A tea, hat and fashion fundraiser is being hosted in support of The Berkeley Educational Society.

The Dress Code Runway Show on June 11 in the cafetorium at The Berkeley Institute will feature five internationally known Bermudian fashion designers.

The event aims to reflect the era during which Berkeley, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, was launched.

Maxine Esdaille, chair of the society’s planning committee, said: “The idea behind this event is to recognise and celebrate Berkeley’s contribution, through its students and alumni, to Bermuda’s fashion culture ‘Through the Ages’.

“In previous eras, afternoon tea parties, after-church luncheons and late afternoon picnics were the epitome of social events where only the latest fashions were worn by attendees, ladies and gentlemen both.”

The three-part event will start with an afternoon tea sponsored by the Bermuda Healthcare Services in honour of Helene Darrell Brown, Class of 1940.

As hats were worn during all social occasions of that era, the second part of the event will feature a hat show.

“Hats have always been a fascinating aspect of Bermudian culture for both men and women” said Dorothy Trott, a member of the planning committee.

“The hat show, with both ladies and men modelling, will celebrate the journey of hat-wearing in our community and how it has shaped aspects of our culture.”

The hats on display are supplied by Jazzy’s Boutique as well as personal collections.

The final portion of the afternoon will be the fashion show featuring five Berkeley alumni fashion designers, who are prominent both locally and internationally.

This is billed as the highlight of the event.

There will also be entertainment at the event including local singers, dancers and musicians.

The show takes place in the school cafetorium and the entrance is from the patio to the left of the main parking area. There will be a cash only “Bubbly Bar” and guests are encouraged to “dress to impress” and wear a hat. The show starts at 3.30pm.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at www.ptix.bm, from the school office and from 27th Century Boutique.

For more information, call Maxine Esdaille at 504-7749 or e-mail her at gmesdaille@gmail.com