‘World’s most expensive dress’ designer backs Hartlepool anti-bullying campaign

General manager Michaela Porritt (left) and salon owner Kirsty Wearmouth outside of At Ladies Room.

At Ladies Room’s anti-bullying campaign is picking up speed after world-famous designer Scott Henshall gave his support to the effort.

In doing so, Mr Henshall has joined businesses, primary schools and hundreds of people in the town who have waved bullying goodbye by leaving a hand-shaped kindness pledge on the salon’s front window.

It happened when the designer visited the salon, which is owned by Kirsty Wearmouth, recently with his mum and spotted the windows.

Hartlepool designer Scott Henshall has backed At Ladies Room's campaign.

General manager Michaela Porritt said: "He obviously saw all the hands on the windows and wanted to come on board with it.”

Both Mr Henshall and his mother left a kindness pledge to be displayed on the window – but his support didn’t stop at that.

He will be helping with a special photoshoot taking place in Hartlepool this week.

Hartlepool hair salon makes a stand against bullying as it covers front window w...

Fashion designer Scott Henshall has backed a Hartlepool salon's anti-bullying campaign.

Michaela has said the team wants to create “strong” images, which will take the campaign even further and send out the message that "everyone should feel comfortable in their own skin”.

She said: “All of our team are wearing his dresses and we have a photoshoot planned with other models.

"The shots that we are wanting to do are going to be really strong images.

"Everyone that has come on board is very unique and we want to make that stand out and say everyone should be comfortable in their own skin.

The salon' s windows have been covered in kindness pledges.

"It’s all about supporting Pride month as well.”

Michaela praised Mr Henshall for his support, adding: "He has been amazing. He has been very, very supportive.

"We’ve been on the phone, passing ideas back and forth between Kirsty, myself and Scott.”

Mr Henshall is originally from York but grew up in Hartlepool.

In 1998, he became the youngest designer to show at London Fashion Week.

His £5 million diamond cobweb dress worn by actress Samantha Mumba at the premiere of Spider-Man 2 is known as "the world’s most expensive dress” and garnered global media attention in 2004.

Michaela said: "It’s amazing. Out of all the salons in the North East that he could’ve gone to, he’s picked ours.

"It’s a lovely feeling.”

A trolley at the Vision Retail Park salon is also being filled for weekly food bank donations.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.