Review: Catwalk

RAG Week 2013 was concluded on Saturday night with the annual CATWALK Fashion Show. Equipped with everything from an amazing DJ to a cheeky interpretation of the academic strip tease, CATWALK served as a fun introduction to St Andrews’ Fashion Season (apparently that’s a thing). While easier on the pockets than the upcoming fashion ‘big boys’ of FS and Dont Walk, CATWALK was just as enjoyable.

The RAG Week crew transformed Venue 1 into an atmosphere that was fun and creative, while staying clean-cut and not too overwhelming. Kaleidoscope, the central theme of the 2013 show, worked well and was seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the show. While some might think that not having the same budget or reputation as DW/FS would hinder the performance, CATWALK used this to its advantage, with the freedom to be a wee bit more scandalous and easy-going. The clothing worn by the models came from shops around St Andrews, giving the audience a taste of fashion that was both in walking distance and within a more realistic price range.

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The models were all absolutely stunning, and the laid-back atmosphere allowed them the opportunity to show their personalities, crack a few smiles, and even swipe a glass of champagne from one of the more enthusiastic members of the male audience (hockey team, looking at you). By the time the second half of the show started, most of the audience was standing alongside the catwalk, moving in beat to the music and enjoying the attention of the models.

Highlights of the show included the bold removal of academic gowns to reveal scantily-clad bodies, the surreal black light finale, and the superior use of peacock feathers as an accessory. I have to say that the absolute best part of the night, however, was definitely when a somewhat inebriated guy in a Superman onesie climbed up on the catwalk when the show had finished to demonstrate that he too has modelling potential. And that he did; that he did.

Photographs ©Benoît Grogan-Avignon and Jessica Biggs, Lightbox St Andrews