WildChildMedia arrived at the Refectory within Leeds University Union to receive a warm welcome from the RAG committee members who gave us a guided tour of the venue. Whilst taking a look around, we saw models conducting their final pre-show rehearsal. Watching this sneak preview of amazing choreography and incredible acts, including talented vocalists and free runners, had us excitedly anticipating what was in store for the show ahead.
A short while later, guests began to arrive; a compilation of nascent fashionistas, creative arts students, models, designers and photographers, all dressed to the nines and eagerly waiting for the show to commence.
The show began right on time, 9.00pm, when lights dimmed and the crowd cheered in anticipation. The host then gave a brief health and safety warning, mentioning the use of strobe lighting and acrobatic performances on and off the stage. Upon hearing this warning, which is a rare occurrence at fashion shows, we knew we were in for a spectacular event.
The bass of the music kicked off the event, followed by multi-coloured strobe lighting and images of abstract art on the screen. The show went off with a bang as free runners then ran across the stage with acrobatic finesse, which followed by the first of the 4 elemental themes, Ice.
Models strutted onto stage behind a fog of mist and backing ballet dancers. The theme heavily showcased white lace and intricate detailing upon pieces such as evening gowns and tailored blazers. The choreography was also stunning to view, as it incorporated both dancers and models in harmony with one another.
The second theme, Wind, had more upbeat music, which the models were choreographed to follow by walking along with the pace of the music – slow and controlled, followed by strutting and vice versa. Also, the outfits worn incorporated a ‘wind’ inspired colour palette, with the inclusion of creams, whites and blues and plenty of sheer panelling.
Following on was Air, I particularly liked this set as it was very fun with models strutting along to the sound of David Guetta’s “Little Bad Girl” in outfits depicting bright colour blocking and floral prints. It was reminiscent of a beach party, with projections of a party and scenic views of the beach on screen.
Soon after, dancers wearing hot pants, and cropped tops following the colour-blocking trend, were dancing throughout the stage, creating a fun party like atmosphere. The models fought to get the limelight by playing up cheekily towards the audience, blowing kisses and scrunching up their hair before posing and running off back stage yet again.
The next theme, Water, particularly stood out as the 4 lead models walked along the runway moving fluidly in ball gowns that were in a range of blue tonal shades, reminiscent of ocean waves. In addition, a rapper also spit a few bars over the beat of the music during the mid-section, which was extremely entertaining. This followed on by the male models walking on to stage wearing open-front Puffa jackets and shorts, finishing off with a little playfulness towards the audience at the end of the runway.
Finishing off this theme with great impact was an extremely talented violinist, dressed in a gorgeous blue sequined shift dress with blue knee high boots and a statement diamante cuff, she amazed the audience as she played along to the sound of the backing track with real fervour.
Storm was next in the running order; this theme was amazing with its high-fashion grungy edge and avant-garde gothic undertones. The outfits within this collection, where amongst our favourite of the entire night; there was a heavy feature on leather jackets, studded detailing, and all saints-esque body chains, as well as statement pieces from renowned designers such as, Alexander McQueen. The models even wore zombie contact lenses to look like the undead.
The models danced like broken down dolls, as well as strutting with attitude and showing off their big hair that was back-combed to perfection by hair stylist, by Oliver James Hair. As well as their make-up, Pamela Clare and her exceptional team of MUAs created a look that incorporated heavily blacked-out eyes and trails of smeared eye liner that followed along the bottom lash line, accompanied by a strong statement black lip colour. This theme was extremely interesting as it captured an essence of the “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll” lifestyle.
During the interval we mingled with the models and performers, and even got a cheeky snap of the extremely talented violinist who was undoubtedly one of our favourite acts from the first half of the show.
The second section of the show started off on a charitable note, with the directors Natalie Walker and Rachel McLean introducing the spokeswoman for People in Action charity, who spoke to the attendants and asked for their generosity in helping to raise funds for the good cause.
