works Champion and professional compere Toni Kent, saw some fabulous prizes including prime rugby seats at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff; a styling session with Ginnie, Royal Ascot tickets, and designer pieces by fashion brands Louisa Parris and Lisou London.
“Strong, inspirational women that really made the day”
Sarah Burns, MBE Chair of Smart Works Reading commented: “After a long break from real life events due to Covid, it was so wonderful to see so many people together again in one room having such a great time. The event was jam-packed with supporters, and it was a real pleasure to have some of our corporate supporters along to help things run smoothly. As special thanks to the teams from PepsiCo and Vodafone for their valuable help on the day. Thanks to everyone who came along, they have generated vital income for us which will allow us to take our service to even more women across the Thames Valley. And a final thanks to our panelists Ginnie, Jo and Pip for giving us a real insight to what it’s like to head up a fashion brand – such strong, inspirational women that really made the day.”
Photography: PixelLit Commercial Photography