This month we have our long time friend of Opera Lane and all round talented guy Evan Bradley as our guest blogger. Evan organised the ‘Sissy that Walk’ fashion show in aid of Cork Pride in the Savoy and not only that he also styled the event with some amazing outfits from Opera Lane. Here Evan gives us a rundown of what it was like to organise his first fashion event, as well as his style inspiration for the show.
Sissy that Walk: August first saw my first ever fashion show, “Sissy that Walk” in aid of Cork Pride. The intimate show kicked off at 8:30pm at The Savoy, Cork. I have to admit I was super nervous but I think the excitement took over from the nerves and the feelings I had were more of adrenaline and happiness. I decided to direct a show for Cork Pride and what better year than 2015, the year of equality for all LGBT here in Ireland! Directing and coordinating the show was somewhat stressful but I loved every minute of it. The show featured looks from Opera lane stores (Topman, Topshop, H&M, River Island, NewLook) and Kennel Clothing (Their ‘Stride of Pride/Walk of Shame’ range), each look was modelled by the beautiful models of Lockdown Models. Adam Foley (Hi Magazine’s Male Model of the year) opened the show with the super camp tune ‘Fashionista’ by Jimmy James playing in the background.
I was so chuffed to have the support of the crew from Lockdown; the amazing models donated their time and talent for this amazing cause. Miss Universe Cork Cailín Tobin featured in the show as well as mental health spokesperson and model Podge Healy, Kayleigh O Sullivan and Glenn Williamson. The first look was from Kennel Clothing a brand that’s very close to my heart. We then moved onto River Island, NewLook, H&M – closing the show with Topman and Topshop. I loved all the looks I chose and so did the crowd, much to my relief! I wanted to mix clubbing with fashion seeing as the two are huge in my life. I chose some cool autumn looks that would suit a day of shopping, a night on the town or a hectic weekend! I used cool greens, nudes and pastels. I wanted to pop a bit of summer into it as well, we’re young, fresh and fun and that’s how I wanted the show to look too.
The night went off really well with performances from The Voice of Ireland winner Keith Hanley, and local Cork musician Christopher Peyton. They rocked the place and were amazing. The event was hosted by Cork jokester Geraldine McAleese, I can’t even describe how much the crowd loved her. Guests featured Miss Cork Gillian Forde, Cork Ladies footballer Valerie Mulcahy, musician Jack O Rourke, Cork’s most fabulous drag queen Letycha LeSing, Cork blogger Material BOY and many more. I’m super excited for my next show! I really can’t wait, it’s going to be bigger and better (I hope) – Stay tuned!
Photography by: Peter Pietrzak
