Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we raised £6,000 at our recent fashion event An Evening with Alexandra Shulman. Over 100 women attended the event, at Ascot Racecourse, to help raise vital funds to help us support even more women into employment.

Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, our Ambassador and one of the country’s most respected fashion stylists and writers, hosted the Q&A with the former Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, in the Parade Restaurant at Ascot Racecourse.

Shulman, who edited Vogue for a record-breaking 25 years, chatted about her time at the fashion magazine, her red-carpet moments and being star-struck by the late Diana, Princess of Wales. She spoke of her pinch-me moments at Vogue, with a highlight being the centenary exhibition held at the National Portrait Gallery to celebrate 100 years of the magazine which she described as “probably one of my best moments at the magazine.”

Reading from her book Clothes…and other things that matter, Shulman talked about how clothes can act as armor to get people through difficult times.  “I so believe that clothes are your superpower. You can project whatever you want to project through your clothes” she told the audience.

Ginnie commented: “Smart Works Reading is a place that helps so many women pursue their goals. It allows women to relish newfound freedom and enjoy an untapped autonomy that they gain as they set off on a new job path. It’s a volunteer-led service that rewards those that step out of their comfort zone and ask for help.  Something that not many of us are good at.  And in doing so they really do succeed and 72% of clients secure work two months after a Smart Works consultation.”

Talking about Smart Works, Shulman said: “I’ve always had a slight connection to Smart Works and it really appeals to me because I really understand what it aims to do and succeeds in doing. It’s wonderful to see such a simple idea that can make so much difference. It is a fantastic charity.”

Chair Helen Francis was delighted with the flagship fashion fundraising event and wanted to thank everyone for donating their time and services to help raise essential money for the charity.  “The event was an enormous success, and we were thrilled to have such an influential name in fashion supporting us. The money we raised will go towards funding our centre in Reading from which we run our transformational job interview and coaching service, helping women land a job and gain financial independence.”

Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, our volunteers, trustees and sponsored – you are amazing!