Arabella Dorman

Paul Rogers/The Times

Dorman in her studio in Chelsea, southwest London. She spent a month as an official war artist this autumn, embedded with the 2 Rifles Battle Group in Sangin

At work in Afghanistan. She spent several weeks with the Rifles as a war artist in Basra, Iraq, in 2007.

She returned with sketch books full of images that capture the end of the bloodiest six months suffered by any British unit in Afghanistan

A watercolour of the Helmand River, Afghanistan. "There was the juxtaposition of the beauty of the land that has been so devastated and is so catastrophically dangerous" Arabella Dorman

A watercolour of the District Centre in Sangin

Local men in Afghanistan. "Understandably journalists and photographers tend to focus on the drama and the action that they witness rather than the quieter moments in between," Dorman says.

An Afghan Soldier. When Dorman drew one Afghan, a man who worked as the gardener for the British base, he told her: "You haven’t captured the hate in my eyes"

A British soldier. "They fight for each other much more than they fight for Queen and Country"

"As a portrait painter I am drawn to the human drama, the psychology and bravery"

A Afghanistan Policeman. "In every face you see the same furrowed brow, the look that goes through you to what they’ve seen before"

The Rear gunner. Dorman attempted to depict the vastness of the Iraqi landscape

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

RAF Reserves Advert

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

Boots for Troops logo ideas

Great idea for the style of Boots for Troops!! And everytime we get a pair of boots donated or sponsoring the campaign we can hang a Help for Heroes medal on them.

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

Beating Cervical Cancer Photo Stand

Stand in Victoria Centre, Nottingham

Leaflet containing place for Photo

On Sunday 25th October, in the middle pathway inside the Victoria Centre, Nottingham, 'Arm against Cervical Cancer' put up a stand to help gain and increase awareness of the new HPV vaccination for all girls born on or after 1 September 1990.

The stand was unique and drew in a lot of attention, because instead of handing out standard leaflets, people were able to participate in photoshoots with a range of funny and quirky props. The photo was then printed out immediately and placed inside a leaflet with all the charity and vaccination details. Such a stand will generate a lot of interest from teenage girls shopping with friends, which of course is their target market.

Just thought I'd post this to show fun and interesting ways to gain and increase awareness, if we wish to use something like this at our Help for Heroes event on a smaller scale we will need of something funny and quirky which will attract our target market.

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

The 09 Hockley Hustle Fest

The 09 Hockley Hustle Fest was held on Sunday 25th October 09 from 12pm - 4am. The event was held to raise money for Oxfam and local NSPCC Projects. Tickets started at £5 early bird, £7.50 and £10 on the day. Your ticket wristband entitled you access to all the venues and acts.

This was the 4th year of the event, which involved 20 venues and over 200 acts including the Cow 'Bangers & Fash' Fashion Show.

http://www.hockleyhustle.co.uk/

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

Bangers & Fash

COW Store held a Fashion Show on Sunday 25th October as part of the fringe events for 'The 09 Hockley Hustle Fest'. It was hosted by 'Bangers and Fash' and featured limited edition Hockley Hustle t-shirts from six Nottingham artists/designers, who have been commissioned to design T-shirts especially for the festival. (Some of the designs are featured above).


There were free drinks including beer, wine spritzers and soft drinks, in return for a small donation to charity. All the proceeds went to Oxfam and local NSPCC projects.




Images from Catwalk

Bangers & Fash Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=Bangers+%26+Fash&init=quick#/group.php?gid=102630967656

This Fashion Show was very basic, however generated a fun atmosphere. The show was held in the COW store, and grass-effect style carpet was placed alongside the rails of clothes to illustrate the catwalk. Attending this event, meant that I was able to see a successful Fashion Show, which was basic and down to earth, and that there is not always a need for 'smoke and mirrors.'

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

Possible Event Themes

Harper's Bazaar June 09

To launch Stephen Jones' exhibition on 'Hats: An Anthology', an event was held in the V&A Museum. The Dress code suggested all the guests to wear hats, such a continuing theme works well and perhaps something similar could be done at our event.

Posted by: Michelle Nielsen

Oxfam DIY - Camden Store - 3rd June

Posted by: Michelle

TwitchHiker

"A blogger is attempting to travel as far around the world as possible - only using the help of users of the microblogging site Twitter.

The Twitch Hiker hopes to reach New Zealand and raise money for charity at the same time.He will set off from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Sunday - and unless the web community help him, he fears he could spend days sleeping rough at the train station.

The freelance writer has set several rules for the 30-day challenge.

He can only accept travel and accommodation from Twitter members, cannot make arrangements more than three days in advance, and if he only gets one offer, he must take it within 48 hours.

"It's never been done before so it has novelty value," Mr Smith told Sky News Online.

"What it proves is Twitter is more than just a social network - it's a human search engine."

