Bouncing back for its 13th year as the most
successful student-run charity fashion show in Europe, Edinburgh Charity
Fashion Show (ECFS) this year reigns in patriotic prestige, far from the
fashion week glamour of London, Paris, New York and Milan.
Image: Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show
This year the ECFS team decided to choose a theme close to
home, with the concept throughout being ‘This Is Edinburgh’, drawing upon its
history, architecture and weather (yes, the choice to honour WaterAid as this
year’s charity was no coincidence).
Few venues could be more fitting, then,
than the National Museum of Scotland – the securing of which easily being the
show’s biggest feat yet. Ticket-holders flooded in to the sold-out show, held
in the museum’s Grand Gallery with elegant overarching white pillars and high
windows shrouded in violet light, perfectly setting the tone of elegance for
the evening.
The show itself moulds completely into the museum, for instance
the extensive catwalk space encasing the Gallery’s centrepiece, a regal green
cast iron drinking fountain, perfectly. A live band provides upbeat background
music while guests chatter and laugh melodically amongst themselves, before
chairwoman Safoora Biglari is welcomed onto the stage by the evening’s
charismatic presenter, and we are all shown videos reminding us why we are
here, reminding us of all the amazing work WaterAid do.
And the clothes? As one might assume, given the theme, the
spectacular show kicked off with what is arguably the most recognisable and
classic Scottish fashion: tartan.
Indeed, the first male outfit we see is a
classic red tartan kilt, and the first female ensemble a spidery, gothic grey
dress worn with a veil. This gothic theme continues to be prominent in the
first half, as a symbol of perhaps a more ‘classic’ Edinburgh, but is quickly
contrasted with the bright, summery clothes that follow – cobalt blues and
daffodil yellows are brought together in androgynous masculine suit ensembles
worn by the female models, including a particularly memorable yellow blazer and
cropped ruched trouser combination. This is presented alongside bright blue
t-shirt dresses, always keeping the clothes from becoming too feminine.
Then,
however, comes the lace. Continuing the block colour theme in a more feminine
fashion, the audience cast their eyes over delicate but loose floor length
dresses with baggy t-shirt sleeves, bright pink lace kimonos, apple green
blouses and orange football shirt-style dresses.
The more classic theme then returns towards the end of the
first half, showcasing the male models in tweed suits, deftly posing with books
at the end of the runway while being cheered on by fellow students.
Image: Kirstin Macleod
Timeless
tweed is given a contemporary update with backpacks and bright pops of colour
peeking from underneath. Female models go business-like in brilliant white
suits with plummeting necklines, contrasting black and white broderie anglaise
style shirts and Vogue-office-suitable blazers, many of which teamed with
bright red tartan socks poking out over white or translucent shoes, constantly
reminding us of the show’s theme and Edinburgh’s influence.
After the ruthless auction has been completed in the
interval and many spectators have had a glass of restorative champagne, we
return to the show.
Given the focus on Edinburgh’s weather, it is no surprise
that the second half got very wet, featuring models making a splash in
contemporary chic black and white swimwear teamed with oversized tote bags and
two-pieces bearing loud statements such as ‘OVER’ emblazoned on the back of a
pair of cotton shorts.
The long hair of the models is damp and natural, making
for a true laid-back, surfer look – this may seem an unrealistic inclusion for
a theme based around Edinburgh, but we are reminded to think of Edinburgh’s
beautiful beaches.
The boys aren’t quite as bold, bringing a Hilfiger-esque
vibe to the end of the show in neutral loose crisp shirts, aviators, preppy,
navy sailor like blazers and equally as oversized totes as the ladies.
After a
few more plunging swimsuits and over-the-shoulder sweaters, the show ends on a
summery note, with models showcasing the final sundresses and sweater-shorts
combinations, before erupting into an on-catwalk party, pulling up members of
the audience to Luther Vandross – Never Too Much; an apt choice for Edinburgh’s
one charity event that the public just can’t get enough of.
Edinburgh Charity
Fashion Show is so much more than a mere fashion show, showcasing trends – it’s
a fashion show, a charity fundraiser and a great night out all in one. A true
triple threat of an event that will only be moving onto to even bigger, even better things.
Riona Doherty
@rionadoherty
Written for The Student
