REALITY TV stars brought their perma-tans and mini-skirts to a Gants Hill nightclub last night as Essex Fashion Week was launched.

The Recorder was given exclusive access to the event at Faces, Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, where the cast of ITV2 “living soap” The Only Way Is Essex hit the catwalk and later mingled with the crowd.

Chigwell fashion designer brothers Simon and Adam Ryan, who organised the event, along with feisty Buckhurst Hill girl Lauren Goodger, put on a catwalk show, featuring most of the Only Essex cast, a football freestyler and live band Envious.

Speaking to reporters Edwina Ellington and Mark Weatherup, the programme’s love rat Mark Wright, who had a front row seat with his new partner, said he was proud of ex-girlfriend Lauren for organising the evening.

“Yes, she is my ex but she’s done so well, I am incredibly proud of her.”

Adam Ryan, main organiser and owner of fashion label One Off One You, said 23-year-old Lauren had been a “star” that evening.

“We had ten days to organise this, she has been unbelievable.

“We sold out on the door, 500 people came to watch the fashion show. I feel last night shattered lots of preconceptions people had about it – either it would be awful, or ridiculously high end. We struck a perfect balance.” Faces director John Clark said: “Everyone has been talking about the show and it was no surprise the club was packed.

“There has been negativity flying around but I think it’s important to support local projects like this and build them as much as possible.

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