Fashionable fundraiser shines light on illnesses

All the glamour of the catwalk came to The Cruising Yacht Club last Sunday night as a Rockingham entrepreneurial trio brought their annual event back home.

Stylist Rikki Stewart, of Rockingham, said the Sew Blue Fashion Show, which was founded in 2012 after the suicide of a close friend, aimed to raise awareness of depression and other mental illnesses through fashion.

Miss Stewart, a management graduate, said Sunday night's program included two catwalk shows, which showcased work from Perth-based designers Poppy & Charlie, Julie's Designs, Christina Chortis and English Autopsy.

Miss Stewart said designers Marianna Kuklinski and Nicola Yeung also contributed work.

"To date, we have hosted three annual fashion shows to great success," she said. "Collectively, we have showcased the works of more than 25 up-and-coming local designers to large crowds, while hosting fundraisers on the night for mental health charities."

Miss Stewart said this year's beneficiary was Youth Focus Rockingham - a not-for-profit organisation which works to prevent youth suicide. Miss Stewart said the amount was yet to be finalised before the _Telegraph _went to print.

"Having all grown up in the Rockingham and Mandurah areas, we were looking forward to hosting this year's event in our hometown," she said.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.