VS 2022 "Makes it Happen": A Review
Words and Images by Keyona Fazli, Writer
The night following Catwalk, we were gifted with the brilliance that was VS. Its second ever show (and my first time experiencing it) was, to put it simply, sensational. In the words of VS Co-Founder, Sagar Kumar, this show was ‘bigger and better’ than what had come before.
From the moment I entered Falside Mill, the location of the event, I found myself in awe. At the entrance stood a raised circular surface, in which attendees could partake in a video project similar to the ‘Glambot’ videos from the Grammys – something I had never seen before at an event in St Andrews.
Backstage before the show, I spoke to Izi (first year) who was dressing models Sam and Joshua. Her excitement for the show was clear from her bubbly energy – something that I noticed in the entire team – and she gushed about the pieces they were about to stage. With their final rehearsals that morning, the team fine-tuned the order of the designers’ clothes, practicing several times before what would be their show. Leah, one of the models, joined our conversation, expressing her enthusiasm to ‘finally get out there’ and ‘have a good time’.
Things were busy as I walked around the makeup room, with clothes, bags, and shoes plastered across the space. Models Jackson and Christina talked through their walk duet, keeping calm in the face of the blaring bombastic music that could be heard inside the depths of Falside Mill.
Stood to the left side of the stage, I chatted with some friends, who could not help but anticipate the 9pm start of the show. Taiyba and Gabby (fourth year) voiced their eagerness – and impatience – as they waited, ready to enjoy the music and fashion. DJ Nick Gelos greeted us with fan-favourite and familiar hip-hop tracks. A surprise to many watching the show, as the beat dropped, a dance number began and the models walked down centre stage, setting the atmosphere for what would follow. VS did not come to play and the theme of ‘drip’ was ever more apparent with their combination of music, dance, and fashion.
In the mid-show intermission, I had a chance to speak to Isabelle (fourth year), quickly realising that VS had taken up residence in people’s hearts from their very first show in pre-pandemic 2020. Having been to the first show, she sang its high praises: the fashion was the best ‘by a mile… maybe even several miles’. Even after going to several fashion shows over her many years at St Andrews, Isabelle firmly stood by the fact that VS has been the best of the fashion shows she has attended. It was clear to see the pride present within the crew and even within audience members, as many commented how happy they were for everyone who had worked so hard to put the show on.
Captivating everyone’s eye was the Haus of Kitsch collection by designer Camila Lawrence Armas. With a knockout piece modelled by Leah, the crowd went wild for the denim, fringed outfit; slits were cut out to tastefully reveal a scorching red thong beneath. A combination of cowboy, men’s ties, and streetwear, Haus of Kitsch certainly succeeded in wowing the audience. To end the show, the models all came back on stage, breaking their sultry model smoulders to dance to the beat drop in Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s ‘Industry Baby’, a sure fire way to finalise a successful, aesthetic, and beyond all, fun, event. “That was so good!” remarked a friend to another, shouting amidst the screams of the audience. This was echoed by “I’m so surprised” and “Me too” from the surroundings. Considered perhaps an underdog in the St Andrews fashion world, with only their second show, VS hit it out of the park with their 2022 event, rightfully establishing their place as one of the best fashion shows in our town.
Post-show, while adrenaline was still pumping through all our veins, I spoke to E, one of the models, who thanked VS’s choreographer, Coco, Co-Founders Sagar and Dominic Reynolds, and the rest of the model group and VS team for making the experience enjoyable, positive, and stress-free. Hania (second year), another one of the dressers, commented on the hectic-ness that ensued backstage during the intermission, delightedly informing me that the height of the whole show was being a part of the action and ‘making it happen’.
The after-party brought audience and crew members together, with banger after banger hyping the audience up even more. (I also gleaned the satisfied faces of those surrounding the food trucks). Overall, I must say, VS 2022 was the most fun fashion show I have attended in St Andrews. The vibrance of the amalgamation of fashion, music, dance, and lights made for a warm and intimate atmosphere, one that was a pleasure to be a part of. Could they have done better? Only if the show had been longer. If you can’t tell already, my money feels decidedly well spent. All that is left to say is I cannot wait to see what the VS Creatives Group will do next.