Pioneer Priest in the Arts designs dress for ‘Treasures of Nature’ fashion show

Revd Gill Sakakini, Pioneer Priest in the Arts in Shepton Mallet, is to take to the catwalk this month as part of the wearable art fashion show during the town’s Snowdrop Festival. The fashion show which takes place at St Paul’s Church of England Junior School has a strong emphasis on upcycling, recycling and using natural materials. The theme is nature or snowdrops and follows the theme of the Snowdrop Festival which for 2025 is ‘Treasures of Nature’. 

Gill, who is preparing a piece of wearable art made from recycled and repurposed materials, says, “The show encourages participants to explore themes of sustainability, ethical clothing, and creative reuse. Designers, artists, children and many others in the town who are taking part plan to use second-hand fabrics, repaired garments, and natural materials to make outfits that reflect the environmental message.” 

The theme Gill has chosen to respond to is the winter tree landscape, which she has interpreted through an upcycled clergy dress. Originally pink, the dress was first dyed green before being turned black to create a new canvas. Using bleach as a painting tool, Gill has etched the shape of a tree across the front, with roots and branches extending across the fabric.

Gill says the project connects closely with her wider work. “It links with many initiatives I undertake through, “Flock”, an emerging new Christian community. Last year Flock led the first Eco-arts Festival in Shepton Mallet. It focused on environmental responsibility and creative activism in Shepton Mallet. My involvement with the fashion show is really an extension of that commitment.

“I wanted to be fully involved. For me, it’s about coming alongside people and being part of something different. Some participants are nervous about stepping onto the catwalk, so there’s an element of support as well. But it’s also about showing that there’s space for someone like me here.”

The fashion show, which is expected to attract people from across Somerset and beyond, is also an inclusive space. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds, and there is an emphasis on personal expression rather than conformity to standard fashion norms. People of different identities, body types, and experiences take part, reflecting a broader message of acceptance.

“It’s not just about sustainability,” Gill says. “It’s about people being proud of what they’ve made, feeling comfortable in themselves, and being part of a community. There’s a lot of honouring of people for who they are. In my work, I focus a lot on the responsibility we have towards creation and climate activism. Being part of this show is a statement about that. It reflects what I believe and what others alongside me believe.”

The 2025 Snowdrop Fashion Show takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 February at St Paul’s School Hall, Shepton Mallet. Tickets are £5 and booking is via Eventbrite. Find out more about the Snowdrop Festival and the other events taking place.