It was such a privilege to be at Sydney Town Hall last night for the 100 Women of Influence awards dinner, at the invitation of my friend Georgie Somerset who is a regional influencer named in the 2014 list.
Westpac chief executive Gail Kelly announced Elizabeth Broderick as the overall 2014 Woman of Influence for her strategic and far-reaching work as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner.
There were some fabulous speeches, with Kelly saying women of influence know how to share their stories, have purpose and generosity, and co-sponsor Fairfax CEO Greg Hywood saying gender diversity is still an issue – because men inevitably revert to male-group-think, society needs women in positions of influence. The other point Mr Hywood made was women journalists from Fairfax currently hold the nation’s top journalism awards, led by Joanne McCarthy with a Gold Walkley.
Such a special occasion required a special upcycle. I integrated an opshop-found silk dress with a linen skirt and beaded circles from my stash. I cut the turquoise silk dress into three, using the bodice to make a clutch purse, the body to make a collar (with zip still visibly in place, at the front) and the bottom as a trim for a black skirt (which I took in at the sides so both pieces were of similar circumference). The beaded circles were sewn on by hand, and matched the opshop-found black beaded top. Happy to wear upcycled silk on such an auspicious occasion!
I had the great pleasure of meeting Jane last night at the very inspiring 100 Women of Influence awards.
What struck me most about the event was, not only were we surrounded by the 100 extraordinary, inspiring nominees – including the amazing Georgie Somerset – but that the room was full of dozens of other talented, vibrant, exciting women all there to celebrate each other’s achievements.
Jane, you not only looked fabulous in this gorgeous reclaimed silk dress, but you are an inspiration. We all need to take the time to look at what we can reshape, upcycle and reclaim before we throw away and reach for something new.
I look forward to working with you and turning my wedding dress – with all its fabulous memories – into something I can wear again!
Annie
You are such a social butterfly and look gorgeous in blue silk.
From Karen at http//:ruderecord.wordpress.com
Annie, thanks for your lovely words and your company last night in support of our amazing friend and regional influencer Georgie Somerset. I’m looking forward to catching up soon to as we bring new life to your wedding dress. Jane