Jerusha Couture launch

[Tue 17/08/2010 02:50:04]

It was the night Olivia Newton-John brought a sprinkle of star style to Sydney's Neutral Bay. Thursday August 12 saw the pint-sized Aussie music icon in town, to help celebrate the launch of her goddaughter Jerusha McGrath's new boutique fashion store, Jerusha Couture. 

Jerusha Couture Store

The red carpet was rolled out the front of the store, and the camera flashed at guests – but never more so when Olivia and husband John Esterling  made their entrance.

It was a particularly sweet celebration for 25 year old fashion designer Jerusha McGrath who had only just launched her first successful collection in 2005 when she was involved in a major car accident that required years of rehabilitation. Despite the difficult times she inevitably faced, Jerusha never lost her determination, drive to succeed or her passion for fashion designing.

Olivia Newton-John and goddaughter Jerusha McGrath

This was evident in Jerusha's impassioned speech, in which she thanked everyone for attending, and touched apoun the journey that had brought her the opening of her very first store. ‘You are standing in the middle of my passion,” she said.

Jerusha also thanked her family – and of course, her godmother Olivia for all their support.

The intimate group of guests mingled as they ate canapés and sipped Moet, while admiring Jerusha’s new range and the boutique fashion space she now calls ‘home.’

Jerusha completely redesigned the shop space in Neutral Bay to display and sell her designs, with a split level mezzanine that holds her collection and design studio.

John Esterling and Olivia Newton-John (in Jerusha Couture silver trench)

“The re-build has created a palace-like environment,” she said. “It’s now a world of beauty where women of all ages can join us to dress up in clothes that will add a divine flavour to their closet.”

As part of the evening an auction was held, hosted by McGrath auctioneer Andrew Robinson, with items up for grabs including a one-off dress by Jerusha (that went for $800), an Alex Perry cocktail dress, spa packages and a collectable ‘Snady’ mint doll.

All money raised from the auction went to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal to build a dedicated Centre with the latest in cancer treatment and research, of all types of cancers; combined with the best in wellness care .

Guests enjoying the auction

The centre's patron, Olivia Newton-John said, “More than just treating cancer, it’s about providing care and treatment for the whole person - body, mind and spirit . The Centre’s international research trials will help accelerate developments in vaccines and targeted treatments for all types of cancer.”

The auction raised thousands of dollars for the special cause – and guests left  with the glow of goodwill.

For more information visit www.jerushacouture.com or www.OliviaAppeal.com