FASHION expert Virginia Chadwyck-Healey announced as ambassador of a charity, which provides interview clothing to unemployed women.

Virginia has worked for Vogue for 12 years and has been announced as the most recent ambassador for the Smart Works charity in Reading.

Women are referred to the charity from job centres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities.

The fashion enthusiast has worked with brands including Louis Vuitton, John Lewis and Christian Louboutin, which has given her a breadth of knowledge.

Virginia said: “I’m delighted to be joining Smart Works Reading as an Ambassador and look forward to helping the charity with its valuable work in giving women the confidence, clothing and skills they need to return to the workforce.

“I was struck by the vast area this branch covers across the Thames Valley, and how important it is as a foundation for those women seeking a promising new start in the job market."

The Reading charity also provides women with interview training and has helped over 1,100 women in Berkshire. A total of 60 per cent of them have got a job after receiving help from the organisation.

Virginia added: “This is not just about fashion, this is about installing confidence, acquiring new interview techniques and building the blocks for a brighter future.”

Smart Works believe that half of the females they have seen have been unsuccessful in over 20 job applications, which has resulted in them suffering from a lack of confidence.

Sarah Burns, chair of Smart Works Reading, said: “We know that Virginia will bring her passion for fashion and style to Smart Works Reading in a sensitive and energetic manner. I’m sure our clients will take a lot from her advice."

Megan, The Duchess of Sussex has recently chosen the Smart Works charity as one of her patronages and it has also been nominated for Radio 4’s annual appeal.

For more information about the charity and the work they do visit: https://smartworks.org.uk/reading-smart-works/.