At the first fashion show the audience whooped and clapped and looked on in amazement at intricate paper dresses, a sexy tablecloth outfit, scary scarecrows, a flamingo…
It began with the germ of an idea. When a group of overseas visitors – passionate galanthophiles – came to the Festival in fabulous snowdrop inspired outfits, it was a light bulb moment for Angela Morley.
She was inspired.
Angela bought a black cardigan from a charity shop and began to embroider. She encouraged friends, friends of friends, and their friends too, to do the same – coats, hats, jumpers, anything could be embroidered with snowdrops to wear at the next Snowdrop Festival.
This simple idea soon developed into something far more ambitious. On holiday, still stitching the white flowers, the idea of a fashion show popped into Angela’s head. Perhaps the relaxing and reflective effect of embroidery had inspired her. Her imagination ran riot. Why be confined to embroidery? Why not upcycle clothes, get creative and have fun?
That early germ of an idea turned into a creative enterprise drawing people from across the community. Since the first fashion show, more people have got involved; their talent, imagination and enthusiasm knows few bounds. Friends are encouraged to be models, and makers have found clothes in the back of their wardrobes to upcycle. There is no budget.
The 2026 Fashion Show will be the third. The enthusiasm is palpable. The theme is ‘In the Garden’ and the ideas are flowing; think flowers / garden ornaments and statues, or bedding – a billowy dress from a duvet cover perhaps. Or transformation outfits; a ‘magic dress’ or a garden fairy; think capes, unravelling of crochet or knitting. Statement pieces make a great display, the bigger and bolder the better; think head dresses, masks, sleeves, flowing skirts… The focus must be on upcycling, recycling, wearable art through decorating, customising or adapting existing material.
Angela and the growing collective of makers, stitchers, painters, creatives and enthusiasts would love others to join them. You don’t have to be hugely experienced, just energised and buzzing with ideas, or bursting with a secret desire to have fun as a model. Either way, you’ll have a great time.
You won’t be alone in your creativity. There are flower workshops to share ideas and inspiration from 10am-2pm on Saturday 10 January and Saturday 17 January at Create@#8, 8 Town Street, Shepton Mallet. Bring any outfits, costumes, materials that you want to use or don’t want.
There’s a dance / movement / photography session on Saturday 24 January from 10am – 4pm, to practice for the fashion show and for the finished costumes to be photographed for the programme.
Don’t hesitate if you’re interested. Drop Angela an email at angela@wildgardens.co.uk and she can add you to the very dynamic and enthusiastic WhatsApp group. You’ll make new friends and have enormous fun in the process!