SPITALFIELDS clothing store Chica Boutique hosted a catwalk show to raise money for a charity set up by a fashion student who was paralysed for life after he was stabbed in a Shoreditch street.
Marking the start of the festive season, catwalk models showed a range of sparkly Chica dresses, which have been favoured by A-listers such as Beyonce, Alexandra Burke and Geri Halliwell at the show in Spitalfields Market last Wednesday in aid of Oliver Hemsley’s Art Against Knives charity.
Cash raised from the sale of tickets will go towards the charity which was set up by Oliver and ex-Chica Boutique girl, Katy Dawe to reduce the root causes of knife crime through youth-led arts initiatives that provide an alternative to violent gang culture.
The charity was formed after the unprovoked stabbing of Oliver in Boundary Street, Shoreditch in August 2008, leaving him fighting for his life.
Oliver was stabbed at least six times in the back and neck, which severed his spinal cord leaving him paralysed and in a wheelchair.
Art Against Knives has gained a following from celebrities including Tracey Emin, Christopher Kane and Jefferson Hack and there will also be art work on display and available for purchase on the evening.
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