We spoke to the models walking in Leeds RAG Fashion Show 2022

From fashion icons and wardrobe staples to pre-show nerves


With less than three weeks to go and tickets being released last week, we spoke to the models, who are currently training for Leeds RAG Fashion Show 2022 to ensure no one actually breaks a leg..!

This year the committee are transforming the Union in line with the theme “Ignite” to raise money for Racial Justice Network and Stop Hate UK. When speaking to the directors, it was clear that they feel strongly about diversity and inclusivity across the team, including the models.

The Tab Leeds caught up with the models to discuss all things fashion, from Eminem to Levi’s jeans.

Bridget Eke, 4th Year, Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

This will be my first year walking for LRFS, so of course I am very honoured and excited! I think following last year’s event being adapted to be Covid safe, I am really looking forward to seeing a full-scale event without any restrictions.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Okay love this question! It would be my black Zara leather skirt. I’m a big Zara fan and the skirt is part of a two piece that I just love. I like to wear a lot of black day-to-day, but a short leather skirt just stands out and can make a chilled outfit really dressed up. I’d say it represents me because it’s a sexy, staple piece, but because it’s leather it is difficult to find the exact perfect fit and it’s not something everyone has in their wardrobe.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

My fashion inspiration is Rihanna. I think that’ll be a very common answer, but there is just no one who wears clothes like her! I’m not even referring to the brand names or designers she works with, with Rihanna it’s more about her. She can pull off bold runway looks yet also look effortless in streetwear; it’s that versatility I really admire. The only common theme in every outfit is her looking good.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

Two things: seeing how much we are able to raise for the causes LRFS are supporting this year (The Racial Justice Network and Stop Hate UK), and also seeing how the whole show comes together. There are so many teams and I think it is really rewarding to see an idea go from a director’s mood board to an entire full-scale event.

Saba Siddiqui, 1st Year, Art and Design

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

Nervous, never done a catwalk before but excited to be a part of something for a good cause.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Big earrings, because I love being a maximalist and colourful and over the top!

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

Myself! Because I believe in my eye for colour and pattern.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

The atmosphere!

Cassidy Chan, 2nd Year, Media and Cultural Studies

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

I’m quite excited and a bit nervous as this is the first time I’ve modelled!

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

I would choose earrings as I personally have quite a few piercings and love changing them up a lot! With the different styles of earrings, they kinda represent the different moods and styles I enjoy wearing!

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration?

A model from Dior who goes around the audience.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

I’m excited to put on the clothes and show them to the audience!

Yasmin Ramadan, 1st Year, Business Management

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

Excited, I’m glad to participate in something creative which also supports a good cause.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be?

Rings and crazy nails.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration?

Sororite Vintage and 90s Fashion.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

The outfits and the new connections!

Aleksandra Piotrowska, 1st Year, Food Biotechnology

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

I am thrilled knowing that I’ll be a part of such important theme that we are having this year. It’s essential to talk more about diversity and bring more light to social issues faced in modern world.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Tie dye trainers because they are playful and show some work with fabric.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

It’s not really a who, more a theme as such, which would be nature as a whole.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

The message and impact that the show will have.

Amane Senda, 2nd Year, Business Management

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

This will be my first time being a fashion show model, so I’m so nervous, but also very excited. I feel grateful that I got a chance to gain a precious experience like this and hope this memory will lead to a brighter future. Moreover, I am happy to be involved with a charity event.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

I would say a prism. Prism is a transparent object and it makes a rainbow by refracting the light when one light goes through the object. I believe that I can wear various kinds of fashion styles and can add more interest in the fashion items. Like a prism, I hope I can brighten fashion garments and attract people.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

My fashion inspiration is my parents. They run their own business relating to the beauty industry, so they pay particular attention to fashion. They usually wear European style outfits, for example Parisian style clothing. Since I was little, they have educated me about fashion, styles suitable for my body shape and helped me find my own style.  Additionally, they respect the slow fashion movement, which is the action against time-based fashion, like fast fashion.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

Gaining new experiences and enhancing my self-confidence. I used to be unsatisfied about my tall height and body shape, because I just didn’t have confidence in myself. However, I am getting confident by trying to do new things. I believe new experiences can make things be seen from a different point of view and it would help encourage me to get other mindsets that I don’t have now. I hope being a fashion model could also provide new impressions and interests to the audience. I would like to see changes to myself and other people by  being a part of this show.

