STARFIELDS REVIEW 2019
Review by Sarah McCrorie
Photography by Mariah Dennis
Starfields 2019 took place last Saturday, and with early bird tickets selling out in under an hour, it was the most highly anticipated event of Fresher’s week. With such excitement surrounding the event, (as well as the memory of the past two years’ versions to contend with) I’ll admit I was expecting to be at least a little disappointed.
After a leisurely morning filled with getting ready and mimosas, it seemed the whole town was enveloped in a cloud of excitement as pre-drinks could be heard breaking out on almost every street. Alexandra Place featured as a particular hub of party goers for the first half of the afternoon, with Number 7 boasting a DJ.
After a very quick and sobering Blackhorn, it was time to head to Lower College Lawn around 5:15. Arriving a healthy hour or so after the event officially began, I entered (without queuing) into an already buzzing venue. Immediately, the efforts of St Andrews’ Charity Fashion Show to create a fun, end-of-summer vibe were apparent – with several fun photo opportunities ranging from glitzy to artful, as well as inflatable pools filled with free Kombucha, mineral water and other soft drinks. Wooden tables had been dotted around the lawn in areas outside the tented area, creating a more chilled, pub-garden vibe for those seeking a reprieve from the crowds.
A large tent dominated the lawn, covering the stage to the large bar area, where it already proved almost impossible to get a drink. (Whilst this probably saved me a hangover, it did prove a point of irritation throughout the day). Venturing further, I discovered additional stations offering free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a glitter station allowing guests the chance to achieve glitter ambitions guilt-free by promoting biodegradable glitter.
Such changes to the event exemplify the efforts SF have made to promote sustainability in a demonstration of commitment to their partner charity, Fashion Revolution.
Starfields asked vendors to supply compostable plates and cutlery (although drinks were noticeably served in what appeared to be normal plastic cups!). Many guests had taken onboard FS’s suggestion recycle old outfits for the event, to support the movement against fast fashion. While fully supportive of SF’s efforts to promote sustainable fashion, I will admit I had my doubts regarding how many guests would bother making an effort to support the environmental-friendly cause.
I stand corrected.
After just half an hour of asking after outfits, I realised most guests had at least tried to recycle clothing, with many sporting vintage pieces loaned from parents, while others raided local charity shops and vintage sales. Some even got creative...
One guest, Graeme Joel, sported a fashionable bright red denim vest discovered in Cancer Research, which he self-decorated with biodegradable glitter, paired with a pale pink linen shirt and second-hand True Religion jeans.
Another SF guest, Fanette Prian, paired a vintage jumpsuit and belt borrowed from her Mum with a flatmate’s Topshop earrings and Adidas shoes.
The effort SF made to support such a worthwhile cause, as well as encouraging so many guests to support Fashion Revolution’s environmental concerns, truly added to the excited atmosphere of the event.
Finally, a note on the music. While house and hip-hop legend Crazy Cousinz certainly got everyone excited, kicking off the event on a high note, and Riton provided some current club favourites, the headline act truly was Matoma. With some amazing remixes and much-loved throwbacks, Matoma left the crowd screaming for one more tune, and I was inclined to join in. Ordinarily one to hate tight crowds and avoid situations where a mosh-pit threatens to break out at any moment, I was surprised to find the centre of the crowd fostered a fun and friendly, celebratory atmosphere. Everyone swayed and jumped together, the fallen were protected and quickly pulled to their feet, the vertically challenged were hoisted onto shoulders, and (to my knowledge) there was a distinct lack of fighting and shoving, usually typical of such events.
All in all, despite my lack of alcohol, the festive vibe, music, and the results of St Andrews Charity Fashion Show’s efforts combined to produce what was, for me, the perfect end of summer experience.
Slide along the photos below for our favourite Starfields looks!
