DONT WALK 2020: Another World is Possible
Co-review by: Georgia McConnell (Editor-in-Chief) and Grace Kennedy (Editor on Writers Team).
Photography: Lightbox
The world is a pretty disheartening place to be living in, given the current global climate; headlines screaming about Coronavirus, Australian fires, Brexit and strikes, it seems as if the world is crumbling, all in a matter of months of a new decade. And so, DONT WALK’s tagline, Another World is Possible, was a saving grace in which they created a utopian haven - a reliable safe-space, with walls that wouldn’t cave in, and an escape for any student with deadlines. With their creativity and individuality, the committee transported students to ‘Another World’. While exploring another world might leave you unable to get out of bed the next morning, the journey over to the not-so-wee barn in Anstruther was worth the trek.
As spoilt as it may sound, the novelty of student fashion shows can wear off. The initial shock factor that we experienced in our first year is difficult to preserve. However, on Saturday night, the highly employable DONT WALK (DW) Committee, weren’t just students but creatives, meticulously thinking of every detail to transform the space, making us forget we were in a barn and reminding us why the St Andrews nightlife is so special. The committee had taken time to put the guest’s view as a priority. The Bowhouse was transformed into an arena-like space, with the Sponsors up with the Gods, the VIP section floating in the centre and a bridge-like stage incorporated into the catwalk, which guests could walk under. This proved an engaging experience, offering viewers a 360-degree view of the outfits, elevating the looks to another level (quite literally).
As people rushed in a little late, presumably from what appears to be problems with buses, the lights dimmed and we were transfixed. The models, a vision of white, bounded on stage, each stepped in unison. The strobing spotlights and cheering grasped us. Bouncing on stage to the beat - on and off the runway, the whole room pulsated with nervous energy. DW opted for low-lights, usually associated with dingy Berlin nightclubs, an unexpected surprise from other fashion shows in the past that have often chosen unforgiving fluorescent spotlights on the runway. The dark-to-light transition, along with high-intensity music, proved a highly effective shift from the first half to the second. This set the scene for a brilliant second half with fun music that all the guests could dance to. It certainly woke up any inebriated guests who might have dozed off under the bar…
The models pranced around with a candid coolness. The moves were well-rehearsed and professional. The choreography made use of the bridge and models shimmied past each other at the top. The blue swimsuit by matched with the netted skirt threaded with tiered blue, pink and red embroidered hearts. The showstopper for most of the guests was the orange pleated hat from the swimwear line. It had heads turning, bringing the guests attention back to the stage from drunken conversations.
Given DW’s reputation for sourcing talented and widely respected acts, (such as AJ Tracey, Louis the Child, Klangkarussell, and NEIKED) any guest would be willing to pay the £90 and spin the roulette. This year, the pull-factor for us two Londoners was the afterparty headliner, Mall Grab, whom we have both previously paid ££ to see live in concert and so were excited to see him perform. The Aussie artist’s Don’t Keep the Fire Burning album further reiterated DW’s commitment to sustainability.
“The Aussie artist’s, (Mall GRab), Don’t Keep the Fire Burning album further reiterated DW’s commitment to sustainability”
Ultimately, there was no doubt in our mind that DW were going to pull off a good show but for us, their genuine attention to sustainability was the real showstopper. Independent from the creative thought that went behind the mesmerising show, there was an even more impressive element in what they sought to do this year: make a difference to the environment and our attitudes today. DW has made a conscious effort to embrace sustainability to the fullest - even behind the scene we were impressed to discover that they had taken on a sustainability consultant for advice on their carbon-footprint.
Additionally, 80% of their designs on the runway were sustainable. Their eco-friendly aim was reflected by the attendees. Students were rewearing clothes they had in their wardrobe. I, for one, (or Us, for two - Georgia and Grace) re-wore clothes rather than last minute “panic buying” online. Even if this was a subconscious choice, it surely says a lot more about what the Committee have done that makes it so special from any other year. They are starting a discussion around sustainability and while people can make snide comments about the elitism of fashion shows in St Andrews, DW was successful in two ways: pulling off a great show and encouraging students to think about the environment.
“Feel cute, might delete later”: Pictured: Haute Team (Georgia, Grace and Maddy).
Reviewing the show as two students in our final year, we were probably the toughest crowd to please. Yet, DW has exceeded expectations as a fashion show, incorporating sustainability into the tone of their tagline; Another World is Possible, and giving us hope of a better world for the future.
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We were lucky enough to be able to interview two of the sustainable brands that featured on the catwalk - read the interview below:
Ella Davies: Sulke @sulkeclothing
What is sustainable fashion for you?
“Sustainable fashion for me is spending wisely, rather than spending all the time; investing in pieces that will last 15 or 20 years, rather than 2 weeks. Also, shopping second hand is really important - for example this jacket I got for £8 this week from a charity shop.
What are you wearing? Are you wearing your own line?
Today I am wearing my friends (fake) snake-skin boots, a pair of black tuxedo shorts and a huge mens blazer that I found in a charity shop - with a belt.
How do you rate your outfit out of 10 in terms of sustainability?
I’ve only bought one new item for it, so I’d give it a 7/10.
(Pictured: SULKE leather jacket by Ella Davies)
Ruby Coyne: Dreamland @dreamlandclothing
What is sustainable fashion for you?
“I’ve got two sustainable brands within my Dreamland empire; 4 out 8 of my brands are fully sustainable; we have our vintage clothing, our children’s clothing, our Reworked brand and our Nostalgia brand. Most of the fabric that we use is sustainable, reclaimed fabric, old curtains, old duvet and we make them into new garments. (That’s our Reworked brand). Every piece of fabric is sourced well.”
“Sustainability is at the forefront of my mind. It’s really important in this day and age. I can see the rise of sustainability amongst a lot of brands and designers and even the high street is incorporating sustainability into their lines.”
What are you wearing? Are you wearing your own line?
“I’m not actually, but I am wearing something sustainable. It matches my brand and I couldn’t pull off the Dreamland dress I wanted to wear tonight as it’s a typical cold Scottish night. So instead of buying new clothes all the time, I’m wearing something that I know works well.
How do you rate your outfit out of 10 in terms of sustainability?
I’m going to be honest, and rate it a 6/10. I wanted to buy something new, so this is something I've previously worn in the winter.
(Pictured: Ruby Coyne for Dreamland)