If you’d told me a few weeks ago that I’d be attending a fashion show where all the garments were made from paper, and that I’d meet one of the stars of my favourite TV show, I would have been more than a tad surprised.
But that’s exactly what happened one Friday last month. The event in question was Out of Print, a fashion show arranged by Bookbarn International and judged by a panel including none other than Maisie Williams, aka Arya Stark, of Game of Thrones fame.
In case you haven’t heard of it before (as I hadn’t), Bookbarn International is a huge warehouse of used books, all of which cost just £1 each, located on the outskirts of Bristol near Shepton Mallet. There are literally thousands of titles covering every topic imaginable, from autobiographies and fiction to history, science and Penguin Classics.
A couple of months ago Bookbarn International set 12 local designers the challenge of creating an outfit out of just a handful of books, chosen at random. The result was an evening of unique, painstakingly created garments shown on a runway in the centre of the barn. I went along to support my friend Shelley (who I’m delighted to say picked up a prize for her beautiful two-piece and bookbag) so naturally I took along my camera, too.
Here are some photos from the evening, including one of me and my new BFF…
Delicate paper roses adorn a Disney princess-esque skirt
A colourful nature-inspired paper outfit
This paper princess dress was modelled alongside the Frozen theme tune ‘Let It Go’
A beautiful, waterfall back dress was one of the 12 unique entries
A miniature top hat made from paper, lace and ribbons
Layers of pages and black netting make up this princess skirt 
Designer Shelly and model Charlotte show off one of the winning designs 
Maisie Williams and I at the Out of Print fashion show – I had serious eyebrow envy!
Eeep, such an awesome idea! I’ve heard of it but I’ve never been there, I must arrange a visit. Still hella jealz you met Maisie, you both looked gorgeous. <3
Thanks lovely – she was a thing of beauty and so funny to boot. Must work on growing those eyebrows…
Hello SJ,
It was such a bizarre idea it had to turn into a brilliant evening. You have really captured the whole atmosphere with your photos. Thank you for posting such a good picture of my daughter strutting her stuff!
Love, Muv
You’re welcome Muv – I had such a great evening. Your daughter looked so sweet in her outfit – I hope she had fun on the catwalk :)
Not only was Maisie there, you actually got to meet/have a picture taken with her! I am insanely jealous, Arya Stark is one of my favourite Game of Thrones characters.
The garments are interesting and really cool too, although I’d be terrified to even wear one as I could imagine them ripping very easily! xo
Arya rules! I was such a fangirl but so pleased I was brave enough to ask for a picture :)
Yes, the gowns were very fragile indeed – I made a point of walking a couple of feet behind everyone for fear of accidentally treading on them!
Ahh, Bookbarn is a dangerous place! It’s only 10 mins from our house and it starts by us saying “oh, we’ll just pop in for a cuppa, slice of cake and a 10 minutes look around” and before you know it, you’ve lost 2 hours of your life! :-) xx
It was my first time there but I’m definitely going back – I can’t believe how many books they had there, and all for a few quid, too!