Isle of Wight shop Elizabeth Packs to transform into Department Ryde

The building will now close as it goes under renovation for a year to become a community arts centre, Department in a £2 million project.

The fashion show was held on Friday, September 22.

A spokesperson said: "The event was a complete success filled with fun, energy and great performances from our models.

"We also had a guest appearance from local musician Spike Oatley.

"Many local Island businesses, designers and artists shared their fashions and we also included vintage items found in the packs building to celebrate the many fashion shows that Elizabeth Packs has put on over the years.

"We had five commissioned pieces thanks to support from Arts Council England where five artists created a piece to go down the runway.

"The theme was Reflection of Heritage and there were some stunning designs by Alan Flux, Beki Geddes, Liz Cooke, Joel Lines and Faye Clarke.

"We ended the fashion show with a selection of vintage wedding dresses found in the store which was a great tribute to the building.

Ann Abe modelling a wedding gown. (Image: Stitch Department)

"We also had a small exhibition space set up with handwritten running orders from previous shows along with photos, magazines, order forms and all sorts collected at Packs over the years.

"We had a few ladies in the audience who used to work at Packs, and it was an honour to put on this show with them there."

The building on Cross Street, Ryde, has become home in recent years to Shademakers UK, who design, make and perform in carnivals, including last year's Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The clothing store closed in 2016 but the creative company has brought life back to the Grade II listed building as a workspace and more recently a venue for theatre productions.

In partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, the group has been successful in securing £1,969,458 of government funding to turn the store into a cultural venue, known as Department.