A businesswoman is hoping to put Havering on the map for fashion and creative business.

Karen Wilton from Collier Row has organised a charity fashion show called Havering Fashion Heroes on April 1.

She said: “Brentwood has got a really good reputation for fashion and creative business and I don’t see any reason why Havering should not have one too.

“There are lots of small fashion businesses in Havering that are doing a lot of good work, but are just not being given the chance to show off what they can do.”

Karen, who runs her own online fashion business called The Only Way Is Bikinis, is hoping that the event at the Brickyard Bar and Grill in South Street, Romford will give businesses the chance to showcase their talents.

A number of models including Gina Negus and Ruby Cooke, the winner of the Face of Essex Competition, will be modelling clothes from Gorgeous Boutique Women’s Fashion, Sexy Penquin, Ellie Boutique and many more. One lucky member of the audience will be crowned as the most overall stylish person.

The compere for the night will be Adam Ryan from Essex Fashion Week.

Karen explained: “It is going to be a real star-studded event.

“There will be lots of celebrities, but the most stylish person in the crowd will also get the chance to win a top price.”

Products

Karen, 55, came up with the idea of the fashion show after launching her online fashion company.

She says that there were a lack of opportunities to showcase her products and felt that the show would provide an opportunity to show her work and that of other businesses.

All the money raised from the event is set to go to Help For Heroes, where it will be used to help servicemen and women injured in conflicts.

She said: “The event is for a very good cause, but it is also the perfect opportunity for local businesses to showcase their goods.

“A lot of small businesses are finding things hard at the moment and this is the push that they need.”

n The Recorder will keep you updated on Havering Fashion Heroes week by week.