When we heard the words 'charity' and 'lingerie' in the same sentence we were understandably intrigued… and obviously made our way down there like a shot. But this wasn't just girls in their smalls rattling a charity cans - no this was a slick stylish showcase of Bristol’s more glamorous side, set in the stunning backdrop of swanky club Java.

Tonight was a night of introductions. Not only was the audience introduced to brands and companies wanting to hit the Bristol market and to a new charity supported on the night, but it was also our first foray into the glitzy world of fashion shows. And what a fun foray it was.

A Champagne reception was followed by a few words about the supported charities; Marie Curie, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and Art Is Just A Word, an Oxford based emerging charity in Bristol. This burgeoning charity assists new and evolving artists to exhibit their work and promote art in education within local communities and afar. Supporting Marie Curie was also of great personal importance to organiser Kate Nunn, who successfully produced a slick and professional show and raised lots of money for such worthwhile causes.

As the expectant audience settled on the sidelines the show began with a selection of sexy swimwear from www.AILC.com, displayed by a bevy of beauties strutting their stuff with perfect panache. To add an extra something to the outfits, the girls were accessorised with eyewear from an expanding enterprise, Clifton’s In Eyewear, and styled to the nines by the pros at Ego on Baldwin Street. To give us (and no doubt the girls!) a breather, in between the shows we were treated to yet more talent in the form of dancers Jukebox all the way from Wales, and the muscled crew Physical Jerks, who certainly gave the girls a chance to compete with the guys for the amount of jaw dropping stares tonight.

Finally, the show concluded with the American brand’s lingerie collection and some particularly striking hair styling. We’re pretty sure this sultry selection provoked many girls or their other halves to pop next door to the VIP area and purchase a skimpy outfit or two.

So... we survived being flung in at the fashion deep-end, feasted our eyes on all things gorgeous and glamorous, felt that slightly warm and fuzzy charity feeling, and emerged wishing we were able to look that bloody good in a swimsuit!

For more info on tonight's charities visit:
www.mariecurie.org.uk
www.artisjustaword.org