The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

POURING rain, stormy winds and a ruined venue could not stop the dynamic duo of Shelby McPhee and Joe Stubbs who were determined to raise money for the Ranfurly Home for Children with a special fashion show.

Plans to host the first Fashion 4 Foundation fundraiser at the Ranfurly Home for Children were initially thwarted on Saturday, as inclement weather destroyed the decorations that had transformed the home’s grounds into a high fashion showcase.

With just hours to go before show time, organisers debated whether to postpone the fundraiser or find another venue. The event’s producer, Shelby McPhee and creative director Joe Stubbs eventually decided the show must go on, opting to host the event next door at the Dundas’ new Black Box Theatre on Mackey Street.

The duo, who both wanted to give back and support the home which has faced significant financial challenges in recent times, said that they were thoroughly satisfied that they, along with their team, were able to pull of a successful show despite the mishaps along the way.

The show featured an array of creations from various local designers including Kristen Cartwright, David Rolle, Cardell McClam and Indira Moss. Swimwear, resort wear and high fashion designs were modelled during the event.  

The upbeat event also featured performances by Julien Believe, Shanton Lyrics and a Junkanoo rush-out by members of the Shell Saxons Superstars.

“We were actually set up and ready to go on Friday night. The entire Ranfurly Home was transformed and it looked amazing. Then the rain came and when we came to the venue on Saturday everything was on the ground. We got into a quick meeting and brainstormed. We called the Dundas Centre and we asked them if there was anything going on and they said there was a Ministry of Youth programme going on (that night). But they had a small space, newly renovated, that could only hold about 80 people. We looked at the venue and we were able to make it work. We held about 160 to 200 people,” Mr Stubbs told Tribune Arts and Entertainment.

Another unexpected decision organisers made was hosting the show twice, at 8pm and again 10pm, to accommodate guests who had bought pre-sold tickets but did not get a chance to see the first show due to space limitations.

“Our decision to do two shows stemmed from people not being able to get seats. The majority of the people that attended the first show bought tickets at the door and the people that bought pre-sold tickets came late and did not have seats. We wanted to honour what we promised, so we decided to have a second show. We timed ourselves and we were able to pull it off. We told the attendees to drive around and find something to do and then come to experience what we have for them,” Mr Stubbs said.

“Many of them understood that we had to change venues at the last minute. Just Thursday we got a notice of a tropical storm and we could not deviate from the plans we had.”

On Saturday night, Mr Stubbs said he was confident that Fashion 4 Foundation Benefit had reached its goal of raising $7,000, all of which will be donated to the children’s home.

The efforts on behalf the Fashion 4 Foundation team to ensure sure the event turned out as planned was lauded by Alexander Roberts, administrator of the Ranfurly Home.

“I think it was a great effort by Shelby McPhee and his team. We are happy that they chose Ranfurly for their first event. We look forward to continuing this relationship with them. The event surpassed my expectations and I must say it was a wonderful evening,” he said.

After spearheading the first event, Mr McPhee said he is already excited for opportunities to host for Fashion 4 Foundation on a larger scale next time.

“The show was what we expected. It started off rough with transitioning from the outside to the inside; we had window of five hours to do that,” he said.

“I am already looking forward to next year. This will be bigger than Fashion Week in Paris and London. The vision for this event is to turn it into the a travelling showcase.”