Ella-Rose McCourt-Cox, 4th Year, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

I am super excited. I decided to audition because I wanted to do something that put me outside of my comfort zone. I have never done anything like this before. Normally, I am not fazed by much, but the idea of strutting down a catwalk frightens me, and so, I thought that I should challenge myself. And I have been loving it so far!

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Turtleneck knit jumpers (and gold hoops): I just feel like turtleneck jumpers are the perfect cosy piece for the library and you can still look slightly fashionable. For some reason, when I am sitting in Brotherton, glasses and knit jumper on, I feel like a proper student. The gold hoops just add a little something.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration?

Lil Simz, Melissa’s Wardrobe and Julia Adenuga.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

The nervous butterflies, getting my makeup done and trying to maintain my passport photo/model expression whilst my friends are waving and smiling from the crowd!

Esther Patience Nansubuga, 3rd Year, Medicine

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

It feels really good! I have never done anything like this before so it’s all a new experience for me. It’s always great to watch the models walking on catwalks so gracefully… so we’ll see how it all goes! I’m hoping to be able to step out in confidence and character with the rest of the models. Honestly, I’m super excited for it!

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Hmmm, I would say jeans! I wear all different colours, shades and styles of jeans because they go with absolutely anything! My go-to jeans are my Levi’s Ribcage Bootcut jeans – they fit so snug and really accentuate my figure, which I love! Jeans can be worn casually, or smartly, you cannot go wrong with them!

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

I can’t say that I have a specific fashion inspiration. I’m one of those “if it looks good and feels good, I’ll wear it.” With social media it’s so easy to see many influencers who have inspired fashion trends that go on to the big catwalks. If I was to pick someone I’d say Alexa Chung, I love seeing her outfits for fashion week, and her clothing line is a bit of me!

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

I am excited for the atmosphere of the whole show! I’m sure it’s going to be super surreal and I’m pumped to showcase the costume I’ll wear for those who come along to watch.

Emma Bruno, 1st Year, Arabic and Portuguese

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

I’m very excited. I’ve never done anything like this before, so it feels like a whole new world!

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Probably blue checked boxers, because I wear them as shorts and/or under my trousers. I think they’re so comfortable and perfect to lounge in.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

Eminem and Zoe Kravitz. When I was younger I leaned towards more masculine fashion and I was very attracted to the hip-hop scene; however, I now look up to Zoe Kravitz massively for fashion inspiration as I love her casual, yet massively put together, outfits.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

To get ready and dressed up! I think that’s always the most fun part!

Lara Newell, 1st Year, Psychology

How does it feel knowing you’re going to be walking this year?

I’m so excited. I haven’t walked in a fashion show for years, but I’ve always loved performing on stage and after the pandemic prevented lots of shows from happening, I feel so lucky to be able to participate in something like this.

If you had to choose one statement piece which represents you, what would this be, and why?

Definitely a pair of earrings and my tooth gem. I feel naked without them! I just love how they’re so small, yet add so much and really tie any look together. Even when I’m super dressed down, a pair of earrings can make me feel a lot more sophisticated and put together.

Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration, and why?

Sofia Coelho. She’s a social media influencer who I’ve been following for a couple of years and her outfits never fail to impress me. Her style is super versatile and, like Sofia, I like changing up my style between girly and baggy, classy and casual, so I definitely go to her page for inspiration. I respect her style overall because of its relatability, since it’s mostly classy streetwear; her pieces are usually affordable and can be worn every day, making the goal of replicating outfits more tangible.

What are you most excited for on the show nights?

I’m looking forward to wearing the clothes and performing again, especially in front of my friends and family. The theme we are representing in the show is really prevalent right now, and will hopefully resonate with many people watching. I’m so excited to be a part of something like this!

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