He has amassed 4,500 followers so far and will soon find out if they are just watching his progress or are willing to offer practical help.

Mr Smith hopes to raise at least £3000 by mimicking Barack Obama's fundraising model and persuading lots of people to donate tiny amounts.

"Twitter helps grab people's attention and it casts a wide net," he explained.

"I'll reach £3000 and people don't have to give much for me to achieve that."

As a freelance writer, Mr Smith will be continuing his 'day job' while he travels.

The inspiration came from combining a childhood ambition to hitchhike with the modern twist of using social networking.

"I always promised myself if I had a good idea I'd just go and do it," he said."

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Twitch-Hiker-Paul-Smith-Will-Use-Twitter-Members-HelpTo-Travel-As-Far-As-Possible-For-Charity-Water/Article/200902415230258

He managed to raise £5,285.00. I thought I'd put this on our blog, just because I really liked how he managed to merge a simple way of raising money for charity with thebiggest social networking site, which everyone uses and is aware of.

Posted by: Michelle

Posted by: Michelle

Evening Standard Monday 7th September

Thought this was a really quirky and innovative way to generate a buzz..

Posted by: Michelle

Sunday Telegraph 6th September

Even though this isn't a charity event, these student film maker were able to get a number of celebs involved in their small budget feature film, plus had great coverage by featuring on page 9 on the Sunday Telegraph.

Posted by: Michelle

Oxjam!

Oxjam Fest

Sherwood | Aug 24, 2009 | Comments Comments

23-25 October

Oxjam Derby 2009

Various Venues TBC

In a nationwide initiative to fight poverty with music Oxjam Derby 2009 will break the mould of your quintessential charity gig. You know the sort; a muddy field filled with middle-aged, grotty hippies stuffing their faces with organically sourced houmous and lentil wraps whilst they ‘bop’ along to some two-bit acoustic outfit that are so devoid of emotion it’s difficult to believe they actually exist. By stepping away from the traditional hard-line environmentalist philosophy that leaves no room for a frenzied crowd of party people Oxjam 09 will attempt to respond to the contemporary climate in a contemporary way. With a seductive and eclectic line up veers away from the typical terrain of the charity gig, Oxjam 09 offers not one but two nights (and one day) on the tiles. Partnering with a range of artists, venues and performers Oxjam 09 will be a live music extravaganza spanning genres and tastes so that whatever you’re into, whether it be dirty beats, funk or heavy-hitting dance do not miss this.

This is so hot off the press there are no furter details at the  mo- but we’ll keep you posted. More info will be available at www.oxjam.org.uk

http://test.69-247.com/2009/08/24/oxjam-fest/

Day Spa's

We could approach Spa's such as Eden Hall Day Spa in Nottingham to donate De-Stress day packages if we decide to something for the wives of the soldiers as well.

http://www.edenspa.co.uk/Experiences.aspx?SiteId=1&ExperienceId=19

Posted By: Lottie

HSBC Charity fashion show

HSBC Charity Fashion Show

Young graduate

Young graduate bankers stage fashion show to raise money for Fairbridge, with a little help from the high street.

By Olivia Bergin
Published: 4:48PM BST 13 Aug 2009

It’s a hazy time in fashion at the moment. While the world of high fashion lies dormant, the high street is preparing to make that tricky transition from bikinis to autumnal wares.

This period of serenity is the calm before the fashion-month storm, which kicks off with shows in New York in September. But somewhere over in the deep commercial depths of Canary Wharf last night, a fashion rendezvous was going full swing at the top of the HSBC tower.

Those bright young things lucky enough to have secured themselves a place on the bank’s prestigious graduate training scheme had pooled their time and resources to stage an impressive charity fashion show in aid of Fairbridge, a charity which helps deprived children across the country.

The bank’s huge boardroom was transformed from conference space to catwalk, as models (all of whom, in fact, have day jobs with HSBC) paraded up and down the runway in the name of charity.

A notable list of brands lent their support to the event – the catwalk show kicked off with the ubiquitous House of Holland (designer Henry Holland’s infamous slogan T-shirts are adored by the fashion pack. Think: “I’ll show you who’s boss Kate Moss”); a collection of dresses and jeans from Cheap Monday; and high street favourites L.K Bennett and Orla Kiely.

The remarkable £15,000 raised during the evening was generated through ticket sales, and raffle and charity auction. The money will go to Fairbridge, who support 13-25 year-old inner city youths with education and confidence-building, through a range of diverse activities such as windsailing to cooking. The charity’s CEO, Andrew Pervis, used to be the chief executive of organic beauty company Neal’s Yard before dedicating his time to helping underprivileged youngsters.

A highlight of the evening occurred when ‘Mrs. Ab-Fab’, fashion PR guru Lynne Franks, took to the stage. She wasn’t strutting her stuff on the catwalk, but provided an inspiring insight into her work over the past 25 years in the fashion industry, regaling the assembled bankers on how she instigated London Fashion Week by putting up tents around London in which designers could stage their shows.

