ROLAND MOURET AND MARC ALMOND HELP RAISE £305,000 FOR MAGGIE’S CENTRE

World renowned fashion designer Roland Mouret, accompanied by his friend international award-winning musician Marc Almond OBE, made his third visit to Edinburgh in support of Maggie’s Centre last Sunday.

The French designer is an ambassador for the national charity, however his introduction to Maggie’s was in 2017 when he was invited to be the special guest at a fund-raising event organised by Lisa Stephenson and Sarah Murray.  Both ladies are Maggie’s visitors and passionate advocates for Maggie’s Edinburgh.

An audience of around 250 ladies enjoyed an evening ‘In Conversation with Roland Mouret’ held at Carlowrie Castle when he shared some of his own fashion stories and explained why he was delighted to be invited to become a Maggie’s Ambassador.  He said: ‘It is such an honour to be an Ambassador of Maggie’s.  Maggie’s has changed my life. There should be a Maggie’s in every city in the UK, If I dream hard, in the world.’

For the first time Roland was joined by one of own friends.  Marc Almond OBE. 

80s legend, Marc Almond, entertains the guests. PHOTO Credit: Ian Jacobs

The Soft Cell hit singer flew into Edinburgh directly from his US tour.  He entertained the audience with an intimate concert featuring numbers from his Soft Cell days together with a more recent repertoire, wowing the audience ahead of his Edinburgh Hogmanay.

Mum-of-two Lisa (50) was diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer in April 2011.  Thanks to constant treatment and clinical trials she has defied the odds and with her own Challenge for Maggie’s has raised more than £1.2 million for the Maggie’s centre in Edinburgh.

L to R – Edinburgh Maggie’s Centre manager, Andrew Anderson. Maggie’s CEO, Laura Lee. World renowned fashion designer, Roland Mouret. Credit: Ian Jacobs

She is thrilled that Roland continues to return to Edinburgh.  “I never imagined when I was first introduced to Roland that he would become such a tremendous supporter of Maggie’s and such a wonderful friend.  He never fails to enthral and to entertain, he is very popular with our guests!

‘Sarah and I know exactly how important fund-raising for Maggie’s is and we are also hugely grateful to our partners Adam & Company, The Murray Foundation, Wine Importers and Flowers by Maxwell for helping us to make this glamorous event happen.’

Pic shows: Roland Mouret. Lisa Stephenson. Tonya Macari. PHOTO Credit: Ian Jacobs

The luxury fashion boutique Jane Davidson has been a Mouret stockist for many years.  It is appropriate therefore that as the brand celebrates 50 years, Roland Mouret is on hand to help mark the milestone.  Owner, Sarah Murray who recently celebrated five years cancer free, said: ‘I have always said that make up and fashion got me through these difficult times.  We love it on a good day and turn to it on tough days too.  Roland Mouret understands that.

‘We have stocked his collections since the days of the Galaxy dress and we are now honoured to call him our friend.  We are truly thrilled and grateful that he has made such a huge commitment to Maggie’s and to Maggie’s Edinburgh in particular.’

Returning for a third year also was make-up artist to the stars Damian Garozzo also flew in from Paris to share his beauty tips and demonstrate how to create that festive look.  He said: ‘This is such a lovely event it’s hard to say no to Lisa and Sarah!  I love Edinburgh and it’s a real privilege to be part of such a wonderful event.’

On Sunday night Maggie’s Ambassador Roland Mouret and centre visitors Lisa and Sarah raised over £300,000 at the third “In Conversation with Roland Mouret’ event at Carlowrie Castle. Everyone had a great evening, with 300 pairs of Mouret shoes for sale, a pop up Jane Davidson shop, tutorial from make up artist to the stars Damian Garozzo-Vaglio and live music from 80s icon Marc Almond. l to r – Tonya Macari. Make up artist to the stars, Damian Garozzo. Lorna Finley. PHOTO Credit: Ian Jacobs

Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee was also there to show her support of Roland, Lisa and Sarah.  She said: “What a wonderful event and testament to both Lisa and Sarah’s incredible energy and drive and, of course, Roland’s continued generosity and support.

“I can’t thank them enough for what they have created together to raise funds and awareness of how our centres and professional staff support people living with cancer. 

‘What a treat to hear Marc Almond in such a wonderful setting!  We are also grateful to him for giving up his time and ‘wowing’ guests with such a unique performance.”  

PHOTO On Sunday night our Ambassador Roland Mouret and centre visitors Lisa and Sarah raised over £300,000 at the third “In Conversation with Roland Mouret’ event at Carlowrie Castle. Everyone had a great evening, with 300 pairs of Mouret shoes for sale, a pop up Jane Davidson shop, tutorial from make up artist to the stars Damian Garozzo-Vaglio and live music from 80s icon Marc Almond. Pic shows: l to r – Lisa Stephenson. Roland Mouret. Sarah Murray. PHOTO Credit: Ian Jacobs
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.