Mission 65 - Interview with Philip Boon

Philip with designer Kim Kneipp in a Vintage Workshop
run for the Whitehouse students

Last week I did a post on Mission 65, a fantastic charity event which aims to raise money for the tireless work of the Prahran Mission.

I was lucky enough to interview one of Australia's most successful stylists Philip Boon, who has played an integral role in the planning of this fundraising event. Philip will also be co-presenting on the night with Australian fashion legend Jenny Bannister.

1. Why did you decide to become involved with Mission 65?

My close friend Erica Myers Davis is the General Manager of Fundraising at Prahran Mission and ten years ago she asked me to style a fashion show for the Mission, she asked me again and it was great to be involved, this time with a different theme.

2. You came up with the great concept to involve students from the Whitehouse with the planning of Mission 65. How do you think this practical experience will benefit them in the future.

My 3rd year Styling students at Whitehouse had to create an event for this semester and I thought what better way to get experience with working with a major client than to work together on a fashion show that is actually for a charity and a great cause. The experience that they will have and the rewarding nature of the job I hope will give them an experience they would need to have worked in the industry for years to get.

3. What is your role in the organisation of Mission 65?

Project Manager/Style Director

4. Why do you think it is important for the community to support Mission 65 and the Prahran Mission?

Prahran Mission doesn't get any government funding like many other charities and they have worked with displaced people, some with mental health issues for 65 years, a subject that not many people want to talk about let alone care for. Considering that one in three people in Australia will have mental health issues at some time in their life I think they deserve more than our money, they need our support.

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Thanks Philip for taking the time out of your busy schedule to tell us more about this fantastic event!

If you haven't already bought tickets you can do so here. They are selling fast so make sure you get in quick!

To follow the event on Facebook click here.

Check out the Mission 65 blog here for behind the scenes action.

To learn more about the fantastic work of the Prahran Mission click here.

Here are some behind the scenes pictures, showing all the hard work that is being put in to make this event possible:

Images courtesy of http://mission65fashion.tumblr.com/