Young women in Hackney aged 13 to 19 are invited to come along to the Real Women Fashion Show, a free fashion extravaganza, at Hackney Museum on Thursday 19 November, 4 - 7.30pm.

It’s shocking to think that young teenage girls are now saying they would consider cosmetic surgery. The Real Women Fashion Show, organised by Hackney Young Women’s Group, aims to promote a positive and realistic view of women, challenging the prevailing air-brushed, size-zero catwalk culture.

On the day, young women will be able to design, make and model clothing and fashion accessories – including handbags, jewellery and t-shirts. They can also enjoy beauty and pampering sessions; take part in self defence classes; and be entertained with live music and dance performances.

The activities will lead to a competition to win a £50 shopping voucher for the best original design, which will be judged by a top fashion stylist from Pride Magazine.

Members of the Young Women’s Group have conceived and organised the event, with support from a Hackney Council Young Women’s worker. The event builds on other activities in the borough that aim to broaden young women’s career aspirations, such as the ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ event in June.

Councillor Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “Increasingly, young women are struggling with issues of self-esteem, as they feel obliged to measure themselves against the idealised vision of women presented in the media. We are committed to providing opportunities and activities that help young people in the borough to realise their full potential. Events like the Real Women’s Fashion Show help young women to value themselves as they are, not as they feel they should be.”

For more information and to order free tickets, call or text the word FASHION to 07891 514304 or email: ciara.mcdonnell@hackney.gov.uk