The Homeless Action Barnet day centre is hosting a one-of-a-kind fashion show on Sunday (17th May), Leïla Davaud takes you behind the scenes

Two women standing either side of a man holding clothes on a coat hanger. — Marcin Nocek with volunteers working on the fashion show – (Credit – Leïla Davaud)

Through the doors of Homeless Action in Barnet’s day centre, in flies Marcin Nocek, night shelter coordinator at the organisation. Fashionably late. Full of excitement. Ready to take over this haven one outfit at a time.

In a few days, the room will transform and fully adhere to the quote hanging over the front desk: “HAB, A place of change”.

Behind his thick square glasses, Marcin’s eyes roam the room. Within seconds, he begins to storm around the centre, greeting everyone by name and with a “voilà”. He stands in the middle of the cafeteria, spreads his arms and announces: “this is where we are setting up the catwalk. Right in the middle of the centre.”

Tables will be moved, chairs lined up and music blasted. “We want to break stereotypes and put a reminder out there that even if homeless, our clients are people. They are human and they deserve to be a part of the community too.”

The models are a mix of beneficiaries, volunteers, members of the community, people with disabilities and two dogs… “No comment on that one,” jokes Marcin. “On this day, everyone is equal and free to be whoever they want.”

One, Katrina will transform for the day. Twenty-one-years old, tall and “born to go down the catwalk” according to Kate, volunteer and part of the team with a dream at the origins of the fashion show. Katrina visits the day centre for hot meals and company. “I am so excited. It is making me feel special. I will be wearing a very nice jacket, something that I would want to wear on a night out in Soho maybe. I am so happy.”

Eavesdropping and unable to hide a smile, Francesca is the mastermind, “the genius” Marcin calls her. Francesca designed every single outfit. “All of it comes from my crazy mind. My family was in the weaving business, my grandmother took the time to teach me. I love that I am able to do this for the centre. In here, people need to build up their confidence. It is needed to build one’s life back up again.”

She shares her story, softly. “I have been homeless, I have used the centre. I’m not ashamed to say it. I don’t think I could have predicted it. I was unlucky and it went downhill rapidly but I fought my way out of it and I want to show the beneficiaries that it is possible.” So, she picked up her needle and let her instincts guide her. “We have zero budget for this event. It’s all done by repurposing donations and passion.”

In the shed dedicated to the event, one can find many treasures. A poncho made out of 7 scarves, another one made out of an air bed, a dress made out of an emergency blanket, a coat made of a sleeping bag. Marcin holds them proudly: “It’s fun and quirky. It represents us. We have about 40 pieces and 15 models wearing them.”

‘Off the street’ was brought to life by a wholesome bonding moment. Marcin recounts: “One day, one of our clients asked for clothes, we took him to the shed and he picked a few items to try on. I made him strike a pose and he started to pretend he was on a catwalk. Francesca loved it and recorded him. Kate said she’d always dreamt of organising a fashion show. We looked at each other and decided to create one!”

And everyone is helping where they can. “One of our clients is a professional barber so he will be cutting hair and working on the models. Another one is currently giving a new life to benches and outside tables in the garden, fixing them up. People tend to forget that homeless have skills and are part of the society.”

Last minutes arrangements are being made and the centre is a beehive. Marcin confides: “There is something truly special happening. Seeing our clients practising the catwalk is incredible. They completely transform, there is so much joy in the centre.”

All of them represent the true magic of being part of a community. “And we are not the only ones. Local businesses are setting up stalls in the garden, alongside our talented beneficiaries. It is a real community event!” See you there…

‘Off the Street’ is taking place Sunday 17th May from 12pm until 3pm at the day centre at 36B Woodhouse Rd, London N12 0RG.

For more information, contact 020 8446 8400.

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