World''s First Mosquito Net Fashion Show

To raise awareness of the fact that two million people die of malaria each year, the charity World Vision is planning the world''s first mosquito net fashion show.

Rehana Patel, knitwear designer is about to cause a buzz in the fashion world - with a creation made out of mosquito nets.

She is making a dress out of the unusual material to show on the catwalk alongside some of the country''s leading designers.

Rehana, who is head of design at Centrepoint Knitwear in Manchester, will be showing her creation alongside top designers including Edina Ronay and Bellville Sassoon.

The clothes will be displayed by models from top agency Premier. Rehana, who lives in Burnley, said: "It''s amazing. I loved doing the
design. Mosquito netting is actually really versatile; I''m excited about making it.

"It''s quite a revealing dress. The main body is made from silk and then the mosquito nets are pleated and ruched over the top. I''m also adding beading. I wanted it to be sexy but sophisticated. "It''s amazing to have my design shown alongside top designers, and I''m really pleased because it''s for a good cause."

Andrea Stephens, of World Vision, said: "It is incredible to see what some of the country''s top designers have done with just a simple mosquito net."

The show, which takes place on Thursday, also aims to promote World Vision''s Alternative Gift Catalogue, which gives people the chance to buy unique life-saving presents for their loved ones. One of the gifts includes a set of ten mosquito nets sent to protect
families in Rwanda. Other gifts include fruit trees for families in Vietnam and piglets for communities in need in South East Asia.