I found this interesting how even HSBC Bank has put on a charity fashion show. It could also help us with our ideas of how to put on the event and raise money.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionnews/6023137/HSBC-Charity-fashion-show.html

Posted By: Lottie

Tweed

"Last Saturday (15th August), London was besieged by a veritable monsoon of breeches and bicycles, 'tally-ho's and 'I say's, lambchops and handlebars (both the 'tache and rather necessary bicycular accouterment), as well over 100 be-tweeded chaps and chapettes embarked on a 20-odd mile two-wheeled saunter through town.

Beginning, aptly enough, with a meander down Saville Row, they rolled at a most gentlemanly pace through the West End, around Regent's Park, along the Embankment and across the City, ending up (after a brief sojourn at Tour de Ville for a spot of tea and cake) at the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club – where prizes were given for dapperness and moustachioed finesse, and many a cucumber-tinged Hendrick's and tonic was supped in the process."

http://www.urbanjunkies.com/london/party-pics-archive-09/0130-tweed.html








I thought this was such a quirky and fun way to promote Hendrick's Gin and links in well with the stereotypical view of the brand. Perhaps when thinking of ways to raise money for 'Help for Heroes', something like this would be great to aspire to.

Posted by: Michelle

Lady Dior

The Lady Noire Affair

Dior has taken the Fashion short films trend as well as the idea of a TV ad campaign one step further by creating a series of mini films. It is based around Hitchcock's Stage Fright, which Christian Dior designed the costumes for. The first installment is "The Lady Noire Affair" and the second " Lady Rouge" can be viewed shortly at ladydior.com now.

New and innovative trend emerging of Fashion short-films, something we could consider making with perhaps the help of independent film-makers or film students and then holding a premier event for it.

Posted by: Michelle

Alexander Wang Menswear Collection 2010

Yves Saint Laurent Menswear Collection 2010

Posted by: Michelle

London Gatwick Fashion Week 6 -9 August

"From the 6th- 9th August, stylists to the stars, Gok Wan and Kirsty Drury, will be descending on the airport to host its very own Gatwick Fashion Week and provide passengers heading off on holiday with this season's hottest style and fashion tips...

Complete with a glamorous catwalk 'runway' in the North Terminal, Gatwick Fashion
Week will see models showcase a selection of men's, women's and kid's summer holiday staples that can be found in the airport's stores - some of which have been recommended by fashion guru Gok himself.

And if that's not enough, to get travellers into the right holiday mood, passengers in need of some summer styling and fashion tips will be able to head to Gatwick Fashion Week's grooming area, where Kirsty and her team of stylists will be on hand to demostrate how to achieve the perfect beach or evening look. Plus, top make up artists from Mac and hair experts will be able to add a finishing touch to all summer makeovers...."

Press release from Brando-World

Although, this isn't a charity event, I still think its a good example since it received a lot of coverage and involved both, key fashion figures Gok and Kirsty as well as credible fashion brands such as All Saints, Superdry, Mac etc

Posted by: Michelle

Little Shilpa AW 09-10 Collection

"Battle Royale"

Little Shilpa is one of the newest upcoming designers. Showcased at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai March 09

Working alongside a designer who's key inspiration is the military would be great for Help the Heroes. Press Release is also attached, with Little Shilpa's PR contacts.

Little Shilpa
Autumn/Winter 2009
Battle Royale

Little Shilpa raises the bar once more with her AW09 collection, drawing inspiration from the maharajas of yesteryear and translating the opulence into the present day.

By juxtaposing antiques medallions and vintage photographs with man made materials such as perspex the collection succeeds in putting a very modern twist on a time honoured tradition.

Gold, sand and khaki prove the base colour of most pieces, which are further enhanced by the typical mischievous touches synonymous with Little Shilpa. Jewel coloured piping, rich brocades and multicoloured ribbons moulded into oversized corsages give some idea as to the sheer decadence the new collection has to offer.

Key pieces include a Swarovski encrusted camouflage headpiece that nudges military garb into the luxury arena, a combat helmet adorned with aeroplane propellers and multilayered garrison caps compiled into an oversize bonnet. Whilst a neckpiece festooned with toy machine guns emphasises the message that the remnants of war and the military are with us every day.

This season the collection is full on fashion delving into both India’s complicated colonial history and the world’s current dark moments of the soul. Fusing together a madcap mix of East, West and everything in-between. whilst integrating obsolete luxury into a modern context ensures that Little Shilpa remains at the forefront of this iconic movement.

Stocked at My Sugarland.
Prices start at £40

For press enquiries, contact:
Lauren Martin
T: +44 (0)20 7436 9449
E: lauren@blow.co.uk

Posted by: Michelle