A catwalk of clothes created in partnership with a Forest Gate charity helping vulnerable women and children has been praised by critics at GQ and Vogue.

Newham Recorder: The Magpie Project had a say on things like clothing design, music and even model selection. Picture: Chris Yates.The Magpie Project had a say on things like clothing design, music and even model selection. Picture: Chris Yates. (Image: Chris Yates)

Bethany Williams designed the line after spending time at the Magpie Project in Magpie Close, which supports homeless young families.

Vogue's Olivia Singer called the designer's autumn/winter 2020 collection "joyful and optimistic" and a mention in GQ praised its use of check pattern.

As well as exposure for the Magpie Project at the January 4 catwalk, the charity will get 20 per cent of the profit from the collection.

Jane Williams (no relation to Bethany) founded the Magpie Project. She said: "Bethany is using her spotlight to highlight the plight of mums with small children in temporary or insecure accommodation, especially those who have no recourse to public funds."

Newham Recorder: A model wearing some of Bethany Williams' autumn/winter 2020 collection on January 4. She worked with the Magpie Project to design the line. Picture: Chris Yates.A model wearing some of Bethany Williams' autumn/winter 2020 collection on January 4. She worked with the Magpie Project to design the line. Picture: Chris Yates. (Image: Chris Yates)

While it wasn't clear at first how high-fashion would mix with an organisation working with destitute mothers and children, Ms Williams said: "As soon as we met Bethany we knew it would work."

The charity took part in the design, graphics, communications and music and model choice for the collection, according to her, adding: "Bethany did not want this collaboration to be a matter of 'putting her name' to something. But rather a true partnership.

"She came, she made tea, she handed out nappies, and she chatted so easily with mums and hugged all the babies. She worked really hard and put in a lot of time to research and listen to exactly what the issues facing our mums are."

Bethany said she was shocked when she learned about the level of child homelessness in Newham, adding: "I was struck by how the Magpie Project does all it can to support mums to look after their children in the best way that they can even in the worst of financial and housing conditions.

Newham Recorder: The designer worked with mothers and children at the Magpie Project in Forest Gate to create the work. Picture: Chris Yates.The designer worked with mothers and children at the Magpie Project in Forest Gate to create the work. Picture: Chris Yates. (Image: Chris Yates)

This isn't the first time the designer has used fashion for good.

She's been celebrated for her use of recycled materials and work for social causes like fashion education in women's prisons.

"Fashion is a powerful, rich and influential industry. I have always wanted my clothes to mean something and to help bring about change."

More information can be found and donations made at themagpieproject.org.

Newham Recorder: Designer Bethany Williams learned about young families facing problems accessing public support and about child homelessness in Newham. Picture: Chris Yates.Designer Bethany Williams learned about young families facing problems accessing public support and about child homelessness in Newham. Picture: Chris Yates. (Image: Chris Yates)