ESSENCE: A night at the Glasgow Charity Fashion Show

Earlier this month, I was generously given the chance to attend ESSENCE, the widely successful Glasgow Charity Fashion Show’s 2025 offering, and see what it was all about.

It promised a fantastic night of talented artists coming together in aid of a charity voted for by the committee, which this year was Children’s Hospices across Scotland (CHAS).

With my name on the VIP guest list and an excitement to celebrate some of Glasgow’s best creative minds, I donned my classic black tie dress with a twist and hopped on the subway to Merchant City’s Old Fruitmarket.

With the party well underway by the time I arrived, I was greeted by Evie from the Social Media and Marketing team who filled me in on the night whilst taking me up to the ESSENCE pre-party. The upstairs of the venue was filled with a buzz of excitement and anticipation, soundtracked by PASO – two Edinburgh DJs fresh on the scene who perfectly blended the club classics with gorgeous house beats.

There was a room dedicated to the night’s sponsors where I was able to try some upcoming drink brands like Kwenched – natural sake cocktails, alongside the students’ old faithful – Tennents.

As 9pm approached, I went down to join the show in the main hall. Tastefully decorated by the team, I knew that I was going to be in for a good time.

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The music started and models took to the runway and I was in awe at the outfits, all centred around the theme of finding peace in your own essence. Every designer beautifully wove their own identities into their pieces, showcasing the creativity we as students are capable of.

Perhaps my favourite part of the show, however was the support of the audience – friends and family bursting with pride as they cheered on their loved ones.

During the break, I managed to speak with some final year students from Glasgow School of Art who told me that it was their course mates who were some of the designers this year, and that they would love to see so much more of this – there’s such a space for expression of self in Glasgow’s art scene!

I also managed to catch last year’s creative director, Maeve, who was in the crowd beside me. There to support new and returning members of the community, she loved being able to watch from this side of the catwalk, cheering for the fantastic talent on show.

As the second half of the show drew to a close, it was time for the committee to receive their praise. Met with a cacophony of applause, each aspect of the show and behind the scenes was celebrated, with President Rose Inglis rounding off the event.

“I could not have asked for a better team,” she said, before detailing the level of creativity and commitment she experienced working with everyone.

Rose further added that it was such an honour to see everything come together, telling the crowd that this event “shows what students in Glasgow are capable of”.

This year’s exec take a bow

The night was far from done, however, it was time for the ESSENCE: After Dark party at the nearby Corinthian Club. Open to anyone, the basement of the Corinthian club soon became full of models, designers and audience alike – along with everyone in between – dancing to some of Scotland’s hottest young DJs, reminding me of the true essence of fashion; that it is for anyone and everyone.

Featured image via GCFS