Theme Forest then began with ballet dancers taking centre stage, followed by the models that were dressed in nature inspired attire, featuring rural prints and structured architectural masterpieces that were made to look like intertwined twigs and branches. There was a compilation of earthy tonal shades, including a range of; purples, browns, greens and creams being heavily featured. Also featured were statement pieces, including jewellery, statement collars and hairpieces with synthetic flower detailing. The models within this collection, engaged with the audience even further by walking around the sides of the stage, mingling with us guests within the VIP section particularly.
This theme then gave way to Earth, which started with an amazing performance to a cover of Florence and the Machine’s “You’ve got the love”. The dancers were dressed in a uniform of white shirts, dickie
Rock was the next theme, which was yet another of our particular favourite collections. Models wore a compilation of edgy rock inspired outfits whilst following the pace of the music as they strutted along the runway in outfits such as stunning leather fringed maxi dresses with sheer panelling, puff ball skirts, fringed jackets, native American prints, and statement pieces including fur collar necklaces. Furthermore, the male models followed the lead of their female counterparts, looking extremely immaculate in black tuxedos. One of the outfits we loved was the Flamenco dress, which was worn with Hunter wellington boots; it was very stylish with a nod towards culture fusion in modern fashion styling.
The music played was classic rock music that had models dancing across the runway and engaging with the audience. There was also a section, which depicted dancers acting like dolls and puppets, in relation to them following the instructions of the song playing. This was extremely interesting to watch.
The next theme, Smoke, gained a huge applause from the audience as it was sophisticatedly sexy. The models strutted their stuff to a remix of Vogue’s latest cover girl, Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games”, female models wore white lace lingerie and nightwear, including; sheer dressing gowns, bustiers and stockings. Alongside the male models that showed off their amazing physiques in boxer shorts, all of which were from some of the hottest fashion labels.
Fire was the last theme, which kicked off in style with a topless male drummer playing along to the beat of the song, followed on by models wearing differing shades of red, including; sequined evening gowns, gold belts and detailed gold embroidered blazers. It was extremely empowering in terms of choreography and the choice of music.
The finale for Leeds Rag Fashion Show was fabulous, as female vocalist Tash Keville owned centre stage in black leggings, a black bralet worn with statement red wedges and a classic red lip, dancing and singing across the runway whilst everyone in the audience had eyes on her, watching the amazing performance.
All of the models then followed through with their final walk for the finale upon the runway, then engaging further with the audience by standing across the bottom on the runway for a round of applause, confetti even fell from the ceiling and was followed by extremely loud cheers and rounds of applause from the audience to celebrate the success of the show. It was a brilliant end to an absolutely flawless show. It’s entertainment value was reminiscent of Clothes Show Live in terms of performance, it’s military precision and organising allowed it to be a spectacular show which easily rivalled some of the most established fashion shows within the whole of the UK.
Tash Keville lead on to giving special thanks to all of the cast members and the RAG fashion committee itself before all key members came back on stage, receiving a huge round of applause from the audience. The shows directors Natalie Walker and Rachel McQueen gave special thanks to the audience first and foremost for supporting the cause, their sponsors and also the support teams, including photographers, MUAs and hairstylists.
The RAG committee had initial aims of raising the bar of the Fashion Show even further this year, hoping to make it one of the most prestigious charity fashion shows in the UK. They put great effort into making the show bigger and bolder, enabling them to gain highly esteemed sponsors, designers and supporters. The event gained support from its title sponsor; KPMG, and further support from Harvey Nichols, Enterprise Rent A Car, Apple and Gold Leaf.
Many of the pieces worn within the show were from famous brands, including Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabanna and Armani, amongst many others, which were kindly, donated by sponsor Harvey Nichols.
The RAG Fashion show, which was previously the winner of Leeds University Union’s Best Show/Event Riley Award, played host to a combination of high fashion, glamour, and prestige that kept attending fashionistas enthralled whilst viewing the spectacular performances throughout the evening. Furthermore, the show was extremely successful with its aims of raising £10,000 in funds for its supporting charities, Trekstock and People In Action.
At the shows closure, attending fashionistas made their way to the after party, which was held at Mezz nightclub. With a follow-up invitation to the Harvey Nichols After Party in the Leeds store for discounts on fashion and all beauty and cosmetics, free drinks, goodie bags and Sony gaming on February 28th between 6-9pm.
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