Glitz, grace, and glamour: Behind the scenes of UCL MODO’s fashion show

For the past month I have been inundated with Fashion Week content strewn across my Instagram feed, so you can imagine my excitement upon discovering UCL in fact held their own Fashion Week of sorts.

UCL MODO, University College London’s society for all things fashion, held their much anticipated show on March 8th 2025, in which the university’s best designers came forward to showcase their stunning designs. 

Like all student societies, events like these are entirely created, planned, and run by volunteers – students who are also juggling their degrees. So, somewhat critically, I found myself questioning the execution of such an ambitious event.

But oh my, how wrong was I about to be.

The show was held in Bush Hall, an exquisite Edwardian building bestowed with ornate chandeliers, intricate plasterwork, and rich red velvet accents – excluding a vintage opulence perfect for the evening. I arrived early, having been given backstage access to speak to some of the models and designers.

There was a rather comical irony about witnessing students tucking into a Pret sandwich, coursework on laps, while dressed to the nines in floor-length gowns, donning pin-curls and intricate eye makeup. 

The first person I spoke to was the designer whose pieces would be opening the show. Alvin, creator of House of Alvin, kindly offered some insights regarding his experience designing for the show.

He discussed what Metamorphosis meant to him: “A metamorphosis of what is old and what’s new, how do we style things that are perhaps last season.

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“For me this year, Metamorphosis will be Marie Antoinette themed. Imagine her descendants in the 90s took her garments, and now they’re running out of the club in her pieces, chased by paparazzi.”

Alvin explained to me how his passion for designing began: “I grew up as a really weird child, I used to steal Barbie dolls and I would make dresses out of plastic bags and stuff.”

I also spoke to Darrel Bedford, a kirigami artist (which after a quick Google I found out was origami using glue), who had his designing debut at the MODO show last year.

“Metamorphosis is the perfect theme for me, what I do is metamorphose paper. I actually start with manipulating paper with my hands, using the body as an articulating force which is absolutely incredible.

“[Paper is] a recyclable, sustainable material, it has these amazing tactile properties. I use my art forms in a way that regulates the autonomic nervous system, it’s really beneficial.”

He continued to explain that he was recently invited to design for London Fashion Week, thanks to his work showcased at UCL MODO the previous year.

After my brief interview interlude, I headed back to the main area to watch the audience begin to trickle in.

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The lines between spectator and model blurred spectacularly, as the viewers’ stunning garments made it almost impossible to tell who was there to watch and who was meant to walk the runway.

And finally, the show began.

Models floated down the catwalk with an eloquence that would not be incongruous in the official Fashion Week events, in a variety of the most gorgeous designs I’ve had the privilege to see in person.

One of my personal highlights was the show’s opening piece: An ethereal, floor-length wedding-style gown, adorned with cascading ruffles, silken layers, and delicate tulle – a truly breathtaking creation. A veil trailed behind the model as she waltzed gracefully down the runway, whilst every audience member’s gaze remained firmly glued to the stunning garment.

Then, in one swift movement, the music flipped to 2010s club music, just as a series of models wearing gorgeous, choppy mini-dresses came marching down the stage. The model who had worn the wedding gown, had now radically transformed. The tulle, silk, and ruffles had vanished, exposing the fitted bodice underneath that turned the bridal elegance into a bold club-ready statement.

And my favourite piece? I can only describe it as a paper cocoon, somehow sculpted into a skirt that enveloped the model. But what made this piece truly stand out was the transformation which occurred live on stage. As the model lifted his arms, a pair of intricately folded paper wings emerged, previously hidden beneath his sleeves. The audience gasped as he spun, embodying the perfect representation of Metamorphosis right before our eyes.

Overall, this UCL MODO show was the most wondrous experience from start to finish, something I would recommend every uni student to attend should they have the chance.

Featured images via Songju Kang