82-year-old Judith Phillips organised the very first fashion show at Tauranga Girls' College 30 years ago and she is still working at college part-time. Photo/John Borren
82-year-old Judith Phillips organised the very first fashion show at Tauranga Girls' College 30 years ago and she is still working at college part-time. Photo/John Borren
Every student, past-pupil and teacher at Tauranga Girls' College knows the fashion parade that has been going for the last 30 years.
The older students, with some from Tauranga Boys' College, put on a show for the community while showcasing local fashion outlets.
One of the show's organisers, Caroline Banyard,said it is amazing the show has been going so long.
"Its all about the kids. It's their music, they choose their routine, it's different from a normal fashion show," she said.
Ms Banyard said the event was one of the few occasions Tauranga Boys' and Girls' Colleges crossed over, with the year 13 boys participating in the mixed groups and boy-only groups.
"A boy did a back flip one year and ripped his shirt," she laughed.
Ms Banyard said it would be a little different this year, with pre-show nibbles and drinks for people who purchased the ticket option, and with some new participants.
"The teachers will be part of the show this year, which I think is a first," she said. The involvement of the pupils does not stop at the catwalk.
"There's lots and lots of kids involved. Kids that aren't brave enough to be on stage can do the technology side of it or even design the poster," she said.
Past pupil Maree Wilkinson was just 14 the first time she was involved in the show, at the very first event 30 years ago.
"It was a fun thing to do, everyone got on board," she said.
Ms Wilkinson said it was always an enjoyable night that brought together the school.
"I think I did two or three over the years, heaps of people did them, it was just something you did.
"I remember wearing tie-dye denim and having really frizzy hair," she said. She said it was great the shows were still going. "We loved doing them, they were a real social thing, a lot of planning went into it and it was good for our confidence."
Judith Phillips, 82, organised the first fashion show at Tauranga Girls' College and is still working at college part-time.
Molly Alton will be modelling in the Tauranga Girls' College Fashion Parade. Photo/Andrew Warner
Deputy head girl Molly Alton will be modelling for her second year in the fashion parade, and is busy preparing for the show.
"Everyone who is interested applies. The girls all go to the school hall, we do a bit of a catwalk, we can all be up on stage and be confident," she said.
