A market transformed itself into a mini version of London Fashion Week in a bid to showcase indepedent traders.

Crowds weathered the rain on September 22 to soak up Chingford Mount Market's first ever fashion show on Albert Crescent.

Collections from businesses including Xposure and Martha’s @56, young indepedent Blaque Falcon, Gigi’s Dressing Room and Waltham Forest College were paraded down the catwalk.

The event was the brainchild of Conservative Councillor Selina Seesunkur, who put the idea to E4 Markets in a bid to give the high street a boost.

The event was timed to coincide with London Fashion Week, with traders offered a free market stall in order to display their clothing.

Cllr Seesunkur said: “This really was a great effort by businesses in the E4 area and I am proud the event was such a success for both businesses, in terms of raising their profile - whether they were a fashion retailer or not - and for residents, who stood in the rain and were excited by the products they saw.

"I had people coming up to me after the show to say they hadn’t known there were such lovely products on sale in Chingford and they would be popping into those stores.

"The models were exceptional and made the show a very professional affair.

"I am grateful to Waltham Forest College and Chingford Mount Markets for delivering such a great event for our Community.”

On the day the MS Society raised £230 through a raffle supported by Shaw’s Quality Butchers, Helen’s Coffee, MP Iain Duncan Smith who donated a signed bottle of champaign, Gossip Nails, Nicky Bamber and Gigi’s Dressing Room.

Cllr Seesunkur is lobbying Waltham Forest Council to have the event included in the Borough of Culture agenda for next year.