A Gqeberha fashion show is putting men, style and positive masculinity in the spotlight, while raising funds to support vulnerable women through Community Chest.
Fashion may be what gets people through the door, but for Averil Packirisamy, the message behind Gentlemen on the Runway is far more important than what the models will be wearing.
The founder of Premiere Models Academy and Mom’s on the Runway is turning her attention to the men this time, creating an evening that celebrates men’s fashion while encouraging conversations about respect, responsibility, dignity and gender-based violence.
Packirisamy, who recently choreographed the Voice of Courage fashion show presented by Boardwalk Hotel and Casino and Camelot Spa at The Boardwalk, said she wanted her next production to do something different.
“Through my work in modelling and grooming, I have always believed in using fashion as a platform to build confidence, encourage self-respect and bring people together,” she said.
“I wanted to create an event where we could celebrate men in fashion and style while also promoting a positive message of what it means to be a gentleman.”
For Packirisamy, being a gentleman has very little to do with simply looking the part.
“For me, as a woman, a gentleman is not just about how you dress. It’s about respect, kindness, dignity, responsibility and how you treat others.”
Putting men at the centre of the GBV conversation
Packirisamy deliberately chose to make men the focus of the event because she believes they have an important role to play in addressing gender-based violence.
Rather than only asking men to walk as models, she hopes the runway gives them an opportunity to be visible as positive role models too.
“I wanted to create a space where men could come together, not just as models, but as positive role models, and encourage them to be part of the solution and use their voices and influence positively.”
Gentlemen on the Runway, she said, represents “confidence, respect, dignity, style and positive masculinity”.
“The message I want to communicate to the models is that being a man is about more than nice clothes, fast cars and looking good. It’s about respect, kindness, responsibility, the way you treat others and setting a positive example.”
Her ultimate message is simple:
“Real gentlemen respect, protect and uplift others.”
Fashion with a purpose
The event will also raise funds for Community Chest, with 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales going towards the organisation’s work in local communities.
According to information supplied to 041Online by Community Chest, the organisation has served the community for more than 74 years, with its beneficiaries including women’s shelters that are currently under-resourced.
The organisation said support includes addressing some of the basic needs at shelters, including providing care packs for women who may arrive with very little or nothing at all.
For Packirisamy, partnering with Community Chest gave the fashion show an opportunity to make a tangible contribution beyond the runway.
“Community Chest does important work in supporting people and communities who need assistance, and I felt that partnering with them was a meaningful way for our event to give back,” she said.
“For me, it is about using the platform that I have through Premiere Models Academy to give back. Fashion shows can be entertaining and inspiring, but they can also be used to create positive change in our communities.”
Those who cannot attend the event but would still like to support Community Chest can visit its offices at 39 Heugh Road, Walmer, or contact the office on 041 582 1592.
Community Chest has welcomed support from members of the public who would like to contribute to its work.
Alternatively, those wishing to find out more about supporting the initiative can contact Selwyn Willis on 082 966 3448.
Who will be walking the runway?
It won’t be a runway filled exclusively with professional models.
Packirisamy has brought together men from different age groups and backgrounds, including trained runway models, fashion designers, radio DJs, content creators and business owners.
They will showcase spring and summer fashion from Markham Greenacres, G-Star Greenacres, Fabiani Greenacres and J.A.S.I Studios.
Packirisamy has also collaborated with Hyundai Port Elizabeth to create what she describes as a professional and stylish setting suited to the concept.
Guests have been asked to dress in black and white, a choice Packirisamy says represents both elegance and unity.
“Fashion brings people together visually, while our message of respect and standing against GBV brings us together in purpose.”
What guests can expect
Gentlemen on the Runway promises an evening of fashion and entertainment, with DJ Mano Zay providing the music alongside wines, snacks and lucky draws.
The centrepiece, however, will be the men taking to the runway and the message they are being asked to carry beyond it.
The event is supported by a range of local businesses, including Robersons Winery, DG Capital, Blunden Coach Tours, Pick n Pay Walker Drive, Woolworths Walmer Park, The Taste Room, Actv6 Fitness Centre, Hyundai Port Elizabeth, The Travel Guy, Heyoka Personal Training and Online Coaching, Joe Davis Locksmiths and MRL Private Collection.
For Packirisamy, success will not simply be measured by how the show looks on the night.
“I would consider our event a success if the men can walk away feeling proud, confident and inspired and use their voices positively,” she said.
“I would like our guests to leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of standing together against GBV.”
And she hopes the most important part of the evening begins after the runway lights go out.
“My hope is that the message doesn’t end when the runway lights go off. I want everyone to continue having these conversations within their families, workplaces, friendships and communities.
“The runway is one evening, but the message needs to continue long after the show.”
How to get tickets
Tickets for Gentlemen on the Runway are limited but still available.
Contact Averil Packirisamy on 073 673 3054 or Natasha Willis on 082 822 0723 to secure tickets or find out more.
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