Male and female models hit the catwalk in Lagrasse

When real women walk your catwalk, when your daughter flies in from London to lead your fashion show, your friends arrive from all over the region to watch it, you can't help but burst with pride and joy.

That was me last Sunday, August 4th. My sixth annual fashion show in Place de la Halle, the market place here in Lagrasse. I have always created clothes for real women, to flatter them, to make them feel good about themselves and to try and find their inner confidence. I know how I struggled because of my height but I learnt to see the advantages and worked with it.

The average age of my fashion show was over 50! I am so proud of that fact. We can still love fashion and be stylish when we're older! I was delighted that Kate agreed to walk again this year, despite needing a stick after a knee replacement just 6 weeks ago. 

 

For the first time this year, a man showed how adaptable my collection can be. The wonderful Derek took on the challenge with great aplomb. The handmade beaded necklace which actually is made from paper, intricately crafted to a bead shape, was draped over his torso. My latest range of square holed, hand knitted tops can be worn over underwear, a strappy top or in his case, a bare body, and are perfect for autumnal evenings when it's slightly cooler but not that bitterly cold

 

My daughter Joelle and Derek showing how the collection can also look great on a younger generation.

Seren amazed us all by coping with the medieval cobbles in unbelievably high shoes.

Honor and Alex showed how small can still be Smart. A simple skirt doubles as a dress and a tunic dress teams well with trousers.

Caroline highlighted how my popular doubled sided dress can flatter a slim as well as a less slim shape. Some people think it might drown them!

Summer's balletic background was in clear evidence.

I loved how Hélène showed how adaptable my clothes can be with her DM boots.

My mum’s hand knitted asymmetric jumper dress looks fabulous on Emma.

I was delighted that Bea made her first appearance on the catwalk to celebrate her significant birthday!

Debi shows off my return to Winter coats and wraps.

One of my favourite designs on Dominique.

 

Marjorie mesmerised us in the flowing evening gown.

During the fashion show, I'm upstairs helping all the models change in the unbelievable heat (and not one of them complained) so I don't actually get to see it. So, with the help of Chris Hewitson, we've created a speeded-up version of the event so you ... and I, can watch it:

Thank you to all of my models. For your time, your support and your courage to go out there and do it. A big shout of thanks also to Marcel, Danielle and Paul for their photography and for Sonia who kept the music flowing.

Hope to see you all again next year.